"Yeah. You couldn't get them out with a howitzer."
" t's nice," she mused. "Th have a place like that, a place that's
always home. I felt that way about the loft."
"Is that where you're going to live when you go back?"
"I don't know." The haunted look came back into her eyes, and lingered.
"I may not go back."
He thought she must have loved her husband very much to be so hurt the
marriage was over. "There are some nice places along the beach. I
remember you like the water."
"Yes, I do."
He wanted to see her smile again. "Do you still want to learn how to
surf ?"
She did smile, but it was wistful. "I haven't thought about it in
years."
"I have Sunday off. I'll give you a lesson."
She glanced up. There was a challenge in his eyes, just enough of one
to hook her. "All right."
He brushed a kiss at her temple in a gesture so easy, she was hardly
aware of it. "You know, Emma, when I told you I was sorry about you and
your husband ..." He brought her hand to his lips. "I lied."
She retreated instantly. Turning, she began to gather the dishes. "I'll
help you wash up."
He stepped back to the table, putting a hand over both of hers. "It
doesn't come as that much of a surprise, does it?"
She made herself look at him. The light was pearly with dusk. Behind
him, the eastern sky was deep, deep blue. His eyes were on hers, very
direct, a little impatient. "No." She turned and took the dishes
inside.
Though it cost him, he didn't press. She was vulnerable, he reminded
himself A person was bound to be just after the breakup of a marriage.
So he'd give her time, as much as he could stand.
She didn't relax again. Couldn't. What kind of a woman was she to be
drawn to one man so soon after she'd left another? She didn't want to
think about it. Her mind was made up. She would never become involved
again. She would never allow herself to be trapped by love, by
marriage. Now she only wanted to go back to her hotel, to lock the
doors and feel safe for a few hours.
"It's getting late. I really should get back. Can I call a cab?"
"I'll take you back."
"You don't have to. I can-"
"Emma. I said I'd take you."
Stop it. Stop it, she ordered herself and pulled her nervous fingers
apart. "Thanks."
"Relax. If you're not ready for the incredibly romantic affair we're
going to have, I can wait. It's only been eighteen years so far."
She wasn't sure whether to be amused or annoyed. "An affair takes two
people," she said lightly. "I'm afraid I've sworn off."
"Like I said, I can wait." He scooped up his keys. At the jingle of
them, Conroy leaped into the air, barking.
"He likes to ride in the car," Michael explained. "Shut up, Conroy."