Page 98 of Designs on You

He swung his legs over the chaise so he faced her. “I don’t know. I like kids a lot. But having my own isn’t something that’s on my priority list. I guess I’ve always thought that when I meet the person I’m going to love for the rest of my life, that’s something we’ll decide together, ya know?”

“That makes good sense.” It was such a mature answer, and she appreciated his honesty.

He came over to her chaise, and she shifted to make room for him. He lifted his sunglasses to the top of his head. “What’s this about?”

“I don’t know. Nothing, really. I’m being ridiculous.”

He picked up her hand. “Talk to me, Natalie. There’s nothing you can’t tell me.”

His words were so earnest, and when she looked up at him, she saw the same in his eyes.

“You asked about kids and I blurted about not wanting any more. I guess I feel like I hurt your feelings.”

“You didn’t hurt me, Natalie. The one thing I appreciate is honesty. And I’ll always give it right back to you, and I was tellingyou the truth when I told you that I don’t even think about having kids of my own.”

He caressed his hand over hers, and the sensation was like a balm to her tortured feelings.

She laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m overthinking. I have a tendency to do that. Sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. You were considering my feelings, and I appreciate that.” He pulled her back. “But let me tell you that I don’t and never will think of you as a potential baby-maker. I like you for who you are and respect where you are at this point in your life. I like your kids a lot, too. I’m happy with the way things are between us, Natalie. Understand?”

She nodded. “Understood. And thanks.”

They lay like that together for a while. And while she felt more settled about the whole kids thing, the one thing that still unsettled her was the fact that their age difference was still a prominent factor in their relationship.

They were still in two different places in their lives.

• • •

After a couple of hours frolicking at the pool, they decided they were hungry, so they headed inside to clean up for dinner. Natalie had shaken off whatever weird mood she’d been in earlier. The late-afternoon sex and an incredible orgasm probably had a lot to do with improving her outlook on life and everything in general.

Eugene told her they were going somewhere upscale for dinner, but not overly fancy, so she slid on a black sleeveless dress and silver heeled sandals, adding hoop earrings and a silver chain.Eugene looked delicious in black slacks and a white button-down shirt.

“You dress up nice,” she said as she stepped out of the bedroom.

He walked over to her, picked up her hand, and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “And you are stunning. Not just tonight, but always. Every day. No matter what you wear.”

Damn if her heart didn’t flutter. “You’re very good at compliments, Eugene.”

“I’m good at being truthful, Natalie.”

With a sigh, she slipped her arm through his and they headed downstairs. They got a lot of looks walking through the lobby. She had to admit she enjoyed the attention of being seen on the arm of a spectacular-looking man.

A younger man, at that.

What a buzzkill. Her subconscious should really shut the hell up.

They drove to a restaurant near the ocean. Natalie was glad she’d dressed up because it was, indeed, upscale. Dark and atmospheric, the walls were adorned with rich wallpaper, and the tables were elegantly dressed. They were seated in a moody, romantic corner by the window with spectacular views of the ocean.

Their server brought them wine, and Natalie sat back and enjoyed the view.

“This has been fun,” she said as she took a sip of the delicious cabernet.

“Trip’s not over yet.” Eugene took a swallow of wine and smiled at her. “There’s still magic to be had.”

She cocked her head to the side. “You know I don’t need magic, right?”

“Why do you say that? Don’t you think you deserve a little fantasy?”

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