Page 39 of The Lyrics of Love

“Thank you. You are an excellent teacher. If this antiques thing doesn’t work out for you, you have a future as a SUP instructor.”

He could feel her heart beating against his chest. She licked her lips, drawing his attention to them.

“I can only think of one way to pay for today’s lesson,” he said huskily, bringing his lips to hers.

Nash took his time with the kiss, starting slow, brushing his lips against hers, his hands splayed against her back. Then slowly, he used his tongue to outline the shape of her mouth, causing her to shudder. Her lips parted in invitation, and he accepted it, his tongue seeking to taste her. It was better than he had dreamed.

Rylie tasted like... coming home...

He leisurely explored her, his hands moving along her back, her body warming against his. Her palms came to rest against his chest, and their touch ignited a fire within him. He found her ponytail and pulled on it, tilting her head back, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Nash became ravenous, wanting more and more of her, especially when she made small little sighs into his mouth.

He could have kissed her forever.

Though he longed to kiss her—touch her—in more places, he broke the kiss. Baby steps were needed with this woman, and he was willing to slow his pace and not rush things between them.

“You know I could kiss you for hours,” he told her.

Her hands glided along his chest, moving up to his shoulders, which she gripped tightly. “I was thinking the same thing,” she told him, her voice shaking. “I’ve... never kissed anyone that long before.”

“That’s a shame. Because you are the most kissable person on the planet.”

Nash couldn’t help himself. His mouth sought hers again, one kiss blending into the next. Her fingers pushed into his hair, kneading his scalp, bringing shivers to him. His tongue explored every crevice, and he promised himself he would do the same to her body when the time was right.

Finally, he broke the kiss. They were both breathless.

“I’m stopping because it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “When you’re ready for us to go further, tell me.” He glanced around. “And better in private than public.”

He knew all too well how he needed to watch what he did in public. “Private moments should remain private between us. Someone always seems to have their phone ready to take pictures of me when I am in public. I want what passes between us to be special. For us only.”

Rylie nodded in agreement.

“Let’s dig into that fried chicken. I just hope I have the energy to bring it to my mouth.”

She giggled. “When you smell it, you’ll find your second wind.”

They stowed the rest of their gear in the SUV. Nash grabbed a blanket and the picnic basket, and they returned to sit near the water, spreading out the blanket and feasting on the food. Talk was easy between them. She asked what it was like to write a song, and he tried to describe the process. He asked about how she found antiques for her store, and she explained how she attended auctions and estate sales.

“I’m going to an estate sale tomorrow, as a matter of fact. It’s close to Cannon Beach.”

“Want some company?” he asked, hoping she would agree to him accompanying her.

A slow smile spread across her face. “I’d love it.”

“Then it’s a date. Let me know when we need to leave.”

They finished the picnic and drove back to his place. Nash didn’t ask Rylie to come in. It was enough to have spent the last several hours with her.

She removed his paddleboard from the top of her car, while he gathered the rest of his gear, and then she accompanied him to his porch.

He set everything down and took the board from her, propping it against the porch. Cradling her face with his hands, he gave her a slow, soft kiss.

“See you tomorrow,” he said.

“Okay.”

Nash watched her return to the car and get in. Rylie waved as she backed down the long drive. Once she was out of sight, he took his things inside, leaving the board propped against the porch.

The melody which had been playing in his head grew stronger as he grabbed his guitar and paper and pen to scribble lyrics.

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