Page 55 of Island Protector

When they were seated, pressed close from hip to knee, he pushed off with his foot and sent them swaying. He draped his arm around her shoulders. “I had a really great time. Thank you for being so brave.”

She snorted. “To go out in a tethered boat.”

“One step at a time. That’s all it takes.” He needed to remember that himself.

“Maybe. Along with an expert in all things boats and water.”

“Before long, your son will fit that definition.”

“I’m afraid you’re right.” She chuckled.

“Why?”

“It’s hard enough to say no when I need to now. How am I ever going to disappoint him when he asks me to come sailing with him someday?”

“What scares you so much about the water?”

“The unknown, I guess. I’ve always had a vague dread and a general uncertainty of what might be out there with me. I can’t really explain it better than that. I mean I grew up on the coast. Nothing terrible happened. I have basic swimming and survival skills. I’ve just never been comfortable in or around boats.”

“But you would brave all that if Bryce invited you to sail someday.”

“Tonight proved that, didn’t it?” She snuggled into his embrace. “That pretty much sums up motherhood—doing the scary things so your kids can do great things. Don’t go using that against me.”

He squeezed her shoulder and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Never. I could help you be more confident.”

She sighed. “I’m sure you could. I might even let you.”

When she shifted, her face tipping up, he kissed her,happily falling into the easy way she surrendered to the passion arcing between them. He was curious to know her thoughts about their undeniable chemistry, and terrified to ask. She agreed they were boyfriend-girlfriend official. Why wreck a good thing with more qualifiers? Slowing the kiss was a challenge, but he managed it. For both of them.

“When will Sharon be back?”

“Sunday afternoon. Unless things don’t go well.”

“Let me stay,” he tried one last time.

Her smile took on a wicked gleam. “I’d love that. But not tonight.” She fanned her face. “The ideas you put in my head, Miles. Being close to you makes me think about things I thought passed me by.”

“That’s absurd, Molly. You’re a beautiful and vibrant woman.” And young, too, though he often forgot she was only twenty-five.

“Who currently shares a bedroom with her son. You need to go.”

“You’re welcome at my place anytime.”

Her gaze dropped to his mouth and she licked her lips. “Maybe once the custody issue is over.”

“No maybe about it.” It came out all growly, with far more heat and need than he intended. But she didn’t shrink away. She pressed a hand to her heart. “Okay. Okay. When this custody thing is done, I’ll talk with Sharon about watching Bryce overnight.”

“I’ll be counting on that.” Reluctantly, distinctly uncomfortable, he stood. “Go ahead and keep the car,” he said.

“Miles.”

“It’s only a short walk home and the exercise will do me good. Besides, I’ve got the truck once I’m there and borrowing my car saves you a trip into Charleston for a rental.”

“I’ll need a trip into Charleston to buy a car.”

“That too. Just use the car, Molly.”

“All right.” She laced her fingers through his. “Thank you.” Using him for balance, she pressed up on her toes and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Sweet dreams.”

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