“Never better.”
“We’ll see if I can’t improve on that.” He smirked when her eyes widened as he notched himself at her gate.
Her orgasm-swollen tissues tried to keep him at bay, but he persevered, gentle but determined. While he hung on only by reciting times tables and thinking of dentists’ drills, he finally halted, fully clasped within her sweetly clenching channel. Ellie never took her eyes from his, staring into the depths of his soul, and he willingly let her in as he would each and every time.
“You could be right. On improving a little.” Her mouth curved and he fell deeper in love with her.
The boat rocked in tandem with their movements and in the freshening breeze. The halyards jangled and the canvas rustled secretively. Heath felt the weight of the sun on his back and the soft, yielding body of Ellie beneath him. He wasn’t sure which was hotter. So aroused by her hands and mouth, and now with the silken glide and pulse of her channel, he worked quickly to bring them both to the peak.
She met his thrusts, lifting her hips and wrapping those long legs around his waist. He tucked his hands beneath her back to hold her even closer and she wreathed her arms around his neck, panting into his ear, murmuring incoherent things. Heath couldn’t form rational thoughts either as he erupted on a heartfelt groan with Ellie shuddering once again beneath him.
At length they unwound from one another, delightfully slippery and wet from their exertions. He kissed her nose before kneeling back so she could push up to sit. He stared. Ellie was flushed and her hair was a tangled mess. Evidence of his scruff showed pink across the swell of her breasts and on her belly. He reached out and traced a faint mark. Mine.
“Definitely.”
“What?”
“You said I was yours. And I am. Definitely.”
So he’d said it out loud like some kind of prehistoric male. Seemed it applied in present day too. “Time we told everyone, Ellie.” He was going to buy her a ring as soon as they got back, maybe from that little vintage jewelry store he’d passed with his father.
He helped her into her clothes, even the little blue panties, although the clasp of her bra foiled him. They laughed and teased one another. He nearly smacked his head on the boom, struggling back into his pants. Some sailor he was.
Ellie got the lunch she’d made and offered him a drink. She curled up beside him once he had the anchor hauled and stowed, and the boat back under sail toward Seaside. Content didn’t begin to describe his state of mind.
* * * *
Ellie couldn’t have asked for a better day. This was what it felt like to be in love. Hand in hand, she and Heath walked along the waterfront, soaking in the last remnants of the sun. Her arms and neck were sensitive to the touch, but the warmth of Heath’s hand in hers had her forgetting about the mild discomfort she had been in. She was sure by tonight she would be begging for aloe though. Good thing she had Heath and his skilled hands. She shivered as if he was stroking her arms, back, and thighs right then.
Beautiful rays of sunshine sparkled along the sea, making the waterway picturesque. She and Heath stopped to take in the moment.
“I love this town.”
Surprised, Ellie turned to Heath and he laughed a little.
“You don’t have to say it. I know in the past I’ve given everyone the impression that I was too big for Seaside. Since being home I’ve realized how much I’ve missed the simplicity of it. The slower pace of life is good for the soul.” He laughed. “And when did I get so deep?”
“Home?” she asked. Her brain stopped working at knowing he still thought of Seaside as his home.
“What?”
“You said ‘since being home’.” Stupid tears pricked the corners of her eyes. When did she become so emotional—crying twice in one day? “Does that mean…”
Using the pads of his thumbs, Heath wiped away the wetness about to dampen her cheeks. “Don’t cry, baby. I hate seeing you upset.”
She shook her head. “No, these are happy tears. I guess I’m still getting used to the idea of us making this work. Everything seems too perfect. I can’t help but be afraid it will all fall apart again.”
Heath pulled her toward him, tucking her head under his chin. “I can’t stand here and tell you we will never disagree, but I can promise you I will never walk away again. Whatever it is we can get through it. Together.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“I want to take you some place.”
“Is it nearby? I want to check on Mia before we go back to my place.” She hadn’t meant to imply he would be staying with her, but unless he needed to be there for Mia, she wanted him in her bed. They had a lot of time to make up for.
Crushing his mouth to hers, he stole her breath away with a kiss she could feel to the soles of her feet. She circled her arms around his neck to bring him closer. Heath broke the kiss first and swore against her lips. “Damn, sweetheart. I’m kinda rethinking my surprise and visit with Mia so I can have you naked, sprawled out in bed.”
She sagged against him as he swept her up in another long kiss. Eyes squeezed shut, her breath caught in her throat. She didn’t want the sensation to ever leave her, but knew if she didn’t do something to distract herself, she wasn’t going to be able to make it back to her house. She counted to ten before gazing back at him. So much desire resided in his eyes. Lord help her. “I want to know my surprise.”
Mischievous dark eyes gazed back at her. “You sure that’s what you want?”
“It’s not all I want, but yes, where do you want to take me? I really want to know.”
He laughed. “Good. I plan to give you both.”
Her mouth went dry and her mind went back to their time on the boat, her mouth around him, the power she felt almost bringing him to orgasm that way.
