So Many Men... (18 page)

A giggle tickled its way up her throat and trickled out of her mouth. “So, why don’t you kiss me and tell me you think that maybe I might possibly be your one great love, too?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t think I can do that.”

“You can’t?”

He shook his head, his expression solemn. “No, I’m afraid not.”

She pulled away, frowning. “Oh.”

“You see, there is no ‘maybe’ about it. I do have one great love and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that that love is you.”

“Oh.” She smiled. “So.”

“So.” He leaned in toward her and she met him halfway, but just when his lips parted, a hairbreadth away from hers, he scooped her up, then stood.

“Mason, what are you doing?” She wrapped her arms around his neck as he jostled her into a more comfortable position.

“Coloring outside of the lines.”

“Oh?”

Those marvelous dimples flashed at her again, and she laughed as he ran with her to the water. Gulls screeched overhead and white foam broke around them when he dove with her into the surf.

The waves closed over them in a chilling rush and Tess slipped free to swim several long strokes before surfacing beside Mason. He frowned and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear as they treaded water just beyond the breaking waves.

“Cold?” he asked.

She nodded. “Freezing.”

He wrapped his arms around her, while kicking to keep them afloat. “So, if you move in with me and miracle of all miracles you decide that I am after all your one great love, then what does that mean for your gift?”

“Actually, I’m not sure.”

“Would it mean that you lose the gift?”

“It might.”

He pushed back from her. “Tess…that’s not right. I could never ask you to do that.”

“Well, you’re not asking me.”

“It’s too big a sacrifice.”

She kicked forward, closing the gap between them. “If it is a sacrifice, which I’m not so sure it is—the gift could evolve in a way—then it’s my sacrifice to make.” She draped first one, then her other arm over his shoulders. “And I want to make it.”

Deep grooves formed between his eyebrows and his eyes glittered. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

He kissed her then, his mouth hungry for hers as the warmth of his love blanketed her. She pressed her body close to his and kicked with him as they bobbed in the water with the sun warming them and the breeze wrapping around them.

When at last he pulled away, desire shone in his dark eyes. His gaze drifted over her. “Are you ready to go home?”

“Yes.”

His mouth quirked to one side. “But what about all your male friends? I hate to admit it, but I can’t help feeling jealous when they’re always with you.”

“Believe it or not, they haven’t been hanging around much since I met you.”

“Really? And are you okay with not having them there all the time? Would you be okay with having just some of them around some of the time?”

She gazed past him to the lone sail now far away on the horizon. “I don’t need all that fuss around me anymore. After the gala I spent some time alone and I think I’ve got a good start on who I am just by myself.”

“And who are you, Tess McClellan?”

“I’m an independent female with a penchant for a good time and a desire to give back to my community. I’ve discovered that I like to read and take long walks and it is possible for me to order just one item off a menu. I know that simply put I can not only be alone, but that I actually enjoy being alone at times. But most of all…I’m happy.” She smiled. “That’s who I am.”

“Well, I think you sound like the person I want to spend a lot of time with.”

“Good. So, who are you?”

“Me?” He pointed to himself. “Who am I?”

She nodded and smiled to encourage him.

“Ah, I’ve got it. I’m a man who’s learned to listen to the woman he loves.”

“Yeah?”

“Got that straight.”

“Okay, so we need to talk about a plan. We need some goals here.”

He cocked his head. “You mean a life plan?”

“Right, one we can start on right after I finish ravaging you.”

“You’re going to ravage me?”

“Don’t worry, you’re going to love it. Have I ever steered you wrong?”

“I’m listening. Just tell me what you want me to do. I am yours to command.”

She smiled and let the sun dance across her wet skin, her heart filled to bursting as they headed back to the shore. “Then take me home, so I can have my way with you.”

“And that life plan?” he asked as he lifted her from the water.

Secure in his arms, she traced the curve of his cheek. “I stick with you, for good, because you’re the one and only man that I can handle.”