The cement path through the palm trees and around Biscayne Bay was narrow but almost empty of people.
He turned the corner and saw Natalie’s figure. She wore tight black pants and a black t-shirt with pads on her elbows and knees. His body tensed at the sight as she skated over to him and looked him up and down. “You’ve never been here before.”
His gaze sharpened as he stared into her eyes. “How would you know?”
A laugh came out of her throat as she skated ahead of him. “I’ve come here almost every morning since I was eighteen—I’d have noticed you.”
Her backside was tight and his fingers ached to grab her by the slender hips, though he kept his hands at his sides and sped to keep up with her. “I’m changing my habits then.”
They skated side by side as they turned the next corner of the path. “How did you know I was here?”
Natalie was smart, and he couldn’t lie to her. “My brother has spies watching you.”
Her lips pursed, and her eyes dulled slightly. “Why? I told you last night my period was a few days ago. I’m probably not pregnant and don’t want to think about any of that. This is my one time of day where I don’t think at all.” She gestured to their surroundings.
Now he noticed the beach and the rare, unencumbered view of the Atlantic Ocean without any of the lights from Miami interfering with the sight. He slowed down and studied the reds, oranges, and pinks of morning from behind the water. “This is beautiful.”
She stopped beside him and pressed her hand next to his. She then pointed to a spot about twenty feet away. “I think so. Hurry. The sunrise is prettiest at the next bend, by the beach.”
Natalie kept his hand while they skated the short distance for another look at the ocean. Palm trees lined the beach on either side and the white sand seemed to glow when the sun came up a little higher. He turned and saw how intently she focused on the view. Blonde hair in a high ponytail, pink mouth, slender nose, high cheekbones. Natalie was beautiful, and he wanted to run his hands all over her and claim her as his own. “I can see why you come here.”
She whispered like their words might spoil the moment. “It’s magical when no one else is around and it feels like I’m the only one seeing such wonder and beauty.”
“Youare beautiful Natalie.” He tugged her closer to him.
This time she stared up at him in pleasure and he felt bigger than the sunrise they’d just witnessed, full of bright light. She lowered her gaze but rested her forehead on his chest. “I… I liked our kisses last night Galen.”
No other words were necessary. He lifted her chin and pressed his lips on hers. Her slight moan as she curled her arms around his neck fueled him.
He hadn’t wanted a woman like Natalie in years, if ever. Somehow, he needed to keep her just like this, in his arms with her chest pressed against his.
She ended the kiss and winked at him as she skated back a few inches. “I guess I have to go and get ready for work. Will I see you there?”
Well, he did own the place. He kept that answer to himself and memorized her smile. “I’ll be in my office. Natalie, it’s okay if you want to go see your parents before you come in to work. I know last night I kept you from visiting them.”
She slowed down and lowered her head. “I’d appreciate that, but first I need my car, remember? How about I get to leave early?”
“Fair enough.” He smiled, happy he could help her. She was about to turn to leave again, when he asked, “Can I take you out tonight, after you finish with your parents?”
“Sure, but only if you promise not to bring up any difficulties. A date should be about having fun.”
He’d never been so hard-pressed near a woman, not even his ex in their early years. His cheeks were slightly warm, like he was an unsure teen instead of a man, when he admitted, “I’ve never been on a date with someone like you, possibly ever.”
Another small laugh escaped her throat. “Good, because I like being original. See you later, Galen.”
Good. Tonight he’d impress her—show her that he was worth her time. “See you soon.”
She waved and skated ahead. He turned around and headed toward his car. Now he had a reason to shower and get to work. Natalie being there changed everything.
Natalie hummed her entire way home from the beach. She hadn’t expected Galen or that morning kiss. Galen’s kiss had been sweeter than the passionate one last night and left her tingling. And how in the world did she suddenly have a flirty side?
She never flirted out loud or said half the things that had come out of her mouth this morning or last night, but whatever had happened to her, she liked it.
Natalie removed her skates at her front door and took the elevator up to the nineteenth floor and her apartment.
She stopped short when she saw a tall man with long blond hair standing in the hall—she placed one foot back inside the elevator—who was that? He turned his green eyes at her and smiled. “Natalie.”
She hesitantly walked forward with her skates around her shoulder. “Rocco Dubois? What are you doing here?”
