Page 66 of Duty and Desire

I stared at him. “Would you make notes for me?”

“If that’s what you want, then of course.” He reached toward the coffee table to where my pen lay next to my notebook.

I laughed and grabbed his hand. “Not now. Right now is the time for cuddling and kissing, and falling asleep.”

Nick switched off the iPad with a dramatic sigh. “If you say so.”

“It will still be there in the morning.” Another day of writing.

Except I didn’t want my days to get into a routine. It had been weeks since Nick had taken me out to gaze at the stars.

It was my turn to come up with something equally romantic.

We walked back into the bedroom and climbed between the sheets. I spooned around him, kissing his neck and smooth shoulder, loving the murmurs of appreciation that fell from his lips as he slipped away from me, his breathing becoming more even.

I didn’t fall asleep, but lay there, considering my options.

It was high time I took Nick on a date, and I knew the perfect location.

Chapter Twenty-Two

May 19

Gio

Kai had done everything I’d asked, and more.

The table was close to the water, covered with a snow-white cloth. Glasses sparkled, and an ice bucket sat next to a champagne flute, in which stood a single red rose.

Nick’s soft gasp made it perfect.

“You said on the phone you wanted it to be romantic,” Kai murmured. “How did I do?”

I patted him on the back. “You excelled yourself.”

He beamed. “Then go sit, and I’ll be over in a minute with the tempura shrimp.”

I led Nick to the table, then pulled his chair out for him before sitting in the one facing him. “You like your surprise?”

His face glowed in the last rays of the sun. “Like doesn’t even come close. No one has ever taken me on such a date.” He glanced at the bottle in the ice bucket, and smiled. “That’s my favorite wine.”

I filled our glasses. “I know. I’ve learned a few things about you during the past weeks.”

“Such as?”

I smiled. “You twirl your fingers in your hair when you’re deep in thought. Most of the time, I don’t even think you know you’re doing it. And you get this little crease between your eyebrows when you concentrate.” I stroked his hand. “It makes you look so focused, but at the same time so adorably intense.”

“You’ve been studying me.” His voice was soft.

“There’s a lot to study.”

His eyes gleamed. “Oh?”

“I love the way your nose scrunches when you laugh. Your whole face lights up too. I love seeing your eyes when you talk about something that really interests you. It’s as if I’m watching your passion come to life right before my eyes, and I can’t help but fall for it.” I grinned. “And then there’s your giggle-snort.”

He stared at me. “I donotgiggle-snort.”

“I hate to break this to you, but yousodo. Hearing it makes me feel light and happy. And when you hum along to songs, your soft melody fills the room with warmth.” I smiled. “I love how you get excited about the smallest things, such as walking past a cute puppy, or spotting a quirky coffee mug.”

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