Page 67 of Duty and Desire

He flushed. “That last one happened once.”

“Yes, but your enthusiasm was infectious.” I hadn’t been able to resist the urge to buy it for him, and it was now a permanent feature in the kitchen. “You always try to help people, even when they don’t ask for it. Take the lady who dropped her shopping at the supermarket the other day. You didn’t hesitate. You were down on the floor in a heartbeat, gathering up all her cans and bags.”

“But that’s something anyone would do,” he protested, blushing.

“I disagree. Not everyone is as thoughtful as you.” I traced the line of his hand with my fingertip. “And I love the way you always seem to remember little details.”

Nick swallowed. “You seem to love a lot about me.”

I knew why I’d wanted this to be a romantic evening. I had something to tell him, and I’d wanted to make it special.

I held Nick’s hand in mine. “Because of this trip, my life is going to become more complicated.” I gazed into his warm brown eyes. “I might have to leave in ten weeks, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I’ll be back here often.”

His eyes twinkled. “The island gets under your skin, doesn’t it? You fell in love with the place too.”

My heartbeat quickened. “Yes, but more importantly, I fell in love with you.”

For a moment he said nothing, but the rise and fall of his chest beneath a layer of white linen said plenty. He widened his eyes, his cheeks flushed, and I was on tenterhooks waiting for him to respond.

Nick’s breathing hitched. “Now there’s a coincidence. I fell in love with you too.”

I whooshed out a breath. “Nick, I?—”

A cough made me jump. Kai stood next to our table, carrying two plates. “I hate to interrupt, but…”

I chuckled and pulled my hand back. “Thank you. This looks delicious.”

“Hey, you don’t have to stop holding hands on my account.” He placed the dishes in front of us, then reached into his pocket, producing a lighter. Kai lit the squat candle in its colored glass container. “I figured a little candlelight was called for.” He cleared his throat. “And now I’ll leave you to enjoy your food—and each other’s company.” He beat a hasty retreat back to the bar.

I gazed after him. “Wow. I didn’t know he could be so considerate, not to mention discreet.” Nick gave me a puzzled glance, and I pointed toward the bar. “Kai? Who was just here?”

Nick blinked. “He was?”

That was adorable as hell.

“Can we go back to the part where we were talking about falling in love?” Nick huffed. “I want to kiss you, but this is too public a place for the kind of kiss I had in mind.” He looked at the shrimp. “And now eating is the last thing I’m thinking of. All I want is to be alone with you.”

I claimed his hand once more. “I want to enjoy this, a romantic meal by candlelight, the sun setting over the lagoon, a glass of chilled wine…”

Nick flushed. “I do too.”

“So we’ll eat, we’ll drink a glass or two, and after that, we’ll walk home.” I kissed his fingertips. “We’ll have all night, and you can kiss me until your lips are swollen.”

He smiled. “I might.” His eyes sparkled in the candlelight.

My pulse raced and something fluttered in my belly, but more noticeable than those sensations was the feeling of being safe, being whole.

Not to mention euphoric.

I looked him in the eye. “I love you. And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep that love alive. I’ve never experienced anything this… momentous, and now that I have? I don’t want to lose it.” I smiled. “And you’re right. This is definitely not the place for me to kiss you. I’d get arrested.”

He laughed. “Good to know we’re on the same page.”

I knew once we were in the bungalow, I wouldn’t be able to hold back. The flush on Nick’s skin, his shining eyes, his parted lips, the way he trembled at my touch…

I yearned to explore all of him.

Possess all of him.

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