Slow No Wake - By Dakota Madison Page 0,26

back together again after Jeff (and my sister) broke it into a million little pieces. I wasn’t sure I was ready to risk having it broken again.

“I really like you, Daniel. But it’s only been a few months since I broke off my engagement, so I’d like to take things slow.”

He nodded but I could see a flash of disappointment sweep over his face. “I understand. From what you’ve told me, it sounds like you went through a pretty bad time.”

“I did,” I admitted. “But I don’t want our date to be a downer. Let’s talk about something else. Tell me all about kite surfing.”

I could see a small smile return to his face and the glow of his smile warmed my heart.

“My roommate got me into kite surfing. He was crazy about it and his passion for the sport was contagious.”

As Daniel talked about kite surfing, I could see a twinkle in his eye. He was obviously as enthusiastic about the sport as his roommate.

“Kite surfing is one of the main reasons my roommate decided to move to Florida. And he was already familiar with the area because his family liked to vacation here. He got a job pretty quickly and then I followed.”

When the waitress brought our food, it smelled delicious. My stomach actually rumbled a bit. I guess I had been hungrier than I thought.

We both dug in. We managed to make quite a dent in the generous portions of enchiladas and burritos.

“Dinner was delicious,” I said as I stared at my nearly empty plate. I rarely at that much but the food was so yummy and so was the company.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Daniel said. “And I’m glad you agreed to join me this evening.”

Daniel reached across the table and grabbed my hand. His rough skin felt masculine and rugged. I imaged those powerful hands gripping my ass and pulling me close as he kissed me. I shuddered.

His eyes met mine as he pulled my hand to his lips and gently kissed my knuckles. The contrast between his rough hands and soft lips was enticing.

“Can I walk you home?” he asked.

“I would love that.” And I would love more of your rough hands and soft lips all over my body, I wanted to add.

Daniel paid the tab and we exited the restaurant.

***

The evening air held a level of dampness I wasn’t used to. It felt almost heavy. The moisture cooled the ocean breeze a bit as it blew through my curls.

Daniel took my hand in his and we strolled along the beach. It was quieter than it had been when I walked to the restaurant. In the darkness, the beach was still and almost desolate. It was a sharp contrast to the tourists and activity on the beach earlier that afternoon.

As we headed toward the residential area, the stark lighting of the shops and restaurants faded and it felt like we had more privacy in the cover of the darkened street.

Daniel stopped and pulled me closer to him. “I’d like to kiss you.” The way he said it sounded like a question. No man had ever asked if he could kiss me. Most of the guys I had dated needed to be fended off rather than encouraged to act.

“Okay,” I said, although the word felt as though it had gotten stuck in my throat.

He leaned down and brushed his lips softly against mine. His kiss was so tentative and tender, I felt my heart skip a few beats.

When he withdrew, I could a feel single word resting on my lips… More. I wanted more of his gentle mouth on mine.

His kissed my forehead. “I know you want to take things slowly,” he whispered. “So, I’d better get you home.”

“I don’t live very far from here,” I said.

“Neither do I.”

I smiled. “I didn’t realize we were neighbors.”

“Now you know where they get that cliché about it being a small world.”

I didn’t realize just how small the world was about to get.

***

When we reached my front door, I could feel Daniel’s body go rigid.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Y-you live here?” Daniel stammered.

I nodded.

“I live here,” he said. “I’m next door.”

I froze as the full weight of what he said sunk in.

Then the door of Eddie and Daniel’s apartment swung open and Eddie appeared.

“Hey, Danny-O,” Eddie said. “Are you doing to introduce me to your…”

Eddie looked over and saw me holding hands with Daniel. “Holy, shit! Your date is Alexandria.”

Daniel went wide-eyed and dropped my hand. His expression was