Truly, Madly, Deeply (The Baxters #31) - Karen Kingsbury Page 0,3

work for Each One someday.” A smile lifted her pretty lips. “Then I could walk this beach with you whenever I wanted.”

The sunset was hitting its peak, the sky a canvas of colors that took Tommy’s breath. He stood and put his arm around her shoulders. “How do you feel?”

“Perfect.” She faced him, careful to keep a few inches between them. Thailand didn’t approve of public displays of affection. Tourists weren’t held to the same standard, but even hugging could be considered rude. She touched his cheek and the sensation lingered. She smiled. “Walk with me?”

“Yes.” He clenched the muscles in his jaw and hesitated. “I don’t want the sun to set.”

She smiled. “Me, either.”

They walked at the water’s edge, slower than before. “I wish we were older.” Tommy kept his gaze straight ahead. “Finished with college and sure of what we want to do.” They were out of view of the public now, alone on the most secluded stretch of sand. There wasn’t another person in sight.

“Mmm.” She waited. “Sounds wonderful.”

“And I wish this wasn’t a mission trip.” Tommy slowed to a stop and faced her. “But our honeymoon.”

Annalee looked at him, straight through him. “I wish that, too.”

They had talked of growing up and getting married before. Just not on an empty stretch of sand half a world away from home. Tommy moved closer. One inch at a time. The electricity between them was so strong, he couldn’t stop himself. Even when he knew he shouldn’t kiss her here.

“This day, being with you here… it was perfect.” His words were a desperate whisper against the sound of the surf. “You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, Annalee.” He took hold of her other hand and his body moved closer still. “Your eyes… your heart.”

“Hold me?” Annalee looked over her shoulder. “No one can see us.”

She didn’t have to ask twice. He eased her into his arms. This is heaven, he thought. And he could only imagine what it would be like… if this were their honeymoon. His cheek brushed against hers, his lips a breath away from hers. “Annalee… I want you.”

“I wanna kiss you.” She searched his eyes. “We’re alone out here.”

Tommy ran his fingers through her hair and framed her face with his hands. “Me, too… I want that more than my next breath.” His lips were so close to hers he could smell her sweet breath.

Son… be careful.

The words blew across Tommy’s soul and made him catch his breath. He took a half step back and exhaled hard. He didn’t have to ask if the voice was God’s. The Lord spoke to Tommy often. He was familiar with His tone and timing. Yes, Lord… I hear You. I will obey.

Tommy put his hands on Annalee’s shoulders. “Can you imagine? Getting picked up by the police for kissing in public.” He laughed, trying to keep the moment light. “I don’t think your parents would like that.” He ached for a way around the local rule, but there was none.

She took a step closer and rested her head on his chest. The warmth of her through his thin white T-shirt almost made him kiss her anyway. Her arms came around his waist. “You’re right.” She breathed deep in his arms, and the sensation was more than Tommy could take. She lifted her face to his. “Maybe tonight. When it’s dark.”

With a strength not his own, Tommy separated himself from her. “Really?”

“Yes.” Annalee’s eyes sparkled. “When everyone’s asleep.”

Tommy wanted nothing more. But no matter how great the idea seemed, he wouldn’t allow it to happen. He couldn’t disrespect her parents like that.

They turned around and walked back toward the hotel, slower than before. Soon enough the sun would slip below the water and darkness would cover Phuket. Tommy would meet up with Austin in their room and they would talk pro basketball and players the Pacers were looking to trade or the starting lineup in the coming season.

But for now there remained the warm feel of sand on their toes and the touch of salty beach air on their faces. And Annalee Miller’s hand in his.

That most of all.

2

Annalee felt sick even before she stepped out of bed. But it wasn’t jet lag. This time the work ahead of them weighed on her. Not until yesterday did she fully grasp what they’d be dealing with on the streets of Phuket today.

Once she and Tommy parted ways for the evening, the reality of what was happening on this