The Color of Hope (The Color of Heaven Series) by Julianne MacLean Page B

responsible for her happiness. She was a grown woman, and so was I, with my own life to lead.
    It had been awhile since Rick and I spent a night together in a hotel, so I booked us into a quaint little five star Victorian B&B overlooking the water.
    We drove up Friday after work, enjoyed a steak dinner at the inn with a delicious Cabernet, then went for a walk down on the beach.
    Rick never looked more handsome to me. He wore linen pants and a loose, white shirt, while I wore a flowing Indian cotton skirt and black tank top. As soon as we stepped onto the sand, I kicked off my flip flops to feel the soft, cool grains of sand between my toes. A half moon hung low over the water, luminescent as it reflected off the foamy, crashing waves.
    “How perfect is this?” I said, reveling in the warmth of his hand around mine.
    We walked for quite a distance and discussed some of his frustrations at work, and his desire to open his own agency. I was supportive, because I wanted him to be happy, and I wanted to be a part of his future.
    Soon we entered a private cove beyond some large boulders, and sat down to look out at the dark, sparkling sea.
    I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. “Why doesn’t it smell like this everywhere?” I asked. “That clean salty fragrance... It’s like a drug.”
    “ You’re like a drug,” he replied, and when I opened my eyes, he was gazing at me with heated desire.
    His lips touched mine and I slid my fingers through his hair, pulling him close, enjoying the rough bristle on his chin as it rubbed against mine. His tongue probed softly with skillful, caressing strokes, and I let out a soft sigh. I wanted him desperately, and felt my body tremble as his hand slid over my hip and he eased me onto my back.
    The sound of the ocean pulsing up onto the shore lulled me into a dreamlike state, and when he rolled on top of me, I wrapped my legs around his hips and clung to him with a yearning that made me forget everything outside of that moment.
    His hand roved down over the top of my thigh, and I shivered when he gathered the fabric of my skirt and began to tug it upward.
    “Not here,” I whispered. “Let’s go back to the room.”
    “Why not here?” he asked.
    “Because someone might see us.”
    He lifted his head and scanned the perimeter of the secluded cove. “There’s no one else here. It’s completely private.”
    His mouth brushed lazily across my cheek, over my jawline, down the length of my neck.
    I wanted him, truly I did, but I also wanted this to be special.
    “Let’s go back to the room,” I whispered breathlessly. “I have champagne and chocolates waiting for us.”
    His head drew back, and he smiled at me. “Were you planning to seduce me?”
    I playfully puckered my lips. “I can’t tell a lie. I lured you here for one purpose, and one purpose alone.”
    Rick sat back on his heels and raked his fingers through his hair. “If this is part of your grand plan to make me all hot and bothered, then play hard to get, you’re doing a great job.”
    I sat up as well and grinned at him mischievously. “It’s better when you have to wait for it.”
    “I can’t argue.” He stood up and offered his hand. “Those chocolates better be damn good.”
    “They’ll be fabulous,” I promised, and with teasing laughter, I let him chase me back to the inn, where I fully intended to make him glad he waited – and hopefully then, we’d put a seal on our future together.

Chapter Thirty-six
    W E DEVOURED THE chocolate truffles, then made love on the bed. When we woke the next morning to the sun streaming in through the pale cream curtains, and the soothing sound of the waves crashing up onto the beach, we made love again.
    Afterward, Rick tossed the covers aside and moved across the room to open the window. Then he returned and slipped back into bed beside me. I entwined my body around his and kissed his neck.
    “This is nice,” I said. “We needed some time alone together. It’s