Page 46 of California Waves

She felt her nose wrinkle in disbelief. “You made lasagna? Like, from scratch?”

“Sure. I told you I like to cook.” Then he paused, and she felt there was something he wasn’t going to say. Then he changed his mind. “Actually, I have a confession.”

Mila’s heart began to thud. Obviously, all this was too good to be true. Was he about to put another caveat on their time together?

“Your dad told me it was your favorite meal. That’s why I cooked it.”

She laughed, relieved. And then her eyebrows rose of their own accord. “Wait—that came up in conversation how?”

Hersch looked bashful again. “I may have asked him. In the context of my wanting to make you dinner to thank you for finding me this perfect house.”

“Right. Because he doesn’t know about the housewarming party for two.”

“That would be correct. And if I have anything to say about it, he’ll never find out.”

“Well, as it turns out, I am free tonight.” She sighed blissfully. “And lasagna is my fave. I guess I have no choice but to hang around a little while longer.” She shot him a coy smile.

They ate in the kitchen, and not only had he made possibly the best lasagna she’d ever eaten, there was a gorgeous salad bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables to go with it, along with crusty bread from her favorite bakery. This was a man who knew the way to Mila’s heart… by more than one path.

But for now, Mila put that thought out of her mind. She just wanted to relax, and she quickly found herself doing just that. They chatted about their days, and she told him a bit about a couple who were being completely indecisive, even after she’d found them the perfect house. He told her he’d met his neighbors, and they were very nice. It was just the kind of comfortable conversation that two people who spent a lot of time together would indulge in. She tried not to let it worry her. She’d pinkie sworn after all.

After she’d turned down a third helping of lasagna, he tidied up and then said, “Dessert?”

She put a hand to her full stomach. “I don’t think I can manage it.”

He gave her a very wicked grin. “Good. I was hoping you’d say that.” He stepped toward her and began to unbutton her blouse. “Because I was hoping you’d be my dessert.”

While the last of the evening sun streamed into the kitchen, he stripped her naked, hoisted her onto the cool stone of the kitchen island, and proceeded to work a sweet magic more delectable than any dessert.

* * *

Mila woke in Hersch’s bed again. Strangely, she was less freaked out this time and allowed herself to stretch and study Hersch as he slept. He was naked, as was she, and his body in repose was a thing of delight—strong but peaceful, the new sheets twisted around his hard abs as if tying a bow. She smiled and then checked her watch. It was still early—plenty of time to surf. Not because she had to, but just because she wanted to. She felt full of energy, even though her body was languorous from another night of expert lovemaking.

Once more, she tried to creep around and get dressed without waking him, and once more, she failed. He opened his eyes, propped his head on his arm, and said, “You’re up early. Again.”

“Epic waves do not wait, my friend.”

He yawned and stretched and got out of bed too.

“Why don’t you go back to sleep?”

“Can’t. I’m awake now.”

On impulse, she asked, “If you’re up anyway, why don’t you come down to the beach with me?” She held back from asking him to surf, but the implication was there.

The moment stretched, and she could feel his fear fighting with his determination to overcome it. She actually saw him pull in a breath and straighten his shoulders.

He nodded. “Okay. I will. But for the love of God, let me have a cup of coffee first.”

She was so delighted she’d have let him have eggs Benedict before they went surfing, but coffee was quicker. He disappeared into his workout room and emerged with a wetsuit.

Seeing her raised eyebrows, he said, “I got one for my Ironman competitions.”

“Right.” She had to remember that he was a strong and excellent swimmer, that his fear of the water was very new.

She suggested they take one car and head to her place first so she could change into her wetsuit.

As she pulled into her drive, she realized this was the first time he would see her little house. It was much more modest than his, but she loved it. She hoped he would see it the same way she did.

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