Page 54 of Island Protector

“That kid will grow up to be a lawyer,” he mused.

“It’s crossed my mind,” she murmured. “There are a lot of years between now and then. I try not to dwell on the looming college expenses.”

“There are solutions?—”

She cut him off with a look. “Not dwelling.”

Fine. There would be plenty of time to discuss it. To let her know he had more than enough money to get Bryce through college. And law school. Money for more kids too, if all his fantasies about Molly and kids came true. Tonight hadbeen fascinating and wonderful and only fueled him with hope that he could make it work for all three of them.

“I’ll walk you out,” she said.

He shook his head. “I’ll stay on the couch. I told Jess and Sharon I would.”

“That’s really generous and not at all necessary. Go home. Come back for breakfast if you want. We do that earlier around here on school days.”

He understood the warning, but he knew the primary school schedule. “If I’m here, the timing wouldn’t be an issue.”

“If you’re here, I have to explain it to Bryce.” She pointed toward the dark night outside the front window. “There’s a car watching the front door and another out back.”

True. He’d seen the text alert from Jess. That didn’t change anything in his mind.

“Miles, please. I’m safe and you deserve some good rest.”

“Are you worried about gossip?”

“Maybe a little.” Then she wrinkled her nose and shrugged it off. “Anyone thinking that we are together isn’t entirely wrong.”

She made it sound like a question and that bothered him. “We are together,” he said firmly. He wanted that more than anything. Day after day Molly was the one thing he needed more of. More smiles, more kisses, more time with Bryce. He wasn’t quite sure when he had fallen in love with her, he just knew he didn’t want this amazing connection to end.

Oh, sure, there would be tough days. Part of living. But he wanted to share his tough days with her and in turn, ease her burdens.

First, he wanted another kiss. What would she do if he whispered all his longing for her? Would she let him stay or toss him out faster?

“What are you thinking?” she asked, eyeing him cautiously.

He didn’t dare tell her all the details of how he wanted to love her and worship her body. It had to be too soon to share all the ideas rushing through his mind. Brushing his fingers over the shell of her ear, he fought for his tattered self-control. “Let me kiss you good night?”

Her smile was lovely as she leaned closer. “As long as I can kiss you back.”

Her lips under his were even sweeter than on the boat. Alone now, they both burned hotter, letting hands and fingers roam, seeking skin and sighs.

“You need to go.” The words fluttered over his throat, driving him mad.

“I’ll stay. And behave.”

She shook her head, palms pressed to his chest. “I can’t make the same promise.” The ragged confession nearly undid him.

Darting around him, she got the front door open and he found himself on the porch. With her. The chilly air wrapped around them before either of them said another word. He held her, his arms linked loosely at her back. It shouldn’t have been satisfying, but somehow it was enough.

For now.

“Thank you for the best Valentine’s date of my life.” She looked up at him, her lips full from their kisses.

He didn’t want to leave. “Can we sit for a minute?” He pointed to the porch swing. “I don’t want to let go.”

“Miles, you know we shouldn’t. Even… Even if I thought I was ready.” She looked around as if she expected to find a camera in the azaleas, ready to snap another incriminating photo. Sadly, after the threatening text messages, he understood her fear.

“Just another minute to be close,” he said. “Please.”Taking her hand, he guided her to the swing. “Bryce is safe and we’ll hear him if he wakes up.”

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