“Dad, can we keep her?” the oldest of Allen’s children asked.
“No,” Allen said. “She belongs to Leo and Gwenyth.”
“Would you consider looking after her for us?” Leo murmured to Allen in an inaudible voice, so the children didn’t overhear. “It will be difficult to keep her safe where we’re traveling. Gwenyth and I need to journey to Perfume Isle. It might be up to three weeks.”
Allen summoned his children with a wave. “Leo has asked if we can mind Jenny. Would you like that?”
“Yes, please,” the three kids chorused.
Allen grinned at his wife. “Well, we’ll do that then.”
“Thank you,” Leo said. “That is a weight off my mind. It will be better for Jenny here.”
Leo shook Allen’s hand and kissed Mary-Anne’s cheek. Gwenyth hugged them both since they’d welcomed her without reservation.
Soon, she and Leo were on their way.
“Where are we going?” Gwenyth asked.
“We have a few hours. I’ve arranged an outing to a friend’s property. He has a private beach where we can swim and enjoy the sun. I thought we’d visit the bakery on the way there and buy a few supplies. We’ll also make a quick stop at the seamstress’s parlor. How does that sound?”
“Perfect. Do we need to fly?”
His lips twitched. “No, the cottage is within walking distance.”
He offered his hand, and when she entwined their fingers, a frisson of pleasure seeped deep into her. After their requisite stops at the bakery, the grocery, and the seamstress where they arranged to collect clothes on their return journey. Leo led her down a narrow cobblestone alley. They traversed a set of stone steps, the scent of the sea growing stronger with each stride. The walkway gave way to sand and a tiny beach.
“Is this it?”
“No.” Leo smiled, his green eyes alight with contentment. “We need to walk along the beach and into those trees. It’s the next bay where we’re spending our time.”
The gentle swish of the waves relaxed her and seemed familiar, although she hadn’t visited this area before. Tiny pebbles crunched under their feet, and an audible hissing came from the shingle shifting with the wave action. Leo led her into the trees—a grove of pine. She sniffed the fragrance and smiled. At this end of the beach, she could no longer hear the village noises or voices.
She followed Leo down a trail that wove through the pine trees. The path rose upward until they exited the trees. The tiny beach consisted of white sand instead of the regular hissing pebbles.
“It’s beautiful.”
“A fisherman friend owns the property. I helped him build his cottage and lent him the money to purchase the land.”
“That was nice of you.”
“He’s a decent man who works hard. He was having problems finding the money, and I wanted to return the favor he did for me.”
“What did he do?” Gwenyth asked.
“He is a talented artist and designer, and he helped me with the interiors of my home. Are you hungry, or would you like to go swimming?”
“I don’t have a swimsuit,” she said, disappointed since she loved swimming. She frowned at that because, during her recent experience of the sea, she’d almost drowned.
Leo grinned. “No special clothes necessary. I’m swimming in my skin.” He winked at her. “What do you say, wife? Do you want to go swimming?” His words held a dare along with the sensual purr.
“Of course.” Gwenyth followed Leo down the slight incline and onto the sand.
Leo led the way to a spot where a tree draped its shadow over the sand.
“Are we setting up camp here?” she asked.
Leo’s gaze burned hot, his green eyes almost golden with heat and something else. Perhaps longing.
