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“Um, did you forget something?”
I look up, trying to remember. “Oh yes, I think I did.”
Chari grins in response.
“I forgot to introduce you to—”
Another swat. I give in, turning serious. More serious than I probably should be, only a few weeks into this. But it’s too late for regrets. I’m already in deep.
“I don’t want to date anyone else either, Char.”
Not tonight. Probably not ever. But that really is another discussion for another time.
“Shall we go back in?” I say in my best French accent.
Instead of swooning with undiluted desire, she grips her stomach and giggles.
“Figured it was worth a shot.”
“There you are.”
I turn from my laptop to see Chari in my new favorite outfit. A sexy satin chemise with my grey Cornell sweatshirt over it.
“Nice top.”
Chari shivers. It is warmer than you’d expect in February, but it’s still cool out here on the balcony.
“I spilled tea on mine. Hope you don’t mind.”
Her hair sits on top of her head in a messy bun. No makeup. Cute as hell. Yep, this is my favorite look so far.
“Not at all.” I reach for her, grabbing the sweatshirt and reeling her toward me. When she leans down, I kiss her slowly, sweetly. Trying not to let it get out of hand. I’ve been up since 4:30 this morning, but I still have to take care of a few things before we pack for the airport.
“This is how I’d like to start the day every morning,” I say as Chari stands. “I’ll be inside soon. Just finishing up out here.”
She looks down at the screen. “Launch stuff?”
I shake my head. “Chemistry stuff. This is for the vodka.”
“You don’t skip a beat, do you?” she says, shaking her head slightly. “The launch was amazing last night, and now you’re on to bigger and better things already.”
“Always,” I say. And in a work sense it’s true. Part of me worries what will happen when Chari realizes how true that is. How driven I am. “I already placed an order for room service. Just call down and tell them we’re ready. I’ll be in when it comes.”
She hesitates, looking up at the mountains. It really is a spectacular view.
“I’ll miss it too,” she says. Then she dramatically shivers again. “Aren’t you cold out here?”
“I didn’t want to wake you. But yes, to answer your question. A bit.”
She reaches down to feel my hands. “Come inside and work.”
I nod toward the room. “You go ahead. I’ll be right in.”
“OK.”
I resist the urge to swat her backside as she walks away. This really has to get finished. By the time we’re in the air, the development team will already be in the lab. What feels like five minutes later, I stand up and join Chari.
Her half-eaten breakfast tells me it was more than five minutes.
