“You’re in love with me,” he clarified. “It’s in your eyes when you look at me. Even now.”

She felt a wave of attraction pass between them. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what? I want you back.”

“Just—I need to think.” She pulled her hand from beneath his. “I need to think.”

“That’s all I’m asking,” he said.

Phil didn’t say more. But when they left the restaurant, stepping out into the cool April evening, his arm was tight around her waist, pressing her into his side. She felt the heat of his body and knew as she leaned into him the walls she’d erected around her heart were crumbling.

As they rounded a corner near the street where they’d parked, they almost ran into couple coming from the opposite direction. Lina felt the tenseness in Phil’s body a moment before she saw Nick. “Oh,” she said breathlessly. “Hi.”

“Good evening,” Nick said.

“Lina?” his companion said in surprise.

Lina dragged her gaze from Nick’s to look at the person beside him. It was the woman she met on his sailboat. “Dana!”

Dana smiled. “Small world.” Her gaze shifted to Phil.

“This is Phil,” Lina said. She continued to look at Dana but could feel Nick’s eyes looking at her. “He’s my…my—”

“Husband,” Phil finished.

“Oh.” Dana’s eyes widened in surprise.

“We’re separated,” Lina rushed out, knowing even as she uttered the words how ridiculous she sounded. Phil had situated his body behind hers with one arm clasped firmly around her ribcage while his other hand was splayed over her tummy, pressing her body back into his.

“Oh,” Dana said again.

Lina’s face heated. “Well, it was nice to see you.” She couldn’t fathom a moment feeling more awkward.

“You too,” Dana said.

Phil draped his arm around Lina’s shoulders, offering a tight smile to Dana before leading Lina away.

“No,” Lina said when Phil turned off the engine after parking in front of the house. “You’re not coming in.”

Phil laid his hands on the top of the steering wheel. “Lina—”

“I’m confused and I need to think.”

“May I kiss you goodnight?” He made no move to touch her as he met her eyes in the dimly lit interior of the car.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Her heart had begun to beat faster.

“Just one kiss. I promise.”

Even with her mind telling her to get out of the car, Lina found herself leaning across the center console, her hand sliding over the stubble on Phil’s jaw. “I’ll kiss you,” she said before pressing her lips against his. “Good night,” she whispered, successfully fighting the urge to invite him in.

“I love you, baby,” he said as he stared into her eyes. “Dream about me.”