Teasing Her Seal

“How many drinks do I have to choose from?” Her lips twitched, but she tunneled her fingers through his hair, settling down on his chest as if she’d never left.

“I’ve got three,” he said hoarsely. Don’t screw this up, soldier. “A Lover’s Lemonade, a Blushing Bride and a Honey, I Do Martini. It’s your choice, but I’m hoping that this time we can do one of my fantasies.”

“The bartender is pretty sexy. Keep talking. Tell me about this fantasy of yours.”

“I’m fantasizing about happily-ever-after together.” Time to put it all on the line. “We’ll figure out the details but, when we’re apart, I want to know I’ll be coming home to you. I love you.”

And...silence. She stared at him while he ran his hands up and down her arms. “I’m dying here. Please say something?”

She flattened her palms on his cheeks, cupping his face. “You said the L word.”

“I like you, I lust for you. And, hell, yes, I love you. I’ll read you every word in the dictionary if that’s what you want.”

“I love you, too.”

“You do?” Because that was too good to be true. He’d been shooting for a chance to win her heart, but could the battle really be already won?

“Mmm-hmm,” she said, leaning in to kiss him. “I didn’t realize when I went to Fantasy Island that I had a chance at my own real-life lover and hero. I knew I had a chance at starting over, but you’re someone special, Lieutenant Commander Gray Jackson, and I’m starting my own list just for you. Lovable is at the top, but I’m adding new words every day. Lion-hearted, loyal, logical...” She grinned at him. “Definitely lickable. I have big plans for us.”

That worked.

“You’re my fantasy, my everything,” he promised.

“You give good fantasy,” she whispered, her mouth meeting his.

“Real life’s even better,” he said and kissed her.