But what if I didn’t even get the opportunity? What if she didn’t turn up?
I’d replayed our conversation in her conference room countless times, each recount a little more eye-opening. Each one shaming me a little.
Did you stop to think she may have been protecting you? That she didn’t want you to witness every single sorry detail of her trying to hold it together?
A handful of words that had rocked me, more than she knew. She’d changed something fundamental inside me during those three days at the cabin, then completely shifted the axis of my world in her conference room.
A saner man would flee from such a seismic shift. But what the hell kind of adventurer would I be if I didn’t explore to see where it led?
A surge of travellers heading for their holidays ebbed and flowed out of the entrance, but there was no sign of Graciela. At this time of night only two flights were supposed to land. As the last of the passengers trickled out, my insides plummeted.
She wouldn’t leave me hanging like this. Would she?
My fingers gripped my thighs, then immediately unclenched to tap a wild beat, in direct contradiction to the dull thudding within my chest. I was so intent on debating whether to call her mobile or not I didn’t see the figure walking up until a knuckle rapped sharply against the window.
I jumped, then waved the driver away as he made to alight, yanking on the door handle and stepping out. She was dressed in the sort of classy chic I’d come to associate with her. Dark glasses despite the time of night, dark designer denims, black cashmere sweater and thick parka, and a stylish scarf with slashes of colour wrapped around her neck.
Thigh-high boots that were totally impractical for winter in Denmark adorned her feet but, of course, she carried it off effortlessly, looked seriously sexy.
‘You’re here,’ I said uselessly.
Her smile was wary, her eyes apprehensive. Unlike the confident Dominant I knew. ‘I hate mysteries. I had to come and see what that second line was all about.’
I reached for her suitcase, a little disconcerted by how small it was.
She either intended to stay for a short visit or she didn’t intend to wear many clothes while she was here. I fervently hoped it was the latter. I tossed the case into the boot and joined her in the back seat. She unwrapped the scarf from around her neck and ran her hands through her hair, and I searched her features as the car joined traffic. I was willing to admit my approach hadn’t been the most risk-free. I’d titivated and cajoled without knowing what the outcome would be.
‘So when do I get to see my surprise?’ she asked.
‘The day after tomorrow.’ I held my breath, waiting for her to tell me she only intended to stay one night.
She didn’t, but a curious look crossed her face. ‘Tomorrow is Christmas Day.’
‘I know. The idea was for you to spend Christmas with me.’
She shook her head. ‘We never agreed on where I spent Christmas. I’m supposed to be in the south of France.’
Chains tightened around my chest. ‘The south of France?’
She nodded, naked emotions shifting over her face before she expertly masked it. ‘Gideon and Bryce invited me to join them.’
I wanted to be pleased for her. But I wanted her here with me more. ‘Are you going?’
She shrugged. ‘I haven’t decided yet. The idea was for me to come here and for you to show me whatever it is you want to show me.’
‘I would’ve elaborated if you’d bothered to answer me directly. You spoke to me through your assistant.’
‘Is that an accusation?’
I sighed. ‘Are you going to allow me to be a charming host or are you going to turn this adversarial?’
Her eyes widened, surprised at my daring. ‘Your insinuation that I was a charity case was not appreciated,’ she snapped.
I frowned. ‘I never said that.’
A sad little smile curved her full lips. ‘That’s what you meant, though, wasn’t it?’
‘If I recall, my exact words were, I guarantee a misery-free and unforgettable adventure.’
She waved her hand out of the window at the twinkling lights strung up in festive cheer. ‘So what is this? An experiment to see whether you can cheer up the poor little rich girl at Christmas time?’
‘If your brothers are reaching out, then things aren’t as hopeless as you think, surely? Self-pity is not a good look on you.’
She gasped, hurt reflected in her eyes. After several tense seconds, she looked way. ‘I don’t think this is going to work.’
‘Giving up already?’ I pushed.
‘How dare you?’
‘No, how dare you, Graciela? How dare you waste your beautiful life?’
‘I’m not—’
‘You are and you know it or you wouldn’t be here. You’re curious. If you want a different experience, let me give that to you. You can start by letting me give you a proper welcome to Copenhagen.’
She arched a brow. ‘What, with a visit to a sex club?’
‘A kiss. I was simply offering a hello kiss.’
Nostrils flaring, her gaze dropped to my lips.
Silently, I held out my hand. After a beat, she put hers in mine.
I pulled off her gloves, warmed her chilled fingers between mine before brushing a kiss over her knuckles. Then, leaning close, I pressed my lips to hers.
It was all I permitted myself. All I could control against the need clamouring to rip free. It was gratifying to see her disappointment when I pulled away.
But then a determined little light glinted in her eyes as she glanced at the window. ‘Where exactly are we?’
Despite the nerves eating me up again, I played the tour guide for her, answering questions until we drew up in front of my apartment building. I ushered her into the lift, my hand on her waist as we soared up to the penthouse suite I bought five years ago.
I watched her look around my apartment. Watched her take in the countless
