Page 72 of Life, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness

“It’s going to be hard not to smile a lot, though,” Bonita said.

They all agreed with that, too.

An hour later, it was ten o’clock on a star-filled night as Merrill sat in the wheelhouse, keeping an eye on the horizon. It was silent in the way only an ocean can be. But then he heard someone approaching. It was Delilah in her Jessica Rabbit “Beach Bunny” sleep shirt and flip-flops.

Ah, the memories!

“I couldn’t sleep,” she said. “Mind if I join you?”

Now that is a loaded question! Is she that clueless about me? “Sure,” he answered, patting the built-in, high seat next to his. “Still worried about your grandmother and your daughter? That’s not what’s keeping you awake, is it?”

She shook her head. “No, just too much going on in my head. Everything that’s happened today, of course. Everything I need to do tomorrow, here on the boat. Then when we return to Bell Cove, so many things to do related to Maggie starting kindergarten, and me getting the diner and motel open. Then, back to the boat again.”

“But those are good things, especially with the cash you’ll get from this operation. One day at a time, and things will get done.”

“Guess I’m just a born worrier. I’ve been living by Murphy’s Law for so long that I just expect bad things to happen.”

“Not anymore, sweetheart. You’re under my good luck umbrella now.”

“Is that like some knight in shining armor protecting his lady with his trusty shield?”

“Absolutely. Shield, umbrella, same thing.” He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the mouth. But then, he stood and moved closer. This time he deepened the kiss. She tasted like champagne and mint toothpaste and sex.

Okay, that last was wishful thinking.

With a groan, she put her hands on his shoulders and opened her mouth wider.

On the other hand . . .

Her lips were moist, her tongue was moving against his, and she was rubbing her breasts against his chest. His stunned brain registered three facts at once: She’s not wearing a bra. Her nipples are hard. SHE WANTS ME!

He was pretty sure his eyes rolled back in his head. Holy shit! Talk about hair-trigger arousal!

In a nanosecond he had his hands on her waist, lifted her off her chair, and had her up against the wall. Lifting the hem of her sleep shirt, he discovered that she was pantieless . . .

Am I on a good luck roll or what?

. . . and wet . . .

Holy-frickin’-hallelujah!

. . . and he was in!

Which surprised the hell out of both her and himself. And embarrassed him, too.

“Oops, I didn’t mean to rush you like that.” Embedded to the hilt, motionless for the moment, he pressed his forehead against her forehead as he attempted to count to ten—in Arabic.

She giggled—she actually giggled. “Obviously, I was ready.” She flexed her inner muscles for emphasis . . .

Wow! Can you do that again, honey?

. . . and rubbed her breasts against him again.

Definitely rock hard nipples!

“Oh! My! Delilah!” he choked out.

The wallbanger of all wallbangers followed then.