Page 92 of His Secret Gift

He groans. “Kayla, you have to go there. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

“You’ve been?” Again, he obviously has. But rhetorical questions are a necessary evil, especially when first familiarizing yourself with someone.

“Multiple times.”

Lucky.“For business or pleasure?” The latter makes me unreasonably jealous.

“A little of both. There’s a pretty big author I work with there. Um.” He sucks air through his teeth and then wipes at the corners of his mouth. “Anne Margaret Wood.”

I’m glad there isn’t anything in my hands because I probably would’ve dropped it on the floor. “You work with Anne Margaret Wood?”I guess I should’ve done more research.

“Oh, yeah. For quite a few years now.”

“I—I loveA Delicate Balance.” It’s a romance that takes place in the Wild West.

Jack smiles. “I’m glad.” Then, he scoots closer to me. “I’m told the character Jim Scott was based off of me.”

I lightly smack his shoulder. “Shut up.” Jim Scott is the wealthy entrepreneur who comes into town and woos Sally Lightworth, the poor barmaid.

He raises his hands up. “That’s what A.M. told me.”

Imagine being such good friends with a world-renowned author that you can call her “A.M.”

However, I’m burning with jealousy as I recall all of the intimate sex scenes between Jim and Sally.Who is she based on?I wonder.

Chapter 28

Boundaries – Jack

Before we get out of the car, I debate whether or not I should kiss her. Of course, I want to. But I also don’t want it to seem rushed or forced.

However, the moment passes before I know it.

So, we’re left just standing by each other in front of the hotel.

“Well, I’d better get going,” she says, pointing behind herself with her thumb.

“Of course. Me too.” We’re heading back to Safi early the next morning and then finishing our sail to Greece.

Her dazzling green eyes are staring up at me, and I want more than anything to embrace her in my arms.

But when Denver comes running up, I’m reminded just why I can’t do that.

“Where were you two all day?” he asks, hanging off of Kayla’s shoulder. Her body looks comically small next to him, and I assume he isn’t putting much of his weight on her. I don’t think she’d be standing upright if he did.

“Uh…” My mind is racing for an excuse.

“A botanical garden,” she answers honestly.

Kayla? What the hell?

“We both are really interested in cactuses. Right, Jack?”

Oh, okay.Now I see where she’s going. “Yep.”

“Cactuses?” Denver looks at me funny.

“Yeah,” I reply with a shrug. “Why not?”

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