Part 141 (1/2)

staring at her. ”What is it?”

”Nothing.” But his mouth was dry again. ”I was, ah, remembering that I

once wondered whether you ever got to go to McDonald's. The first time

I met you, 'at the rehearsal? Dad took me for a burger after and I

wondered, with all the guards, if you ever got to go.”

”No, not really, but Dad or Johnno or someone would sometimes bring

takeout. Don't feel sorry for me.” She groped in the bag again. ”Not

today.”

”Okay. Hand over the fries.”

They ate hungrily, leaving not even a crumb for the gulls. The breeze

was up, carrying a mist of the sea. There were other people, a few

families, young girls showing off tans and slender figures, the

inevitable radios pumping out music, but for Emma it was one of the most

peaceful and secluded interludes of her life.

”I could get used to this.” She sighed, stretched her arms up. ”Sitting

on the beach, listening to the water.” She shook her head so that her

hair rained like gold dust down her back. ”I wish I had more time.”

”So do I.” He had to touch her. He couldn't remember not wanting to.

When he stroked a finger down her cheek, she turned her head and smiled.

What she saw in his eyes had her heart pounding in her throat, had her

lips parting, not so much in surprise as in question.

She didn't resist as he touched his mouth to hers. On a quiet moan she

s.h.i.+fted toward him, inviting something she didn't completely understand.

A gentle nip of his teeth had her lips heating. When he entered her

mouth, she heard the low sound of pleasure in his throat, felt his hands

tense on her arms.