Page 68 of Forbidden Vows

A quiet moment goes by. Then he asks, his voice low, filled with emotion. “You gonna miss me?”

My heart tugs in my chest.

“Of course I am.” More than I could ever tell him. “I haven’t been this happy in a long time.”

He reaches over, grabbing my hand to hold it as we gaze back up at the stars in silence, both of us lulled into our thoughts by our conversation and the lap of the water.

My relaxed state is quickly dissipating. I’m hurting. I want something with him, but this trip is a perfect fairytale, and I must return to my real life. I hate to ruin this amazing night he planned; nothing in me wants him to feel less important than work, but if I don’t send that email…

Poppy’s cute little face pops up in my mind, telling me about her Grandpa’s ‘beary weevils.’

Releasing his hand, I let out a sigh and sit up. “I hate to burst our heavenly bubble, but class assignment requests really are due, and I love those little munchkins. Duty calls, even in paradise. I’ll need to use my old phone to find his email address.”

He stares up at me with those gorgeous green eyes of his. “I don’t want to think about you returning to the city.”

“I’m going to really miss you, Blaze.” I lean over, kissing him. “Thank you. For everything.”

He goes to hold me, to draw me further into the kiss, but I have a life to return to, and I don’t want to miss this opportunity because I got lost in a moment.

In all honesty, I want to be alone with my pain and disappointment. I’ve come dangerously close to letting my feelings get the best of me. I need to remember that we live in two different worlds, an ocean apart.

I pull away, putting a hand to his cheek. “I’m sorry, but I should go now.”

“I know.” He puts his hand over mine.

As we stare into one another’s eyes, I’m not entirely sure if ‘I have to go’ means going back to the city or leaving him. I have to be strong. I can’t get lost in the magic of the moment. It takes all my inner strength to stand up from the bunny pad.

I spend the next few moments thanking him profusely, ensuring he knows how wonderful this day and this trip have been and how grateful I am for his protection, care, and thoughtfulness. He’s quiet as I speak, with a soft smile and a faraway look in his eyes. “And most of all, thank you for healing me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was…broken after Keith. You made me feel,” I stare up at him. “You made me feel beautiful. You made me see myself in a new light.”

“You are beautiful. You’re a bright light in a dim world.”

Warmth comes over me at his compliment. I’m going to miss his words as much as his kisses. Speaking of, now, he leans in to kiss me, but I don’t think I can handle one of his deep, emotional tongue tangles. I turn my face and offer my cheek.

Finally, I ask, “Where can I find my phone?”

“It’s back at the house,” he says.

“We have to go back to get it?”

“Yeah.” He glances at his watch. “It’s only ten.”

My heart sinks at the thought of leaving the boat before our time is up. But I need that phone. He stares up at me. I’m not sure if I’m misreading his gaze, but I feel he’s pleading with me to say no, stay, and forget about my job, my life, and the city.

To stay with him.

I could ask if we can return to the yacht after getting the phone, but we both know the moment will be over. I don’t want to hurt him. I don’t want to lead him on. I’m afraid we’re both getting tied up in something that just isn’t real.

Our time really is up.

“Honestly,” my voice feels tight as I stand, smoothing down the back of my dress. “It might be best if we go back now.”

In so many ways.

He runs a hand over the back of his neck and stands, saying. “You’re right.”

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