Page 29 of Paparazzi Perfect
But he stayed silent, then punched in the gate code. With my hand in his, we stepped through the threshold into the marina.
Maybe he’s hired a boat and we’re going for a last-minute joyride. But if that’s it, why’s he acting so cagey?
We zigzagged through the marina, at last stopping in front of a large, glimmering, white catamaran.
He let go of my hand and stepped over the gap from the dock onto the deck of the boat, stretching his arm out for me to take his hand. “Come on.”
“Karson, what are we doing here? We’ll get in trouble. You can’t just climb on some random boat,” I whispered, looking around anxiously.
“You’re right. The boat is private property, yes.” He shifted his weight. “But I promise you, the owner won’t mind.”
Ignoring his outstretched hand, I leapt across the gap and landed beside him on the deck.
He walked to the door, opened it, and stepped inside.
Shaking my head, I followed him.
My jaw dropped as I took in the elegant décor. This was no ordinary boat. I tilted my head, baffled.Why are we here?
Karson gestured to the sofa. “Please, make yourself comfortable.”
As he opened a cupboard, I moved to the sofa and sat waiting in silence. He pulled out a glass, filled it with ice and bottled water, then handed it to me.
“Karson, what’s this all about?” I asked impatiently.
He swallowed hard. “Okay,” he said, running the tip of his tongue over his top lip, “there’s something I haven’t told you. I won’t sugarcoat it.”
My impatience faded. “What is it?”
He rubbed the back of his neck.
“I’m the son of Karlos Wells, the global magnate—also known as a ruthless bastard.” His mouth turned down at one corner. “And a billionaire.”
I stared at him, searching for any sign he was messing with me.Surelythis is some sort of joke.
After a few seconds, I looked around the spacious cabin. But there was no camera crew… and he wasn’t smiling.
“This boat,” he said, waving his hand around the cabin, “was a graduation present from my father. His company, SolStar, is worth billions.”
With a nervous chuckle, I looked away.
“Ivy? I know I should have told you”
“At least we’re not breaking and entering.” I smiled up at him. “And suddenly I feel a lot better about you paying for lunch.”
A grin spread across his face, the tension easing for a moment. “It’s rare that I meet new people and can just be myself.” He sat down beside me.
“Karson.” I let out a small sigh. “I don’t care about your money. And if you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m crazy about you. Money or no money, it doesn’t change how I feel about you. I hope it doesn’t change how you feel about me either.”
He took my hand in his and squeezed. “Of course it doesn’t. And if you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m completely crazy about you, Ivy.”
“But don’t lie to me again. And that includes lying by omission.”
“Sorry. I should have told you sooner.”
“And here I was thinking you were just using me for my prize money!” I said, arching an eyebrow.
He broke into laughter and wrapped his arms around me, drawing me closer. His heart pounded against my chest, then his lips found mine.
