Page 37 of Island Protector

“Did you remember something?”

She wished the answer was yes. “No.” She sucked at lying. “Just wanted to say thank you for last night, today.Everything.” Awkwardness struck again. “You’re always so kind to us.”

“You know why.”

He didn’t move, but she felt pinned by his stare. An enticing shiver danced across her skin. “You’re interested in me.”

“Is that a problem for you, Molly?”

She shook her head. Dizzy, she leaned against the porch railing for support. “No. I thought maybe I dreamed our talk last night. At the clinic.”

“It was real,” he said through gritted teeth.

“I know. Um… What you said.” She was making a mess of this. Probably better to just be as bold as he had been. “I’m attracted to you too, Miles. Sometimes so much it scares me.”

“Because?” he prompted.

She took a big breath. If honesty made him bolt, best to know now. “Sharon and Bryce are the healthiest relationships I’ve had. I don’t want to make a change between us that puts your friendship with my son at risk.”

“I’ve been known to compartmentalize successfully.”

The eagerness in his voice made her smile. Put her at ease. She hadn’t realized he was climbing back up the porch steps until he stopped at the one just below her. At eye level it was impossible to deny her attraction.

“And a functioning relationship needs two people willing to put in the work.”

His scent surrounded her, drew her in like a moth to the flame. Need surged up, refusing to be denied any longer. Thanks to the steps, his mouth was right there within easy reach. Her fingers fluttered, desperate to touch him. “Can I kiss you?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

His mouth was warm, his lips firm against hers. The first contact sent a sizzle through her system that meltedinto pure bliss. His kiss was everything she’d never experienced. Granted, she’d given up serious dating, her experiences were limited to Tommy.

She couldn’t think of him now. Not while Miles’s hands coasted up to cradle her face as if she was a rare treasure. Her entire body felt transformed by his slow, tender caresses.

As if he peeled away those old layers to reveal something she didn’t know she had inside. He leaned back and she sighed, shamelessly following, seeking more.

On a groan, he obliged with a kiss so hot and passionate she wondered how she didn’t melt on the steps.

“Molly.”

“Did you know?” She tucked her head to his shoulder. “Did you know it would be like that?”

“I hoped.”

She eased back and traced his lower lip with her finger. “I dreamed.”

“That’s good to know.” He grinned. “I’ll see you and Bryce tomorrow afternoon.” The words feathered across her cheek and then he was gone, leaving her to find her way into the house on wobbling knees.

Chapter Nine

Rain had movedin overnight and the blustery day whipped up the water, painting ruffles of white across a slate gray several shades deeper than the steel-colored sky. The grumpy ocean deterred tourists. Not great for business, but better for safety overall. Miles was grateful he hadn’t scheduled any classes this month. New students and weather like this were never a fun combination.

Although sailors needed to learn how to manage in all conditions, rough water wasn’t the right starting point. And none of his experienced students would return until closer to summertime.

He made use of the foul weather day to catch up on his bookkeeping. Contrary to popular opinion, the sailing school wasn’t just a cover story. This was his new life, and he needed to keep the doors open. He hoped to become a fixture in the community and a business owner his eventual family could be proud of. Assuming he talked Molly into marriage someday.

After that kiss, he was feeling downright optimistic.

With the accounting done, he pulled up the security footage again, looking for the vandal.

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