“Have a lot of experience with that?”
“Once is enough.”
His face turned serious. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I’m sorry I have to say it.” The boat slowed as one of the crew came over the intercom and announced our arrival. As the crowd of walk-on passengers lined up, ready to disembark, I typed a quick message to Scarlett and slowly gathered my things.
“Aren’t you coming?”
“Sure. But I’ll wait for the boat to actually dock. I don’t need to wait in this line when there’s a perfectly good seat right here. My car will still be parked in the lot when I get off.”
“You live over here?”
“I do. Why? Are you planning to stalk me? I’m really not that interesting.”
“Oh, I beg to differ. You’re the most interesting woman I’ve met since I got here.”
As the crowd began moving and people exited the ferry, the Scot waited for me, gaze expectant. “Why are you looking at me like you’re a lost puppy?”
“No reason. I just thought perhaps you’d like to walk with me? I don’t want to leave you alone on your way to your car. What if something should happen?”
“It’s the middle of the day.”
“Anything can happen any time of day, Tink.”
“Is that a threat?”
“What? No. Of course not. What are you trying to say? Do I look like the kind of wanker who preys on innocent pixies?”
“I am not a pixie.”
“I think ye are.”
“And you’re an arrogant oaf.”
He snorted. “That’s the truth. I like you, Tinkerbell. Now, come on, the boat is nearly empty. Don’t they kick you off anyway? There’s no avoiding this. We’re walking together. But if it makes you feel better, I won’t watch you go to your car, all right?”
I sighed. “Fine.”
“Which one’s that fine for?”
“All of it?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. We can part ways at the terminal.”
“I’ll take it. I’m Taylor, by the way.”
“Becca. It’s nice to meet you.”
The way his blue eyes flashed and a smirk tipped up his lips had my heart fluttering in a way it hadn’t in a long time. Oh, he knew exactly what he was doing. His palm rested on my lower back as we joined the line of people leaving, the two of us taking up the rear and walking slowly. “Would you believe me if I said this was the first time I’ve been over this way?”
“Actually, yes, that tracks.”
“So, do you have any tips for a tourist? What should I make sure to see?”
“Well, there are lots of little places downtown. Wineries, restaurants, galleries. And I’m really partial to the Japanese garden.”