was the support for literally everything. And I went into that willingly because I thought we were partners. It turns out he thought differently. So never again. If I ever do decide to share my life with someone again, things will be different. My career will never be about lifting someone else up again. As far as household duties, those will be shared or else we just won’t ever live together.”
Owen let out a bark of laughter. “You make it sound like you were living in a fifties sitcom.”
Grace wanted to cry because it wasn’t far from the truth. Sure, she was a modern witch and had always insisted on being an equal partner when it came to the decision-making, but there was no denying their entire marriage had revolved around Bill’s brokerage firm. Grace had done as much or more than him to make it a success, and she’d been tossed aside and treated as if she’d just been office support. Pathetic. “Not exactly, but in some respects it’s probably closer than I care to admit.” She downed her wine and turned to him. “Make no mistake, Owen. I’m outspoken and strong-willed. I made my own choices when it came to that marriage. Unfortunately, I bet on a person who wasn’t one thousand percent in it with me. I won’t make that mistake again.”
His lips twitched. “I don’t think I’d be sitting here right now if you weren’t outspoken and strong-willed. Those two qualities are sort of my weakness.”
“Is that so?” It was exactly the right thing to say, and Grace didn’t even care if it was just a line. She liked Owen, but she knew nothing serious was ever going to happen between them. So what did it matter if she just enjoyed herself?
“It is.” His gaze dropped to her lips, and the air between them suddenly became charged.
Grace reached out and placed a hand on his chest, her fingers tingling when she felt his well-defined muscle beneath the button-down shirt. Damn. She’d barely touched him, and she was already fantasizing about ripping his clothes off. The internal flame roared to life, and all Grace could think about was tasting him. “Owen?”
“Yes, Grace?”
“I think you’d better kiss me now.”
He let out a short breath just before his hand cupped the back of her head and he pulled her in until his lips brushed over hers.
His lips were soft and warm despite the cooling evening air. Grace leaned into him, the fingers of her right hand curling into his shirt. He tasted of wine and the sea and pure bliss.
Yes, her mind chanted over and over again as he slipped his tongue into her mouth, tasting and teasing and driving her completely mad.
Owen let out a tiny groan, wrapped one arm around her waist, and deepened the kiss. By the time he pulled back, they were both breathless, and Grace felt completely alive for the first time in… forever.
She smiled shyly at him. “Hi.”
“Hi.” He touched his forehead to hers and stroked his thumb over her cheek. “That was…”
“Nice?” she offered.
Owen chuckled. “Nice doesn’t even come close. I was going to say intense.”
Grace laughed nervously. “It’s been a while since I’ve been kissed like that.”
“Me, too.” He pulled back and pressed another soft kiss to her lips. “We’re missing the sunset.”
Who cared when Owen was touching her like that? “Yeah? Do we care?”
“Nope.” Owen tilted her chin up and once again, those magical lips claimed hers.
“Woohoo! Yeah! Get it!” a voice called from across the beach.
Grace jerked back, startled by the sight of a small group of people about thirty yards away. Only a few moments ago, they’d had the beach to themselves.
“Don’t stop on our account!” the young man called.
Owen rolled his eyes and got to his feet. “How about I walk you back to your house?”
Grace’s stomach fluttered. Would she invite him in? Yes. There was no question. He just made her feel too good. The voice in the back of her mind whispered, Slow down, Grace. You don’t want to jump into anything with your coworker.
She quickly squashed the voice. What did it know? She was the new Grace. The one who was embracing her life on her own terms. And that meant if she wanted to invite a sexy man back to her house, then dammit, she would.
Owen cleaned up the remnants of their dinner and then held his hand out to her. She took it, and without another word, they made their way back