He took her by the hand and led her down the waterfront a little farther and crossed the street. At first she thought maybe they were going to Bodacious Blooms, but they walked a couple shops down. “The jewelry store?” she asked when he stopped in front of the glass windows of the local vintage establishment.
He looked down at his wristwatch. “It’s almost three. Whew. We barely made it.”
“What are we doing?”
“I want you to be my wife, Ellie,” he said as he pulled her through the door. “We’re here to pick out a ring. I’ve been thinking about it for the past couple days.”
Before she became a blubbering mess earlier, they’d talked about marriage and the possibility of having children. It shouldn’t have come as a shock to her that he would propose, but she didn’t expect it to happen today. “Are you sure you want this now?”
“Of course. I don’t want to wait a second later to claim you as mine.” It was the second time he’d referred to her as his. She didn’t think she would like the caveman type, but she’d been Heath’s ever since she was seventeen. “There’s no reason to wait. I also plan to contact my boss tomorrow morning and figure out a way for me to work from home. I might have to travel back to Chicago once every couple of months, but we can work all that out. Maybe you can even come with me.”
“I would love that. I want all of it too, Heath. I want to be your wife, the mother of your children.”
Mrs. Maxwell, the owner of the shop, appeared from the back of the store. “Y’all are the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. Ellie Scott, you’ve found a good one here.”
Ellie smiled at Heath before turning toward the elderly woman. “I have to agree with you.”
Heath reached out to shake Mrs. Maxwell’s hand. “Hi, ma’am, I’m Heath Granger, Ellie’s future husband.”
Mrs. Maxwell fanned herself. “And a charming one too.” She shook his hand. “Welcome, Heath. Granger? You’re Roy’s son. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“You have a wonderful little shop here.”
“Thank you. I moved here about seven years ago to be closer to my kids and opened this place shortly after. Is there something I can help you two lovebir
ds with?”
“We’re here to find an engagement ring.” A warm smile spread across Heath’s stubbled face. “Anything she wants.”
Ellie couldn’t believe this was actually happening. In less than twenty-four hours she’d become not only someone’s lover, but engaged too.
“Let me show you what I have.” Mrs. Maxwell beamed.
For the next hour, well past closing time, she and Heath looked at almost every ring in the shop. Mrs. Maxwell was kind and didn’t mind staying open late. In fact, when Heath suggested they leave and come back tomorrow, she insisted they stay. Ellie had already made a mental note to send the lovely woman flowers. It was the least she could do. Being surrounded by such kind people was one of the reasons she was glad Heath had decided they reside in Seaside instead of Chicago. Although, she would’ve made the move for him. She wouldn’t have had to think twice about it.
“This one,” Ellie practically cried the instant she noticed the thin gold band with an oval shaped diamond, adorned with several single diamonds around it. It was pushed in the back corner of the glass case, one Mrs. Maxwell hadn’t showed them yet. “That’s my ring.”
Mrs. Maxwell quickly retrieved the antique.
“Yes, it is,” Heath said as they both examined it. He slipped it on her finger and it fit perfectly. “It’s meant to be.”
“Oh, it’s just lovely, dear. You must take this one. There’s a reason it already fits you.”
“We’ll take it,” Heath said.
Ellie couldn’t stop smiling as she gazed down at her ring. Forever, she would wear this piece of Heath’s heart and remember their past, present, and all the hopes she had for their future.
Heath paid, and Ellie impulsively invited Mrs. Maxwell to the wedding as soon as a date was set.
After they got outside, Ellie asked, “You care if we sit for a minute. It’s so nice out tonight.”
They found a park bench by the water. A lot of the stores closed early on Sundays, leaving the streets unoccupied. For a moment they stared out over the water, her dreaming about wedding dresses and more days like the one they’d just shared. “What are you thinking about?” she asked.
“That I’m one lucky bastard. I come back here with a chip on my shoulder, not deserving a second chance, but here you are, my perfect Ellie, able to forgive and agree to marry me. How did this happen? Why do you love me?”
She leaned over and kissed him. She could still smell the salt and sunscreen from the day. They were two scents she wished she could bottle up and bring out every time she wanted a reminder of the day. “That’s an easy one. I’ve loved you since I was sixteen years old. I tried to stop, believe me I did, but my heart has always belonged to you, Heath. I couldn’t love anyone else. I never have. You’re it for me. For the rest of my life you will be mine.”
She thought she saw moisture in Heath’s eyes, but she couldn’t be sure. Instead of asking about it, not wanting to embarrass him, she looped her arm into his, showing him she would always be there for him. A kiss, so gentle and heartfelt, pressed against her hair. And in that moment—their moment—she knew their hearts were beating as one.
“I want to tell Mia,” she said. “Although I’ve had a very good reason, I’ve been a bad friend today. I need to go check on her.”
“Yeah, I know. We can also tell Dad and Renee while we’re there.”
She couldn’t have been more excited for the Grangers. A part of their family was coming back home, making them whole again. “We can do that. Just a few more minutes though,” she said. “I want to hold on to this little secret for a minute or two longer.”
