Chapter 76

Mia

When I woke the next morning, it was to James kissing my cheek. His warm breath seductively caressed my skin as I stirred and fluttered my eyes open.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he whispered.

I reluctantly groaned and asked softly, “James?”

“Hmm?” He kissed me again, his lips warm.

“What time is it?” Then, because I couldn’t help myself, I yawned.

“Seven,” he said.

I rubbed my eyes and then turned to look at him fully. He was leaning over me, his face close to mine. I moved about in my spot and tried to make myself sit up. James wouldn’t let me, however, and I found myself lying there below him in such a vulnerable position. His beautiful Prussian-blue eyes were so intense that I became nervous all of a sudden. I glanced away, casting my eyes downward to avoid his passionate stare.

That was when I noticed he was fully and immaculately dressed in his powerful suit, per usual. Gosh, the man still looked as darkly gorgeous as ever, even this early in the morning. Whereas I, on the other hand, must have looked like shit.

I cleared my throat and asked, “Are you leaving for work now?” as my eyes drifted back up to his handsome face.

He nodded. “I’ll be back at eleven to pick you up.”

I cocked my head to one side as I started twirling my long hair about my fingers and thumb. As far as I knew, I didn’t need to go anywhere today, so why was James picking me up?

“What for?” I couldn’t help asking.

“We’re going to buy you some suitcases.”

“Why?” I asked, wondering what they were for.

“You think you can put all your new clothes into that backpack of yours?” he asked teasingly.

I blinked. Then I blushed. Of course. How silly of me. James had bought so many new clothes for me here in Vegas, and they’d need suitcases to be packed into for traveling. After all, we were returning to LA tomorrow.

I nodded. “I forgot,” I said.

He gave me another kiss on the forehead as I held my breath, pleased at receiving such tender affection so early in the morning. I was smiling when he finally moved back and headed to the door.

“I ordered breakfast for you,” he said, nodding to the silver platter and lid sitting on the side of the bed.

I gazed at it, smiling. Breakfast in bed. Nice.

He must have figured out my thoughts and chuckled. I blushed in response.

“I am starving,” I said, my head held high.

“That spaghetti Bolognese didn’t fill you up last night?” he asked teasingly.

His question got me curious. “How did you know I had spaghetti Bolognese?”

“The smell,” he said.

Of course. The aroma of the Bolognese sauce must have been so strong it still lingered by the time James had returned last night.

I wondered if he didn’t like it that I used the kitchenette. More so, stinking up the place with Italian food.

“Sorry,” I said, my voice low. “I didn’t want to go out to eat. Also, I wanted to cook.” I wanted to add that I loved cooking and it would please me very much if he were to eat my food. But of course I knew otherwise. What billionaire ate at home? Didn’t they always go out to eat at some five-star restaurant where food was made by top chefs?

James retraced his steps to the bed and then leaned over me again. With his face close to mine, he licked my lips, which made me jump. I swallowed hard at the erotic contact. What was this all of a sudden? Gosh, my whole body was flaring with heat at the unexpected touch from James.

“Next time, cook for me,” he said. “I want to taste your food. It smelled wonderful.”

My breath got lodged in the back of my throat as my heart skipped a beat. A sort of glow radiated within me. I was at a loss for words, and James knew it. He knew he had me right where he wanted me. At least I thought so anyway. But I didn’t care. I wanted to cook for him, and I wanted him to like my food.

James kissed me again on the lips and then moved back. “See you soon,” he said. Afterward, he really did leave the bedroom.

“Okay,” I replied loudly so he could hear me. A moment later, I heard the door clicking shut.

I sighed and giggled to myself. Gosh, I couldn’t wait until the day came when I was really going to cook for James. The very thought excited me. And that kiss just now. It was just like Dad used to kiss Mom. The love and devotion they had for each other…

I paused right there. Wait. I shook my head. This feeling… It was probably only on my side. For James, that morning kiss must have meant nothing much to him.

I sighed and threw myself back onto the mattress, telling myself not to overthink things. At least I thought I’d had a very good sleep last night, which I hadn’t in ages.

Last night after James had his way with me, I’d fallen asleep like a dead log. My usual nightmare hadn’t interrupted my serene snooze time either, and I was pleased. Of course, having such a manly, warm body beside me helped too. Especially when I was being cuddled in such a warm embrace.

I stayed in bed for another half hour before I finally decided to get up and get myself ready for the day. After I had a shower and dressed myself in a cute dress, I enjoyed the breakfast James had ordered for me. Then I decided to organize my many clothes in the walk-in closet. By the time James returned to retrieve me at eleven, I had everything sorted out, ready to be put into suitcases.

Standing there at the door of the closet, James chuckled as he watched me.

I glanced at him over my shoulder, still on my knees and busy folding dresses. “Hello. What’s so funny?”

He came to stand beside me and tousled my hair fondly. “I guess you’ll need a maid to help with your wardrobe soon.”

I blushed at his remark. Me having a maid?

I shook my head adamantly. “No, thank you. I can manage,” I said, folding a blue dress neatly and then putting it into the dress section.

James leaned over and gave me a kiss. I sighed and smiled pleasantly as his warm lips met mine. When he moved back, he took my hand and guided me up with him.

“Come on,” he said, leading me out the door.