Page 49 of Renewal After Dark

“What did you think I would say to that?”

“I wasn’t sure, and that had me spinning a bit, if I’m being honest.”

“No need for spinning or uncertainty.” He took her hand and linked their fingers. “I woke up this morning, like I did the last seven mornings, feeling better than I have in a very long time, and that’s all thanks to you.”

“I’m glad to hear that. You deserve to feel good.”

“So do you. I don’t like to hear you’re spinning and uncertain.”

“I’m sorry to be weird. I never used to be this way. I guess this is what happens when your fiancé calls off the wedding a month before.”

“He’s a fool.”

“You think so?”

“I really do. Anyone lucky enough to have you in their life should be smart enough to know it.”

She hadn’t realized how much she needed to hear that.

“Remember when I said I wanted everything with you?”

“I do.”

“I meant that, Piper. This is a very big deal for me, and I know it is for you, too. We’ve both been through a lot and have no patience for games or foolishness.”

“What you’ve been through is much bigger than my thing.”

He shook his head. “Heartache is heartache, sweetheart. Moving on from that takes courage, no matter how it happened.”

“Yes, it really does, and if you’d asked me if I was ready for… well, this… I would’ve probably said not really. But now it’s happening, and it’s been so special.”

“For me, too.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and ran his fingertip over her cheek. “It occurs to me that I’ve missed a very important step in my quest to bring the glorious Piper into my life.”

“What step is that?”

“The take-you-out-on-a-proper-date step so you won’t think I’m just after more of this.” He squeezed her breast to make his point. “Although more of this is never a bad thing.”

He made her want to giggle like a girl who was in love for the first time.

Yikes. Take that back.No one was in love here.

“What do you say about a date tonight?” He kissed her shoulder. “Hmm?”

“Sure. That sounds good.”

“Excellent. I saw a text about a hurricane survival party at the McCarthys’ Marina if you’re into that.”

“That might be fun.”

“Any time the McCarthys are involved, it’s fun. But I’d still owe you a proper date with wine and candles and tablecloths.”

“You don’t owe me anything.”

“Yes, I do.”

She was about to ask him why he thought that when his phone rang. He took the call and did more listening than talking. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” After another pause: “Yeah, I’ll call it in. Okay. See you soon.” He let out a deep breath as he ended the call. “They found a body in the Salt Pond. They think it’s Jim Sturgil.”

“Oh God. I was so hoping he’d be found alive.” Jim’s ex-wife Tiffany was her friend, and she ached for Tiff and her daughter.

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