Free The Final Act (#4 Bestselling Spotlight Series) by JS Taylor Page B

James, shuffling close. And I realise he’s in his element. Taking care of me. Introducing me to new sensations.
    How did he ever think his past would make me love him less?
    “Close your eyes,” he whispers. And I obey instantly.
    “Now.” His mouth is close to mine. “Open your mouth.”
    I part my lips and can smell, before the food touches, that it’s a fresh strawberry.
    I bite down, relishing the sweet soft fruit.
    “Mmmm…” I flicker my eyes open to see his face close to mine.
    “You look so sexy,” he says, “when you’re enjoying a sensual experience.”
    “Thank you.” I’m not sure what else to say.
    He stands suddenly, lifting me up by the hands.
    “I want to take you somewhere,” he says.
    “What about the picnic?” I protest, letting him raise me to my feet.
    In answer, he picks up two Champagne glasses and a little plate of blinis and caviar.
    “We’ll take the essentials to go.” He grins, handing me a glass.
     
    James leads me out of the garden and into the lush green darkness of the Berkeley Estate.
    I have no sense of where we’re headed in the dark, and when James suddenly stops, I can do little more than gaze in amazement.
    It looks like an enormous lake, hidden away in the trees.
    “Is that what I think it is?” I ask, staring out to where he’s brought me.
    “Yup,” says James. “Beautiful in the moonlight, isn’t it?”
    I nod, because it really is so lovely, I’m finding the right words difficult. Bordered by a copse of trees is a large expanse of flat, calm water. The moon sparkles off it, and the stars are reflected into the depths.
    “I didn’t realise the estate had a lake,” I say.
    “Lakes,” corrects James. “We have two. And a rather lovely river for trout fishing.”
    I grin at him. It’s the only time I’ve ever heard him boast. I realise how proud he is of his heritage.
    “ This lake is fed by natural spring water,” adds James. “So it’s not deep. But the water is so pure, you could almost drink it.”
    He circles his arm around me. “In the summer, it’s not too cold either,” he adds, “as you’re about to find out.”
    As I’m about to find out?
    “Wait,” I say, “you don’t mean we’re going to swim in here?”
    The twinkling water looks so lovely, but I’m not sure about midnight swimming.
    “No,” says James. He takes the Champagne glass from my hand and sets it lightly on the grass. Then he stand s to face me, running his fingertips along the length of my body.
    I feel myself warm beneath his touch, and suddenly, I want more than anything to be kissing him.
    “We’re going to make love in the water,” whispers James, and he leans in close, taking my mouth in a beautiful, gentle kiss.
    I feel my soul sigh out to him as I respond, letting him envelope me completely in his warmth.
    I pull back a little as the impact of his words registers.
    “Will it… Can we do that?” I ask , suddenly a little uncertain.
    “Make love in the lake? ” he asks. “Of course we can. It’s my inheritance after all,” he adds with a smile.
    “No,” I’m shaking my head. “I mean…” I start to blush, relieved that it’s too dark to see. “I mean. Will we… You know… Work? In the water?”
    His eyes shine with total amusement.
    “If you want to know if I will work, then I can assure you,” he says, “I could make love to you stark naked on a snowdrift.”
    “But in the water…” I press, still unsure.
    Won’t the water… interfere?
    “You’ll find everything works pretty much the same as on land,” he says, reaching out his hand and running it up the inside of my thigh.
    He rests his thumb between my legs.
    “You’ll find,” he whispers, “that this area stays quite safe underwater.” He kisses my mouth. “Ready for me,” he adds.
    “ But just to be sure,” James’s hands move to the buttons on my blouse, “let’s find out how wet I can make you before we get in.”
    James quickly divests me of my skirt