Hometown Girl by Robin Kaye Page A

there, pushed into his waiting arms, pressed tight against him. His arms went around her as if by their own volition.
    She blinked up at him, her cheeks turning even brighter red than her sunburned chest.
    “I love you.”
    She didn’t say anything; she just stood barefoot, wearing a little black bikini with her purse thrown over her shoulder.
    He tugged her tighter and kissed her until he felt her relax. “Remind me to thank Mel.”
    “You knew?”
    “I recognized the hand she almost slammed in the door.”
    “You’re not mad?”
    “Not if she was instrumental in getting you on this side of the door, I’m not. I love the bikini by the way.”
    If it was possible, Elyse turned even redder.
    “Are you going to let me in or am I going to have to kiss you again in front of all your neighbors?”
    Elyse looked up and down the hallway and her jaw dropped. Every door within earshot was open.
    “Oh, Elyse.” Mrs. Friedman stepped closer. “He seems like such a nice boy, and since Bernie’s moved on, you should let him in. It’s not like you get many gentleman callers.”
    “Who’s Bernie?”
    Elyse’s door opened and Mel stood there with her keys in hand and her backpack slung over her shoulder. “Don’t ask. Just come in. I’m leaving—I so don’t want to see the kiss either.”
    “Tough.” He picked Elyse up, her yelp of surprise opening her mouth just enough for his purpose. He carried her inside, kissing her until they were both breathless. By the time he set her down Mel was long gone.
    * * *
    Elysepulled herself away from Simon, she was sticky and sandy and probably getting suntan oil all over his clothes. She still couldn’t believe he was talking to her, no less standing there in her apartment looking at her as if he wanted to toss her over his shoulder and take her to bed.
    “Are you going to give me another chance or am I going to have to grovel more? It’s okay. You’re worth it. I’m just happy to be doing it face-to-face.”
    “No.”
    “No more groveling, or no, you’re not going to give me another chance?” He pulled her closer and when his lips slid over her shoulder, her train of thought completely derailed.
    “Stop it. I can’t think when you’re touching me.”
    He dropped his hands from her waist, stepped back, and his face fell. “I’m sorry. I won’t touch you. Or at least I’ll try not to. God, Elyse, I’ve missed you. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve never felt like this before. I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. I can’t even work—I thought Pete was going to fire me today because I was a complete screwup all week. I can’t stop thinking about you. Can you forgive me?”
    She stepped closer. “Can you forgive me? I lied to you . . . by omission. Though at first, I had no idea you didn’t recognize me. I didn’t know until you called me Fitz. If I had told you—”
    “I would never have given you the time of day. You were right. I’m so damn glad you didn’t say anything—this one time.”
    “What changed your mind?”
    “Pete told me I fell in love with a woman who I just happened to grow up with. There’s nothing wrong with falling in love with a hometown girl.”
    “Smart man.”
    Simon smiled and kissed her. “So what’s it gonna be?”
    “A shower. I’m sticky and greasy and sandy.”
    “And gorgeous. But that’s not what I’m talking about. What’s it gonna be? It’s like the curse of the relationship question.” He kissed her again and steered her down the hallway toward the bathroom.
    She knew her smile was so wide she probably looked like a mental patient. “I don’t know. It’s a big decision.” She nipped his lower lip.
    Simon groaned. “Are we going to have to do another list of the pros and cons? Pros first. I’m great in bed.”
    “Sure, but how are you in the shower?” She started the water.
    “You’re in love with me.” Simon kissed her like she’d dreamed of all week as he untied her bikini top and slid her