“Yep. You and me. That’s it. This doesn’t have to be more complicated than I’m attracted to you, much to my surprise, and maybe yours, too. And I think you’re a pretty safe friend to explore that with a bit. I like talking to you. I like sharing a meal with you. I think I could probably kiss you without freaking out, if that’s your worry.”
He thought she thought—
She whirled around, right into the circle of his arms. She looked up at him. “I don’t think you’re going to freak out. Not immediately, anyway.”
“Maybe down the road?”
She wasn’t expecting him to have that kind of insight. She stumbled over her words. “Yeah, I guess so. I’m not one for commitment, Frank. And I’m sure that’s not where your head is at, at all, but you were married for a long time. It’s my experience that widowers and divorced men want—”
He crushed his mouth onto hers, a hard press that stole her words and her thoughts and left her mind strangely, wonderfully blank. His lips were firm at first, commanding, but then they softened, and oh, that was very nice.
He smelled good, and the way his lips moved against hers made her scalp tingle.
And when he pulled back—just a bit—he was smiling. No regrets. “Whatever you think of me, don’t for a second assume that what other men do has any bearing on my actions.”
She couldn’t breathe.
“Did you like that?”
“The kiss?”
He smiled again. “Yes.”
“Uh…yeah.”
“Good.” He kissed her again. “I like you. I like that you march to the beat of your own drum. I like that you don’t do commitment, or protocol, or expectations. I likeGrace, and I want to kiss her without it being a big fucking deal.”
“You swore.”
“I’m a sailor. I do that from time to time. Just usually not in front of ladies.”
“I’m not much of a lady,” she whispered. “Feel free to say all sorts of inappropriate things in front of me.”
“Duly noted.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “Do you want to go for a hike with me tomorrow morning?”
She smiled up at him. “Will there be more kissing?”
“Damn straight.”
“Then I’m in.”
