“We will be sad to see you leave,” he said. “I’ll be sad to see you leave.”

She looked as torn as he felt as they stopped walking. He turned toward her and dropped their shoes into the sand, taking her hands in his and moving several inches closer. He heard a heart beating and he couldn’t be sure if it was hers or his.

“Sarah…I don’t know what’s happening the last few weeks, but I want you to know how grateful I am for everything you’ve done for Marissa.”

She nodded, looking slightly disappointed. “Grateful.”

“More than grateful.” He released one of her hands and touched her cheek. “I’ve also liked spending time with you…even if I didn’t always agree with the choices you were making regarding the upgrades.”

She laughed, and the sound warmed him to his core. “I’ve enjoyed spending time with you, too,” she said. She stared up at him, and the questioning look in her gaze was one he had no answers to. All he did know was that he wanted a do-over on that kiss.

He tangled his hand into her hair and slowly lowered his head to hers. She smelled like the salty sea air around them, and the nervous way her eyes flitted between his eyes and lips had him wanting to kiss her even more.

“I want to try that kiss again,” he said.

He saw her gulp. “You know you don’t deserve another shot at it, right?” she asked, but her tone belied the words. It was full of longing and desire.

“I do know that, but I’m hoping you’d be willing to forgive and forget?”

She swallowed hard as she nodded.

He lowered his head even closer, and she stood on tiptoes to close the gap between them. Her mouth was warm, soft…and this time, he was prepared.

He grabbed her hips and pulled her closer, their feet sinking into the sand. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she deepened the kiss, savoring his mouth. The flavors of mint and vanilla mingled together—his gum, her lip gloss…and they tasted good together. They felt good together, the way their bodies molded into each other, the perfectly in-sync rhythm of the kiss. It wasn’t just chemistry or lust…it was something deeper. Something a lot like love.

Which had him absolutely terrified but all in. He’d always been intimidated by her. She was so far out of his league. Still was, but right now he didn’t care…he just wanted her.

Picking her up into his arms, he knelt on the sand and carefully lowered her onto it. Lying on his side, he rested her head in his hand as he continued to kiss her more desperately. He felt his entire body come alive. It had been so long since a woman had him feeling this way.