Page 54 of The Sailor in Polynesia
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The taxi waited for me at the curb. The driver popped the trunk, and we arranged my bags in the back.
Jonas opened the car door for me.
I started to say I’d stay in touch when I had a realization. “Jonas, I don’t have any of your contact info!” The thought was terrifying: I was going to leave my boat—my home and all my worldly possessions—with someone I couldn’t even get a message to, and only a few minutes ago I was thinking how much I wanted him to stay in my life.
Jonas was unruffled, though, and smiled. “Give me your phone.”
I dug my phone out of my purse and unlocked it before handing it to him. Jonas added his contact information and sent himself a message. “There. Now you will be able to talk to me.” He handed back the phone. “I promise I will take good care of your girl.”
“Thank you.”
Jonas opened his mouth but then hesitated. I waited for him to speak, but instead he caught me by surprise. His hand cupped my cheek, his fingers sliding into my hair and his thumb tilting my chin up. Gently, Jonas bent and brushed his lips against mine.
I breathed him in for a moment, my stomach flipping over and my heart pounding. When I didn’t move, he kissed me again, pressing our lips firmly together.
He pulled back slightly, shifting his weight and stepping away, but he allowed his lips to linger one moment more. Before he could pull away completely, I gripped his shirt and tugged him toward to me.
With that permission, we swept together. I slid an arm behind his back, pressing us closer. His fingers tightened, gripping my hair harder, squeezing every time his tongue swept my mouth. I took huge, gulping breaths of him until I was dizzy and achy and felt like I’d burst out of my skin.
We broke apart, both wide-eyed and breathing hard. Slowly, Jonas grinned at me and, untangling his fingers from my hair, touched the tip of my nose gently with his finger.
“See you soon,” he whispered softly.
I nodded, a little lost without him pressing against me. Jonas gently touched my back with his hand, guiding me down into the car. The door shut, the taxi drove away, and my brain tried to pull me back to reality.
With my fingertips, I traced my lips, which were plump and sensitive. The taste of Jonas lingered. I closed my eyes and smiled.
Twenty-One
At the airport I waited until I reached the gate to pull out my phone. I had a message from Jonas. It was careful and neutral.Have a good flight.I could picture Jonas assessing me, testing the waters.
No way.
That was some kiss,I messaged back.
Immediately my phone pinged.
Thank God. Best kiss of my life.
I laughed and crossed my legs, settling into my chair. Another message pinged in.
Are you at the gate?
Yes. Where are you?
In your bed. Too creepy?
My stomach fluttered. This new Jonas, this Jonas who kissed me senseless, was in my bed. I could picture it, his tanned skin and blond hair splayed on my sheets.
You make me want to miss my flight.
I will be here when you get back. If that is what you want.
Yes, please.
I cannot wait. I miss you already. Eivind is here now. I have to go.
