Page 37 of Turbulent Fires

“Maybe there are more people in the world like them than we think. It’s just that the bad ones are so loud they’re what we hear.”

“I’d love to think that’s true,” I tell him, my eyes a bit teary. He bumps into my shoulder.

“Hey! No getting all misty-eyed on me. This is the place of dreams and possibilities. Only happiness is allowed.”

I chuckle as I blink away tears. “Okay, macho man, I won’t tell anyone what a real softie you actually are.”

He laughs. “Good. I have a reputation to maintain.”

I roll my eyes but lean against him. I believe it’s far too late for me not to fall in love with this man. But just because I think that might be happening, doesn’t mean I’m going to admit it out loud.

We take a different route back down the hills, and we’re on a seemingly never-ending staircase. If I want to build some muscles, I’m certainly in the right place. We’re moving slower now as the sun dips low, painting the harbor in molten gold. The laughter between us has softened into something warm and familiar, and I don’t hesitate when he takes my hand.

We stop at Antonio’s Pizza and share a few slices, then make our way back to the Green Pleasure Pier, which now has far fewer people on it as all of the businesses are closed. We stand at the end of the pier and look out at the harbor lights, peace filling me.

Wolf stands behind me, wrapping his arms around my middle, warming me from the outside in. I’m in big trouble here, worse than I thought. I didn’t intend to come here with Wolf, but if I was trying to maintain distance with him, I’ve failed miserably. I feel closer to him than ever before.

“My mother said the sea is clearest when you’re standing still,” he whispers, not wanting to break the moment. I turn around in his arms so I can look into his eyes.

“Your mother was a wise woman. Thank you for today. I don’t know how it could’ve been more perfect.”

“I know how the night can be more perfect,” he says with a sexy smile that makes me want to accept the offer that’s clearly there. I can’t figure out what I’m feeling, though, when I’m lost in his arms.

He leans down and kisses me with care and tenderness. His lips taste of salty air and my heart beats out of control. Emotions curl through me as the waves gently lap against the shore and the darkness of the night wraps us in its arms. For this moment, the world disappears as we’re surrounded by our own bubble no one’s allowed to enter.

He pulls back too soon. “Stay with me tonight.” It seems so natural to simply agree. It takes all I have to shake my head.

“I have to work tonight. Words are flowing through my head, and if I go home with you, I not only can’t write about my accommodations, but we both know zero work will get done.” I laugh as I reach up and cup his cheek.

He looks as if he wants to argue, but shocks me when he smiles. “You’re right. Zero work will get done because I want to make love to you until the sun rises.”

My stomach flips as I grow wet and hot. I want to immediately change my mind. I know how much pleasure this man brings.

“You’re almost impossible to resist.”

His smile grows. “Good. That’s the plan. I’ll walk you to your place.”

I shake my head as I reluctantly pull from his arms and step backward. His smile falls away. I instantly feel cold even though it’s a warm night.

“We both know if you walk me there, you’ll come inside. We also know it will be great. I’ll see you tomorrow, Wolf.” I blow him a kiss, then spin around and jog away. He could easily chase after me, catch me, and certainly change my mind.

When he doesn’t, I fall a little bit more in love with him. Sure, there’s one part of me that wants him to do just that, but the fact that he respects me enough to honor my work and my word makes me realize he’s like no other man I’ve met before. I don’t think I’m falling in love with him, I know I am.

I reach my hotel and find my way to my lonely room that’s perfectly comfortable with a great staff. None of that matters. All that’s on my mind is Wolf Young. I don’t know how our story is going to play out, and I certainly don’t know how it’s going to end. I might be testing him, but I have a feeling he’s testing me just as much. What I don’t know is what the results are going to be.

Chapter Fourteen

Audrey

The water is glassy smooth this morning, only broken by the rhythmic dip of paddles and the gentle splash of sea lions playing off the rocky outcrop nearby. I adjust my grip on the paddle as I glance over at Wolf, who’s sitting comfortably in his bright orange kayak beside me.

I smile as I shake my head. Of course, the man looks like a catalog model with his tousled hair, aviator sunglasses, cargo shorts, and an expression that says he could lead a survival mission through uncharted waters and still make time for a joke and a kiss.

“I didn’t know I’d be competing with the wildlife to stay above the water,” I say with a laugh as I suspiciously look at the sea lions who’ve been eyeing us since we began our kayaking adventure.

“They’re jealous because I’m normally serenading them instead of a beautiful woman. They might be making plans to dunk you,” he warns as his paddle easily cuts through the water.

“Ah, I can see their restraint. They clearly are making their claim,” I say with a laugh. He might not be that wrong, though. A few of them are giving me the evil eye. They might look friendly, but they also eat their meals alive, so I don’t know how much I trust them.

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