“Four hours,” I grab his hand and tug him behind me. When he finally catches up, he lets go of my hand, slides his arm around my shoulder, and pulls me closer. “Is there something you’re dying to do while you’re here?”
His steps halt us. Slowly turning to face me with both hands on my shoulder, staring into me like I’m the only thing that matters. “The only thing I’m dying to do is spend time with you. No expectations. Whatever you are up for, I’m game.”
My hands grab his powerful arms, circling his defined muscles as my brain short-circuits, then rights itself. “Then let’s grab some food…there’s a great street taco truck down the way. He’s open until eight. Then we can walk the beach, and I’ll show you the short-term rental we have. Lia’s probably already there. Oh, let me text her.” I pull out my phone and see that she’s already texted me.
Lia:
You closed up and were outta here before I made it over. Are you heading back?
Ava:
Yeah, well, I was surprised earlier by Kai…so we are grabbing food and will be back at the house in a bit. Fill you in later.
Not two seconds later.
Lia:
OMG…I’ll get to meet the infamous Kai Hastings. I’m screaming…can you hear me?
I slide my phone back into my pocket. “Street tacos for dinner?”
“Sounds perfect.” He slides his arm around my waist, and my head naturally rests on his shoulder while my hands scoop up his back.
Tables and chairs line the street, overlooking the beach, the sand, and the water, with a sea breeze. The view is breathtaking, even with all the lights shining around us.
As we eat our tacos, Kai keeps saying, “These are the best tacos I’ve ever had.”
“I told you so. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.” I take another bite of mine. They are mouthwateringly good.
“You mentioned coming home for the baby shower the other night. Are you excited about that?” He asks, pausing his taco right at his mouth, waiting for my answer.
“I’m really hoping I can head back to Saxville a few days earlier. The drive will be much easier.” I avert my gaze to the ocean, thinking about being back in Saxville with my family and this gorgeous man sitting in front of me. I touch his forearm to be sure I’m not dreaming. Nope, not dreaming.
He pulls me back to him with his words. “Can we possibly have some time together when you’re back in town?”
Why does this sound like a question that carries weight?Weight, I’m not sure I’m ready to admit or contemplate. Although he is sitting herewith me, eating tacos and loving it all. I try to be vague while leaving it open. “We can probably make that happen when I’m back.”
What's the difference?We’re here now, spending time together.Why would it be any different when I get back to Saxville?I’m completely taken with him, but unsure.
We eat our tacos and walk the beach, hand in hand,because how else do you walk the beach with a man as handsome as this?
We talked about the mundane things in our lives, like updating me on his renovation projects. I’m captivated by him, and when shivers shoot through my body, I’m in so deep. It was one look, one night, one conversation. He knows what I need before I do. It's eerily endearing.
Once we are on the street where the short-term rental is, I twist and say, “It’s up here.”
“You’re that close to the beach?” His eyebrows shoot up as he stares up at the street and back to the ocean. “When you said you go to the beach every day, I’m not sure why I didn’t picture it down the street.” He chuckles and walks toward the house.
“It’s up on the right, number eleven.” I point up ahead to the blue house on the right with a front porch, and as we get closer, you can see the porch swing.
We both run up the stairs and onto the porch. “Come swing with me,” he says playfully and quickly walks over and sits his butt on the swing. Left standing at the door, I relent and scurry over.
His legs push rhythmically. “I love porch swings.”
“I see that.” I nudge his shoulder.
We sit quickly, the swing swaying, lulling my body into complete relaxation.Or is that the man sitting next to me?It’s the same thing that happens during our nightly talks. So maybe it is him.
The time passes quickly, sitting here, not saying much, soaking in how he smells as I discreetly rub my face against his polo shirt. Letting it stick to my face, it leaves a lingering leathery scent.
