Chapter 17

SEVENTEEN

K ira laughed, shaking her head. “Maggie. I should have known she’d spill all my secrets.”

As they dined, each course was served with precision and flair, the flavors dancing on Kira’s tongue. Nash flirted subtly, his gentle touches and sweet words adding to the romantic ambiance.

“You know, Kira,” he said, leaning closer, “I’ve traveled the world and seen countless wonders, but none of them compares to the beauty sitting right in front of me.”

A blush crept up her cheeks, her heart fluttering at his words. “Nash Jeter, are you trying to charm me?”

“Is it working?” he asked.

“Maybe,” she teased, taking a sip of her wine. “But you’ll have to try a little harder than that.”

Soft, romantic music filled the air as a violinist played in the background, the melodies weaving a spell of intimacy around them. Kira couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to Nash, his presence both comforting and exhilarating.

Between courses, Nash shared stories about how he and Rex supported a children’s hospital, arranging for sick kids to visit the observatory for unique stargazing experiences.

“It started as a small idea,” he explained, his voice filled with passion, “but seeing the joy on those kids’ faces, the wonder in their eyes... it’s become one of the most rewarding things we do.”

Kira reached across the table, her hand finding his. “Nash, that’s... it’s incredible. I had no idea you and Rex were so involved in giving back to the community.”

Nash squeezed her hand, his smile turning soft. “It’s important to us to make a difference where we can. And sharing the magic of the stars with those who need it most... it’s a privilege.”

Her heart swelled with emotion, this revelation adding levels to her growing feelings for Nash. She saw a compassionate, caring side of him that only made him more attractive in her eyes.

“You continue to surprise me, Nash,” she said, her voice warm with affection. “Just when I think I have you figured out, you reveal another facet of yourself that makes me fall even harder.”

Nash grinned, his eyes locking with hers. “Well, I can’t make it too easy for you, can I? Got to keep you on your toes.”

After dinner, Nash led Kira to a cozy seating area on the rooftop, complete with comfortable lounge chairs and warm blankets. The space was inviting, beckoning them to relax and enjoy each other’s company under the starlit sky.

As they settled into the plush chairs, Nash pulled out his phone, a mischievous grin on his face. “Kira, have you ever used a stargazing app before?”

Kira shook her head. “No, I can’t say I have. Why? Are you about to unleash your inner astronomy nerd on me?”

Nash laughed. “Oh, you have no idea. Prepare to be dazzled by my cosmic knowledge.”

He opened the app, pointing his phone to the sky. “See that bright star right there? That’s Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. It’s actually a binary star system with a white dwarf companion.”

Kira leaned closer, her shoulder brushing against Nash’s as she followed his gaze. “A binary star system? That sounds intriguing.”

“It is,” Nash replied. “Two stars locked in a cosmic dance, orbiting each other for eternity. Kind of romantic, don’t you think?”

Kira smiled, her heartwarming at the thought. “It is. Two hearts, bound together by the forces of the universe.”

Nash turned to her, his expression softening. “Like us, perhaps? Drawn together by a force greater than ourselves?”

Her pulse quickened at his words. “Nash, are you comparing us to a binary star system?”

“Maybe,” he grinned, his hand finding hers. “All I know is that when I’m with you, everything else fades away. It’s just you, me, and the stars above.”

Kira intertwined her fingers with his, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine. They continued stargazing, Nash using the app to identify constellations and share stories about the stars. Kira found herself captivated by his knowledge, his geeky charm drawing her in like a moth to a flame.

As the night drew to a close, Nash reached into a bag next to him, pulling out a small, wrapped package. “I have one more surprise for you, Kira.”

Kira took the package and carefully unwrapped it, revealing a framed photograph of the first constellation they’d noticed together. The image was stunning, the stars seeming to dance on the paper.

“Nash, this is... it’s beautiful,” she breathed, her fingers tracing the constellation.

Nash smiled, his eyes filled with affection. “I wanted you to have a reminder of this night, of the magic we shared under the stars.”

Her heart melted with emotion, the thoughtful memento deepening her affection for him. “Thank you, Nash. This means more to me than you know.”

On the flight back, Kira paced the jet’s private bedroom, her lioness feeling hot and needy. She wanted Nash. She wasn’t sure how to handle the spike in her desire for the two men. He knocked on the door and she flung it open, pulling him inside and kissing him.

“You and Rex are always talking about sharing,” she said breathlessly. “Are you sure you’d be okay with me being shared by you both?”

Nash cupped her cheek and stared into her eyes. “Absolutely. We are meant to share you.”