Chapter Eight

Blushing, she walked away from his piercing gaze and over to the window where she’d seen the frilly skirt. The saleswoman walked over to her. “You have a very brave man, my dear. Most husbands don’t come in here at all.”

“Oh,” Kacy corrected her, “he’s not my husband.”

The woman picked up the skirt and held it out to her. “Really? From the way he watches you, I would have guessed you were married. Have you been dating long?”

“We’ve been a couple ever since we met,” a deep masculine voice reached them. Ernst’s arms slid around Kacy’s waist as he kissed her neck and then he moved away.

Which was three days ago. Kacy just rolled her eyes and turned the skirt around, looking at it from all angles. “I’ll take this in a,” her brows scrunched, “a size two. Yes, that should work for her.”

“I think this would work for you,” Ernst muttered from behind her. In his hand he had a delicate piece of lace.

The saleswoman smiled and Kacy blushed from the top of her head to the soles of her feet. “Stop,” she protested, pushing his hand away. “I’m getting this for a friend. She loves pink and skirts.”

His breath teased her ear. “Will you wear this for me if I get it for you?”

“No, now go put it back,” she admonished.

“Fine,” he whined, moving off after affectionately patting her on the ass.

“He looks like a handful,” the woman said as her gaze followed Ernst.

“He’s something all right,” Kacy admitted. Turning, she watched as he wove in and out of the silk, satin, and lace in the shop. Every now and then he would hold up an item and look at her. Kacy would merely shake her head.

“I will just box this up for you,” the saleswoman said.

“Thanks,” Kacy said, handing her money. Copper eyes narrowed as they focused on a skinny brunette who had sidled up to Ernst and talked animatedly to him. The woman was leaning into him, showing off her ample cleavage to the blond man.

Ernst could feel Kacy’s gaze on him. The woman talking to him desperately wanted more than he was willing to give. Not wanting to risk his newfound relationship on the simpering woman in front of him, he turned his pale gaze to meet the fiery one of the woman he knew would be his wife.

He winked at her and watched her try to seem indifferent, but failing miserably. Moving away from the brunette, he strode toward Koali Cynemon Travis, and in front of everyone, pull her into his arms and kiss her.

Sliding his tongue into her mouth, he absorbed her taste. Hands slid around to rest on the small of her back, teasing and caressing her skin.

Her body arched deeper into his as she purred into his mouth. Kacy moved her hands around his neck, drawing them even closer. His erection pressed against her belly.

Easing back so his lips rested gently upon hers, he murmured, “I don’t want anyone but you, schätzchen.”

Kacy put her eyes on his. “She’s pretty cute.”

“Not my kind of woman. Not enough curves, color, or spice.” He winked at her again before lifting his head to glance around at their audience. “Sorry, ladies, I couldn’t help myself.”

They were treated to a round of laughter. The saleswoman brought Kacy’s package to her along with the change. Carrying her purchase, Ernst led his woman out the door and back into the Hawaiian afternoon.

Sooner than he preferred, they were standing in front of the hotel’s fountain, and Ernst held Kacy tightly in his arms. I don’t want to let her go in through those doors. “Thank you for spending the day with me, Kacy,” he whispered into her ear.

“Thank you for making it a day I will never forget.” Her arms tightened around his waist as she pressed her ear to the “lub-dub” of his heart.

They’d gone horseback riding along the beach; biking along wooded trails; and wading in the creeks. Kacy had insisted on buying dinner, and they’d eaten at another nice outdoor café overlooking the water so they could enjoy the sunset.

Each of them had pictures as souvenirs. Ernst had a wallet-size one of the two of them standing together in front of a beautiful waterfall. He had his arm across her shoulders and she had her brown arms wrapped around his waist.

“I don’t want to let you go, Kacy,” Ernst told her.

“I have to go. My plane is leaving in a few hours and I still have to pack.” Kacy made no move to leave his embrace.

“I want to see you again.” Ernst moved them off to the side to give them a bit more privacy.

She smiled sadly and her body memorized his masculine scent. “You don’t even know where I live.”

His hands rubbed her back. “You weren’t very forthcoming with personal information.”

She shrugged. “I’m a private person.”

I know that. Private and not very trusting. “Can I see you again?”

Kacy leaned back to meet his gaze. “Where do you live?”

He stared deeply into her eyes. “I have a small apartment in Virginia.”

“Where in Virginia? It is kind of a big state.”

“Near Norfolk.”

Kacy closed her eyes briefly as if to control the swarming emotions he saw in them. “Do you know a little restaurant in Virginia Beach named The Fisher King?”

Ernst shook his head. “No, but I can find out where it is. Why?”

“Two weeks from now, I’ll be outside that restaurant. If you want to see me again, be there.” Her eyes opened again and he saw more of those conflicting emotions swirling in them.

“The only reason I won’t be there is if we are sent away on a mission.” His gaze begged for under-standing.

“Sure,” she said doubtfully. “I’ll be there at seven. It’s a casual place so jeans are fine.”

“Why don’t you believe that I want so much more from you than a one-night stand?” Ernst asked as one hand cupped her cheek.

“I have to go.” Kacy said.

A sad smile crossed his face. Then it turned mischievous. “You do realize it is going to have to be one hell of a kiss to last me two weeks that you give me, don’t you?”

“So you saying that I am going to have to do better?” Kacy arched an eyebrow.

“I’m saying kiss me so it will linger on my lips for the next two weeks.” His other hand moved up to rest on her other cheek.

“I might need a few practice runs before I am ready for that final one,” she teased as her arms slid up and around his neck to lace her fingers behind his head.

“Quite a few.”

“Definitely,” Kacy agreed. “So, I should begin.” Her hands tugged his mouth down onto hers.