Because this guy might have stepped straight from the pages of a novel even though I’ve only known him for an afternoon. Heck, maybe he’ll be my living proof that real men can live up to fictional men.They had to be inspired by someone.
Regardless, we’ll part ways and never talk again once we leave the island, so what’s the harm in having a consensual island fling?
“I’m a tough shell to crack, but you can try.” It’s a lie. I have no doubt Noah will know my blood type by the end of our time here. I’m too much of a people-pleaser to not answer his questions eventually, but I’m going to hold out as long as I can.
Just because it will be wildly amusing and a turn-on.
Something I haven’t had in a while. Even Ryan, in all of our time together, never made my body feel tingly likethis.And now I recognize the need to be careful with my sexual feelings and thoughts surrounding a man, something I haven’t had to do before. With Ryan, I only felt like this after a successful date night and lots of kissing. But with Noah? One glance at the man sends me into a tizzy.
New. Thrilling. Deliciously dangerous.
And coupled with the sense I’ve known him forever…
Oh, God, help me.
I don’t believe in past lives or reincarnation, but I believe in predestined, orchestrated events, expertly woven by the hand of the Creator of the universe.
“And so it begins.” Noah’s face shines with enjoyment of a challenge as he scoots back to his place across from me before taking a huge bite of his fish taco. His eyes roll into the back of his head as he slouches against the chair. I watch him savor the food I cooked, a warmth blooming inside my stomach. “Esme. This is the best fish taco I’ve ever eaten.”
“Really?” My voice reflects the wideness of my eyes. There’s something about a man appreciating the food you cooked.
“Really, really.”
“So you are properly thanked for saving me from Creepy Guy?”
A mango piece slides down his chin, and without thinking, I reach across the table and wipe it away with my thumb. And then I lick my thumb, mango flavor exploding on my tongue.
I’m rewarded with wide, blazing hazel eyes…
That flick to my mouth.
I bite my bottom lip and look out to the calm ocean, noticing the array of colors painting the sky as the sun dips below the waters. Then a head of curly black hair and a tanned face with perfectly sculpted cheekbones occupies my vision as Noah squats beside me. One of his hands rests innocently on my knee while the other is gripping the corner of my chair. “Esme, sweetheart, you can’t do that and expect me not to want to kiss you. Now I don’t want to come on too strong here, especially after what you went through today, but baby, you’re making it mighty difficult. Exploiting this chemistry between us and such.”
My stomach swoops and soars at his words. I’ve never felt desired like this. It’s not weird, though part of me thinks it should be. No, it’shot.And I think I’m going to burn my tongue instead of waiting for this to cool off. “Too bad I don’t kiss on the first date.”
“I walked you to your bungalow earlier today and had lunch with you. After saving you, I might add. I believe this is at least date number three.”
“I don’t even know your middle name,” I retort, though I know and anticipate exactly how this conversation ends. Nerves hum most anticipatingly. I’m dying to know how this man kisses. Will it be tame and bland like Ryan? Or will it cause me to forget Ryan’s name, at least for a little while?
“You said you’re hesitant to give away personal information.”
I run my tongue along my top lip. “I did.”Oh, this is my new favorite game.
A rumbling sounds from Noah’s throat as he stands, taking my arm and pulling me up with him. He tugs me flush against his chest, bending his head down while I rise on my toes to get a better look at him.
“When do you leave, Esme?” He draws closer, and I tilt my chin up.
“Five days.”
“And you definitely need me near just in case that awful excuse for a man comes around again, right?” Closer.
“Yes.” The word escapes as a shaky,wantingsigh.
Noah tucks a flyaway behind my ear, his palm coming back and cupping my cheek. His arm snakes around my waist as his forehead touches mine, a look of wondrous disbelief in his eyes. “Why does it feel like I’ve known you a thousand lifetimes?”
My soul cracks, and something golden shines through the dull gray. It does feel that way. Ever since I locked eyes with him after he intervened earlier today. Something inside me recognized him. And he feels it too. “Maybe this is what they call fate.”
Noah’s breath kisses my face, and the smell of mangos invades my senses. I rest one hand against his heart, feeling it beat, beat, beat to the rhythm of my name.Es-me. Es-me. Es-me.
