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He tried to take a deep breath to relax the bands of tension around his chest. It didn’t completely work, but he’d have to manage because it was time for full honesty. No more games. “I didn’t. Or not entirely,” he added when her brow crinkled. “I also came to give you this.” He dug the box from his pocket.
Her eyes darted between the box and his face. “What is it?”
“Another carefully selected item. Open it and see.”
She took the box, tore the wrapping away, but her fingers hesitated on the lid. He flipped it up and watched her face closely as she stared at the anklet tucked inside. Her eyes flew to his, full of uncertainty.
“I didn’t want you to leave Maui without a souvenir this time.”
With shaking fingers, she lifted the silver chain and turned it this way and that, examining the charms. “I can’t believe you brought me my Maui wowie anklet.”
“It’s not exactly the same.” He touched the silver heart, tipping it so she could see the inscription.
Arden and Nick.
“Oh, Nick—”
“Now that we’ve gotten the a soul-deep, hurts-so-good, cry-for-mercy orgasms out of the way, I think it’s time for introductions.” He held out a hand. “Hi. I’m Nick Bancroft, and I’m in love with you.”
Her cheeks returned to his favorite shade of pink and her lips quivered. Relief loosened the band across his lungs. She slid her hand into his.
“Hi. I’m Arden St. Sebastian, and I’m in love with you, too.”
He dipped his head and swept the last word off her lips. He wanted to taste it. Savor it. Share it with her. By the time he gave her back her mouth, they were both breathing fast.
“So,” she started, “this could be complicated.”
“Too complicated for a Siberian princess and a NASA astronaut?” He shook his head. “I don’t think so. I hear Siberia’s beautiful in the spring.”
She hugged him tight. Her laugh tickled his ear. “I wouldn’t know, but Maui’s perfect.”
“Maui. Siberia. Montenido. I don’t really care about the logistics. Wherever you are, Czarina, that’s the perfect place for me.” He reinforced that with a kiss, and was working her zipper down when her phone chimed from somewhere in the nearby luggage.
“Dammit.” She crawled off him, dug her phone out of her purse, and stared at the screen. “My Dad never quits.”
“Ah, shit. I forgot. I have a message from him.”
“Really?” Her attention shifted to him. “What does he want?”
“He told me to tell you he was right.”
She tossed her phone over her shoulder and stepped toward him, reaching behind her for her zipper. “Just this once, I’m going to have to agree. Don’t tell him I said so.”
He stood and took her into his arms. “Czarina, my lips are sealed.”
