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A cold front moved in, transforming the blue sky into ominous gray clouds. Not a great day for an outside jaunt, but Vi didn’t care. She shivered and stuffed her hands into her coat pockets, glad she’d grabbed the matching turquoise tam. Rory trailed behind her, looking dapper in a heavy coat and scarf. He gazed at the showcase of huge vertical slabs of granite resting in sturdy racks.
Fighting the blustery wind, she quickly passed the two-tone pieces. Too drab. Spotting a multicolored slab on the far end, she stumped to the end of the row. The open-ended boot turned her toes into ice cubes. She chewed her lip, studying the gray and orange blend with speckles of black and swathes of pink. It would work well in her new kitchen. The smooth surface glittered with a golden sheen.
“Is this one in my price range?”
Rory leaned between the slabs to cipher notations at the top right corner. “I think so. We can double-check at the desk.” He flashed her a smile. “Vivid colors.”
“Let me do one last look-through.” She toured the yard, scurrying past the remaining rows. An especially heavy gust impeded her progress. She held onto her hat and circled back to Rory. “Nope. The vivid one wins.”
His wide-eyed look of surprise pleased her. Vi smugly took his arm. “Let’s go inside. I’m getting blown away.”
Once Rory confirmed the price and discussed the details with the store rep, they hastened back to the car. He pushed the ignition button, allowing warm air to blow through the vents. “I wish all my clients made up their minds as fast as you do.”
“The color palette talked to me.” Vi lifted a shoulder as if her quick choice had been easy. “Several ways to go with decorating schemes. Besides, it’s cold out there.” She held her hands to the vents. Sensation slowly returned to her fingers.
Rory blew on his hands. “You still up for the Riverwalk? It’ll be chilly, but it’s sheltered from the worst of the wind. We can eat inside.”
“Yes. We can snuggle like lovers do.” She gasped. Why did those words pop out of her mouth?
Rory’s eyebrows climbed up his forehead, and a smile played about his lips. “Are we lovers, Red?”
She pressed her fingers to her mouth. “That came out wrong.” Her skin prickled with too much heat.
Grinning broadly, he leaned over, planting a smooch on her forehead. “You’re adorable.”
Rory listened to his phone’s GPS navigate directions as he drove to the Riverwalk. Vi peered at the assortment of tall buildings from the freeways. Brick office buildings nestled side-by-side with sleek black ones, all grand and imposing. Fatigue would be her constant companion if she lived amid such congestion—no place for her soul to find rest.
Vi stifled a giggle when Rory argued with the GPS and missed a turn. They eventually arrived at their destination and parked in a vast garage. Traffic noise decreased as they wound down the stairs to the river. The wind died to a whisper.
The dark, mysterious river snaked through the heart of the city. Sidewalks with colorful cafes lined the green water. Gnarly oaks formed picturesque rest stations. Wide, flat boats with rails and seating glided both ways. Bundled passengers gazed at the sights.
Rory checked his phone. “It’s a little early for dinner. Want to take a stroll or do a boat tour?”
Mesmerized by the quaint setting, she murmured, “Let’s walk.”
She slid her arm through the crook of his elbow, and they strolled along the uneven sidewalks. Small bands played music, and restaurant vendors called out their daily specials. Diverse cuisine aromas woke her stomach.
Vi’s grip loosened on the problems surrounding a relationship with Rory. Couldn’t she enjoy his company while it lasted? Her internal alarms should have been clamoring loudly over how much she cared for this man. Instead, she was sliding right into the flame, not caring if she got burned.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Noise from the streets above dwindled to mere echoes as Rory and Vi meandered into an underground tunnel. Light appeared on either end, but it was deserted.
They slowly drifted to one side of the tunnel, their compass a hair off course. When her shoulder brushed the stone wall, Rory stopped, mischief streaking across his features. “This is the scene where lovers kiss.”
Vi couldn’t quite manage the fierce frown she intended. “What’s it got to do with us?”
His eyes twinkled. “Kiss me?” He stood with his hands in his pockets, impossibly good-looking. A foresty scent emanated from him. Sharp. Fresh. Enticing.
“Are you asking?” she teased, remembering their conversation from before. She traced her fingers down the chevron pattern on the twin columns of his scarf, wrapped her hands around the fabric, and pulled. The gentle pressure on his neck forced him a tad closer.
Rory’s gaze stayed on her. Flickers of longing pooled in the depths of his eyes. “Are you saying yes?”
Indecisiveness tore at Vi. Her deep, ongoing ache of regret had receded. She was only conscious of Rory. His sweetness. Still mute, she rolled her hands again around the scarf ends, tugging him closer. He put his hands on her waist and snugged her to him. She closed her eyes as his lips met hers. In no hurry, he kissed her thoroughly. His gentle touch made her feel safe and cherished. Finally, he pulled away and took a deep breath. She tingled with warmth.
“I can’t get enough of you, Red.”
Well, that makes two of us. She nuzzled his beard, planting a tiny kiss on his throat. His soft groan vibrated under her lips. Rory tucked her into his chest and hugged her until the fear nipping at her soul slunk away. Slate eyes soft, he kissed the tip of her nose, then sighed. “Are you hungry? If we stick around here, I’m going to eat you for dinner.” He held her slightly away from him. “We’d better walk and talk about restaurants.”
