Page 48 of Forbidden Kisses

"I want to take you out to dinner," I told her.

She pouted. If she continued to do that, I was going to capture that mouth.

"I'm too full."

I laughed. "Yeah, me too," I admitted, then stepped closer and touched my fingers to her cheek. "But I want to spend the rest of the evening with you."

"So do I." Her eyes sparkled as they looked into mine.

"Want to take a walk on the beach?"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

"We could watch the sunset too."

"I’d love that. It’s fifteen minutes from here."

"Nah, let's take the car. Otherwise, we’ll have to come back for it. We’ll walk enough once we’re there."

It only took us a few minutes by car to reach the beach. It was one of the reasons I loved living in San Diego. I didn’t visit the beach very often, but I liked having that option. I'd never been to one in this area, though. I was surprised that it was almost deserted—just an older couple walking next to the water, holding hands. There were no surfers either.

"I love this salty smell," she said as we walked on the sand.

"So do I."

"Oh look, tacos," she exclaimed, pointing to a food truck at the edge of the beach. "I thought I was too full, but I can always make room for tacos."

I chuckled. "Your wish is my command."

She blushed slightly. Fuck yes, I loved that. "Come on, let's get you some tacos."

There was no line at the food truck, so we walked right up to the window to order.

"I want some with carnitas and chicken," she said.

"Just pork for me."

"Right away," the vendor said.

Riley rubbed her stomach. "I'm going to have a food belly, but I don't even care."

"You're damn gorgeous no matter what, Riley," I said.

She whipped her head to me, eyes slightly wide. "Something's changed," she whispered. “You speak more… openly. Did you lower your filter because I totally ran my mouth last night?"

I grinned. "That, too, and I lost the battle."

She blinked. "What battle?"

"With myself and all the reasons I had in my mind to stay away from you."

"Tacos are ready," the vendor said, interrupting us. The guy had atrocious timing.

After I paid, we took the food and moved a few feet away to a high bar table. We immediately devoured them.

"You're right. It's always a good time for tacos," I agreed.

Riley was eating with the same passion she'd eaten the nachos earlier. She nodded, grinning.