Paul lifted his head and looked at Devin, his eyebrows climbing. “In that case, you’ll have constant reminders if you take that promotion on thePearl.”
Devin shook his head. “I don’t want the promotion,” he said. “I want to be with you.”
“Are you sure?” Paul propped himself up on one elbow and gazed down at Devin. “I don’t want to keep you from pursuing your dreams. If you want to be the executive chef on the ship, we’ll find a way to make this work.”
“I want to be a chef. Being on the ship was a means to an end, not an end in and of itself.” Devin stroked Paul’s cheek. “Would you be okay with me moving to Charleston? It’s a foodie town. I’m sure I can find a position there. I’ll get an apartment, and we can see what happens.”
“I’d be fine with that,” Paul said, smoothing his palm along Devin’s side and down to his hip. “I’m willing to help as much as you want—or as little. But I do have connections, and I can help you start networking.”
“I wouldn’t mind recommendations,” Devin replied, enjoying the caress. “Networking is important for a chef, but I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of you.”
“I’m offering, so you aren’t taking advantage of me. If I can help you fulfill your dreams and be happy, I will. I want to,” Paul said, bending his head to press a kiss over Devin’s heart.
“Thank you.” Devin combed his fingers through Paul’s hair. “What can I do to make you happy?”
“Make Rum Stumblers and ceviche for me,” Paul said, and Devin could feel Paul’s smile against his skin. “Stay with me,” he added in a softer voice.
“You’ll have a hard time getting rid of me,” Devin said. “You can have all the Rum Stumblers and ceviche you want—and all of me too. We Walkers can be dumbasses, but once we know we belong to someone, we’re theirs forever.”
“That sounds good to me,” Paul said, sounding drowsy as he nestled into Devin’s embrace.
Devin smiled as he felt Paul relaxing, and he continued to stroke Paul’s back, even as he drifted off as well. They’d both made mistakes, but Devin had learned his lesson, and he was going to do everything in his power to let Paul know he was loved. They would recapture their island idyll, because the real magic wasn’t the tropical breezes or the sand or the ocean, but the joy they found in each other and the life they would share together.
