Page 52 of Island Protector

It was scary how much she trusted him. She was out here on a boat with her son. Having dinner and more intimacy than she expected to have before Bryce went to college. Eventhinking it, she recognized the small box she’d put herself in. Miles made her want to stretch her wings. The last time she’d been this exhilarated about anything was landing the job at Island Bloomers.

“Were you just taking advantage of the fact that I wouldn’t give into the fear in front of Bryce?”

“No. It wasn’t that.” His fingers drifted over her shoulder. “I wanted you to see his confidence.”

Definitely a gift only Miles could’ve given her. “It’s impressive, thanks to you.”

“Ninety percent of his confidence here is because of you,” Miles corrected her. “It has nothing to do with boats or questions or safety talks and everything to do with how he’s been raised.”

“Thank you,” she murmured, feeling shy. His words warmed her more than the hot meal and snuggling close.

Bryce scooted closer, asking Miles about the image on the tablet and comparing it to the sky overhead. “Do I have to go to school tomorrow?”

“Yes,” Molly said without hesitation. “But you get to have all the fun you want here until it’s time to go home.”

“When is that?”

“Do you want to go now?” she asked. She heard the weariness in his voice. Fresh air wore him out faster than indoor activities.

“No.”

“Then keep on enjoying yourself. I’ll watch the clock for bedtime.”

“Okay.”

The three of them continued to talk about stars and Miles surprised her when he shared a few entertaining legends about certain constellations.

“He’s asleep,” Molly whispered. “You’ve got a knack for stories.” Glancing at the tablet, she saw it was still a good hourbefore the normal bedtime routine began. “This was a perfect evening, Miles.”

“You’re not seasick?”

Lovesick might be more accurate, but she wasn’t about to admit that. “No. I’m not making any promises for when we actually go sailing though.”

“Noted.” He feathered a kiss over her cheek. “We’ll take it easy on you, I promise.”

She’d believe that when she saw it. The man was amazing, but he couldn’t control the ocean. “I think Bryce would be content if it was just you two and Sharon,” she ventured.

“Sure, we’ll do that too.” He tilted her chin to look into her eyes. “But I don’t think I would be. I own a sailing school, Molly. It’s a bad look if my girlfriend won’t sail with me.”

“Hmm. This escalated quickly.” She tried to laugh it off, but his gaze was deep and serious. “You mean it? You want to put a label on this and make it official?” Butterflies soared through her stomach, but it had nothing to do with the boat or the water. It was all happiness about the possibility with Miles.

He nuzzled her neck. “Are you opposed to being known—officially—as my girlfriend?”

Anticipation shivered over her skin. “Not if you’re ready to bear the brunt of being my boyfriend. The role could prove risky.” Especially right now. She’d have to talk with Mr. Devaney, but she didn’t want to hide anything either. And there was nothing wrong or improper about the time she spent with Miles.

“Molly, I’ve been ready to be your boyfriend for some time. There’s no risk that isn’t worth the reward.”

She eased away from his embrace, studying his features in the soft glow of the lights. “You really mean that.”

His shoulders tensed. “I’m not the kind of guy who blows smoke.”

“No, of course not.” She hadn’t meant to offend him. “I haven’t thought of myself as anything other than a mom and florist for a long time.” Those butterflies started another round of aerial maneuvers, but she owed him the truth. “I like you. A lot. And I’ve wished we were more than friends through Bryce.”

“Good—”

She pressed a hand to his chest. “But I’m scared too. I honestly have no idea if I’m any good at romance. Sharon and Bryce are the best relationships in my life.”

“What about Nina?” he reminded her. “You must have other friends too. You’ve gone on the girl-weekends.”

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