Page 9 of Protecting Kelli
“For the record, I think you’re perfect.”
Kelli looked up at Flash in surprise. He smiled down at her, then looked in the direction they were walking once more.
“Um…thanks.”
They continued in silence, and Kelli was enjoying how comfortable she felt with this man. She didn’t feel the need to babble, to fill the silence with conversation. They reached the end of the property line then turned around to walk back. To her surprise, Flash’s hand brushed against hers…then his fingers closed around her own.
“This okay?” he asked, looking down at her.
“Yeah.”
They walked for a bit, then he chuckled and said, “I can’t remember the last time I held a woman’s hand. It’s nice.”
Kelli smiled. It was. It wasverynice. He had large hands that dwarfed hers. Even if she hadn’t known what he did for a living, she would’ve felt safe with Flash. Not that the resort was dangerous, but she had no doubt if a giant sea creature came up from the ocean, he’d beat it back with his bare hands. Or if someone appeared on the sand with a knife, he’d kick it out of their grip like some sort of ninja, then keep walking like he’d done nothing special.
When they got back to the resort, Kelli was almost disappointed. She was also confused. She’d told herself that this was just dinner. That nothing would come of it. Flash was just being polite. They didn’t even live in the same town. True, they’d discovered they lived shockingly close to each other, but still.
And now? After talking for four hours over dinner and wine, walking on the beach, and holding hands…something had shifted within Kelli. She wanted more. Wanted to get toknow this man better. Wanted more meals, more walks, more hand-holding.
Hell, who was she kidding? She wanted much more than hand-holding. But she wasn’t the kind of woman who jumped into bed with men on the first date. Much to her dismay. It would be easy to invite him back to her room, or for her to say yes if invited to his. But it would also be disappointing. He wouldn’t be the man she’d built up in her head if he did that.
Without a word, and without letting go of her hand, Flash walked them back to the lobby of the resort. It was late enough that no one was around. The lights in the lobby had been dimmed and there was only one employee behind the front desk.
“I had a good time tonight,” he said, turning to face her.
“Me too.”
“We’re meeting at ten tomorrow, right?”
“Uh-huh.” Kelli stared up at Flash. Wanting him to kiss her, but stressing about it at the same time. Butterflies were swarming in her belly and her heart was beating hard in her chest.
“You want to have breakfast with me before we head out tomorrow?”
Kelli smiled. “Yes.”
“Great. Meet you here in the lobby at eight-thirty? We can head over to the buffet together.”
“Sounds good.”
Flash stepped forward, leaning in, and Kelli held her breath.
He kissed her cheek chastely, squeezing her hand. “Thanks for an awesome night, Kelli. I’ll see you in themorning.” Then he took a step backward. And another. It was as if he didn’t want to leave her either.
“See you later,” she said.
“Later.”
With one last look she couldn’t interpret, Flash turned and strode toward one of the hallways that obviously led to his room.
Kelli couldn’t keep her gaze from his ass. It was perfect.
After he was out of sight, she headed in the opposite direction, toward her own room.
By the time she’d changed, used the bathroom, and gotten under the covers, Kelli realized she was still smiling. She never wanted to come to Jamaica, but so far it had been a trip to remember. Even if nothing came of her and Flash’s acquaintance, she’d remember their time tonight for the rest of her life. He’d made her feel funny. Interesting. Wanted. That alone made him leaps and bounds above the other men she’d dated in recent years.
Turning onto her side, Kelli snuggled into her pillow. Tomorrow wasn’t her idea of a good time. But she’d go because she’d promised her mom that she’d do her best to get along with Charlotte. And with Flash there, Kelli realized she might just enjoy the outing. She was actually looking forward to it now.
She fell asleep with a huge smile on her face, thinking of the man who’d made her night one of the best she’d had in a very long time.
