Page 21 of Duty and Desire

It took my breath away.

Nick pointed to the highest peak of the mountain. “We could climb up there, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The view wouldn’t be that much different from what we’re seeing now, and getting over there is tricky. There’s a sizable drop on both sides of the trail.”

“Then this is where we stop.” I could see virtually the whole of the atoll, including the motus framing the lagoon. I drew in a deep breath, filling my lungs. “You were right. This is awesome. Thanks for giving up your day to do this for me.”

“You’re welcome. It was a much better prospect than lying next to Claudia on a steamer chair, watching her flirt with every server who crosses her path.” He smirked. “Having said that, the St. Regis has the cutest waiters on the island.”

I couldn’t help smiling. “Oh really? Should I go take a peek?”

He chuckled. “You can trust me on that one. I tend bar there twice a week. Hard to keep my mind on the job sometimes.”

It was good to know my gaydar still functioned.

“I think you’re the person to tell me where’s good to eat out. I don’t suppose there’s a great Italian restaurant on the island.”

He cackled. “You suppose right. We’ve got French, Chinese, Polynesian… And pizza, of course, but I don’t think that counts as Italian anymore. It’s more of a global cuisine.”

“I’ve never eaten Polynesian. Care to recommend a place?”

“That’s easy. Chez Terava, on the main road in Vaitape. It might not look like the kind of place you’re used to—it’s right on the beach, the food comes out of a pink trailer with the Playboy bunny on it, andsometimes it can take an hour for your order to get to you—but it’s got a great atmosphere and the food is amazing.”

“You’ve sold me.” Time for a bold move. “So… how about you join me there for dinner tonight?”

Nick said nothing for a moment, and my heart sank. He’d given enough hints that I felt safe in my assumption, but there was always the chance I’d gotten him all wrong.

Maybe my gaydar is more busted than I thought.

He turned his head to look me in the eye. “You’re assuming a lot.”

Lord, my heart was beating so goddamn fast. I couldn’t escape the feeling there was something going on that I wanted to pursue.

“It’s just dinner. You have to eat, right? And I’d love some company.”

Damn it, I wanted him to say yes.

Still he said nothing.

“These assumptions of mine… they’re not wrong, are they?”

He smiled, and the tightness in my chest eased. “No, they’re not wrong.”

Hallelujah.

“And dinner with me might even be fun,” I added. “Especially when I try to pronounce items on the menu.”

He laughed. “It’s in French.”

I threw my hands up in the air. “There. You see? Now you have to say yes, just for the sheer entertainment value.” I cocked my head. “Unless you’ve already made plans with Claudia.”

“I don’t have plans. And I’m not keen to call an end to our day just yet.” He squared his shoulders. “So why not?”

I beamed, certain I looked like a grinning fool, but I didn’t care. “That’s great. There’s just one thing.” I cocked my head. “Is this going to be dinner for two—or three?”

He frowned. “I didn’t think you’d want Claudia to join us.”

“I wasn’t referring to Claudia, but to a certain muscular gentleman who likes to wear a jacket when he goes to a bar.”

Nick stiffened. “How do youknow about him?”

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