Chapter 176: Memories
Beatrix grinned as he pulled out an array of pre-made salads and a large foil bag. "Is this some kind of Niarchos house rule?" she teased.
He produced a bottle of chilled wine with a flourish, grinning. "And who’s complaining now?"
"Not me," she replied with a laugh.
He turned the bag over, and paper plates, plastic cups, napkins, forks, and a bottle opener spilled out onto the blanket.
"You thought of everything," she said, impressed. She tried to sound apologetic but couldn’t hide her joy. He looked so proud of himself, like a little boy who had just received straight A’s.
As he focused on opening the wine, Beatrix leaned forward on her knees and placed her hands on his shoulder. When he looked up, she placed her lips on his. The kiss was gentle, filled with the love that had been growing inside her.
He dropped the wine, entangling his fingers in her hair. Pulling her mouth onto his, he consumed her. The kiss became intense for a brief moment before he released her, his face darkened by arousal, and something else, something she couldn’t quite place.
He grabbed the bottle of wine. "Don’t get carried away, Bea. We haven’t even tasted it yet."
Beatrix forced herself to ignore the twinge of disappointment. Why hadn’t he continued kissing her? Don’t be foolish, they were in a public place. Anyone could have seen them. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that he had pulled away for a different reason.
Turning to the blanket, she gazed out at the starry sky. She could hear the cries of fireflies.
"So how have you been? Have you been sleeping well? "