“And why did your parents have so much say over what you did with your life?”
Her mouth opens and closes twice, and then she gazes out at the ocean for a moment. “Because they held the purse strings. And let me tell you, that’s not easy to admit. Some of it was also guilt. I felt like I should be a good daughter and help them.”
“And now?”
“Now I see that it was a way for them to control me. I was there because I was dependent on them for my income and wanted their approval. They even chose Troy for me because his father and mine are friends. And he’s wealthy. The relationship looked really good on paper. I’m not often asked for my opinion or for what I want.”
“And what do you want?”
“This.” She waves her hand over the table and gestures to the town. “I want to make my own living, have my own friends, and go on dates with my handsome boss.”
I smile at her. “All of those things sound good to me.”
The sun sets over the water as Izzy and I finish our meal, and I pack the leftovers in the basket.
“Let’s walk over here,” I suggest and take her hand in mine to lead her down a path to the edge of the cliff where a bench sits. “Have a seat.”
“This might be the best view in the world.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
She glances my way and sees that I’m looking at her. “You’re charming.”
“I’m not, no.” I tuck a piece of blond hair behind her ear. “But I’m taken with you, Isabella, and I find myself wanting to be near you more often than not.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Not from where I’m sitting.”
I lean in and kiss her cheek. I want to pull her to me and claim her mouth with mine, but we aren’t the only two in the park, and I don’t want her to miss the sunset.
“Watch.”
I point west, and we sit in silence as the sun slips behind the horizon.
* * *
“I had a lot of fun tonight,” Izzy says as I walk her up the steps to the front door. “And I’m not just saying that because it’s customary when a date is over.”
“I enjoyed myself, as well.” I brace my hand on the doorjamb next to her head and lean in to brush my lips gently over hers. “I’d like to see you again. And often.”
“I’d like that, too.” Her voice is breathy, and her hands grip the front of my shirt as I take the kiss deeper, enjoying the last few moments I have with her.
Suddenly, the porch light comes on, startling us both.
“Thought you’d like to see what you’re doing out there,” Maggie calls through the door.
Izzy laughs.
I scowl.
“Maybe you should go ahead and move back in with me so I don’t have my baby sister as a gatekeeper every time I want to see you.”
“Don’t be grouchy,” Maggie yells through the door.
“Get the hell away from this door before I take you over my knee, Mary Margaret.”
I hear laughter as she walks away. Izzy smiles up at me.
“Thank you for dinner, and the incredible view. And the conversation. I was going to ask your mom about you, but it’s better to get the information from the source.”
“I think we have plenty more to learn about each other.”
“I agree. We have time.”
I nod, kiss her once more, and then turn to leave while my feet can still carry me away. I wait in the truck until she’s safely inside, and then I drive the short distance to the pub.
I could go relieve my da and take care of the bar for the rest of the night. It’s not even ten o’clock.
But I don’t.
I promised myself a night off, and I’m going to take it.
So, I climb the steps to my flat and sit on the couch. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I bring up Izzy’s number.
Me: I’ll be there to pick you up at 8:00 a.m.
I smile at the three bubbles bouncing on the screen as she types her reply.
Izzy: I’ll be ready. Good night, handsome.
Chapter 6
~Izzy~
“Your brother is taking me out to breakfast,” I inform Maggie as I swing into the kitchen and pour myself a little glass of orange juice. “He should be here any minute.”
“Fun.” She watches me speculatively.
“What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing.” She shrugs and takes my glass to have a sip. “You didn’t tell me much about your date last night.”
“And I probably won’t tell you much about it today.”
She huffs out a breath and scowls. “You can trust me, you know.”
“Oh, trust isn’t the issue. I had a good time. And I’m keeping the rest to myself for now. If I didn’t enjoy myself, I wouldn’t let him take me out for breakfast today.”