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"That's the first thing I need to tell you. Yes, I'm an author, but that's not my vocation. I'm a barrister."
"Really? That's Brit-speak for a lawyer, right?"
"Not exactly, but I do argue cases and appear in court. The point is, I have a very busy professional life."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I'm just a regular man. I'm not a mysterious, literary, James Bond."
"Duncan, there's nothing regular about you. Your work might be regular, but you're not a regular person."
"If you're referring to my—"
"I'm referring to your everything," she exclaimed, interrupting him. "Your personality, and, uh, the other stuff."
"What I'm trying to tell you, is—"
"Duncan, I don't care whether you're a bus driver or the Prince of frickin' Wales."
"My goodness, you really do mean that."
"Of course I mean it. What are you trying to say? Please don't keep me in suspense, just tell me."
"You were right."
"About what?" she asked hastily, just as he was about to explain.
"I am going to buy several gags with your name on every one of them," he exclaimed, throwing up his arms in exasperation.
"I can't help myself."
"Discipline! Regular, strict discipline. That's what you need!"
"Well, duh! I do know that," she quipped, quickly adding, "Sorry."
"I adore your wit, but there's a fine line, Brittany."
"Can we get back to what I was right about?"
"Absolutely. I did use your misbehavior as an excuse to hit the pause button, because, and I'm ashamed to admit this, my fears did get the better of me. A few years ago I hurt someone I loved. I hurt her badly, and myself in the process. Sally was her name. She felt taken for granted, and ultimately she left. It was shocking and inexplicable, and it took some time before I realized she'd been right. The entire episode deeply troubled me for many months. I won't make that mistake again. If we become a couple, I won't take you for granted, not ever."
"Thank you for telling me, Duncan. I have a feeling that wasn't easy. "
"It wasn't, but you needed to know," he said softly, then sitting next to her, he added, "I'm flawed, Brittany, ju
st like anyone else."
The intimacy of the moment engulfed them, and as he placed his arm around her, she curled into his lap.
"Does this mean you changed your mind? Can we spend these last couple of days together?"
"I've been giving this a great deal of thought and I have a proposal. When we dock in Tahiti, how would you feel about coming back to London with me for a week? The first three days will be easy. I always give myself time to adjust before going back to work, but the following days will be my regular life. Would you like to experience it?"
"You're kidding. I don't even know what to say."
"Think about it."
"What's there to think about? Of course I'll come with you. I'd love to."
