This was enough for him for now. He’d seen other guys from the dating app come on too strong and scare her away. He wouldn’t make that mistake.
Maileah raised her mesmerizing green eyes to his. “Best taco night ever. Was that invitation really spur of the moment, or did you plan it that way?”
“I’d be lying if I said I’d never thought about it. But everything beyond the tacos surprised me, too.”
Sailor tightened his embrace, resisting his nearly overwhelming desire for her. He cared for her more than any other woman he’d ever met. Maybe because they both had a different outlook on life compared to most people. He had come to terms with how he was wired; she’d still tried to fit in.
He’d waited months to hold her in his arms. He was unsure how much of himself he should reveal. Yet, he didn’t want her to think tonight meant nothing to him.
Sailor nuzzled her neck, hypnotized by her velvety soft skin. “I don’t want this to be a one-off night. Can we see each other again?”
“We do all the time.” She laughed softly and gestured to her cottage. “It’s going to be even harder to miss each other now.”
“I meant like this.” He brushed her windblown hair from her face. “Would you come with me to Cuppa Jo’s tomorrow night? My father has a musician friend visiting who once toured with Jimmy Buffet. Should be some great music.” When she didn’t answer, he added, “We can go together, or you can meet me there.”
He felt her muscles tighten and braced himself.
“Don’t expect me to be your friend with benefits,” she said firmly. “You know what I want.”
Smiling, he slid his hand down the length of her arm. “After all those dating interviews, how could I forget? Goodnight, Maisie.”
As she smiled at the nickname, he kissed her cheek. He got into his vehicle and waited until she had gone inside. Nothing much happened on this island, but he liked to look out for her.
When he arrived home, Skeeter was in the living room on the sofa watching old surfing videos their father had filmed. She had a pensive expression on her face.
Sailor eased onto the couch beside her. “Why are you watching these?”
“Just remembering how much fun we used to have.”
“Do you miss surfing?”
Skeeter flicked off the video. “I should have gone right back out. I waited too long and lost my nerve.”
“You had to heal, but it’s not too late. I know how tough you are.” She was leaving tomorrow to continue her classes. “If you’re free next weekend, come back. I’ll help you get up on your board again.”
“Maybe.” Skeeter clasped her knees and grinned. “But I want to hear about your night. I heard you took Maileah to the other side of the island for tacos.”
“Wow,” he said, surprised. “Word travels fast.”
She poked him in the ribs. “Never underestimate the speed of gossip around here. Did you have a good time dancing?”
Sailor ran a hand through his hair and chuckled. “Sounds like you got the full report. I don’t think there’s anything left to tell.”
“Not quite. I want to know what happened after you sped off on the Love Boat.”
“Nothing. Well, almost nothing. I’m playing it cool.”
Skeeter punched him playfully in the arm. “I like her. Don’t mess up while I’m gone.”
“So you’ll be back next weekend?”
She stretched and yawned. “I’ll stay at Dad’s to give you two some space.”
“It’s not like that yet.”
Skeeter wagged a finger at him. “Maybe not yet, but I know that look. You like her a lot.”
“Which is why I’m not going to rush her.”
