Chapter 48 A Date Above the World
I should have known better than to expect anything less than perfection from Lawrence.
When he told me to be outside my apartment at five sharp, I pictured the usual—a fancy restaurant, something with a private room, or maybe a rooftop somewhere outrageously expensive.
What I didn't expect was a limousine… or for it to drive us straight to a private marina in New Jersey.
OR for Lawrence to take my hand and lead me down the dock like he owned the entire Hudson River.
And I definitely didn't expect this.
The yacht in front of us is insane.
It's not even a yacht. It's a floating mansion with three decks, tinted glass everywhere, and a helicopter pad on the top like it's just there for casual emergencies.
The name 'Siren's Call' is written in sleek silver letters across the hull. Even the damn water looks richer next to it.
I stop dead at the bottom of the gangway, my mouth hanging open in awe.
"Lawrence..." I whisper.
He doesn't even pretend to be modest. One hand stays at the small of my back, the other gesturing lazily at the floating palace like it's a normal Tuesday activity.
"Welcome to our first official date, Miss Thorn."
I blink, still stupefied. "Don't tell me you bought this just for our date."
"It's mine for the night." He says casually. "As discussed previously, if we're going to do this right, we might as well do it somewhere none of your nosy colleagues could accidentally wander into."
He turns to stare at me. "Their entire annual salary wouldn't cover the fuel for one lap around the harbour."
A laugh escapes from me before I can stop it.
"This is crazy," I mutter, but I'm already letting him guide me up the gangway. "And I love it."
"I'm glad you do."
The crew is very discreet. They're dressed in crisp white uniforms, but they stay hidden until needed.
One man in a captain's hat nods respectfully as we step on board, and then we're alone, without the fear of prying eyes from the office or anywhere.
It's just miles of dark water, the beautiful Manhattan skyline, and the man currently looking at me like he's ready to give me the world.
Lawrence leads me up to the top deck, where a table for two has been set under soft string lights.
He pulls my chair out like a gentleman, leaning down and murmuring against my ear, "You look so beautiful, by the way."
"Thank you."
I'd settled on a simple white dress that flared at the waist and complemented the look with red heels.
Lawrence, as usual, is in one of his snug designer suits, looking devastating as hell.
Dinner is wonderful.
I try dishes whose names are too hard to pronounce, and I love every bit of them.
"So… are you going to tell me why we're on a yacht instead of, I don't know, a normal restaurant?" I ask when we're halfway through the main course.
He smirks. "Because I want one night where I don't have to hide how much I want you." His fingers touch mine across the table. "And because I'm taking you to London in two days, and I need to remind you… and myself…that this is real. That we're real."
My chest flips, and I think I feel tears prick the corners of my eyes.
I link our fingers. "It's real, Lawrence. Even when you're being an overbearing, dish-washing, seven-languages-speaking control freak."
He laughs, the sound rich and full of joy.
God, I love that sound.
"I'm glad you feel the same way." He says softly.
We finish dessert while the yacht glides smoothly out into the open water.
The city is behind us, and the sun has long set, creating a serene, intimate atmosphere.
Lawrence stands and offers me his hand. "Dance with me."
"There's no music." I giggle, getting to my feet.
He pulls out his phone and taps once. Immediately, soft music spills from hidden speakers around the deck.
Of course, he planned that too.
I let him pull me into his arms, and we sway slowly under the string lights, my cheek against his chest.
This is one of the most intimate moments we've ever shared—dancing together under the open night sky, completely undisturbed.
"You're quiet," he murmurs into my hair.
"I'm thinking."
"About what?"
I lift my gaze to his. "About how this is one of the best things anyone has ever done for me."
A small smile touches his lips. "Now I'm curious to know about the other things"
"You caring for me after what Kieran did."
His face softens, and he pulls back to look down at me. "Not that I'd ever want something like what Kieran did to happen to you," he says quietly, his voice low and sincere, "but I'm really glad I was the one who got to be there for you afterwards. I can't imagine anyone else giving you that kind of care… because no one else could care about you the way I do."
He brushes a strand of hair from my face. "You make it easy to want to be that person for you. Every single time."
I smile up at him, my eyes watery with emotion as I respond. "I'm really glad it was you, too," I say softly. "I don't think I would've let anyone else see me that way. But with you… it felt right. You make me feel like I can trust again."
Lawrence stares down at me, his green eyes full of love and care.
"I didn't even know I needed someone to care for me like that until you did," I admit in a whisper. "And you didn't just help me through it, Lawrence, you made me feel safe again."
I sniffle as he wipes away a tear from my cheek. "So yeah… you're my number one. No one else even comes close."
Rising onto my toes, I press a light kiss to his jaw. "Thank you for taking care of me."
"Thank you for letting me." He rasps, then captures my mouth in a loving kiss.
When we finally pull apart, I reach up and gently adjust his glasses.
"You know what?" I ask.
"What?"
"I think my mum would really like you."
Lawrence chuckles.
I slowly realise I'm deeply growing addicted to the warm sound.
"Everybody likes me," he replies confidently.
I shoot him a skeptical look. "I seriously doubt that."
"I'm pretty likeable once I'm not in CEO mode, trust me," he argues.
I gesture around us—at the sleek superyacht and the water. "Oh, I can tell. Renting superyachts, feeding me lobster, making me fall stupidly in love with you… It's clearly working."
A satisfied grin tugs at his lips. "Happy to see it's effective."
Smiling, I walk over to the railing, leaning against it as I stare down at the dark, shimmering water. Then I turn back to him.
"Take some pictures of me," I say excitedly. "I want to slay on the gram."
Lawrence tips his head with dramatic flair. "At your command, ma'am."
He steps closer, pulling out his phone.
I strike pose after pose while he snaps away.
We also take a few romantic selfies together, but those won't be seen on the internet anytime soon, and the thought stings a little.
Posting them would ignite a firestorm, especially once people realise I'm his secretary. The gossip, the judgment, the loss of respect at work… it would never end.
Lawrence checks his watch, his voice dropping seductively.
It sends heat rushing through me. "We still have about three hours to kill." His eyes darken with intent. "The master suite has an exquisite glass ceiling. You can watch the stars while I…"
I cut him off with another quick kiss, laughing against his mouth. "Yes. Yes. Yes. Take me to your stupidly expensive floating bedroom, Mr Moore."
He doesn't need telling twice.
I glance back at the empty deck as Lawrence leads me down the stairs, silently confirming that this is real. That we are real.
It is.
And I'm right where I'm supposed to be.