Time passed as they sat snuggled in each other’s arms, the darkness blanketing the sky, making her feel like they were the only two people on earth. It was a nice feeling, but it had to end. She was ready for it too. She was ready to embark on this new life with Heath. They still had so much to learn about each other, and she couldn’t wait to take the time to explore and fall in love with each and every one of those things.
“I love you, Ellie Scott,” he whispered as they made their way back to the car.
“I love those words.” They had been said often over the course of the day, but after thirteen years of waiting, she would never get tired of hearing them.
“I plan to tell you them every morning, before we fall into bed every night, and several times in-between.”
“Thank you for coming home.”
His mouth came down hard on hers. As his kiss rushed through her like a crashing wave, she knew she had never felt more at home than when she was wrapped in Heath’s arms. He was her home.
Epilogue
Ellie stretched her back, noting with satisfaction that all the flowers had stood the test of time and weren’t the least bit wilted despite the sudden heat wave that made Roy and Renee’s wedding such a warm and bright affair. Renee had looked stunning in her cap sleeve, tea length gown and elegant pearl earrings—the something old Mia had promised.
Mia had contacted one of Renee’s cousins in New York and asked for something special that Renee’s mom had worn on her own wedding day. Ellie herself had cried the moment Mia surprised Renee with them.
Mr. Roy had cleaned up great in his suit and polished shoes. Not that she’d been able to tear her eyes away from the best man for very long. Heath rocked his city suit as he laughingly called it and she couldn’t wait to peel him out of it at the end of the day. She already knew he had designs on doing the same thing to her clothes. Those murmured, sexy suggestions meant for her ears only had made her blush scarlet, causing considerable speculation among the guests she was sure.
She’d been afraid of stealing the couple’s thunder with her and Heath’s momentous news, but they were thrilled to pieces and Mia had shrieked so loudly with glee that everyone had winced before breaking into laughter.
Smoothing her cool, mint green maxi dress, she looked around for her friend. Mia was nowhere in sight. She frowned. She eased toward the front of the house and caught sight of the lavender of Mia’s dress. She quickly followed and found the other woman standing outside the door, appearing to be studying the cloudless sky.
“Mia?”
“Oh!” Mia started and narrowed her eyes on Ellie. “Sorry, I was just thinking.”
“You aren’t supposed to be walking without your cane,” Ellie said, chiding her friend.
“It hardly hurts at all.”
“Still.” Ellie sensed something else going on. “What’s up?”
With a deep breath, Mia pushed her hair from her face and stared back. “If I say, you can’t make fun or get all mother-hen on me.”
That didn’t sound good. Mia tended to be impulsive, and Ellie didn’t want to make a promise she couldn’t keep. “I’ll try.”
“I can’t stop thinking about Steve.”
“Okay.”
“No lecture on strangers and stuff?”
“No, honey. No lectures. I saw how he was with you. Maybe I want everyone to find their special somebody because I found Heath again—or he found me. I’ll have to trust you to find your way safely.”
“Ah, and there’s the words of wisdom,” Mia teased, looking relieved.
“What are you planning?”
“I’m going to stop by his place and ask him out.”
That was Mia. She cut to the chase and through all the formalities. If she and Heath had only been so smart. She studied her friend. When had she matured so much? Mia was still impulsive and could be flighty, but there was a serene grace about her. “I wish you luck, then.”
Mia stumbled into Ellie’s arms and they hugged it out.
“Girl stuff?” Heath’s smooth voice washed over her, and Ellie disentangled herself from Mia’s hold, unable to resist his pull. She went to him and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Hugged by her man and her best friend. It couldn’t get much better than that.
“Girl stuff,” Mia confirmed and ignored Ellie’s arched brow. Well, if she wanted to exclude her big
brother from her romantic life, she was entitled. Not that Ellie would keep secrets from her soon-to-be-husband.
Heath’s smile made her thighs fluid and she pressed in closer to him.
Mia winked.
“The happy couple are about to leave. Ellie and I are heading out too.” He didn’t have to say what his plans were. Ellie could feel it and she tried to look nonchalant.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy,” Mia said. “My family is complete.”
“You don’t have the market cornered on happiness, munchkin.” Heath tugged Ellie away and she went willingly. Mia was back to studying the sky, an intriguing smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
* * * *
Heath knew something was up with his sister, but Ellie would know what it was. If he was needed she’d tell him. They shared that kind of trust this time. His fiancée looked beautiful in her botanical inspired dress and her scent consumed him. He couldn’t wait until his wedding day.
“Back to your place?”
“I hoped you’d want to stay with me.”
“Where else? Although Roy’s house is bigger and we could christen every room, starting tomorrow.” He paused, teasing her. “You know, that’s an idea. We have a few days to work it in.”
Ellie gently slapped his arm. “Heath!”
But he read her agreement—and her desire. His ring glinted on her finger, matching the one she had around his heart. A perfect, concentric circle of love and devotion. They hustled to the car, impatient for some time alone to continue the celebration of finding one another’s heart again.
The End
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