24. It's Getting Hot In Here

Charlize’s heart hammered in her chest the moment Blaze walked into the candlelit room—a vision so magnetic the world seemed to tilt. Every nerve in her body sparked with life, anticipation, and fear, electrifying her veins. This was it. This was the moment everything would change.

“I have this vision of you in my head, and I can’t talk about it.” He chuckled. “I love what I see... and what you are doing to me.”

Charlize softly gasped, smiling, as he stole her breath away. She put her hand over her mouth. “Blaze!”

“I know I requested you tell me one thing. But you got me curious now. What’s your next thought?” Even though Charlize wanted to hear more, she didn’t know if she could handle it. With him looking so fine and sexy, talking in this manner would be too much for any girl to handle.

“Well... it’s time for you to come home to me.”

Charlize leaned forward, truly curious now. Then, with her eyes peering intently at him, she asked.

“Home where?”

“My home......I want you to be my family.”

She smiled, feeling surprised. “Really? Are you sure?”

“Very sure. Why wouldn’t I be? You’re everything I want.”

The words crashed over Charlize, leaving her breathless. The candlelight gilded his jaw, and she realized—right here, right now, her life was veering off its axis.

Charlize fought to keep her composure, every instinct screaming to leap across the table and close the impossible space between them.

She didn’t want to respond based on how temptingly sexy he was looking at her at this moment. So, she kept quiet to gather reasonable thoughts while trying to dismiss all the crazy ones about how badly she wanted him at this very moment.

“I need to know something. I know our worlds are vastly different, and in your past world, when a man wanted what he wanted, he just took what he wanted, which most women took that to mean that the man was very serious about you. As a woman, should I be thinking the same way in this day and age? Does it mean the same thing?”

Blaze smiled, a smile that almost took the air out of her lungs. She had to take her eyes off of him and take a sip of her champagne. But no... she realized she drank several sips to calm her misbehaving body members.

In a glib tone, he says, “No. In my new life,e I want my woman to choose to be with me. I no longer find pleasure in forcing myself on a woman or taking what I want anymore. I want to give, not take. There is far more happiness in giving than in taking. The feelings of ecstasy are far more intense, don’t you think?”

She cleared her throat; Charlize’s body and nerves felt like electricity charging through her with excitement.

“More intense? How intense?”

Blaze took her hand, and he could visibly feel her trembling under his fingers. “Don’t be nervous. I can control the intensity of it all.”

Oh, my lord. Was she hearing this right? Her mind spun, every word from him an exquisite, dangerous touch. He was going to ruin her tonight—and she wanted him to.

Wait! I must ask, are we talking about the same thing?”

He was smiling mischievously. Blaze says, “Yes...yes, of course, we are. I want you to be family.”

“I know... but what does that mean to you?”

Blaze reaches for Charlize’s other hand. He holds both hands and brings them to his warm mouth, gently pressing his lips against them.

“Char, I want to spend all my time with you. Is that clear?”

Charlize blinked her eyes away from him, trying to hold it together. Eventually, she found the strength to speak. She slowly flicked her beautiful brownish/hazel eyes into the candlelight, gazing at him. This made Blaze’s heart jolt, as he could feel blood rush through his veins as she spoke.

“It’s obvious. But—” Before she could finish, Blaze’s finger pressed gently to her lips, silencing the storm inside her.

Charlize’s body quivered as she saw him stand up in his manly frame. Blaze leaned his body in her direction across the table. His soft lips brushed against her ear as he whispered.

“As I said, I’ll control the intensity.”

Then his lips moved away from her ear in that same minute, brushing against her cheek. She felt her soul leave her body, and for that brief second, their eyes connected.

His lips moved as he repeated. “I’ll control the intensity.”

Blaze kissed Charlize, quick and hungry, the world narrowing to the heat between them. His fingers traced her arm, sending shivers down to her painted pink nails. He cleared his throat, getting her attention.

“Let’s continue with our romantic evening. I have another special surprise.”

So, they prepared to leave. Charlize wondered what else Blaze could do to top this place.

~~~~~

The night blurred into laughter and adrenaline. Charlize’s pulse still raced as they left the dining area of his home. Blaze’s hand gripped hers as if he would never let go.

The entire day spent in Blaze’s world was something Charlize would remember. She wondered what Blaze had in mind as she lovingly held onto his hand, walking alongside this handsome, strong exterior but sweet young man.

When they arrived at their next destination to complete the evening, the weather offered a cool breeze, just perfect for this outing. Blaze wanted his queen to relax on a 55-minute cruise aboard his romantic boat ride called the “Blaze junk boat.”

You could enjoy unlimited drinks while witnessing the mesmerizing reflections of the island’s gorgeous multicolored neon lights mirrored on the water.

It was a great way to get a view of Blaze’s portion of the island! He boarded first, then helped his lovely young lady on board. The night air was cool and refreshing against her face and hair.

He tells her. “The island is uniquely known for its neon lights. It was exciting and awesome when we discovered it. To see the sun setting across the water is amazing.”

“I’ve never experienced anything like this. This is fantastic!”

“I know, so many times I wanted to take you around, and I just couldn’t because we’re always working. But I’m so glad you are experiencing it now. So let me get us some drinks!”

The boat set its three red, glaring sails to the wind as it left the shore, cruising out into the water, despite the rough trip to this island. Charlize felt a sense of calm that couldn’t be matched by anything else.

The cool temperature whipped lightly against her face and through her hair. The smell of the salty sea air was a welcome departure. Charlize loved City life, but nothing could compare to this. The island was no exception.

Blaze slid his arms under Charlize’s, wrapping them around her waist, pulling her closer as he stood behind her. She gently rested her head against his broad chest and shoulder.

He pressed his jaw against her cheek, and Charlize tilted her face up, their eyes locking—intense, honest. She could feel it: she was falling, fast, and there was no going back.

Loving the way she made his emotions fluttered his heart. Blaze knew she was the perfect girl for him to fall deeply in love with.

Charlize called his name softly. “Blaze?”

His lips brushed her ear as he responded in a gentle tone. “Yes.”

“I’m not certain I’m ready to make a decision.”