“After what you said about contemplating eating me, I think you might be lying.”
He stopped mid-bite and shook his head. “Even if I did do what you’re implying, I wouldn’t admit it.”
“I’m pretty sure you just did.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your face is red. You’re fidgeting. The signs are all there.”
I strategically selected a banana, holding it firmly in my hand as I slowly peeled it and took a big bite. Tate’seyes remained fixed on me the entire time. “It was the only wayIcould sleep,” I added.
He nearly choked on his coffee.
“What you said riled me up,” I told him.
“Some things can remain private.” He glared. “You know?”
“So, you don’t want to know about my soothing Epsom salt foot soak?”
Tate reached across the table, grabbed my banana, and took afrustratedbite.
***
After breakfast, I went back to my room to change for our kayaking adventure. Then I met Tate in the lobby, and we walked together down to the pier, where the rented kayak awaited us.
“Have you ever been kayaking before?” he asked.
“Yes. We rent a summer home on a lake.”
“Ah, nice.”
I climbed in first as he got in behind me.
He put a hand on my shoulder. “You okay leading the way?”
“Why not?”
“Just making sure.”
As we took off, I was highly aware of his big feet at my back.
“I’m surprised you didn’t insist on sitting in front,” I said. “You know, considering how controlling you normally are.”
“How else would I get to look at you?”
I stopped paddling for a moment. “Are you flirting with me, Tate?”
“I think that’s obvious by now, Doris-Delores.”
Goose bumps covered my skin. If all else failed and nothing transpired between us by the end of this trip, I sure as hell was having fun flirting with this man.
We paddled quietly for several minutes. The glistening water was as calm as the sky was blue today. We couldn’t have asked for better weather.
I sighed. “God, it’s so peaceful out here. It feels like we’re the only ones in the world.”
The low rumble of his voice vibrated against my back. “Strangely, that’s kind of how it’s felt since the moment I met you.”
I felt my eyes widen. “Is that a compliment?”
