Asher’s forehead crinkles. His words are cautious like he’s going to hurt my feelings. “I really hate them. This thing in between my toes is so uncomfortable and my foot is constantly separating from the bottom of the shoe. Is that supposed to happen?”
I place my hand over my mouth to stifle another giggle and look over at him. “Yes, that’s supposed to happen.”
“Maybe Grandfather wasn’t so crazy.” He’s acting like an alien coming to earth, witnessing everything for the first time.
“You can take them off,” I say.
“No.” His body turns toward me and pulls me back in. “I’ll keep them.”
We walk side by side for an eternity. We talk some more and I learn Asher is a really smart man. You wouldn’t think he’s been working for someone else. I guess his grandfather held him back in that way. I try not to pry too much. I know if I do, he’ll try to pry into my life and right now I’m happy with what I am revealing about myself.
That is, until he asks me this question.
“I know you said you’re single but is there someone back home you’re dating?” He tries to keep the question light but I can tell he has major trust issues. Between his trust issues and my control issues, we’re a recipe for disaster.
My relationship with Parker is not an off-limits conversation. That is something I’ve had no problem talking about. It’s what happened right after that sends me into a cesspool of guilt and agony.
“I was dating someone. I thought he was the one, but I was wrong.”
“How long ago was that?”
“Six months ago.” I say, watching Asher piece another portion of the puzzle together.
“You have had a crap year.”
He has no idea.
We make it back to my hotel with Asher telling me about his motorcycle. I tell him I’ve never been on one before and he offers to take me for a ride sometime. That would be nice but we both know it’s impossible, even though neither of us mentions it.
I look up at the moon, which is so large and bright, I feel like Jimmy Stewart trying to lasso it closer.
“This place is magical.” Every day since I’ve stepped off that boat I’ve become more amazed at not just the beauty of the island but its power. It’s as if the moon is casting a spell of enchantment over it so only the good can prevail and all terrible things are kept at bay. “I could spend eternity here.”
When I lower my gaze from the moon, Asher is looking at me with a mix of interest and desire. He takes a step closer and threads his fingers through my hair, grazing his thumbs along by cheeks and jawline. “Can I see you tomorrow?”
I lick my lips in anticipation for the kiss I know is coming. “I can’t. I have Leah. I can’t leave her. It’s our honeymoon.” I say with a smile.
“Bring her with us. I want to see you again.” Asher lowers his lips to mine. This time his kiss is soft and purposeful. Not like the frantic one we shared before.
“Yes.” I breathe when he releases us from the kiss. I don’t want him to go. If I had my own room I’d invite him in.
Oh, God, look at me. A few hours ago I was unsure I could handle a kiss. Now I’m ready to drop my pants.
It’s him. He’s like a drug to me. A very lethal drug.
Watching him walk away down the path toward the marina, I remind myself that is exactly what will happen. In four days, Leah and I have to leave. And then my European romance will be over.
Oh, fuck it. I’ve already had a crap year. It can’t get worse, right?
I gently open the door, careful not to waken Leah. It shouldn’t surprise me; she’s sitting in the dark, waiting for me.
“You little harlot!” Her voice is extra high.
“Were you spying on me?” I turn and flip on the light switch. Leah is wearing her silk shorts pajamas and has Adam’s surveillance binoculars in her hand.