Scandal Exposed (The Lust List: Kaidan Stone #4) by Nova Raines, Mira Bailee

don’t get some clothes on, we might not get a chance to leave this cabin at all.”
    Now it’s my turn to laugh. “Well I didn’t bring any clothes except last night’s dress. It’s not great for sunbathing.”
    He lifts a brow. “I had this all planned out, remember? Check the closet. Then come meet me up on the sundeck.”
    He kisses me one more time and heads out of the cabin.
    I turn to the closet and slide the door open. Kaidan’s clothing is on the bottom rack, and the top rack is filled with an assortment of clothing, bathing suits, and even a floppy hat and sunglasses. I recognize some of the clothes from the rack the stylist sent over to the Stone mansion last weekend.
    Last weekend. Before I stole the diamond. Before the FBI arrest. Before I found out all my money was gone. Before Kaidan and Rowan helped me take care of the drug dealers for good.
    It feels like an eternity ago.
    I lost all my material wealth in a week.
    But I got my brother back. And I’m with Kaidan again… the man I love.
    Life is perfect.
    I get dressed in a bikini, shorts, and a loose-fitting white shirt. Then I grab the floppy hat and sunglasses and go upstairs to the sundeck. Just as I reach the deck, I feel the boat’s movement as we get underway.
    Kaidan’s waiting for me in the little alcove up here. He’s at a table tucked beneath an overhang to keep the sun off our faces. Breakfast is arrayed in front of him.
    I drop into the chair beside him and lean my head on his shoulder.
    He wraps an arm around me. “Chef just brought it up.”
    Omelettes, bacon, pancakes, several juices. Way too much food for two people, but they’re taking a yacht out for two people, so what else do I expect? “Thanks. Looks delicious.”
    We dig into breakfast, and I inhale the fresh sea salt air. After a short time, I realize the yacht has officially taken us out to sea.
    I get up from my chair and head toward the front of the deck. It’s entirely made up of cushions and throw pillows for sunbathing. I climb onto the cushions and lean over the rail, looking out at the ocean. The air whips through my still-drying hair. It’s gorgeous out here. Kaidan follows and sinks down beside me. He grabs my hand, and we watch the waves together.
    “I love the water,” I say. “It goes on forever. I used to stare out at the ocean and think about other people and what they were doing on the other side of it. What it looked like from their beach.”
    “Endless possibility and excitement. The mystery of the ocean. That’s why I love it.”
    I smile up at him, and he kisses me.
    “So what will you do now?” I ask.
    He nods and looks pensive. Finally he answers. “We talked about this before… about what it’s like living in the shadow of our parents. I’m ready to find my own way.”
    “So you won’t take over the label?”
    He shrugs. “I might, or I might not. I need time to myself to decide. I need a break. From all of it. What about you? I mean, once we get you your inheritance. I’m sorry Nordstrom did that to you. He’ll pay for it.”
    His face darkens, and I run a hand along the stubble on his cheek. “It might have been the best thing that could have happened. I feel… free now.”
    “Remember what I said… about taking a trip?”
    “Yes…”
    “Would you like to come with me?”
    “Of course I would.”
    He grins. “Then we’ll leave tomorrow. Where do you want to go? Anywhere in the world.”
    “How about France?” I ask shyly. “I’d love to experience those restaurants and cafes with you.”
    “France, then. We can start there, see if we can escape under the radar, leave our paparazzi friends behind.” He pulls me close for a long kiss.
    I sink into the warmth of it. I feel so safe, whole, loved. There are no secrets now, only trust. I want this to last forever. And maybe it can. Something tells me I may have found the man I’m going to be with for the rest of my life. The thought scares me, but it excites me more