Page 77 of The House on Blueberry Lane

He smiled and tightened his arms around her. “You needed your rest.”

She snuggled closer to him. “By all rights, Mr. Colfax, you needed yours. I was hoping to wear you out.”

“You would have if I hadn’t slept on the flight here.”

“And my excuse is that I didn’t get much sleep last night at all. I was missing you.”

She had told him that when they’d talked on the phone. Velvet had called to let him know she’d arrived and how beautiful their villa was. She’d called again later to talk to him while he packed. When she’d called late at night, he’d been concerned until she told him how much she was missing him.

“And I missed you, too, Velvet. The reason I slept on the plane was because it was hard for me to sleep Sunday night without you snuggled close beside me.”

She turned in his arms and when she offered her lips to him, he took them. He loved her and hoped he was displaying just how much with every kiss and touch.

He released her mouth and said, “I have dinner reservations at one of the restaurants just a short walk from here. It’s on the beach.”

“Okay. Are you still going jogging every morning?”

He chuckled. “Yes, we’re still going jogging every morning. The sandy shores will replace the blueberry fields. Are you ready to get up for dinner?”

“Not yet.” Then she pulled him close for another kiss.

THEY ARRIVED AT the restaurant on time for their reservation—just barely. Jaye thought it felt strange to walk into an establishment together, holding hands and not caring who saw them together. They were shown to a table that overlooked the Atlantic. The ocean was beautiful at night and the water reflected the light from the torches around the restaurant.

After they ordered drinks, Velvet looked at him. “So, what do you have planned for us this week?”

He smiled. “One thing is definite, I’m keeping you away from the bedroom as much as possible.”

“Why?”

“I think you trying to kill me.”

She broke eye contact with him to study her menu. “You’re sure that’s all there is to it?”

He heard the uncertainty in her voice. What was going on with her? Reaching out, he lifted her chin so their gazes could meet. “What other reason could there be?”

She shrugged. “Maybe you don’t want me as much as I want you?”

Did she honestly think that because he was letting her decide when they made love? “I want you just as much, possibly even more, Velvet, but I’m letting you decide on when and how much.”

“Why?”

He leaned closer so his words could not be overheard and whispered, “Because if I don’t, you’ll never get off your back. My head would forever be between your legs, our reproductive parts would always be joined, and my tongue might as well become a permanent fixture inside your mouth.”

She blinked and he smiled. Hopefully, that would put her doubts to rest.

THE NEXT MORNING, they got up before dawn and went jogging on the beach. After Velvet jogged her mile, she returned to the villa. Jaye was determined to do his five miles. By the time he returned, she had showered and was waiting for him.

After his shower, they walked to one of the cafés for breakfast. Just as Catalina Cove was known for their blueberry muffins, one of Key Largo’s claims to fame was their key-lime muffins. She and Jaye thought they were incredible. Later, they walked on the beach, holding hands, and he told her all the things he’d arranged for them to do during the week.

“My goodness, Jaye. I’m not as young as I used to be.”

He laughed. “So says the woman who tried wearing me out in the bedroom yesterday and last night. And as far as being young, if you recall, Velvet, I’m five years older than you.”

Suddenly she released his hand and raced off and called over her shoulder, “Catch me if you can!”

Like she’d known he would, Jaye took off after her. She figured he could’ve caught her easily but decided to let her get ahead of him. She zigzagged around him and then raced back toward their villa. She appreciated that she got there before him.

By the time he reached their villa, she had the shower going and figured he’d know where to find her. He didn’t waste any time removing his clothes and joining her.

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