“What can I say, I’m addicted.”
“As far as addictions go, it’s not so terrible.”
“Right? But I have another addiction that might be worse.”
“I knew it. You were too good to be true. What is it, gambling? Shopping? You’ve lost all your savings and now you’re after mine?”
“It’s not your money I’m after, sweetheart. It’s those delicious kisses.” He dragged a thumb over her lower lip, watching its slow journey. “It’s all your fault. You shouldn’t kiss me like that.”
“Like what? Like this?” she whispered as she reached up and brushed his lips with hers.
He growled as he took the kiss deeper. She didn’t know how to break it to him, but it wasn’t her making these kisses addictive. But if he wanted to give her the credit... She yielded happily to his explorations. He cupped her neck and worked his magic until she shimmered and melted just like the sun.
A boat must’ve passed nearby because the dinghy began rocking like mad in the wake. The kiss ended with laughter as they held each other until the rocking subsided.
Once still again, their gazes locked and their expressions turned serious as the moment drew out. Those eyes of his were stormy blue beneath sleepy lids. And the way he stared at her—with such desire and affection. Every woman should be gazed at this way. It was the headiest feeling in the world to be adored by such a wonderful man.
Something welled up inside her, something powerful and moving. It swept over her like a tidal wave, taking her along for the ride.
But before she could put words to the emotion, Jonah spoke. “Sweetheart... We need to talk.”
A weight dropped like a cement block in her stomach. Nothing good ever began with those words. She should’ve known better. This thing between them was too good to be true. She’d let her guard down and now the proverbialother shoewas about to drop. Panic took her by the throat. She pushed away from him.
Jonah grabbed her arms, preventing her escape. “Hey, wait. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just say it.”
“Say what?”
“Whatever you were gonna say.”
“I can’t say it now. You’ve gone all prickly on me.”
“Well, what did you expect? ‘We need to talk’ is practically an omen.”
He sighed, giving her that patient look. “Poor choice of words. Come back here, Wentworth. It’s nothing bad, I promise.” He coaxed her back into his arms.
She leaned there rigidly against his chest. Maybe she had gotten ahead of herself. She could’ve misread the situation. Guys didn’t talk in that gentle voice or gaze at you this way when they were getting ready to break up. Did they?
“Sorry,” she squeezed out.
“It’s okay.” He always seemed to understand when she acted like an idiot.
Well, that made one of them.
He kissed her forehead and they sat in silence while he caressed her shoulder. Gradually, she relaxed in his arms.
“You deserve good things, Lauren,” he said minutes later. “I hope you know that. You’re so special. I know back in June we just set out to have a little fun. I was determined not to fall for you—and now look at me. I’m a complete goner.”
She lifted her gaze to his, searching. Goner? What did that mean exactly?
“I just couldn’t help myself.” He pinched her chin gently, his eyes softening. “I’ve fallen in love with you, honey.”
She sucked in a breath. Blinked up at him. Had he really just said that?
“You don’t have to say anything. I know it’s kind of quick.” He chuckled. “That’s the way I tend to do things. You’ve turned me upside down, inside out. I thought I knew what love was, but I didn’t have a clue until I met you.”
She was breathless. Wordless. “I—I don’t know what to say.”
