Page 60 of Hibiscus Heights

“But we’re older now.” He placed his hand over hers.

Her fingers stilled under his touch. For a heartbeat, she didn’t pull away.

The old spark between them was growing stronger, though now it was tempered by experience. They had a chance. He could feel it.

Deb pulled back. “I should go.”

The rejection stung, but he understood the wisdom in it.

And then, on impulse, she stepped forward to give him a friendly hug. “Thanks for dinner.”

At the sudden touch of her skin, his heart nearly stopped.

Her arms lingered around him a little longer than necessary, her careful words and actions at odds.

He brought his arms around her waist and breathed in the sweet scent of her hair.

She still cares.

Finally, Deb pulled away and swung her leg over the bike. “Take care of yourself, Grant. And those sweet kids.”

He watched her cycle away, feeling more attracted to her than ever. The woman she’d become was everything he’d once glimpsed in her, now fully realized. Intelligent, strong, independent, compassionate.

And those legs, those lips…

He scrubbed a hand over his jaw. Was the distance between them too far to bridge? She was right about his leaving. Already, he cared too much to hurt her again.

Was a month long enough to change their lives? Wondering about that, he watched her figure disappear into the night.

17

On Saturday morning, Deb arrived at the address Kitty had given her and stepped from her vintage Corvette convertible. She’d brought that instead of her SUV today. After last night with Grant at Cuppa Jo’s, she needed to feel a brisk ocean breeze on her face.

Despite her resolution to part as friends, she and Grant spent the evening rolling back the years. She found herself yearning to feel his lips on hers. The heat building between them was almost too much for her. All night, she’d ached to stroke his face and chest as she once had.

She fanned herself. What was it in Grant’s touch that Matteo lacked?

Last night, she’d hardly slept at all, trying to make sense of it. Finally, she realized it wasn’t the memories of their young love that attracted her; it was the man he was now.

She opened her car door, shaking off thoughts of Grant. Would Kitty be able to tell?

Pausing in the driveway, Deb shifted into her professional mode to organize her thoughts. She would think about Grant later.

Deb took in the exterior view of the beach house Kitty had under contract. Soft turquoise splashed the exterior. Balconies jutted toward the sea, offering front-row seats to spectacular sunsets.

She could certainly work with this.

Kitty stood at the entry wearing a vivid Pucci-style summer dress. Her real estate agent was also with her, though she looked a little harried.

Deb greeted Kitty, adding, “And Mariella, how are you? I haven’t seen you much this summer.”

“I’ve been busy with clients,” the real estate agent replied. “In fact, I have another showing. Would you mind locking up when you’ve finished?”

“Happy to,” Deb said.

“I’m glad you could come on such short notice,” Kitty said. “You’re probably busy since that magazine article came out.”

“I’ve had several inquiries.”

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