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The way he chuckles is almost contagious. He pauses, as if he’s trying to come up with the right answer. “I think it’s because I’ve never had someone confront me the way you did,” he starts. “In my business, I’m used to rude people around every corner. Not to say that you were rude,” he insists. “I just never met a girl with so much fire before, not even back home. I had to get to know you after that.”
“My sister Mia calls that having an attitude, but I like your description better.” I grin. He says I have fire…
The longer we walk, the closer I feel him next to me. Eventually, brushing elbows turns to him reaching for my hand, and my letting him keep it there, safely held in his. His touch is warm, gentle but firm, like he’s got a steady hold on me that I don’t want to pull myself away from. My attraction to him feels like a magnet. Honestly, I probably couldn’t pull myself away even if I wanted to.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you, period.” He smiles down at me. He stops in his tracks, gently pulling me to face him.
“I guess us Florida girls are raised differently,” I reply, as a sudden shakiness sounds in my voice.
“Other girls could learn a thing or two from you,” he says, as he brings his hand up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear while taking a step toward me. I don’t back away. Instead, I stay firmly planted where I am, my back to the lazy evening shore, facing a man who looks even more captivating under the sun’s fading glow.
It’s only now that I realize just how small I am as I look up into his eyes. As he lowers his lips to meet mine, I stand on my tiptoes, eager to return his kiss. A rush washes over me as our lips meet, sending a flood of heat through my whole body. One arm wraps around my waist, pulling me into him, while the other caresses my neck.
When we’re this close, I can feel myself almost getting drunk on the smell of his cologne. His kiss is making me weak in the knees, but I already want more.
As if he read my mind, he gently pulls away, catching his breath.
“I promised myself I’d be a gentleman,” he says, slowly releasing his grip on me.
“That’s a rarity these days,” I say, breathlessly.
“I should get you back home,” he says, looking up at the sky. It’s almost completely dark. It’s only then that I realize how long we’ve been out here. Did time just speed up or did I really just get that lost in him?
“I live just over the dunes over there,” I say, pointing to the other side of the inn.
“Lead the way,” he says, still holding my hand as we make our way up the sand.
I want to enjoy this but my brain is holding me back. I want to pay attention to the smile that still lingers on Drew’s face after the kiss. I want to take the feeling of holding his hand, of being in his arms, and bottle it up like a time capsule. I want to take a snapshot of the whole night and save it as one of the best first dates I’ve ever had.
Instead, my brain reminds me that I get paid to be an appropriate employee and that one of the things I’m forbidden to do is fraternize with guests. Man, I hate that word, but I can’t get it out of my head.
Drew is everything I could dream about, but he’s also off-limits. I don’t even want to think about what kind of trouble I could get into if I’m caught dating a guest.
As we draw closer to my cottage, I can feel him squeeze my hand.
“This is it,” I say, as we walk up to the porch, which already has the light turned on. “I had a lot of fun today,” I say, smiling at the ground. He gently lifts my chin to meet his eyes again.
“Let me take you to dinner tomorrow, Meg” he says, locking his brown eyes with mine. “Meg?”
Lord, I could get lost in them so easily. It’s not until he says my name again that I realize I haven’t answered him.
“Yea, yes, I’d love that,” I stutter. “I’m sorry, I just,” I try to say, but his lips are already on mine again.
“That right there,” he whispers. “That’s why it took so long for me to help you up. Distracting, isn’t it?”
“Very,” I nod. I gently slip out of his arms and say goodnight after I go on tip toes and kiss his cheek. Fraternization comes to mind again, but I ignore it. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. Yes, at least my grandpa owns the place. Once inside, I see that Mia is waiting up for me…. of course. She’s cuddled up on the couch with another romance book.
“Fun night?” she asks, not looking up from the book.
“Maybe,” I say, knowing a smile is plastered to my face. “I’m surprised you didn’t flick the porch light on and off.”
“Eh, I’m too comfortable to get up,” she grins, closing her book and patting the seat next to her. “Spill it.”
I sit down and have no problem sharing most of the details of my date with Drew. I’m so giddy that Mia has to remind me to slow down because my words are jumbling together. Finally, I finish relaying the details and conclude with a deep breath.
“So, what you’re saying is, you had a good time?” She asks.
“I had the best time,” I say. “The whole night, I kept wondering how it’s possible for a guy like him to be real.”
