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“Dinner sounds lovely.”
They walked up the beach to a cozy eating spot that was void of loud music and young adults living the party life.
After they ordered, Leo took her hand.
“Since we started our date with a kiss, does that mean there won’t be a goodnight kiss?” Rose asked.
“Do you want there to be?”
She gave him a coy look. “I wouldn’t be opposed.”
“Are you opposed to start-of-date kisses after tonight?”
She ducked her head and gave a soft laugh. “No. In fact, I rather think we’re going to struggle to keep our lips to ourselves until we’re alone.”
“I guess I’ll have to speak to my boss about more time off during our trip.” He kissed the back of her hand.
Their food arrived, requiring the relinquishing of hands.
“Was it strange for you to kiss me?” he asked.
“Strange?”
Leo fidgeted with his napkin. “I guess I made the assumption that I’m the first man you’ve kissed since your late husband. If I was wrong I apologize.”
Roses bloomed in her cheeks. “Your assumption was correct. I haven’t dated or kissed anyone since I lost him.”
Leo smoothed his napkin in relief. The little, pop-up jealous monster on his shoulder flitted away.
“What about you?” she asked. “I take it that wasn’t your first kiss ever.”
“No.”
“Let’s assume we both had a youth and shared a few kisses. Was there ever anyone special?”
He nodded. “Yes, very.”
“What happened?” Rose set her fork down, indicating her full attention was on him now that her plate was mostly clear.
Leo wavered with indecision. Should he tell her all of the truth? Did he want to ruin a wonderful evening full of promise of more to come? He faltered.
“I lost her.”
“She died?”
He nodded. Not a lie, more of an omission. Nia was dead. His wife was dead.
“Oh, Stavros.” She squeezed his hand. “I understand. How did it happen?”
The waiter arrived with the check. Leo paid, and they walked back on the beach before he answered.
“She got ill.” Also true. He’d left out the part of Adonis’s birth and the complications thereafter. “The doctors did all they could, but it wasn’t enough. All the money in the world wasn’t enough to save her.” He was surprised to find his eyes watering with unshed tears.
“Money can’t save the ones we love.”
He noticed bitterness trace her features. “You told me about your loss, but I think there’s still a part you haven’t shared with me yet. Will you?” Clearly her husband and money were tied together, though he still didn’t understand the connection.
She sighed. “Soon, but not tonight. I don’t want to talk about ugly things and ruin this beautiful date with you.”