Page 130 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

“Nah, she won’t start worrying until at least noon.”

“Got any ideas how we can fill the next couple of hours?” Robyn’s voice held a seductive note.

“I want to take you out for breakfast—brunch,” I said.

“Oh.” It was amazing that one syllable could convey so much disappointment.

“No.” I released my grip on her and pulled back, so I could see her eyes. “I want more of what we did last night, but I don’t want you to think that’s all this is. There are so many things I want to do with you. Experience with you.”

Her eyes softened. “So last night was okay for you?”

“Jesus, you have to ask?” The doubt in her eyes tore at my heart. “Last night was incredible. One of the best nights of my life.”

“Are you afraid by the light of day it won’t be as good?”

Her vulnerability made me want to envelop her in my arms. Instead, I cupped my palm against her cheek. “Absolutely not. It’ll be just as good. Better.” I smiled. “I just thought maybe we’d want to pace ourselves.”

“Pacing is for pansies,” Robyn said with a glint in her eyes.

“Is that a challenge?”

“Maybe.” She licked her lips.

“Damn it, woman. I’ll make you a deal.”

“I’m listening.”

“I go brush my teeth. Then return for a quickie to prove I find you irresistible before I take you for brunch.”

She smirked as she pulled off her shirt, exposing her perfect breasts.

I swallowed hard.

“Hurry.” She winked. “Don’t make me wait all day. I laid out an extra toothbrush by the sink.”

I jumped from the bed still naked from the night before.

Robyn whistled as I retreated, but I didn’t stop. Instead, I hurried to the bathroom.

I stared at my unruly hair in the mirror. One would think short hair wouldn’t be prone to bed head. My hair said otherwise. Isplashed water on it and smoothed it down. Not good, but it’d have to do.

As I brushed my teeth, I stared into my eyes.

“You’ve got it bad,” I said through the toothpaste.

I knew it was true. While my body craved Robyn, I wanted to experience simple things with her, too. Things I’d never cared about with Marta. Go to the grocery store. Walk around town. Have brunch. But there were only two more weeks. No, one week and six days. Would we get the chance for those things?

I finished brushing my teeth. Robyn was waiting, so I’d think of these things later.

The smile hadn’t left my face the entire drive back to Blissful Breeze. I had the windows open on the truck and the radio tuned to an eighties rock station. I belted out the words, not caring if I knew them. The ones I didn’t, I made up. I couldn’t remember a time I’d ever felt this alive or free.

It had been past one when Robyn and I left the house, so we’d grabbed a quick sandwich at the deli down the street. She almost didn’t make it back for the program at her bookstore. As much as I wanted to stay and watch her at work, she’d shooed me out with the promise I could return tonight after the store closed.

Earlier, I called Emma, and she’d invited Robyn to join us on tomorrow’s adventure. I’d had to hand my phone over to Robyn, so Emma could share the details since I didn’t want to know what we’d be doing.

I drove leisurely down the road leading to the villas, wanting to savor the beautiful day and be alone for a little longer to bask in my thoughts of Robyn. Once I got back, I doubted there’d be much time for quiet reflection.

I’d just pulled into the parking spot and reached to turn off the pickup when a new song played. The unmistakable beginning ofEternal Flameby the Bangles filled the cab. As I listened to the lyrics, my chest tightened.