He hopped out and opened the rear hatch, where he flipped up a tarp to reveal a cooler, firewood, a water jug, a lantern, blankets, and…
“Is that a tent?”
He dropped the nylon bag onto the sand with a jangly thunk. “Not often the timing of the tides is this perfect.” He tapped his pursed lips with his fingertip. “Must be serendipity.”
She didn’t know whether to kiss him or smack him. “We’re spending the night?”
“If you’re willing.” From beneath the tarp, he pulled out a familiar gym bag and dangled it from one finger, his grin playful and slightly smug.
“How did you—?”
“Your friend Marie packed while you were getting dressed this morning. You almost walked in on her twice, but the other two steered you away.”
So that’s why they kept pulling her back into the bathroom to fiddle with her hair and jewelry. She smiled at the idea of her friends conspiring with Matteo. They must really like him.
He slung the bag over his shoulder. “If you’d rather not stay, that’s cool. We’ll still have a few hours to ourselves before the tide gets too high to drive back out.” When she just gaped, he added, “Full moon tonight. Soft breezes. Starry skies.” He gestured to the surrounding cliffs with a sweep of his arm. “It’s a magical place at night.”
He gazed out at the sea with a dreamy half-smile. “I must’ve been about ten last time I spent the night here. The full moon seemed so huge, like any minute it would splash into the sea. My cousin said we had to make moon magic to keep it from falling. All night long, we chanted and sang, danced in a circle, and drew symbols in the sand. It felt—I dunno. Powerful, I guess.”
A whisper of moon magic caressed Danielle’s skin, raising goosebumps despite the summer warmth. She stepped behind Matteo, wrapped her arms around his waist, and rested her chin on his shoulder. “Well done, moon wizard. Your magic worked.”
What was he like at Noah’s age? Wide-eyed and earnest, probably. Sweet, artistic, buzzing with imagination. If only she could tap into that innocence and keep her focus on this magical moment.
She nuzzled the crook of his neck. “Let’s make some moon magic tonight.”
He turned into her embrace, and his boyish grin outshone the moonlight. “You’ll stay?”
“Absolutely.” She kissed the tip of his nose.
He peppered her face with kisses, then hefted a sack of equipment. “Help me set up camp?”
Together, they wrestled the tent poles into their sockets and collected stones to weigh down the ropes. While she spread out two sleeping bags to make a double bed, he dug a small fire pit before stacking kindling and logs. Finally, he propped the folding shovel against a tall boulder several yards away. “In case nature calls during the night.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Thought of everything, haven’t you?”
He shrugged and flashed a sheepish grin. “You can thank my college girlfriend. Our first attempt at camping—well, let’s say I under-packed. She took charge of provisions after that.”
College girlfriend. No reason to flinch. He was charming, thoughtful, amazing in bed. No doubt, he’d honed those skills on a long line of former girlfriends. And no doubt, he would practice them on many lucky women to come.
Until now, Matteo hadn’t mentioned his past loves. She restrained her curiosity long enough to spear marshmallows on forks while he lit the fire. Seated cross-legged, she watched the flames gild the white puffs.
He dropped down beside her and nudged her elbow. “There’s Hershey bars and Graham crackers if you want s’mores.”
“No thanks. I’m still stuffed from the reception.” She peeled her hot, gooey marshmallow from her fork.
“Was it hard for you?” He licked melted marshmallow from his fingers. “The wedding, I mean, after your divorce?”
“Oh. No, it was lovely. Nothing like my wedding, all stuffy and formal.”
Resting his elbows on his knees, Matteo gazed at her. “Why did you love him?”
She stabbed another marshmallow. “Going right for the jugular, aren’t you?”
He scooted closer, his thigh warm against hers. “I just don’t get why a smart woman like you would fall for a cheating asshole like him.”
Because I’m really not so smart. Exhibit A: Falling for you.
His hand closed softly over her wrist. “You don’t have to tell me if it’s too painful. I didn’t bring you out here to grill you.” The corner of his mouth tipped. “Just marshmallows.”
