Thanks to Coffee Time Romance for the interview and the opportunity to be a part of the Coffee Thoughts blog. Here’s the second excerpt from Love Turns the Tide.
After they returned to Cammie’s unit, Vic made himself at home in the kitchen, rattling the pots and pans in the cabinets until he found the George Foreman indoor grill. Putting it on the white tile counter he said, “Great, I like the idea of cooking in the comfort of your air conditioning.”
“Yes,” Cammie said as she got out rolls to heat.
By the time Vic finished their entrée, it dawned on Cammie that she hadn’t set the table, so she reached for the plates at the same time Vic turned. Bumping into her he said, “Ooops, I’m sorry.”
Then he put his arms around her, gazing at her with those dreamy eyes. Before she knew it her lips met his, and she was caught in an irresistible tide to a place she’d never been. He gently pushed her hair from her face, his eyes locked on hers, inviting her into his world. She didn’t want to go there because of the pain it might cause, but his kiss had awakened the sensitivities she’d tried so hard to bury. Attempting to disconnect from the warm feelings to escape any heartache caring about him might bring, she blinked and headed to the dining area to set the table.
After Cammie said a blessing, they sat down to eat. When she bit into her fish she couldn’t believe the sweet, delicate taste. She never would have imagined anyone so rugged and business-like could cook like that.
“Well, what do you think?” he asked.
“It’s delicious.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
After Cammie finished he took their plates to the kitchen, where Cammie put them in the dishwasher. Still amazed by his cooking skills and wondering how he achieved the fruity taste, she said, “I liked the pineapple sauce you put over the fish.”
Vic put his arm around her soulder. “It’s an old family recipe,” he said. Then he changed the subject. “How about a walk on the beach?”
“I’d like that.” Cammie got a flashlight out of the drawer underneath the kitchen counter next to the door. Then the two of them strolled to the end of the dimly lit wooden walkway where a stiff wind cooled the night air. When they took off their shoes and set them at the end of the deck, Cammie glanced at the dark sky. “There aren’t many stars out tonight.”
They sauntered beyond the dunes before Vic said, “You’re right. Also, it’s high tide and mighty breezy, so we may have this place to ourselves.”
As far as Cammie could see by the light of the moon and spotlights on the nearby hotels, the area was deserted. But suddenly a man with his head down appeared in the beam of Cammie’s flashlight, his blue shirt caught in the wind. As he trudged closer and closer, he quickened his pace until finally be brushed past them.
Even though he never had looked up, Cammie had seen him well enough to recognize him. As soon as he stepped out of earshot she said, “Vic, that was Beau, Angie’s brother. He seemed to come out of nowhere. He must have been hiding behind a dune. What on earth is he doing near Gulf Shore? Angie told me he lives in Fort Walton Beach.”
Even though Cammie could see tiny wrinkles cross Vic’s brow in a reassuring tone he said, “Lots of people walk here.” Then he glanced at the sky and changed the subject. “I think we’re going to get rain. Let’s head back.”
When they returned to Cammie’s unit, Vic looked concerned. “Cammie, when I leave lock the door.” Since securing one’s home was a habit with most people, Cammie thought his comment meant that he suspected Beau of breaking into Angie’s place. Even though he obviously wasn’t ready to say that seeing Beau on the beach had made him skeptical of him, apparently it had. He turned and pushed her hair away from her face. “Goodnight Cutie,” he said. Then he asked, “Can I call you?”
Cammie couldn’t believe his change in attitude. He was no longer ordering her to tour his model unit, pick up pictures, or read her article to him. She wondered if those appointments had been his way of continuing to see her. Her heart melted. “Yes.”
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