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“Okay, so?”
“The whole building is in bad shape and needs a lot of repair. A real estate agent contacted me a few days ago. The building owner wants to sell the whole building as is, at an incredible price.”
“Ah… What would you do with it?” An interested smile fluttered over her lips.
“I’m not sure. It may be a good investment, but to start it would require a lot of work and funds. I’ve been talking to my lawyer and my banker, pondering the situation. What do you think of the idea, Lillian?”
“Me? You’re flattering me. I don’t know the ABC’s of investment.”
“I know, but you’re a smart woman. I’m just asking for your gut feeling.”
“Well, on the one hand it may be too much to deal with at once. On the other, it may prove to be a good investment. If you surround yourself with honest experts, you may turn the place into a fantastic mini-resort on the bay.”
“That’s exactly what I’ve been debating for the past week. Soon I’ll have to give the real estate agent my answer. At least, I have to tell him if I’m interested and plan to pursue it or not. We need to brainstorm about it.”
Her head tilted. Surprise and pride mingled in her hazel eyes. “Steve, I can’t believe… I mean I’m so touched you’re sharing your secret project with me.”
“I trust you, Lillian.” He steeled himself against a prickle of guilt. He would go out of his way to have her join him on St. John and help him set up the new clinic. A sigh of regret escaped him. Part of him wanted to know more about her before taking their relationship to the next level. “I need you so much.”
She threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. He responded immediately, pulling her onto his lap and invading her parted lips. Future goals and dreams forgotten, he delighted in their present, and happily tasted her mouth. His palm cradled the back of her head, holding her still. He kissed her slowly, thoroughly, expertly keeping her close against him. She followed his lead, and her fingers stroked his neck and combed the curls at his nape.
When she gasped against his mouth, out of breath, he trailed kisses across her jaw, along her collarbone, as far as the gaping neckline of her dress.
She tilted her head back, giving him better access to her neck. His hand closed over her breast, fondling and squeezing over the material of the dress. He raised his head, debating the wisdom of unleashing their passion, now when the restaurant might soon deliver their dinner.
He moved his hand away and wrapped both arms around her waist. “My sweet Lillian, I don’t know how long we’ll have to wait.”
“Why wait, Steve? You’re leaving in two weeks. Aren’t we supposed to enjoy every day, every hour?” She caressed his cheek, her fingers warm and soothing over his beard stubble.
“We will. I promise, we will.” He took her hand, turned it up, and kissed her palm.
A phone ring interrupted them. He dug his phone from his pocket and took the call. “That was the front gate announcing the delivery man is on his way up.”
She slid down from his lap, straightened, and smoothed her dress. “I’ll set the table.”
“Good idea.” He went to open the door. She’d been around his kitchen often enough to know where everything was. By the time he returned with a warmer, she’d already set a lovely table with a blue tablecloth, the blue and yellow china, wine glasses, water glasses, and a carafe half filled with ice cubes.
She was opening the various boxes of seafood, yellow saffron rice, and salad when her phone rang. “Steve, please, can you hand me my purse?”
“Right away.” He dashed to the living room, brought her purse, and unzipped it for her. “Here’s your phone.”
“Oh my God, it’s Greg,” she said after a look at the caller identity. “Greg, where are you? … Ah … Good, good. You did well. Can’t wait to see you.” She turned to Steve. “My son… He just landed. He was able to catch an earlier flight. Steve, I’m so sorry—”
“I understand. I’ll take you home right away. Leave the food in the boxes and take them. You’ll probably want to give him dinner.”
“No way. It’s your dinner.”
He held her hand still. “Just serve some for me and keep the rest.”
“Thank you, Steve. I feel—”
“Don’t feel badly. We’ll make up for it after he leaves.”
She nodded. “Oh before I forget, please don’t mention your offer for me to work in St. John. My son is quite protective of his mom. The day he’d started working he switched roles, becoming the parent and considering me the kid.”
“And he showered you with advice. Do I know the feeling!” Steve burst out laughing. “Relax, sweetheart. I won’t breathe a word.” He pulled her against him for a last kiss.
“Another thing.” She squirmed uncomfortably. “I told him I’ve invited you because… Hmm… You’re my boss, and you’re leaving soon. A sort of goodbye and thank you invitation.”
“You mean you want me to be on my best behavior. I’ll make an effort,” he teased and kissed her. “Don’t worry. I’ll act the perfect boss.”
“Yes, just like before…before our first dinner.”
“Don’t remind me. I was an idiot before our first dinner.”
