Bernice turned to Joseph with the question in her eyes.
“I could use a snack,” Joseph responded. He might as well live it up.
“Right away, Mr. Storm.”
“Thank you. Oh, and may I have a beer?”
“Certainly, Mr. Storm.”
When Bernice walked away, the captain entered the cabin. “Miss Chase, Mr. Storm, welcome aboard. We’ll be taking off in a few minutes. It’s pretty clear out there. I’ve estimated a flight time of three hours and twenty minutes.”
“Thanks, Bruce.”
The pilot nodded and disappeared into the cockpit. Joseph handed Katherine his glass of champagne. “That’s all you, sweetheart.”
Katherine chuckled. “I’ll take it.”
She sat both glasses on a table in front of them and caressed his face. “Thank you for this,” she whispered before giving him the sweetest kiss.
Joseph laughed. “I don’t know why you’re thanking me. You did all this.”
When Katherine pulled back, her expression was serious. “Joseph, I’m thanking you for being here with me.”
Joseph pushed his fingers through her silky strands and pulled her face closer to his. “I’m here because I love you, Katherine.”
Katherine gasped. “You love me?”
Joseph ran his thumb along her jaw. “I love you,” he confirmed.
Her beautiful eyes clouded with moisture. “I love you too.”
Joseph cupped her face in his hands. “You love me too?”
Katherine nodded. “I do.”
Joseph kissed her, gently sucking her bottom lip. With his tongue, he broke through and connected with hers. He kissed her, knowing that he would never be as lucky as he was at that very moment.
* * *
KATHERINE
Joseph stepped into the master bedroom in her family’s beach house. “This is incredible.”
“It is,” Katherine had to admit.
The house had a perfect view of a clear blue ocean lined with powdery white sand. Their beach house was private property that included amenities from a nearby luxury resort. Katherine slid back the sheers and opened the patio doors. She closed her eyes and welcomed the warm breeze that invaded the room.
Joseph walked up and hugged her from behind. “This is truly a paradise.”
“Miss Chase?”
Katherine turned toward the familiar voice. “Fiona, hello. How are you?”
“I’m still here, blessed and highly favored.” Fiona’s warm Caribbean drawl always made Katherine smile. “And who is this handsome man?”
“Fiona, this is Joseph Storm. Joseph, this is Miss Fiona. She takes care of the house.”
Fiona smiled. “Your man?”
