Page 88 of Let's Talk About Love

He traced the bridge of her nose. “In a cabin, not a tent.”

“I feel like I might like it.”

“I thought so.”

“When would we go?”

“If we call in sick for tomorrow, we can leave tonight. My parents own a cabin about three hours north we can borrow.”

“Just the two of us?”

He paused. “Doesn’t have to be.”

The words were out of her mouth instantly. “I’m okay with just us. I mean, if you are.”

The twins ran up the beach in the sand as well as they could. Megumi held out an array of seashells—not a single one was cracked or broken.

“Don’t be sad,” Mayumi ordered. “Come play with us.”

“We want to swim.”

Alice placed the shells in a neat pile near the base of the umbrella. “Lead the way, my little mermaids.”

After a full afternoon of happy toddler screeches, chasing crabs, running from waves (with Alice fighting fate like hell not to get her hair wet), taking pictures with their seaweed mustaches, and peanut-butter-and-honey sandwiches, the twins finally began to lose steam. Mayumi went down first—she crawled under the shade of the umbrella, lay down, and was asleep in one minute flat. Takumi carried her to the car as Alice and Megumi packed up their beach bag, cooler, and umbrella.

“I want to carry something,” Megumi demanded.

Alice handed her the empty cooler just as a volleyball rolled to a stop near her feet. She set the bag down and picked up the ball with the intention of throwing it back, but a white guy with short black hair stood in her way.

“Hey. Sorry about that.” His outstretched hands waited for the ball.

“No worries.” Alice smiled, handing it to him.

He took it and turned away… and then turned right back, grinning at her.

Oh shit.She knew that look—that flirty smile, the hopeful look in his green eyes, the way he suddenly stood up straight yet managed to somehow slouch at the same time.…

“Are you from around here?” he asked.

“An hour away actually.” She retrieved the bag and started back toward the parking lot.

“Do you need help?” He followed, pointing to the umbrella. “I can carry that for you.”

“I got it. Thanks.”

“Wegot it,” Megumi corrected. “I’m helping.”

“My apologies, my dear,” she said, affectionately touching the top of Megumi’s head.

“Cute kid,” he said. “So, I don’t usually invite beautiful strangers to hang out with me, but we’re having a bonfire later if you want to come.”

“Why take the risk? I could be a serial killer.”

“Can you sing? Because that sounds like something a siren would say. Warn me before you sing me to my death so your conscience can be clear.” His eyes stayed firmly on hers—friendly and open. “You definitely have the right look for it.”

“She can sing!” Megumi said.

“Don’t talk to strangers,” Alice said.