A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 18



"How was your day?"

"Busy," she replied."Yours?"

A faint smile touched his lips. "Peaceful."

"You're lucky." She glanced at the horizon. "That's a beautiful sky."
"Indeed."

"I love painting sunrises and sunsets," she remarked as they walked toward the water. The tide was out and the ocean was calm, a green mirror that reflected the sun's dying rays.

"I have not seen a sunrise in many years," he said.

"You need to get up earlier."

"Would that I could."

"Why can't you?"

He squeezed her hand. "I tend to stay up late, and sleep late." "Well, sunsets are beautiful, too."

"As are you."His gaze moved over her. "You growmore lovely each time I see you." A blush warmed her cheeks. "Thank you. And thank you for the roses."
"You are most welcome."

They walked in silence for a time. Her hand fit comfortably in his and she had the inexplicable feeling that they had walked this way many times before, which was impossible, she thought, since they had just met.

When they reached a sheltered cove, they stopped of one accord. Out of sight of passersby, Dominic drew her close, his arms loosely locked around her waist.

He looked into her eyes, an unspoken question in his gaze.

Tracy's heartbeat quickened as she put her arms around his neck and lifted her face for his kiss.

His kiss.Her eyelids fluttered down. How to describe the indescribable? His lips were firm and cool and yet heat flowed through her at their touch, a warm, sweet fire that threatened to engulf her until only ashes remained. His arms tightened around her, crushing her breasts against the solid wall of his chest. His desire was obvious as he drew her body closer to his.

She was breathing heavily when they parted. "I think we'd better go." "As you wish," he replied, his voice rough with need.