Page 29 of Temptation (Temptation 1)

I always hated awkward goodbyes, and this one certainly took the cake. I wasn’t quite sure what the protocol was for saying goodbye to someone whose name I didn’t know and I’d never see again after we’d just made out.

“Thanks again. For the help. And the wine.” I laughed to myself. “And the kiss. I… Well, thanks.”

With a nod of finality, I spun from him, heading toward the stone pathway leading to a large grassy area off the lanai, privacy hedges secluding it from the houses on either side. Just as I was about to reach the back door, his voice sounded over the waves.

“Belle!”

I paused and glanced over my shoulder, my eyes meeting his as he ate up the distance between us. When he was a breath away, I turned to face him.

Clutching my cheeks in his rough hands, he touched his lips to mine, stealing one last kiss. Unlike our previous one, this kiss was less hurried, less desperate, less needy. He took his time, savored the taste of me, the way my lips moved against his, the way my body molded to his.

When he brought our kiss to an end, he rested his forehead on mine and exhaled a tiny breath. I smiled and did the same, both of us sharing one last breath. One last honi.

Then he touched his mouth to my forehead and murmured, “Happy birthday.” He lingered for a moment before dropping his hold and walking away.

Once he disappeared from view, I sighed, my body going slack against the wall behind me.

One thing was certain. If tonight was any indication of how my forties would be, it was sure to be one hell of a decade.