Homeport

pulling the drapes the night before.
    Oh, good God.

    She’d jumped him, groped at him, torn at his clothes like a madwoman.
    And even now, in the full light of day, her mouth watered at the thought of doing it all again.
    Slowly, hoping to preserve her dignity as least long enough to get into the shower, she eased from the bed. He didn’t move a muscle or make a sound, and thankful for this small blessing, she made the dash into the bathroom.
    Fortunately for her state of mind, she didn’t see him pop one eye open and grin at her naked butt.
    She talked to herself through the shower, pitifully grateful for the hot steam of the water. It eased some of the aches away. But the deeper ones, the sweeter ones that she accepted came from good, healthy sex remained.
    She took another three aspirin anyway, hoping.
    He was on the terrace when she came out, chatting casually with the room service waiter. Since it was too late to duck back inside, she managed a small smile for both of them.
    “ Buon giorno . The day is beautiful, sì ? You enjoy.” The waiter took the signed bill with a small bow. “Grazie. Buon appetito.”
    He left them alone with a table full of food and a pigeon who walked along the ledge of the terrace wall, eyeing the offerings avariciously.
    “Well . . . I . . .” She stuffed her hands in her robe pockets because they wanted to flutter.
    “Have some coffee,” he suggested. He wore soft gray slacks and a black shirt that made him look very at ease and cosmopolitan. And made her remember her hair was damp and tangled.
    She nearly leaped at the diversion, but shook her head. She was a woman who faced the music squarely. “Ryan, last night . . . I think I should apologize.”
    “Really?” He poured two cups of coffee and made himself comfortable at the table.
    “I had too much to drink. That’s not an excuse, just a fact.”
    “Darling, you were plowed. Cute too,” he added, studying her as he added jam to a croissant. “And amazingly agile.”
    She closed her eyes, gave in, and sat down. “My behavior was inexcusable and regrettable, and I’m sorry. I put you in a very awkward position.”
    “I recall several positions.” He sipped his coffee, charmed at the faint blush that worked its way up her throat. “None of which were the least awkward.”
    She picked up her coffee, sipped fast, and scalded her tongue.
    “Why does it need to be excused?” he wondered, choosing a little cake from the basket and putting it on her plate. “What’s the point in regrets? Did we hurt anyone?”
    “The issue is—”
    “The issue—if there has to be one—is we’re both single, unattached, healthy grown-ups who have a strong attraction for each other. Last night we acted on it.” He took the cover from a glistening golden omelet. “I for one enjoyed myself, very much.” He cut the omelet in two and added a portion to her plate. “How about you?”
    She’d been conscientiously set to humiliate herself, to apologize, to take full responsibility. Why wasn’t he letting her? “You’re missing the point.”
    “No, I’m not. I don’t agree with the point you’re fumbling to make. Ah, there, a little flash of that chilly temper in your eyes. Much better. Now, while I appreciate the fact that you’re sensible enough not to put the blame on me for taking advantage of the situation—as you were tearing off my clothes—it’s just as foolish to blame yourself.”
    “I’m blaming the wine,” she said stiffly.
    “No, you already said that wasn’t an excuse.” He laughed, took her hand and put a fork in it. “I wanted to make love with you the minute I saw you—wanted it more the longer I knew you. You fascinate me, Miranda. Now eat your eggs before they get cold.”
    She stared down at her plate. It wasn’t possible to be annoyed with him. “I don’t have casual sex.”
    “You call that casual?” He blew out a long breath. “God help me when we get serious.”

    She felt her lips twitch and gave up. “It was fabulous.”
    “I’m glad you remember. I wasn’t sure how clear your mind would be. I wish we had more time here.” He toyed with her damp hair. “Florence is good to lovers.”
    She took a long breath, looked directly into his eyes, and made what for her was an unprecedented commitment. “Maine’s beautiful in the spring.”
    He smiled and stroked a finger down her cheek. “I’m going to enjoy experiencing it.”
     
    The Dark Lady stood under a single