Page 82 of Here & Now

“What did you have in mind?”

He relaxed his shoulders. “Maybe we could go out to dinner as research for your column.” It was a flimsy excuse, but he hoped it would pass.

“That’s not a bad idea.”

“I have to work until five, but I can swing by and pick you up afterward.”

“Or I could meet you at the restaurant.”

He eyed her closely. “You don’t want to ride with me?”

She sighed. “What are we doing, Zane?”

“Eating strawberry shortcake and enjoying each other’s company.” Or so he’d thought.

“Aside from that.” She placed her empty bowl on the coffee table and shifted to face him.

He put down his bowl too. Then he turned toward her and clasped her hands. “This can be whatever you want it to be.”

She studied him for a few beats and then glanced down at their hands. “This scares me.”

He’d figured as much, but at least she was being honest with him.

“Hanging out together, having sex…it’s all fine and good until—”

“Until you have to leave,” he finished.

“You’re used to having short-term relationships, but I’m not. I’m not a casual dater.”

At least she hadn’t accused him of being a player, but essentially, it was the same thing. “I understand what you’re saying, but what are we supposed to do, stop seeing each other because you’re leaving?” He couldn’t imagine that, especially not now.

She slowly shook her head. “That seems too extreme.”

“And virtually impossible since we live next door to each other.”

She nodded and gave him a tentative smile. “You’re right. I guess I should try and look at things differently.”

He brushed his thumbs over the back of her pretty hands. “What do you mean?”

“I need to savor the time I have here, because who knows when I’ll be back again.”

Or if. It was a depressing thought, and he refused to be sad right now. Not when she was sitting beside him, holding his hands, while naked under her robe.

“I have an idea,” he said.

“Does it involve more sex?”

“If you want it to.” He stood and pulled her up. Then he led her to the sliding glass door.

“Where are we going?”

He noted the hint of excitement in her voice as he slid open the door. “Skinny dipping.”

She stopped abruptly. “Here? Now?”

“Yes and yes. It’s dark out, so nobody will see us.”

She followed him onto the lanai and closed the door behind them. “What about the neighbors?”