Page 17 of Merry with a Captain

She met his gaze, and searched to see if he held any indication that he had something in mind. By the dashboard light it was difficult to see expression in his eyes.

"I'm a bit peckish. I think I could have a snack and maybe a hot toddy, or a special hot chocolate.”

"Let's go see what we can find." Fletch backed out of the parking space and made his way through the traffic towards the market and her hotel.

"I've just pulled up the Love Beach Christmas Market app and there's a place called Hot-liday Drinks, weird name, but it might be just what we're looking for. I don't remember seeing it last night, but it looks like it's on a laneway beside the market." She studied the map then put the phone down.

They were approaching the market and she watched for the cafe.

“Keep an eye out for an open parking spot.”

"I see it," she said.

“Right, now to find a parking spot. I'd like to get as close as possible so you don't have to walk too far in the cold."

She glanced at him, he was busy searching for a place to pull in, and she was moved over his concern for her, whether she was cold or hungry. In that moment, she realized what a wonderful man he is and how lucky any woman would be to have him as her partner.

I want him.

She wasn't surprised when that thought flashed through her mind. Because she knew she’d fallen for him that first night over a month ago. She could only hope that he felt the same way.

10

"Oh, my God, this place is amazing!" Robyn said when they were inside the old-fashioned street car. "It's not a train, it's more like a trolley from San Francisco, only bigger, closed in and renovated. Very cool."

"Nothing like I've ever seen before," Fletch said as he shook off his jacket. "There's a table over there. Did you want to get it and I'll order the drinks and food?"

"How about I put our coats there, and I'll join you because you have no idea what I would like to have." She smiled up at him rather cheekily.

“True enough. Okay, I'll get in line and wait for you.”

He watched her place their coats on the chair, and she fluffed her hair; totally unnecessary because to him she looked absolutely perfect. She was windblown, pink-cheeked from the cold, her eyes bright and shining. She was beautiful.

Robyn walked towards him, meeting his gaze. The heat he saw in them sent a surge of desire through him. They’d been tiptoeing around the sexual tension that hovered between them for most of the day. It was powerful and brought back sweet memories of their first night together. He wondered if she’dgiven any thought on how they should end their evening. He had.

Spending the day with her allowed him to see more of who she is, and hopefully for her as well. He’d enjoyed every moment of the day. Being with her hadn’t been stressful in the least. They were good together, and he was optimistic, wanting to get to know her better. What she loved, desired, goals and dreams. There was no doubt about their chemistry.

He’d also been thinking about her invitation to Vermont. Had it been in the heat of the moment, a slip of the tongue, or had she meant it?

The thought of spending the holidays with family had been a dream of his since he was a kid. But, he didn’t have a family other than Beck and Rob. Robyn’s family was hers, not his. If he went, he was concerned he’d be crashing a close gathering of parents, siblings, and extended family members and be unwelcome, or at the very least, cause strain with his presence. It was the last thing he wanted to do to Robyn.

So, he was torn.

She slipped her arm through his and leaned into him. He let the concerning thoughts slide away and chose to worry about it later. He’d rather feel the wonderful contentment that rushed through him in her presence. In a nutshell, being with her made him feel good and realize what he’d been missing all these years. Someone to share a life with.

Had he been living in a bubble, not recognizing how empty he’d been? Sure, his life was full with the business,Intrepid,and everything that went along with it. But, now he could see there was more to living and it was lacking.

A companion, someone to share the days…and nights… with. No one had ever made him feel like that, until now. He took a deep breath and gazed down at her while she inspected the display case of delectable treats and nibbled on her nail. A visionof a life with her flashed through his brain, images of them cruising the ocean, with babies, growing old together. Had he lost his mind?

No, he hadn’t. Something changed in him, and he wanted to hang on to it. Hang on to Robyn.

Later they walkedarm-in-arm across the street to her hotel. Fletch wanted to make sure she got back without any incident. Unlike last night.

Once in the elevator, alone, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her until she hung limp in his arms.

“I’ve been dying to do this all night,” he whispered into her hair.

“Me too,” she breathed, and her fingers clutched him.

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