Tidal Vortex-Book One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Teal:

"I have a surprise for you. When you were saying your goodbyes, I was setting up a surprise."

When we reach the bedroom door, he stops me, and quickly takes my glass of wine and sets it on the bedside table, along with his. Then he stands behind me and covers my eyes with his hands.

"No peeking. Walk forward, I will lead you."

Shuffling my bare feet against the wood floors, I blindly walk forward until he stops me.

"Umm... Connor, I don't know if I'm really the kind of girl who is used to getting surprises," I say awkwardly. All this attention and being fussed over is a lot to get used to.

"Well, since you're my mate, you will have to get used to being pampered occasionally. I know you're not used to it, but everything everyone does for you is just their way of showing they care about you."

I sigh in resignation as I lean back into his strong, solid body as his hands still cover my eyes.

"I appreciate it, but it's going to take a while to get used to. Only a few weeks ago I was a prison inmate with no future, no family, or hope of having a romantic relationship, and next to no hope of clearing my name of a murder I never committed."

In response, Connor kisses my neck as we stand there while he covers my eyes.

"You're not alone anymore, Teal. We will clear your name and get justice for your adoptive father. And as for family and friends, you have that and then some now. Let me show you how much I love you with little gestures here and there."

"You love me?" My heartbeat sped up in my chest as I wait for his answer.

"I think I fell head over heels in love with you the moment you told me off on the beach. You had this fire in your eyes as you called me out for being such an asshole."

I laugh, and small, happy tears escape my eyes.

"I love you too."

"Oh, Beautiful, don't cry." He drew my hair to the side, then kissed my neck before whispering into my ear. "Are you ready for your surprise, beautiful?"

My throat's too thick with emotion to answer, so I nod my head. When he removes his hands, I gasp in surprise at the sight before me. It's a bathroom unlike any I had ever seen before. The room's a bit bigger than the living room and kitchen combined. The natural rock walls accent the space, with plants and vines growing from cracks in the rock face. Small water falls tinkle water into a saltwater pool, and a step platform led to a jacuzzi set into the corner of the room. Plants grew in the water on the far side of the saltwater pool, giving the pool a more natural look. Big fluffy bubbles and rose petals were sprinkled in the water of the jacuzzi. Candles sit around the room, flickering as they illuminated the room with a soft glow. To the left of the room behind a frosted glass wall divider sits a toilet and sink. The floor is tiled white marble in stark contrast to the dark grey stone walls.

"Wow! This is amazing."

Smiling widely, I turn around and fling my arms around his neck as I stand on my toes and kiss him. He wraps his arms around me as we kiss passionately. After a few minutes, he gently pulls away, walking backwards towards the jacuzzi.

"In only a few days we will officially be bonded, but there's no reason we can't have a little fun before then."

Reaching down, he unties his blue shorts, then lets them drop to the ground. My eyes drank in every expanse of his tanned golden skin, as I drag my eyes down his muscular body. Heat pools low between my legs as my eyes take in the rest of him. Until a few weeks ago I hadn't even seen a man naked or been kissed and now I have an amazing, hunky man who clearly is crazy about me. Connor walks towards me, then draws me into his arms. He tips my head back, kissing me as his tongue dances with mine. His fingers undo the halter dress ties resting against my neck as he ended the kiss long enough to pull away, letting my dress slip down over my curves and fall to the tiled floor. I stood in my black bikini as he steps back, drinking in my body with his eyes as they roam over me.