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“I’m going outside for a few minutes, guys.” She left Karen and Donovan to make her way through the crowd of people standing on the deck taking pictures.
She laid a hand on his arm. “Terrence?”
He turned slowly and glanced down. “Hey.”
“I want to apologize if I offended you. I don’t think I explained myself well. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
“I know.” He draped an arm across her shoulders, pulling her close to his side. “This is unchartered territory for me, so I might mess up sometimes.”
“I hear you.”
“How about we figure this thing out one day at a time and see where it goes?”
“I don’t know if that’s possible. We exist in two different worlds.”
“Anything is possible. We can work out the logistics if you’re agreeable.”
Janae stared out over the water. She had enjoyed his company today, and he seemed to be a nice person. But hadn’t she sworn off men? So why was she contemplating his request? “I’d like that.”
He turned her chin to face him. “So would I.” He touched his mouth to hers gently. He held her close as they continued to watch the approach of the Golden Gate Bridge in the fading sunlight.
“You know, I can’t get over how short you are,” he said, his gaze traveling down her body. “You were much taller last night.”
Janae punched him in the arm. “Hey. No dissin’ my height.” She was grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. They’d been having a good time all afternoon, and she couldn’t recall the last time she’d laughed so much with a man.
“Ow! You hit pretty hard for a little person.” He chuckled while rubbing the spot.
“You’d be surprised what I can do for a little person,” she said sweetly, batting her eyelashes.
Terrence threw back his head and laughed. “Let’s go back inside and see what kind of snacks they have. I’m hungry.”
* * *
“Monte seems really taken by Janae,” Karen said to Donovan as she watched them through the window.
“Yeah.”
“That’s all good, but if your boy is thinking about trying to hit it and quit it and hurts her, I’ll have his butt tossed off one of these bridges.”
Donovan smiled. “He’s not like that. To tell the truth, I’m a little shocked. I’ve known him for sixteen years, and this is the first time he’s ever done something like this.”
“So you’re saying he’s not a playa?”
This time he outright laughed. “Hardly.” Then he sobered. “He needs someone special. Maybe she’s the one.”
Karen observed Janae and Monte. She and Donovan knew something had happened because they both were quiet. Then she saw them kiss and laugh. “Yes!”
Donovan glanced over his shoulder out the window. “I’m guessing by your enthusiasm, things are going well.”
“I hope this works out. Janae deserves to find a nice guy. She’s had too many jerks in her life.” Karen thought of something. “When we were in the store, she called Monte ‘Terrence.’ Is that another name he uses?”
Donovan’s eyebrows shot up. “Terrence is his first name. He doesn’t share it often, if ever. For him to tell Janae less than twenty-four hours after meeting her says a lot.” Her mouth formed a perfect O, and he laughed softly. “I would appreciate it if you keep it in confidence.”
“No problem. He must really like her. Janae does have that effect on people. She’s the sweetest person I know.” She giggled, thinking Janae just might get her Prince Charming.
* * *
They returned to the hotel a few minutes past midnight. Donovan hugged Karen and Janae, thanked them for a lovely day, then went to wait in the car. Karen told Janae she’d see her upstairs.
“Everybody disappeared. Was it something I said?” Janae asked, wringing her hands.
“Come sit with me for a moment,” Terrence said, gesturing her to the seating area. He sat next to her. Taking her hand, he waited for the familiar warmth to start and smiled. “Janae, I’ve had the most amazing time with you today. I gotta be honest—I’m not ready for it to end. I know we’re going back home tomorrow, but I’d like to talk to you sometimes. Would you be comfortable giving me your phone number?”
She stared at him, seemingly giving serious thought to his request. She stuck out her hand. “Give me your phone. I’ll program my numbers for you.”
Terrence reached in his pocket, pulled out a phone, stuck it back and pulled another one from his other pocket. He unlocked it, opened the contact list, then handed it to her.
