Page 38 of Obsession Under the Southern Stars

I draw a line in the sky. “The brightest star is Naos, which means “ship” in Greek. The constellation represents the stern of the mythical ship Argo Navis. It was one of the largest constellations in the sky, but it was eventually divided into three smaller constellations: Puppis, Carina, and Vela. It also includes a nebula called the Skull and Crossbones.”

“Trust you to know that,” she teases. “Anything to do with the sea.”

It’s growing cool, and she shivers, but this time I don’t have a jacket to put around her shoulders.

“Would you like to move inside?” I ask her.

She nods, so we collect our cups and go into the living room. I sit in one of the armchairs, and she takes the sofa.

Isamu comes in carrying a white bowl that he places on the table. It contains a pile of chocolate mints. He gives us a little bow. “I’ve cleaned everything up,” he says, “and I’m off now.”

“Thank you so much for that fantastic meal,” I reply, standing to shake his hand. “It was truly splendid.”

“I’ve never had anything like it,” Zoe says. “I really appreciate you taking the time to cook for us.”

“You’re very welcome. I hope you have an enjoyable stay.” He gives another little bow, then goes back into the kitchen.Soon, we see him carrying a couple of boxes out to a trolley on the path, and then we hear the wheels as it trundles away.

“What a wonderful experience,” Zoe says. “Thank you so much.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“I did. It was a great gift, and I really appreciate it.” She finishes off her coffee, then reaches for one of the chocolate mints and pops it in her mouth. “Ooh, these are good.”

I do the same, sucking the chocolate off and discovering the mint-flavored fondant beneath it. We both eat another, talking about the food and which course we enjoyed most.

Eventually, though, she says, “Well, I suppose we should go to bed. I’m really tired, and we have another busy day tomorrow.”

I nod reluctantly. “Yeah, come on, then.”

We get to our feet, and she takes our coffee cups into the kitchen while I lock up the villa. When I’m done, we walk to the bedrooms and stand just outside, between the two doors.

She smiles. “Thank you again.”

I nod. “Uh, you have a bit of chocolate on your lip…” I gesture at her Cupid’s bow.

Embarrassed, she scrubs at it, but she does it the wrong side and doesn’t remove it.

I close the distance between us, standing just a few inches away. Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t move back.

I lick my thumb. Press it gently on the chocolate mark and wipe it away. Insert it into my mouth and suck the chocolate off.

Zoe’s lips curve up, and her eyes turn sultry. “You’re so wicked.”

I don’t reply. I just study her mouth. The fascinating curve of that Cupid’s bow. The deep groove that runs from it to her nose.

Her lips part a little, giving me a glimpse of her straight white teeth.

“I know you don’t want a relationship,” I murmur. “I know you don’t want to go to bed with me. And you’re under no obligation to say yes, I swear. But you’re beautiful, and I’ve had a great day with you. Would you agree to a kiss?”

*

Zoe

My heart does a trampoline-style octuple full—a single back somersault with eight twists—as his gaze slips to my mouth.

My first instinct is to blurt out No! Absolutely not! It would be the absolute worst thing I could do to kiss him. It would be like not having eaten chocolate for a month and then nibbling the corner of a Mars Bar. Or having a sip of the best white wine on a cold day. How could you stop yourself from drinking the whole glass?

He’s waiting patiently, his night-sky eyes studying my face, maybe trying to read in my eyes how I’m feeling. I still feel uncomfortable that he paid for this very expensive villa. The least I can do is give him a kiss, right?

---