Page 85 of Between Two Shores

The sound system connected to his Bluetooth and shuffled a playlist.

He boldly placed his palm face-up, next to her lap. Beth glanced at his hand and threaded their fingers. Her eyes sparkled, her smile radiant. Relief flooded his soul, and his breathing calmed.

The engine reverberated to life, along with his heart. Lachlan raised their joined hands and kissed the back of hers.

He reversed out of the driveway and drove toward the city. Fifteen minutes up the Kwinana Freeway, the Swan River mirrored lights from the skyscrapers. Streaks of violet, pinks, amber, and tungsten ripped over the waters.

Hand in hand, they walked into the restaurant. When the booking attendant spotted their listing, his eyes lit up. “Oh, yes, come this way.” Chris knew the head chef and had asked in advance for V.I.P service for the evening.

Beth’s delicate heels clicked over the Roman-like marble tiles. Several wine glasses and coolers glinted from the tables they passed. Couples and clusters of patrons spread out throughout the spacious restaurant. On several tables, delectable chef creations added color to the neutral mocha tones of the décor. King prawn stacks, lobster, and steak fillets beside beetroot puree, were a few that stood out. The poached pear on a chocolate tart caused his mouth to water.

The waiter pivoted and waved his palm. “Your table.” He gave a slight nod. A private booth tucked in the corner faced the city lights. There couldn’t be a better choice for the night he’d planned. The high-back curved booth blocked out the majority of observers. They had front row seats to Perth’s majestic city skyline.

Beth scooted across first, and Lachlan slipped in next, so they were side by side, but angled enough to face each other in conversation.

The waiter had a cloth napkin draped over his arm as he poured water from the carafe. “I’ll leave you to browse the menu.”

“Thank you,” Beth touched the edge of the table, gazed over her surroundings, to the view, and into his eyes. “This is very secluded, isn’t it?”

“Is that okay?”

“More than okay.” The corner of her mouth lifted.

He faced her squarely. “Now, I can tell you one of the reasons why I’ve asked you to fine dine with me tonight.” He swallowed. “I received an offer on my house.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re selling your home in San Diego?”

“I mentioned to Mom that I’d want to sell it eventually if—things progressed here. When she did a routine inspection this week, my tenant asked how much a house like mine would be. He wanted to get a feel for San Diego before buying.”

“So, he loves the area then?”

“Yes, and my place suits his needs. Mom told him that I’m open to selling. She suggested a price and encouraged him to make an offer.”

Beth jumped an inch. “Have you accepted?”

“Not yet.” He grinned. “I wanted to check with you first.”

She blinked. “Me?”

He gently squeezed her cheek. “Yes, you.” He collected her palm and placed it over his heart. “This is all about you, Beth. I’m here because I want to be with you. The open doors to work have paved a way for me to stay. But I don’t want to go back to that lonely house in San Diego.” He tapped her fingers against his chest. “You’re in my heart now, and I want to be where you are. Australia. Where you call home.”

Her gaze searched the depth of his. “I want you to stay too.”

He inched closer, slid his arm over her shoulder, and kissed her temple. “I’m glad.”

Beth threaded her arm around his waist and rested her head on his chest. “Mmmm. You’ve got that delicious cologne on. How am I to resist you?”

He chuckled lightly and brushed her cheek. “You’re very honest.”

Beth snuggled in more, and he savored the warmth of her closeness. The view mesmerized him as much as the beauty in his arms. They should look at the menu before the waiter returned. But he’d rather fast forward to dessert. He inched away and tilted her chin to meet his. Her gaze roamed his face, and his eyes whispered over hers, then dipped to her mouth. “And the second reason for tonight . . .” His voice became thick as honey. He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip and gently, ever so gently, parted her mouth. He glanced at the invitation in her eyes. “Can I kiss you?”

“More than two years is enough waiting, Lachlan.” She smiled mischievously. “I want you to kiss me like there’s no tomorrow.”

He softly chuckled. “I will.” Every cell yearned to make Beth his.

Her face softened as he cupped her cheek and leaned in, brushing his lips against her mouth. His fingers weaved into her loose curls as he deepened the kiss. A sigh of pleasure escaped her lips, causing his pulse to race. She clutched his shirt collar and kissed him hungrily. The two years of waiting made this moment a climax of ecstasy. Man, what a great kisser. For minutes, he’d forgotten where they were.

Their lips broke free for three beats so he could catch his breath. “Beth. You’re amazing.” He kissed her once more, and slumped in his chair, drained of all his strength. “That was intense.”

---