Flora thought about the white dress lying unworn in her suitcase.

She wasn’t Becca, but he wasn’t expecting her to be like Becca. He didn’t want that. He liked who she was. The white dress was going back.

He knew her. He loved her.

The rush of happiness was so intense it made her dizzy. And he was still talking.

“I love that you care so much about making people happy and yes, some of that comes from wanting to please people, and that isn’t always a good thing, but some of it is simply because you’re so damned caring and thoughtful. I’ve never met anyone like you before. You’re beautiful, inside and out.”

“Beautiful? Which part of me do you find beautiful?”

“All of you. Your smile, your great legs—did I mention your legs?—but most of all your heart. You have the kindest heart of anyone I’ve ever met.” He lowered his head and kissed her. It was gentle, but she could feel the passion simmering beneath the surface. And she kissed him back, eyes closed, head dreaming.

He finally lifted his head, but just enough to allow him to speak. “I know this is complicated—that’s what I meant when I mentioned timing—I know it hasn’t been easy, particularly with Izzy. But we’ll figure it out. We’ll work through it. In time she will see this is the right thing, I’m sure of it.”

Flora thought about the flicker of connection she’d felt the night before. “I haven’t handled it well, either. She was right that I’ve been trying too hard. I need to be more myself.” No more games, she thought. Just honesty.

“Well at least then you’ll be less likely to rupture an Achilles tendon running in Brooklyn.” He brushed his fingers over her cheek. “I think you might be the bravest person I know. Not just because I invited you to stay near a lake, but because it meant spending time with my friends even though you don’t know them and in your mind you’re an outsider, which is your worst nightmare.”

“Jack—”

“Last night I should have stayed closer to you. I was so busy catching up with Todd, I didn’t think. You must have been so stressed.”

“I don’t need a minder, Jack.”

“How about someone who loves you? Do you need that?”

Yes, she needed that. She needed that more than anything. Her heart was full. Racing, and her mind along with it. No one had ever said these things to her, and the words were as seductive as the skilled brush of his mouth against hers and the knowing stroke of his hands.

This time neither of them pulled back. They’d waited so long. Too long.