Page 103 of Reluctant Chemistry

“Banana on toast?”

“Best energy food ever.” CeCe lifted a brow and beamed a naughty smile. “You know how walnuts look like a brain, so they’re supposed to be good for your mental abilities? Well, bananas—”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I get your point.”

She jumped out of bed and picked up his T-shirt from the floor. And as Luka watched her put it on, he wanted to tell her how much he loved her.

But that could wait.

“Come on, you, get up. I’m starving.”

* * *

Dawn’s first light streamed through the bedroom’s double doors as CeCe stirred. They lay on their backs, legs tangled together under the top sheet and hands entwined, in one of the most comfortable beds she’d ever slept in.

After their snack, they’d had sex once again. Long and slow and reverent. When it was over, and Luka held her with care, his fingers drawing lazy circles around her belly button, she’d wanted to tell him how much she loved him. But that declaration held weight, a heaviness that deserved the perfect occasion.

Luka opened his eyes and smiled. “Are you in work mode already? I can almost hear your brain cogs turning.”

“No. I’ve given myself the day off.”

He wrapped her in his arms. “Good for you.”

“But I do have a question.”

“Yeah?”

“So, this girl you can’t stop thinking about—the ‘sexy as F’ ex—tell me about her.”

He pecked her on the cheek. “Losing her was my ‘if you love someone,’ moment. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but it’s been five years, and I thought we’d never get a second chance.”

CeCe looked up at him. “I have one of those too.”

“What? A sexy as F ex?”

“Yep. He rides a black horse and flies a chopper. He can be a bit moody at times—sends mixed messages and likes to be in control. But what’s one or two flaws between friends?”

“Mixed messages, huh? Maybe he wants you to define your feelings, so he knows exactly where you both stand.”

“I suspect he already knows where I stand. After all, I don’t let just anyone drive my Kombi.”

“Yeah, there is that.”

She snuggled closer. “So, you loved her then, this ex? Loved her enough to set her free?”

He sighed. “I didn’t realize it then, but looking back, I did love you in my own way. You were my gorgeous, carefree surfer girl. So different to any woman I’d met before…or since.”

“I wanted to say it,” she whispered. “That last day, back in Tulloch Point, I almost did.”

“But the timing was off?”

“Most definitely.”

Luka sat up and crossed his legs, the planes of his chest covered in goose bumps and a slight smile playing about his lips. He took her hand and kissed it. “I do love you. Very much.”

CeCe’s free hand went to her lips. “Oh my gosh, I think I’m gonna cry.”

He pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. “Hey, it’s okay. Let’s go eat breakfast.”

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