Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts

stretched, dark blue and excitingly choppy under a sky going rosy with sunset. “A lovely view, a pretty spot.” She turned back. “An interesting companion for the evening.”
    No, he thought, watching her eyes. Something was just a little off. On impulse he slid over, cupped her chin in his hand, and laid his lips lightly on hers.
    She didn’t draw away, but allowed herself to experience. The kiss was easy, smooth, skilled. And very soothing. When he drew back, she raised an eyebrow. “And that was because?”
    â€œYou looked like you needed it.”
    She didn’t sigh, but she wanted to. Instead, she put her hands in her lap. “Thank you once again.”
    â€œAny time. In fact . . .” His fingers tightened just a little on her face, and this time the kiss moved a bit deeper, lasted a bit longer.
    Her lips parted under his before she realized that she’d meant it to happen. Her breath caught, released, and her pulseshivered as his teeth scraped lightly, as his tongue teased hers into a slow, seductive dance.
    Her fingers were linked and gripped tight, her mind just beginning to blur when he eased away.
    â€œAnd that was because?” she managed.
    â€œI guess I needed it.”
    His lips brushed over hers once, then again, before she found the presence of mind to lay a hand on his chest. A hand, she realized, that wanted to ball into a fist on that soft shirt and hold him in place rather than nudge him away.
    But she nudged him away. It was simply a matter of handling him, she reminded herself. Of staying in control.
    â€œI think as appetizers go, that was very appealing. But we should order.”
    â€œTell me what’s wrong.” He wanted to know, he realized. Wanted to help, wanted to smooth those shadows out of her incredibly clear eyes and make them smile.
    He hadn’t expected to develop a taste for her so quickly.
    â€œIt’s nothing.”
    â€œOf course it is. And there can’t be anything much more therapeutic than dumping on a relative stranger.”
    â€œYou’re right.” She opened her menu. “But most relative strangers aren’t particularly interested is someone else’s minor problems.”
    â€œI’m interested in you.”
    She smiled as she shifted her gaze from the entrées to his face. “You’re attracted to me. That’s not always the same thing.”
    â€œI think I’m both.”
    He took her hand, held it as the wine was brought to the table, as the label was turned for his approval. He waited while a sample was poured into his glass, watching her in that steady, all-else-aside way she’d discovered he had. He lifted it, sipped, still looking at her.
    â€œIt’s perfect. You’ll like it,” he murmured to her while their glasses were being filled.
    â€œYou’re right,” she told him after she sipped. “I like it very much.”
    â€œShall I tell you tonight’s specials,” their waiter began in a cheerful voice. While he recited, they sat, hands linked, eyes locked.
    Sybill decided she heard about every third word and didn’t really give a damn. He had the most incredible eyes. Like old gold, like something she’d seen in a painting in Rome. “I’ll have the mixed salad, with the vinaigrette, and the fish of the day, grilled.”
    He kept watching her, his lips curving slowly as he drew her hand across the table to kiss her palm. “The same. And take your time. I’m very attracted,” he said to Sybill as the waiter rolled his eyes and walked away. “And I’m very interested. Talk to me.”
    â€œAll right.” What harm could it do? she decided. Since, sooner or later, they would have to deal with each other on a different sort of level, it might be helpful if they understood one another now. “I’m the good daughter.” Amused at herself, she smiled a little. “Obedient,