impatient,” he said. “I haven’t thought of anything but you since seeing you.”
“It’s only been a few days,” she said.
“It feels like a hundred days. Listen, jump in the car. I’ll meet you in Half Moon Bay. There’s a nice little sushi bar near the lodge. It’s called...”
“I know what it’s called, but really, I have things to do tonight.”
“Won’t they keep? Can’t we steal an hour? Just to talk about things?”
“You’re in the car now, aren’t you?”
“Yes. Coming to beg, if necessary. Come on, Addie. I’ve missed you so much.”
“I was going to think about this for a while before I got in over my head.”
“I won’t let anything happen to you, Addie. I think we both learned a lot from the last time. And you’re in charge. Just talking to you will help me get through the night.”
“But why? Why me? You’re a handsome and popular teacher. You’re divorced now. You can have any girl you want.”
“It should be abundantly clear there isn’t anyone I want. At least not the way I’ve always wanted you.”
Damn it, she thought. She had needed someone to say something like that. For about eight years, as a matter of fact. She had been so happy, then so devastated, then for a long time, so empty.
“I can tell you’re unsure, Addie. Time to dive in and be sure. This thing we had—it moved mountains. We made some mistakes, but we’re older and wiser now. Let’s not walk away from it until we’re sure. It’s possible we’re those star-crossed lovers who just can’t live without each other. Maybe we’ve always been meant to be. Just had some complications the first time around.”
This once, she thought. Because she’d like to be sure, too. “All right. I’ll meet you. But I’m not promising anything.”
“Just come,” he said in that deep breathy way that had once made her want to take off all her clothes.
She changed, putting on something she considered special but casual. She fluffed up her hair, freshened her makeup and dabbed on a little cologne. When she got back to the kitchen, Justine had nearly finished cleaning up. Addie said she was running out for a glass of wine and would be back in an hour or less.
“You look nice,” Justine said.
“Thanks. Do you need anything, since I’ll be out?”
“Nothing at all. Have fun.”
But fun wasn’t even on the agenda. Even though they’d already cleared the air at their old hangout, it felt like there was so much baggage. She was nervous as a cat, her insides kind of squeezing, her heart feeling a bit larger than usual. If only she felt she could be cool.
When she got to the sushi bar, he was parked in front. He was leaning against his car, waiting. His appearance had the same impact on her. He was relaxed; he was suave. He looked intelligent. His hair was neatly trimmed, and he wore a sport coat over a knit shirt and pair of jeans.
She parked just two spaces away and got out. And he opened his arms.
It was as before—she seemed to do as he commanded. She walked right into his arms, and he immediately covered her lips in a scorching kiss. Her arms wrapped around him, his arms encircled her and they were locked like that in front of anyone who should drive or walk by.
“Addie. Addie,” he said softly in her ear. “I don’t think we want sushi after all.”
“I’ve eaten already. I was just going to have a glass of wine and watch you eat.”
“Good. Then let’s drive up to the lookout where we can talk in private. Jump in.”
He opened the door for her, and the first thing she noticed was a soccer ball, a helmet and knee pads, child-size, in the backseat. “What’s that?”
“My eight-year-old is on a soccer team. I take her to practice and games whenever I can. My twelve-year-old is into music. They’re very different.”