Page 361 of The Romance Adventure

“He appreciates beauty, sparkly things in particular. You fit right in at Platinum Shores.”

“I prefer to think of myself as a Driftwood kind of gal. More down-to-earth than glitz and glam.”

CJ chuckles. “That dangly earring I stepped on tells a different story.”

I’m starting to wonder just how potent my husband’s curiosity is. I wouldn’t expect a surf bum to know the difference between real diamonds and cubic zirconia. Then again, he knows multiple languages and just handled the Platinum Shores CEO like a boss.

And here I am, torn between worlds—my role at the IEA, the International Emissary Agency d’Concordia, and Carefree Jolie, CJ’s wife.

When we get home, CJ says, “Where’d you get it?”

“Where’d I get what?” I kick off my sandals.

“The earring. I’ve been worried you’re going to go back to wherever that came from.”

I halt in my tracks and my heart squeezes—it’s not someone, it’s something. “CJ, do you think there’s someone else?”

“It’s crossed my mind. Things were so good between us. We got married, bought a house, and then you all but vanished. Since you’ve been home, things haven’t been the same. You’re distant, hot and cold, tough to read.” He hangs his head. “Though, I guess it’s a good sign that you haven’t yet packed up your shoe collection.”

I wiggle my toes. “I’ve been barefoot most of the time.”

Instead of caution or suspicion, CJ’s eyes dim like he’s preparing himself for a rainstorm. “Just tell me the truth.”

I can’t give him all of it. Not today. Maybe never.

Stepping closer, I take his hands in mine and meet his gaze. “I never told you why I was afraid of lightning. They say it can’t strike the same place twice, but that’s not true. Bad things can happen more than once. There’s no limit on tragedy.”

“Did someone hurt you?”

“A long time ago. I’ve been cautious ever since. For you and me, it was love at first sight. It all happened fast. I guess I wanted to slow things down.”

“You can talk to me, tell me these things. Please.”

“I’m learning that.” Biting my lip, I let down my guard and cast aside the barriers I’ve put up.

“What about love? Can love happen twice?”

“I’m learning that too. I’m sorry you feared there was someone else. No, not at all. Not even close. It’s just you and me and that’s all I ever want it to be.”

He visibly relaxes.

My exhale releases some of the tension I’ve carried.

Drawing a breath, CJ plants a gentle kiss on my knuckles and then meets my eyes.

The corners of my lips lift a tiny bit.

He moves his mouth to the inside of my wrist.

Warmth shoots through me.

Once again, he captures my gaze. I could spend years in his, studying the shades of blue-green with silver flecks.

Next, he kisses the little dip in my collarbone.

Eyes on me, my gaze turns soft, ready to melt.

He trails kisses under my jawbone, wrapping around to the spot behind my ear.