“Mostly because if I didn’t, I’d eat crap if I remembered at all,” his sheepish admission. “While I might be wealthy now, I didn’t start out that way. In college, and even for a few years after, I shared an apartment with three guys, and I ate more ramen noodles than was probably healthy.”
“I don’t think my niche business will ever be able to afford me this.” I swept a hand.
“But what you create will be admired for a long time, whereas my games only last until the next fad hits.” He shrugged.
A wave rolled higher than the rest, soaking my toes. “What do you want in life?” A deep question, but, given our current conversation, not out of place.
“The usual, health, happiness.” A pause. “Love.”
“So getting married and having kids and a dog and the whole shebang?”
“Only if I met the right person,” he said as he stared right into my eyes.
It seemed the most natural thing in the world for us to lean close and kiss.
Our lips meshed and slid sensually as my arms looped around his neck. His hands gripped me by the waist, helping me to stay on my tiptoes. The embrace ignited every single nerve ending in my body. We didn’t have a blanket, but the sand would be soft and warm and?—
“Where’s dessert?”
Tigger’s bellow ruined the magical moment, probably for the best because Tutu next yelled, “I thought there was gonna be ice cream.”
I sighed. “I do believe my chaperones want us to come back.”
Apollo stroked my plump lower lip with his thumb and whispered, “A good thing because another minute and they might have been witness to something best done in a bedroom with the door closed.”
Oh. Apparently, I’d not been the only one ready to make love on the beach.
We returned to the noisy pair, who somehow still had room for ice cream. I declined dessert but ended up having a few bites because Apollo fed me, insisting I try the flavors. I’ll admit I enjoyed licking the spoon clean, one because it had touched his lips, and two because he stared with smoldering eyes. When I helped him clear the table, we took that moment of privacy in the kitchen to kiss, a passionate embrace that left me flushed and breathless.
Wanting…
Needing…
Alas, anything more would have to wait for another time.
Around ten, with Tigger yawning, Tutu, too, we headed home. Apollo had only had two drinks to my four and drove us—with his hand firmly planted on my thigh. If we’d been alone, I might have hiked my skirt and moved it somewhere that required more attention.
While the evening didn’t end as expected—in Apollo’s bed—I didn’t mind too much because I’d enjoyed myself in his company. So had Tutu and Tigger. The pair snored in the back, the little orange dragon perched on Tutu’s soft belly.
As we neared my place, in a low voice, Apollo said, “I’m going to have my chef prepare a feast to drop off when I grab you for dinner tomorrow.”
“Oh, and when did I agree to another date?”
As he turned into my driveway, he flashed me a panty-wetting grin. “Right now, I hope.”
“I might be persuaded,” I teased, even as I wondered what I’d wear. I had no other dresses. Ugh, I didn’t want to go shopping, but would…
“Iolana.” Apollo’s voice turned serious as he neared my house. “Did you leave the front door open?”
“No, but it’s possible it didn’t latch and the wood blew it open,” I stated as I noticed it ajar.
“There’s no wind tonight,” Apollo pointed out. He parked the SUV and leaned over to open the glovebox. My eyes widened as he pulled a holstered gun from it.
“What’s that for?”
“Just in case. Stay here while I check things out.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing,” I stated, exiting the truck with him, as if I’d stay behind.
