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“Such a gentleman.”

“Well, you are Bunny’s favorite.”

I said my goodbyes after a quick hug from Gran. It was weird she was staying, while I was going, but my cramped rental above the rescue could not compare to staying here. Gran would be much more comfortable. “Come for breakfast. I’ll make you chocolate crepes.”

“I can’t, Gran. I have to leave with the 5a.m. tide. But I’ll be back around noon. We could meet in town?”

Chase hovered close by listening to my exchange with Gran. After as we walked along the sandy street toward my car he asked. “Where are you going so early in the morning?”

“Out on my boat. If I catch the tide, it won’t tax the engine as much. There’s a feeding ground three miles offshore I’ve been tracking. I’m studying to be a marine biologist at Duke. I’m in the research program.”

“Are you going alone?” I nodded. Even in the dark, the only light came from fireflies and the occasional lamppost. I noticed the set of his jaw. “What’s the name of the marina?”

“I have a private dock.”

“I need your cell.”

“No.” My chin came up.

“It’s not safe boating by yourself.”

“You’re not my keeper.”

“Not yet,” he breathed so low I almost missed it.

“Look. We just met. I’m not even sure if I like you.”

“Oh, you like me.”

I rolled my eyes. “You like yourself.”

“I like you better.”

“You don’t even know me!” I threw my hands up in the air.

“Wrong. I know you are a girl who smells like fresh summer rain, looks like heaven, and probably feels the same. You’re unassuming. Fresh. Athletic by the muscle tone in your legs and arms. Craves adventure, love animals and,” he trailed off, tapping my nose. “Has the most gorgeous assortment of freckles I’ve ever seen. I wonder if you have any more… his eyes lowered to my chest until my skin disappeared under the fabric of my tank.

“Maybe I do,” I whispered.

“I know what my dreams will be about tonight. What will yours be?”

I couldn’t answer. How could I? When my dreams have been of him this whole time. I shrugged nonchalantly, “Tide charts and navigational instruments. Plankton levels and ocean temperatures.”

“How can a man compete with that? You’re different. It’s refreshing.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I said nothing. He walked so close to my side; our arms brushed. I half expected him to try to hold my hand, but he didn’t. His eyes went to the sky, to my face then back all over again. Soon we approached my car. “This is me.”

I picked up Daisy after unlocking the car, placing her on the passenger seat. She yapped twice while staring at Chase. His arm shot out past me to scratch her ears. The move penned me between him and the seat. His forearm grazed against my breasts unintentionally but sent sparks to my hardened nipples just the same.

I bit my lip, barely holding on. I wanted to kiss him. Wanted nothing more than to feel his lips crushing mine. I wanted to sit in his lap like Daisy had. I shook my head. I was jealous of the rescue dog.

When he pulled back, I climbed in. He shut my door. I unrolled the window.

“Good night, Daisy.”

The dog thumped her tail.

“Night.” I breathed pulling out. Daisy whined as we drove away, her little face hung outside the window, staring backward. I had a feeling Chase stole more than one heart that night. I just hoped he wouldn’t break both.