A Case of Extreme Mistaken Identity - Victorine E. Lieske Page 0,60

rippled over his feet and he sucked in a breath. Dani giggled. “Yeah, that’s a bit frigid. But it feels good, too. Doesn’t it?”

“Yes. I just wasn’t expecting it to be that cold.”

They walked along the water’s edge making footprints in the sand that would fill up with water when the waves came in, and then back out. Austin itched to reach out and take Dani’s hand. Finally, after a few moments, he gathered up his courage and did so. Her skin was warm and soft, and she didn’t pull away.

He wondered what he could say to express how he was feeling. All of the words that came to mind didn’t even begin to touch the surface. He wanted to be with Dani. He wanted to be the one who took care of her, to keep her safe from all the crazies in the world. He adored everything about her. How does a person say that, though?

Dani’s thumb grazed over his, and he took courage. He slowed his footsteps. He opened his mouth to start the conversation, but Dani spoke first.

“Kay called me into her office this morning.”

“Oh?” He peered at her, bathed in moonlight. “What did she want?”

“She gave me my paycheck.” Dani hid a smile.

“That’s good.” Why was she acting funny?

“It was a lot more than I thought it would be.”

“Really? Why?”

“I had given Kay a ring that I found in a room. I guess the woman who lost it was so thankful she gave me some reward money.” Dani grinned. “I got over a thousand dollars.”

“Whoa, seriously?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s enough for a plane ticket.”

“I know.” Dani examined her fingernails. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my future and what you’ve been saying.”

“And?”

“I’m going to find my own place in LA and enroll in college.”

A swell of emotion closed his throat. She was going to break off from her father’s money. Danica Jordan was going to make it on her own. He knew she could do it. He squeezed her hand. He knew she could do it.

He stopped and turned to her. The moonlight made her look even more beautiful, if that was possible. He wasn’t sure. She was radiant on her own. But something about the waves of the sea and the mood of the evening made his heart leap. He reached up and brushed his fingers down the side of her face. “You’re amazing.”

She shook her head. “Not really. I’m nothing special.”

“Don’t say that. You’re special to me.”

She swallowed and broke his gaze. “I’m not. I’m just a celebrity that wants to get out.”

She was so much more than that. But he honestly wasn’t sure he could put it into words, so he bent down and lightly brushed his lips against hers. The kiss ignited a fire inside him, and he pulled her closer. His lips danced with hers. A wave of water washed over his feet and up his ankles, sending a shiver through him. Dani smiled and pulled back. “You’re still bothered by the cold?”

“Not really paying much attention to it, to be honest.” He kissed her again. His world tilted as the sensations of kissing her tingled across his skin.

She put her arms around his neck and leaned into him, deepening the kiss. He wasn’t sure exactly when he’d fallen in love with Danica Jordan, but this evening, he was sure he never wanted to spend his time with any other woman.

When they finally broke apart, he placed his forehead on hers and cupped her cheeks. He loved her with all of his heart. And now, he just had to gather up his courage to tell her.

Dani pulled back and rubbed her arms, not meeting his gaze. “Austin…we need to talk.”

That didn’t sound good at all. He nodded, mentally preparing himself for whatever she was going to say. “All right.”

“You’re leaving tomorrow.”

“I know.”

“And…” She seemed to struggle with what to say. “I think we should say good-bye.”

What exactly did she mean by that? “You don’t want to see me in LA?”

She frowned. “I don’t want to give you the wrong impression.”

“And what impression would that be?”

“I can’t date you.”

Austin’s head swam, and he fought to keep himself from stumbling back. “Why?” Did she dislike him that much?

“I just need to find myself.” She wouldn’t look him in the eye. “Plus, you’re famous.”

He worked his jaw as he thought about what her words implied. He was famous. If she were with him, she’d still be under a microscope. He understood her desire to get out of