Page 47 of All I Desire

“Are you close with your mom now? What about your dad and your half-brother? And your stepfather?”

“My dad passed the year Chloe was born. And that’s when I got back in touch with Mom after many years of having no contact, or only sporadic contact. She’s Chloe’s only living grandparent.”

“And how is it?”

I sip my coffee and swallow. “It’s not bad. Getting better. I’ve forgiven her for the past. Done a lot of soul searching about forgiveness. It’s a process. My sister’s a lot angrier than I am, but it’s just not in my nature to be angry. Also, Chloe loves her and she loves Chloe, so that goes a long way. As far as my half-brother goes? Eh. He’s okay. I don’t know him all that well, truthfully. We never lived together. He’s in New York now. I tolerate my stepfather.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you when you were little. It must have been so difficult.” Her voice is wobbly.

I pause, searching for the right words. “A lot of people have it far worse. I’ve never wanted for anything, graduated from college, had a great career with Delta. And now I’m here with my dream business and…” I grin, then realize that saying the words dream woman might be a little too much too soon. “Here on this balcony with you. Watching the sun rise. So, I feel pretty damned lucky overall.”

“I like your attitude. You’ve turned some awful things into blessings. Or you hide your past issues well. Or maybe you are some sort of Zen master, here to teach the world how not to be bitter and crazy.” Smiling, she leans over and kisses me.

“I don’t know about that. I just don’t have a bitter disposition. I’m not a victim; I don’t have it worse than others. I’m just a regular guy.”

“A pretty amazing guy. An excellent kisser. And A-plus at other things, too,” she murmurs, then kisses me a second time. The way she looks at me through those long lashes of hers, all seductive-like, makes my dick hard.

I groan. “Babe, it’s almost eight-thirty and I need to meet with a fuel supplier this morning. If you keep kissing me, I’m going to miss my meeting, because I’m going to want to take you back to bed.”

“Mmmm. Bed,” she hums, a swoony look on her face. “I like bed.”

“You’re hilarious. Tonight?” I tuck a lock of her golden hair behind her ear.

“You want to?” Her expression is eager and almost incredulous.

“Of course, I do. I’m free every night this week. I’m yours anytime you want.”

“When do you have to drive across the state to get your daughter? Friday? Or Saturday? Oh, and I wanted to talk with you about the mermaid party. Leilani was thinking about Sunday morning, if that’s good for you two. Or we can wait a week to do it so she can settle in.”

I rest my mug on a side table. “I’m not driving. I’m flying.”

Her eyes go big. “The helicopter?”

Her astonishment makes me chuckle. “No, I have a small plane for personal use. You know where I live, right?”

She shakes her head and laughs. “Something I should’ve asked in between eating pizza and sexing you up.”

God, I love to hear her laugh. “I bought a place in that fly-in community on the south side of the island.”

“Oh! The one where there are runways instead of streets? I’ve heard of it but haven’t been. Whoa.”

“Yeah, that one. There are only six houses there now, but more are planned. It’s for people who have small aircraft. I have a hangar instead of a garage.”

“I can’t wait to see it. I mean, if you want to show me.”

“Of course, I want to show you. And I’d love to take you flying sometime. I’m flying the Cessna over to Fort Lauderdale Friday night, picking Chloe up, and coming back that night. I’d bring you, but…”

She holds up her hand. “No, I get it. No. We’re going to have to go slow with her. Or something. Right? Is the party too soon for us to meet? As friends?”

“No, I don’t think so. Introducing you as a friend is the way to go.”

“Definitely. That’s probably the best idea. I mean, we are friends. I don’t want it to be awkward for her. Or you.” She licks her lips.

“I haven’t ever introduced a friend, or girlfriend, to her.”

She frowns. “How come?”

I shrug. “Because I haven’t had a girlfriend since the divorce.”

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