“She bakes, too?I hope you’re as good as your mother.That fruit cake was boss.”
“I guess we’ll see, won’t we?”She tipped her head into the air, which made him tap her under the chin.
“Your attitude tells me you’re proud.”
“No, sir.I’m accomplished.”
Raising one brow, he nodded slowly.“I like that.A woman that knows who she is and what she can do.”
“My mom and dad made sure we understood our place in the world.That we had as much right as anyone else to occupy space.”
Mother came to mind, threatening to sour his mood.He shook his head and focused on Lizette.A cool, gentle breeze came up, reminding him of the season.In December, the island was cooler, and locals experienced what they called the Christmas breeze.He released his breath, admitting that being with her was the most contentment he’d experienced in a while.
She prepared a plate for him, which included everything except crackers and cheese.He thanked her with a smile and waited until she finished serving up her own meal before digging in.
“All good?”she asked when he was halfway finished.
“Mmmm.Yes.”
Legs folded Indian style, she laid her plate on the blanket and opened the cooler.“What did you bring us to drink?”
“Pink Moscato?”Her eyes sparkled as she lifted the bottle.“I like, but I want to have some soda first.Haven’t had any in a while.Share one with me?”
When he nodded, she asked, “Pepsi or Kola Champagne?”
“Champagne,” he answered around a mouthful of chicken.
Her grin was enough to make him want to laugh.“I prefer that, too.”
She broke out two plastic cups, gave him one, and poured the soda.“I’m not sure where we’re going to put the wine after all of this.”
“I don’t know about you,” he said, “but give me a few minutes, and I’ll be ready for dessert.”
After they cleaned up with wet wipes and put away their cups and plates, they repositioned themselves to lean against the tree trunk.He was pleasantly full and ready for a doze.When Lizette sat next to him, his arm slipped around her, and her head nestled into his shoulder.
“This vibe makes me feel we’ve known each other longer than we have.”
She shifted and looked up at him.“It could be because of my brothers.They kind of adopted you into the family.”
The stray puppy image crossed his mind, but he shut it down.The Winters were his friends and generous to a fault.He wouldn’t let pride intrude and drag him out of the moment.Not this time.
Tugging his arm gently, Lizette said, “Tell me about yours.”
“Way different from the Winters, for starters.”
The wind picked up, rustling the leaves above them, while he hoped she wouldn’t have too many questions.But he was out of luck because she asked, “In what ways?”
“We’re not as close-knit, for one.”He thought about it for a moment, then added, “Actually, that’s not true.My sister and I are somewhat close.”
“You say that as though you don’t believe it.”
“Actually, I do.Rochelle is good people.”
“Are your mom and dad still alive?”
He nodded, and she touched his cheek.“That’s it?”
“Dad lives abroad and Mother …”
