“Is that like climbing a trellis?” he teased, and she laughed. “And what does your family think of you working for the royal family? They must be very proud of you.”
She set down her fork. “Unfortunately, my affinity for American culture challenges my mother’s ideas and our island’s traditions. I am often seen as the weak link.”
“I can’t imagine that is true. You are much too commanding to be seen as weak.”
“Commanding? I do not command, I serve.”
He rolled her hand over and laced their fingers together. “You commanded my attention from the first moment we met.”
She fought a smile. “You mean when you handed me your coat to hang up?”
He grinned. “You had me so flustered. Didn’t you hear my voice crack?”
She giggled behind her napkin. “Perhaps a little.”
They’d sampled almost everything on the table, leaving a scary amount of food behind. However, he’d saved the best for last. “This is a turtle brownie.” He moved the small white plate to the center of the table.
“It doesn’t look like a turtle.” She bit her lip. “Please tell me there isn’t a tiny turtle inside of there.”
He kept a straight face. “They don’t use snapping turtles.”
She slapped his arm. “You are teasing me.”
“Maybe.” He shifted in his seat. “You don’t eat turtles?” He’d thought they were an island delicacy.
“They are protected.”
“Ah. Well, you won’t be arrested for eating this. A turtle candy is made by laying five pecans out like a star and putting a dollop of warm caramel on top and then—”
“Stop—you had me at warm caramel.” She smiled. “Is this face food?”
He laughed. “It most certainly is.”
She released his hand, using her delicate fingers to pick up the treat, and took a large bite, chewing thoughtfully. “This is good. This is the best sweet on the menu. I will have to take many back to the islands as gifts.”
“I’ll bet my mom has a recipe.”
“Does it includelove?” Her eyes danced.
“Just a pinch.” He reached around and tickled her side.
She laughed and squirmed away.
They had stuffed themselves, one small bite at a time. Tatum asked for boxes and they packed the rest of the desserts up. “Put the ones you want to take to the hotel in that box, and I will take the rest.”
Neese was careful in her selections, making the most out of the space provided like a kid. She was childlike in many ways—in the best ways. Innocent of the harsh realities of the world and wide-eyed at the beauties within it. Perhaps that was what knocked on the secret doors in his heart. With her, there was no agenda, no scheming, no games; only the moment and the joy it could bring.
“What are your plans for the afternoon?” he asked.
“I would like to experience more of America. This may be my only visit to the country for some time.”
Tatum didn’t like the sound of that. At all. He stood and pulled out her chair. “I have a truly American experience for you.”
“Really?” Her voice rose with excitement.
“It’s as American as turtle brownies. Are you interested?”
“Yes!” She hesitated. “Let me just send a text.”
