On the verge of bawling, I hold it out to him. “I can’t take this.”
“I want you to have it, so every time you’re alone, you can remember the time you spent on Ceto Island and that one person in this world thinks you’re the world’s greatest builder.”
“Damn you, Linc,” I mutter, a second before I burst into tears.
9
LINCOLN
West always says I never know when to quit.
I take things too far.
I wear my heart on my sleeve.
What would my brother think now, as I lead a sobbing Vera towards the sofa where we sit and I cradle her close?
She comes across so tough that I thought she’d make light of my grand gesture. Instead, she’s come undone, and while I like seeing this softer side of her, I’m at a loss.
How can I get the romantic evening I had planned back on track?
“You know, this T-shirt I’m wearing shrinks when it’s wet, so if you keep crying all over me I’ll be forced to take it off and who knows what may happen.”
I hear a muffled snort against my chest as I smooth her back.
“And once the T-shirt comes off, the damnedest thing happens. My shorts follow, so you’ll be left with me almost naked—”
“Shut up,” she murmurs, easing away from me and swiping a hand across her eyes. “Who are you, and which planet did you come from?”
I pretend to be offended. “I go to all this trouble, and you think I’m an alien?”
“All of this…” She gestures at the room, “is exactly why I think you’re not human.”
“Just because the rest of the male species isn’t as evolved, don’t blame me.” I tap my chest. “I’m a good guy, and I wanted a chance to prove it.”
Some of the sadness clouding her eyes fades, and I wonder anew what kind of dipshit her ex-husband must be. I’ve had mates who’ve cheated on girlfriends, and I loathe deception so much I steered clear of them since. But for a husband to do that, let alone to someone as special as Vera… it’s unfathomable.
“You are a good guy,” she murmurs, her hand snaking across her lap to rest on my thigh, making me wish I could be bad instead. “Nobody’s ever done something like this for me before, so thanks.”
“No worries. Shall we eat?”
“Okay.”
She doesn’t sound convinced, and when our gazes meet I see hunger of a different kind.
“Vera, I’m not sure what you want...” I trail off as she straddles me, answering the rest of my question.
“I want you.” She frames my face with her hands, her thumbs skimming my cheekbones, as she leans in. “I want you to make me feel good.”
I don’t have to be asked twice.
10
VERA
Iwake to the sound of the ocean lapping against a nearby shore. The rhythmic, repetitive sound is soothing, and I snuggle under the sheet, hoping to catch another few minutes of sleep before I have to start the day.
The repairs are almost done and the sooner I finish the sooner I can escape temptation in the form of one hot, young guy determined to… The bed beside me dips and my eyes snap open. The ceiling is covered in those fluorescent stars kids love and my momentary confusion clears when a broad, warm palm splays against my hip.
