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“I get it. Even I can see how taken he is with you. We were so scared he would refuse you, and the exact opposite happened. It feels like a miracle.”

“Yeah, it really does. My emotions are all over the place. Sorry if I’m distracted.” He lets go of my hand and wraps his arm around me. “I think it’s a good night for the hot tub and our bathing suits. You up for it?”

It’s been blazing hot all day. A nice evening breeze is now cooling the air, making the hot tub sound appealing. “What about your man card?” I tease.

“With all the crying I’ve been doing, it’s gone for good. I give up. Mind being with a wimp?”

“I’ll tell you a secret. Women like a man who has a sensitive side. Men aren’t supposed to show it, and women aren’t supposed to admit they like it. I don’t know who made that rule, but they deserve a walk across the Bridge of Sighs, never to see daylight again.”

A gentle laugh from Slade ripples through the night air. He holds me close as we enter our hotel. “Race you to the hot tub?”

I look at his handsome face, ravaged by the events of the day, yet currently filled with mischievousness. I’m all in for a bit of lightheartedness. He needs it. “Deal.” I take off running, making it to the elevator first, but he detours toward the stairs.

I’m positive the elevator will be faster, and I think a good run up the stairs will help Slade blow off some steam. There’s no way I can beat him while running, anyway.

My plan goes awry when the elevator takes forever. I still make it to the hotel room before him. Ha! I run to my room, grab my swimsuit, and change as fast as I can, discarding my clothing all over my room.

I run to the terrace, only to find him already sitting in the hot tub with a smug smile on his face. Except he can’t hide how hard he’s breathing, even though he’s trying to look all relaxed and calm.

“I concede to your greatness.” I give him a slight bow and step into the bubbly water.

“I’ll talk to you when I can breathe again,” Slade says between heavy puffs of air. Teasing laughter is back in his eyes. I think he’s finally relaxing, his stress melting away.

We both rest our heads, letting the warm water erase the madness of trying to fit so much into one perfect day.

“You know what?” Slade asks.

“Hmmm?”

“I’ve never once in my life felt so comfortable with another person.”

“You and yourrr father have a connection for surrre.” My words slur a little. I’m lethargic in a totally relaxed kind of way.

Slade splashes me in the face. “I meant you.”

I wipe my face with my hands. “Oh,” I cough. “Okay, Mr. Romantic.” I splash him back, hiding how touched I am by his words. Mixed feelings surge through me.

Our eyes meet and we both sober.

“Really. I mean it,” Slade continues. “The way you’ve stuck by me through this entire ordeal—it means a lot to me. I know this isn’t a true vacation for you. Yet you’ve never once complained.” His intense expression is vaguely disturbing.

“This has been an amazing vacation for me, Slade. Make no mistake. All I have to say is right back atcha.”

“What?” he says, baffled.

“You were there for me when I needed someone. It’s my turn to be here for you.” I study him, memorizing another moment.

His stare is bold, yet soft as a caress. “You know what that is, right?”

“What?” I ask, aching for his touch.

“Love. We show our love by our actions. Words mean nothing without actions.”

His words strike a vibrant chord inside me. We haven’t saidI love youto each other as of yet, but he’s right. It’s there. We’re showing each other how we feel. The only thing holding us back is the amount of time we’ve known each other. It’s a big deal, though. One we can’t ignore.

“We have everything. All we need is more time.” I’m under his spell. No doubt about it.

“Yes. Time.” He nods, his eyes sliding away, the intense moment over. “Why is it moving so dang slow? I swear clocks are stopping around the world. Maybe even moving backward. Can you hear a clock ticking? I can’t. You know why?”

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