23. He Loves On Top

A crisp black envelope, trimmed in silver, waited on Charlize’s door. She barely finished reading the first line—Where dreams come true—before her heart skipped. Ball gowns. Tuxes. A night of gliding across the dance floor, of promises whispered with the ocean breeze. The invitation was pure temptation. “Will you be my partner this Saturday?” She was already reaching for her favorite dress. The only rule you need to be concerned with is saying yes to a night of fun as I drench you in romance!

We will have an adventure as we sail across the ocean.

I want this date to be one you’ll never forget.

Forever Blaze ~

Charlize couldn’t hide her smile. “Blaze, you really know how to sweep a girl off her feet.”

That evening, Blaze arrived with no rough edges, exposed muscles, or tattoos. He looked devastatingly handsome in an all-black tuxedo. He carried himself with the confidence of a man who’d come to win her heart, not just impress her. Charlize’s heart stuttered at the sight of him, heat rising to her cheeks as she tried to play it cool.

Oh, He was too handsome for her own good. Trouble—she could feel it already.”

“Hello, Char,” Blaze murmured, taking her hand, his touch lingering. “Ready for a night you’ll never forget?”

 “Hi, Blaze.” Her voice was steady, but her pulse wasn’t. She took in his golden hair, the easy smile, the way he watched her like she was the only woman in the world. His eyes filled with fire, his smile flaming. He let his eyes relax as he raked them over her. Charlize met his gaze, refusing to look away—her confidence surprised them both. Blaze’s usual charm faltered, replaced by something real, something hungry.

“You’re glowing,” Blaze said, voice low.

 Charlize smoothed her champagne dress, hoping he couldn’t see how nervous he made her. She caught him staring at her legs, which were revealed in that thigh-high split. Her plunging neckline exposed her cleavage, and she felt wickedly tempting and thrilled at the attention.

“Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself,” she teased, letting her eyes linger. Blaze led her to a hidden tree, which split open to reveal escalator stairs winding up a mountain. At the summit, he reached for her hand—breathless, Charlize saw the whole island spread below, the sunset painting everything gold. It felt like stepping into a dream. Charlize felt like she was floating above the world, untouchable, alive. You can see that Blaze loves his new homeland. He loved its beauty and the wealth of culture displayed almost everywhere he turned. The divine landscape reminds you that a higher being exists on this massive, beautiful earth.

Charlize was starting to feel love for it too, or maybe Blaze’s love made her love this island, too. To her surprise, there was a round, domed glass building at the very top of the peak in the mountain.

“What is that place?”

“Would you like to see for yourself?” He asked.

 Inside the glass dome, a restaurant filled the air with the scents of every cuisine imaginable. Candlelight flickered across polished tables. Charlize’s stomach fluttered with anticipation—not just for the food, but for what the night might bring. If you weren’t hungry, being on top of the mountain peak made you think you were starving!

“I’m going to assume this restaurant belongs to you.”

“Yes, I chose this portion of the island as my home. It’s about half a mile from the beach but from an elevated place. Later we can take a nice stroll, and you can enjoy the sights.”

They sat at a candlelit table by the window, island lights twinkling below. Everything felt private—intimate. Charlize realized she was already swept up in Blaze’s world, with music played in the background, giving the aura of pure love for lovers.

Blaze explained, “He prepared all the meals, and there was plenty of Champagne.”

Charlize stood out of nowhere and hugged him, thanking him for his kindness and hospitality.

“This is small compared to the fine hospitality you have provided us, lonely men.”

“I’ve done nothing,” she said humbly.

“I want to try everything you have prepared.”

“Let’s start with the Russian and Indian food.”

They laughed, indulging in the fine cuisine and sharing champagne and secrets, as the night grew warmer. “Too bad they don’t have kimchi,” Blaze joked, his eyes full of mischief. Charlize grinned. “That’s okay—I plan to be spicy enough for you tonight.” She leaned across the table and kissed him—bold, exuberant, no more hiding what she wanted. “Don’t talk like that.” Blaze blushed as they both laughed.

“Here, babe, try this. It’s delicious,” Charlize said, placing her fork on Blaze’s lips.

“Mmm... It’s delicious! If I may say so myself.”

“I think it’s Russian potatoes in some special creamy sauce.”

“Here, you try this Indian curry. You’re going to want more once it hits your palate.” Blaze scoops up a spoonful and feeds it to Charlize.

“Oh, my goodness, babe, this food is almost as divine as you.”

Blaze’s eyes stretched as he made them do a cute little dance. As he heard Charlize utter such appealing words, he asked, “Repeat that. Did I hear you correctly?”

“You heard me,” Charlize teased, winking. It surprised her, and he pressed his lips again to hers—a slow, sensuous kiss that made her toes curl. Blaze stared at Charlize most of the night while taking small bites of his dinner.

“Why are you staring at me? Eat.”

“I’m eating,” Blaze said, “but I can’t believe I get to do this—with you.”

“Ah, sweetie... you’re enjoying yourself,” Charlize said, placing her fork on her napkin.

“Charlize...I,” Blaze said, taking her hand, “I know we’re not perfect—all of us fighting for your heart. But you make us feel seen. For the first time, I feel like I matter. Being here with you is what real happiness feels like; this is a first for me. I never had time for this kind of thing in my past. I lived a life where I always had to look over my shoulder. So, to be able to relax with a pretty woman, it feels like a dream come true.”

Tears came to Charlize’s eyes as she listened to him seriously express his heartfelt emotions.

“Oh, Charlize…”

She squeezed his hand, emotion thick in her voice. “You don’t know how lost I was before coming here. Blaze, you taught me how to trust and feel again—how to let someone in. I thought all men were cruel, but I was so wrong.”

Blaze brushed away her tears. “Don’t cry, Char. All it means is that we love you.”

Charlize smiled as she tried to stop shedding tears. She shook her head in agreement. “We do love each other.”

She finished her last bite, savoring every sensation. When she looked up, Blaze was watching her—intensely, hungrily. Something inside her twisted, anticipation thrumming through her veins as he placed the glass down, then took her hand. His touch was electric, sending a jolt straight through her. Charlize squeezed her fingers together, trying to steady herself, the heat between them almost too much to bear. She couldn’t look away from his gaze...? She tried to whisper, needing to break the tension, but she really didn’t want to....

He blinked and leaned back against his chair, looking debonair.

“What are you thinking, Blaze?” she asked, breathless.

“A thousand things. All of them about you, Char.” his eyes became filled with want.

“Tell me just one of your thoughts... please.”

Blaze raised his broad shoulders forward, bringing his handsome face closer under the dimly lit candlelight.