Page 43 of Island Homecoming

“Sure.” His chest was tight.Please let those options be close to the island.

He should be wary of needing her this much. He definitely couldn’t reveal how clingy he felt when she was around. But having her back in his life was the best thing ever. She reminded him to laugh. To open up. And he did the same for her.

There was a lightness between them, an ease he only felt when she was close. And he suspected the same was true for her, though she probably wouldn’t articulate it the same way.

“You don’t need to rush any decisions,” he managed. Jess rushing off was a recipe for disaster in his mind. He needed to come up with a plan that might inspire her to want to stay on the island. But tonight wasn’t about him.

“I guess not.”

But clearly, the uncertainty of her next step bothered her. “Right now?” He waited until she met his gaze and gave her his best smile. “We need a good meal so we can eventually raise a glass to celebrate your freedom!”

“Yes!” she agreed. “How can I help?”

“Sit back and relax,” he directed. “I’ve got this.”

Naturally, sitting back wasn’t her style. While he finished putting the meal together, she set the table on the screened porch, complete with the flowers and candles, where they could eat and enjoy the island at night.

Instead of a more traditional dessert, Nash popped the champagne and served it with chilled strawberries as they snuggled on the glider.

When she turned to him, he welcomed her kiss, savored the feel of her hand sliding under his shirt. “Can you stay?”

Although they were adults and technically didn’t need to answer to anyone, he knew she wouldn’t want to worry her parents.

Her body tensed and he saw the questions swirling in her eyes. She was wondering if he was asking for tonight or something more. He wondered which question she’d answer.

“I can stay tonight.” The glider swayed as she straddled his lap, cradling his face in her hands. Her lips brushed over his with a delicious softness and the promise of heat. The flavor that was all her, spiked with the sweetness of strawberries and sparkling champagne.

He could stay right here, tasting her this way for hours. Days.

He wanted all her fire, longed to fulfill her every desire with the passion he held for her alone. Whatever worries she carried, he’d gladly share the burden. She was it for him. A fact better kept to himself until she was ready to hear it.

Sliding his hand up under her hair, he gently changed the angle of the kiss, so he could stroke his tongue over hers. Her throaty moan was more than he could handle. He surged to his feet and carried her into the house, straight back to his bedroom.

And there, the real celebration began.

***

As the sky lightened outside Nash’s bedroom window, Jess stirred. She didn’t dare count the hours of sleep. There had just been too few of them. But this was a situation of quality over quantity. Waking in Nash’s arms energized her more than anything else she could think of.

She might need a little extra coffee to get through her day, but time with Nash was worth it in every way. She couldn’t seem to get enough of him. Every minute they were together made her want one more.

She rolled over and stroked his warm shoulder. Too early for thoughts like that. If she faced her neediness head-on, she might get worried about being too attached. He seemed to enjoy being with her too, but she couldn’t quite force herself to ask him directly.

She’d live in the moment, that was the important thing. There would be time to decide about next steps later.

He rolled to his side and touched his nose to hers. “Your brain is already awake.”

“You know me too well.” She kissed him, her fingers tracing the whiskers on his jaw. “I need to get going.”

He glanced at the clock and groaned. “Breakfast?”

She pressed herself close and then scooted out of bed. “Have to pass on that. I’ll make it up to you though,” she promised, dressing in a hurry. Why she suddenly felt awkward was an unsolvable mystery.

He propped himself up, the sheet falling across his lap. “Come back tonight.”

She turned. “It could be late. We have an all-hands meeting and then I don’t know…”

“Come back,” he said, firmly. “Doesn’t matter what time.”

---