<b>Chapter </b><b>177 </b>
By five o’clock, I was gathering my things to head home when Dominic appeared in my doorway, his tall <b>frame </b>filling the space. There was something different about him–a lightness I hadn’t seen before. Ills posture was rxed, shoulders less tense than usual, and his eyes held a secret anticipation.
<b>“</b>I have a surprise for you,” he said, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Please tell me it’s not more bad news about Elizabeth,” I replied, only half–joking as I tucked a strand of hair <b>behind </b>
my ear.
His lips curved into a genuine smile that transformed his usually serious face. “Trust me, this is good news.”
He pulled out his phone, tapped the screen a few times, then slipped it back into his pocket. “Your schedule for the next three days has been cleared.”
“Cleared?” I echoed, confused, setting down the portfolio I’d been about to pack. “Dominic, I have meetings with the production team tomorrow, and-”
“All rescheduled,” he cut in smoothly, extending his hand to me. His fingers wiggled slightly in a yful gesture I’d never seen from him before. “We need some time. Just us.”
Something in his tone made my heart flutter. I ced my hand in his, marveling at how perfectly they fit together, how natural it felt to touch him. He led me to the elevator and down to the parking garage, where the car waited, engine already purring quietly.
“Where are we going?” I asked as he helped me into the passenger seat, his hand lingering supportively at my waist.
“You’ll see,” he replied, a rare yfulness in his voice as he closed my door and walked around to the driver’s side.
One hourster, we pulled up to a modern beach house perched on the edge of a private stretch of coastline. The sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon, casting golden light across the waves thatpped at the pristine sandy shore. The house itself was stunning–ss and natural wood blending harmoniously with the coastalndscape,rge windows reflecting the orange–pink sky.
“It’s beautiful,” I breathed as Dominic helped me from the car, my eyes wide as I took in the panoramic view.
“One of Sterling Group’s vacation properties,” he exined, taking my hand. His thumb absently stroked my knuckles as he spoke. “Currently reserved exclusively for us.”
I gazed at the scene before me–endless ocean stretching to the horizon, private beach of pale golden sand, and not another soul in sight. Seabirds wheeled overhead, their calls mixing with the rhythmic sound of waves. The air was fresh with salt and something floral from the native nts lining the property.
<b>9:15 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>26 </b>B
“This <b>is </b>better than any vacation spot I could have imagined,” I said, squeezing <b>his </b>hand.
Dominic led me through the house, each room more stunning than thest with floor–to–ceiling windows <b>that </b>framed the ocean view. The decor was minimalist but luxurious–all clean lines, natural materials, <b>and </b><b>subtle </b>elegance. His hand never left mine as we explored, and I noticed how his eyes kept drifting to my face, <b>gauging </b><b>my </b>
reactions.
“The bedroom is upstairs,” he said, guiding me to a spiral staircase of pale wood and ss. “Why don’t you <b>change </b>into somethingfortable? I’d like to take you for a walk on the beach before sunset.”
In the master bedroom, I found my suitcase already unpacked, clothes hanging neatly in the closet. <b>I </b>smiled, wondering when Dominic had arranged all this. I selected a simple white sundress and a light cardigan for the evening breeze, then slipped my feet into sandals.
When I descended the stairs, Dominic was waiting by the door that led directly onto the beach. He’d changed into linen pants and a loose white shirt that made his tanned skin look even darker. My heart skipped at the sight of him, so different from the intimidating CEO in his tailored suits. His hair was slightly tousled by the sea breeze, and he looked younger, more carefree.
“Ready?” he asked, extending his hand, his eyes warming as they took in my appearance.
Chapter Comments
Sandy Kiri Hiku
1 days ago
would have been interesting if we had Elizabeth’s POV
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