Sam stepped onto the curb in time to hear her say it. And hearing it, he felt a twinge in his gut. Not in jealousy - he knew better - but in envy that another man could draw such absolute trust and warmth from her. That another man could hear that quiet and heartfelt declaration, even as a friend. It took all his willpower to work up a sneer. "Greedy son of a bitch. " Sam punched Zack lightly on the shoulder. "Haven't you already got a woman?"
"Seems I do. " Still, Zack leaned down, kissed Mia on the mouth. "In fact, I think I'll go on up and see what she's up to. Nice kissing you, Ms. Devlin. "
"Nice kissing you, Sheriff Todd. "
"Looks like I have to do better than nice. " To work off some of the frustration, Sam spun her around, caught her up, and gave her a long, sizzling kiss that had a trio of women across the street breaking out in applause.
"Well. " Mia caught her breath and tried to uncurl her toes. "I suppose that was a few levels above nice. But then, you always were competitive. "
"Take an hour off with me and I'll show you some competition. "
"That's such an interesting offer. But - " She put a hand on his chest and eased back. "We're just a little pressed with the remodeling. I've already used up my break kissing the sheriff. "
"Why don't you serve me lunch? I thought I'd scope out your menu. "
"Your patronage is appreciated. The violet-and-herb salad is getting raves today. " She walked to the door and opened it.
"I'm not eating flowers. "
"I'm sure Nell has something suitably manly to offer you. Like a raw, meaty bone. "
"Phone's for you," Lulu called out as Mia started up the stairs.
"I'll take it in my office. " She glanced back at Sam. "You know the way to the cafe. "
He did indeed. He settled on the Cajun chicken sandwich and an iced coffee. And watched the workmen.
It had been to his benefit as much as Mia's for him to spring the crew for a few weeks. His season was underway, and the guest rooms already rehabbed were fully occupied. After the Fourth, he intended to put the workers on half days so as not to disturb his guests during the early-morning or early-evening hours.
That would take them into September. And by September, he thought, he'd know what to do with the rest of his life.
She wasn't letting him get any closer. She welcomed him into her bed - but wouldn't sleep in his. She would talk about work, about the island, about magic. But she'd made it clear that an entire decade of their lives was off-limits.
Once or twice he'd tried to bring up his time in New York, but she'd simply closed down, or walked away.
Though they were both aware that everyone on the island knew they were lovers, she wouldn't go out with him. She hadn't had dinner with him in public since that first business meeting. His suggestions that they take an evening on the mainland and have dinner or go to the theater had been brushed away.
The underlying message came through clear enough. She was telling him she would sleep with him, enjoy him, but they weren't a couple.
Brooding over his sandwich, he wondered how many men would celebrate finding themselves in his position. He had an extraordinarily beautiful woman who was willing to share sex with him and expected - indeed permitted - little else. No strings, no expectations, no promises. And he wanted more. That, he admitted, had been the root of the problem from the beginning. He'd wanted more, but he'd been too young, too stupid, too stubborn to see that the more was all Mia. When she sat down across from him, he found his heart was in his throat and ready to spill out. "Mia - "
"I got Caroline Trump. " She snatched his iced coffee, drank deep. "I just got off the phone with her publicist. I have her for the second Saturday in July. You should've heard how cool and professional I was on the phone. She'd never have guessed I was turning cartwheels. "
"In that dress?"
"Ha ha. Sam. " She reached over to take his hands. "I know your influence is largely responsible for this. I'm grateful. I want you to know how much I appreciate you putting in a good word for the store. "
"That part was easy. Now don't screw up. "
"I won't. I already designed the ad, in anticipation. I have to talk to Nell about food. " She started to spring up, then hesit
ated. "So, do you have any plans for the solstice?"
He met her gaze, kept his voice as casual as hers. Though they both knew she was offering to take another step. One that was, for her, a big one.
"No, no formal plans. "
"You do now. "