appreciate that you’re able to discuss it with me without acting strange. I learned early on to keep most of it to myself. But with you, it’s been easy.”
“Maybe it’s because I’m so easy.” She nudged her nakedness against his and laughed at her own bawdy joke.
Such joy. Such innocence. He envied her that. “Someday some young guy is going to fall desperately in love with you.”
She made a dreamy sound. “I hope so.”
“It’ll happen. Mark my words.”
“Marking them now.” She grabbed a pen off the nightstand and wrote L-O-V-E on her stomach.
He poked a finger into her navel. “That looks like a really bad tattoo.”
“That’s what we should do if we ever see each other again. We should get tattoos. A hunky guy like you should have something tribal and a bohemian girl like me should have something...” She seemed to be at a loss when it came to knowing what she should have.
He went ahead and made a few suggestions. “How about something flowery? Like cherry blossoms? Or something magical? Like a unicorn or a winged tigress?”
“Those are great ideas. I think I like the tigress the best.” She purred playfully at him.
“That’s sweet. But tigers don’t purr. They chuff, like this.” He made a breathy snort, mimicking the big cats.
“Oh, that’s sexy. Maybe you should get the tiger tattoo.”
“I think we should get some sleep.” He adjusted his arm, giving her room to nestle in the crook of it.
She accepted his invitation and closed her eyes, and he watched her until she dozed off. He couldn’t help it.
He simply liked looking at her.
* * *
Dana expected Eric to awaken first, but she beat him to it. She discovered him, rough and rugged, and conked out beside her. His straight dark hair was spiked against the pillow and his jaw bore a bit of whisker stubble.
She scrounged around for a robe and found one in the midst of the clothing pile on the floor. It was her favorite robe, a silky number with a Hawaiian print.
After wrapping herself in it, she headed for the bathroom to wash what was left of last night’s makeup off her face. She also brushed her teeth and put her hair in a twisty bun.
Then she went back into her room, sat on the edge of the bed and watched Eric come awake. He squinted at her, and she smiled.
“Morning,” she said.
After a long stretch, he replied, “I’ve never been much of a morning person.” There was a surly expression on his face.
“I’m an everything person,” she told him, without losing her smile. “I like all times of the day.”
He sat up a little straighter. “I need to go home.”
“Not before breakfast.” She didn’t want him to leave just yet. She wanted to improve his mood. “Stay and eat with me. I’m a great cook.”
“Really? You are?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll whip up a batch of blueberry waffles. How does that sound?”
“Heavenly.”
Perfect, she thought, commending herself. His mood was improving already. “How about eggs and bacon, too?”
“Even more heavenly. I’m a sucker for home cooking.”
“In that case, I’ll throw in some hash browns.” The more food the better, especially if it was going to make him smile.
He did smile, and it warmed her all the way to her toes. He was still gloriously naked and gorgeous as ever.
He ran a hand through his hair. “Do you think I could use your shower? I’m never fully awake until I shower.”
“Absolutely. Wash away.”
“Any chance you have an extra toothbrush handy?”
“Are you kidding? I have a drawer full of toothbrushes in the bathroom. I have a ton of extra toiletries, too. There’s a dollar store down the street and I go a little nuts when I shop there.”
Another smile from the naked man. “Will you make coffee with breakfast?”
“Of course. That’s a given.” She watched him walk to the bathroom. All male. All healthy-guy muscle.
Dana went into the kitchen to whip up the meal. By the time Eric emerged, breakfast was ready. He’d obviously taken an invigorating shower. He looked refreshed. He was dressed, too, shoes and all.
She handed him a cup of coffee, and he inhaled the roasted aroma before he took a sip.
“This is better than the diner’s coffee,” he said.
“It’s the same brand.”
“It is? It takes richer.”
“Maybe because it’s more enjoyable to be drinking it at my house.” She grinned. “Morning-after coffee.”
“Maybe that’s it. You look cute, by the way.”
“Thanks.” She was still in her robe. There didn’t seem to be a reason to get dressed. She was comfy as she was.
They sat down at her table, and he thanked her for fixing the food. He ate with gusto. She smiled, glad that he’d agreed to have breakfast with her.
“Do you have any plans for the day?” she asked.
He shook his head.
“Me, neither. It’s my day off.” She waited for him to suggest that they spend the afternoon together, but he didn’t say anything. Then again, she didn’t really expect him to. Doing what came natural, she made the effort instead. “We ought to get those tattoos today, right after we finish eating.”
“I’m not getting inked. But you go ahead.”
“Not unless you come with me.”
“I’m going home after breakfast, Dana.”
“Come on, let’s be spontaneous together. You can even help design my tattoo for me.”
He shook his head. “I’ve been spontaneous enough for one day.”
“This is day two.”
“And I’m going home.”
“Then what are you going to do?” She thought about what he’d said last night about not continuing to see each other. “Disappear and never be heard from again?”
“It’s better that way, Dana.”
“I think you’ll change your mind.” She batted her lashes. “You’ll be back at the diner.” She opened her robe and flashed him. “And you’ll be back in my bed again, too.”
He laughed. “You’re something else.”
It was wonderful to hear him laugh. “Yes, I am.”
After breakfast, he kissed her goodbye. It was a warm, sexy, dreamy kiss, and Dana was certain he wouldn’t be able to stay away. In her mind, they were meant to be lovers, for however long it lasted.
After he was gone, she sat outside by the fountain, excited about when she would see him again.
* * *
The days that passed turned into weeks, but there was no sign of Eric. Dana had been wrong. She hadn’t charmed him into coming back to the diner, let alone sleeping with her again.
But that was the least of her worries. Or maybe it was the worst of them. Today she was a nervous wreck. Today she was confiding in Candy about her missed