Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Here was another pastime she had never shared with a man, and she was about to let Arch in on it. To her surprise, the idea didn’t feel weird at all, even though he was a kazillionaire and could drop thousands on clothes without his bank account even noticing.
Taking Arch thrifting felt completely natural. She was certain she’d find a dress she could wear to the Moonrise award ceremony. After all, no one would expect the caregiver to be wearing couture. So long as she didn’t embarrass Arch, that was all that mattered, she thought as she ran a brush through her hair.
They met in the hallway, his hair still wet from the shower. Little droplets of water ran over his ears, and she couldn’t help it—she kissed them away.
“You’re so sweet, Tessa Taylor,” he murmured, slipping his hands down her back in such a sensual way that she shivered with pleasure.
When she pulled away from his deep, passionate kiss, his expression was so loving it brought a lump to her throat. She stared into his eyes for a moment and then looked down, afraid of the words on the tip of her tongue. Afraid to even think the three little words… let alone say them out loud.
“Shall we head out?” she said brightly. Maybe too brightly. Maybe Arch could see straight through to the very heart of her and know exactly what she was thinking.
Because there was no way that she was the first woman who had ever wanted all of him. No doubt he’d move on as soon as he was back in his regular world, while she’d be back in hers, taking care of someone else who needed her skills.
But all he said was, “Let’s do it!” in just as bright a tone. “And let’s take my Porsche. It’s been sitting in the garage too long.”
Tessa had never even seen Arch’s Porsche. Didn’t know he had one.
She must have been frowning, because he laughed and said, “I’ll admit it is a bit of a boy’s toy, but it’s so fun to drive—you have to try it.”
He grabbed his keys from the hall table and led them out to the garage. It was a gorgeous afternoon. She breathed in deeply, closing her eyes for a moment and enjoying the warmth on her face.
Arch clicked a fob, and the white garage door slowly opened. She walked to his side and saw three cars housed inside, each cloaked in a cloth cover.
“Let’s take the Porsche Carrera Cabriolet,” Arch said. “It’s sporty but timeless. Drives like a dream.”
He went to the smaller of the three and took off the cover. The car beneath was a two-seater, sleek and metallic gray.
Tessa laughed nervously. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to such a nice car, let alone driven one.”
Arch tossed her the keys. “First time for everything. Until my boot comes off, you’re in charge behind the wheel. And don’t worry, you’re gonna love it. She’s easy to handle.”
Tessa slid into the black leather driver’s seat as Arch put down the roof. He was nuts to let her drive a car this rare and expensive. “I’m not so sure about this.”
Again, he reassured her that it would be fun. “You’re an excellent driver, and it’s such a gorgeous day. There’s nothing like the feel of the open road with the wind in your hair.”
With trepidation, Tessa adjusted the seat and mirrors, then put the key in the ignition. The engine roared, and it took all her strength not to jump in surprise.
“Listen to that beauty,” Arch murmured. “I’ve missed this. Thank you.”
Tessa carefully pulled out of the garage and into the driveway before turning onto the main road into downtown Monterey. At first, the power of the car unnerved her, but as they joined the flow of traffic, she found she was actually enjoying herself. With the top down, her hair flowed behind her and her cheeks cooled with the breeze. The car was fluid, and it felt like she was driving on silk. When Arch put his hand on her knee, she was in seventh heaven.
Soon, they reached Monterey, and Arch guided her to where to park.
“Fun, right?” he asked as she turned off the engine.
“So fun!” she replied, and he kissed her, clearly not at all worried that someone in the parking garage would see them.
Downtown Monterey was one of her favorite places to shop, and Tessa was as excited to show Arch her special spots in Old Monterey as he had been when they’d gone to the aquarium. Downtown was a real hot spot of cultural and historical diversity, and its thrift stores reflected this.
She wanted to take his hand, but resisted the urge. There was no reason to add fuel to a fire in public that was burning down to its last embers. Tessa led him along a series of cobbled streets off Alvarado Street until they reached Angel’s.