she said. “I’ve never traveled anywhere especially interesting. I like my classroom. But I feel like that’s not the kind of answer you were looking for.”
“It’s a good answer,” Curt countered. “What is it about your classroom?”
“Well, I feel powerful there,” Annalise said. Then she laughed. “That sounds like I just like to boss the kids around, doesn’t it? It isn’t that. It’s more like… I feel good at what I do. It’s like I’m in control. Like I’m steering a ship.”
He nodded. “I know that feeling,” he said. “It’s the same way I feel when I’m acting and everything’s going especially well. It’s nice to feel confident in your work.”
“Exactly.” She smiled.
“Do you think I might get to see your classroom sometime?”
“Would you want to? It’s just a sixth-grade classroom.”
“Of course it isn’t,” he said. “I know how hard teachers work to make those spaces special for their classes. I’d like to see what you’ve done. If you’re open to it, of course.” Then he laughed and shook his head. “You must think I’m ridiculous,” he said. “It’s only our first date, and I’m talking about coming to your workplace!”
“Well, maybe it’s fair,” she said. “After all, I’ve seen you at work.” She chuckled. “I’ll think about it. You never know.”
It’ll probably never happen, though.
It was a fun thing to fantasize about—a second and third date with Curt Slade, a future in which he came to visit her at school. But realistically, she had to acknowledge that this date was probably a one-off. Even if it hadn’t been for her physical difficulties, she couldn’t see the famous Curt Slade pursuing a long-term relationship with her.
Which was fine. He had wanted a date with a normal woman, and she was more than happy to be that woman. This didn’t have to be something more than it was. They were making a wonderful, unique memory together today, one she knew she would always treasure, even when they were no longer in each other’s lives.
They returned to the yacht and boarded it. The sun was starting to sink low on the horizon now, and the colors in the sky were absolutely beautiful.
“Do you mind if we don’t go full speed on the way back?” Curt asked as they pulled out of the bay. “It’s just that I’m having such a nice time with you that I kind of don’t want it to end.”
Annalise felt a blush rise to her cheeks. She wasn’t used to men being so forward with their emotions. But she couldn’t deny that she felt the same way.
“That’s fine,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind staying out a bit longer myself.”
She stood beside him on the deck, watching the little island get smaller and smaller. And as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, he turned to face her.
“I’ve had a really nice time with you,” he said quietly.
He bent and pressed his lips to hers gently, sweetly, and Annalise wondered how her life could possibly have brought her to this point.
Then he pulled away and smiled, and they sailed onward toward home.
Chapter 5
“Raúl’s making mocktails for us,” Janette said as she led Annalise into the den.
“Mocktails?” Annalise asked.
“You know, cocktails without any alcohol.”
Annalise gasped. “Are you—?”
“No. Not that I know of. But since we’re trying, I could be pregnant at any time. So we decided that it was for the best if I just went ahead and stopped drinking. But don’t worry,” she added with a grin. “We’ve got a bottle of rum, so you can liven up your drink and turn it into the real thing if you want.”
“No, I’ll drink mocktails with you,” Annalise said. “I’d be happy to.”
The truth was, she was still so worked up about her date with Curt that she felt no need to add alcohol to the evening. She felt lightheaded and silly already.
The sisters took seats in the den and Raúl came in with a tray. It had six glasses on it, two each of three different kinds of drink.
Annalise gaped. “Are you serious, Raúl?”
“He’s been having fun looking up mocktail recipes,” Janette explained.
“Enjoy, ladies,” Raúl said, setting the tray down on an end table. “I’ll go fix you some charcuterie.”
Annalise shook her head. “He’s really something else,” she said.
“Isn’t he?” Janette said fondly. “But enough talk about Raúl. Tell me about your date!”
“First, give me one of those drinks.”
“Which one do you want?”
“The orange one.”
Janette handed Annalise a tall orange drink and grabbed the matching one for herself. She stirred