Harbour of Refuge by Aliyah Burke Read Free Book Online Page B

the parking lot, she shut off the engine and sat there for a few seconds, trying to get herself back under control. It had been a long time since she’d seen him, but she’d never forgotten him.
    Climbing out, she shouldered her purse then walked to the front door. Her heart sped up when her gaze landed on the handsome man loitering outside, waiting for someone. Waiting for her.
    He must have been searching for her, because his head popped up and a wide grin filled his expression. She swallowed as lust broadsided her. He looked delicious, clad in jeans and a black shirt, his hair teasing his collar.
    She halted and enjoyed the view of him approaching her. His gait was smooth and powerful. When he stood before her, she inhaled sharply, allowing his scent to flow over her.
    “Hello, Halyn.”
    She tipped her head back to meet his gaze. Flashes of their time in the hotel together swam before her eyes. “Hello, Enzo.”
    He shook his head and said, “Damn, I want to kiss you.”
    “What’s stopping you?”
    “Nothing now,” he uttered, lowering his head.
    He kept the kiss light but it was still powerful. She whimpered and tightened her hand on her purse to keep from grabbing him.
    “Oh yeah, I’ve missed that,” Enzo said.
    The words were rumbled and she swiped her tongue along her lips as her gaze dipped briefly to the crotch of his jeans. I’ve missed that .
    “Ready to eat?” she questioned, glancing back up to his face. Please say no and that you want to go back to my place or your hotel.
    “Ready.” He placed one hand along the small of her back and gently guided her through the doorway, holding open the solid wood door with his other hand.
    Inside, the familiarity of the place made her smile. She loved it here—good food, great atmosphere.
    “Hi, Halyn!” Calls came from around the bar as they entered.
    “Hey, guys,” she replied easily.
    “You’re well known here,” he murmured in her ear as they were led to a table by Victoria, the greeter.
    “Here you go. Your server will be with you shortly.”
    “Thanks, Vicki,” Halyn said with a smile.
    “Not a problem. Good to see you out.”
    They were left alone and she stared at Enzo. He’d looked good in Monte Carlo, but that paled in comparison to how he looked now. Maybe her memories of him weren’t quite up to scratch. She peered out of the window and descried the water as it crashed upon the rocks and beach of Chamberton. They would have to go to another part of the city to see the docks where all the powerboats would be moored. This was a much more secluded area.
    “Come here often?”
    She tore her gaze from the beauty of nature and put it back on the man across from her. “Not as much as I’d like. I used to work here when I first moved here. So I know them pretty well.”
    “Where did you move here from?”
    They placed their drink orders before she answered. “The Midwest. I went to college in Portland and fell in love with the area. Mila had a boyfriend who lived in Chamberton and I accompanied her here once. It was like coming home to me. So I stayed.”
    His eyes darkened but their drinks arrived and he didn’t speak. When they were left alone again, he sipped some of his beer and watched her.
    “What?” she asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.
    “Nothing. Tell me more.”
    “Not much to tell. I have a store here and I keep busy.”
    “Does Mila live here too?”
    She didn’t even want to acknowledge the spear of pain that question brought her. Swallowing some of her peach tea, she nodded. “Yes. She and her boyfriend live together.”
    “Good for her.”
    Wait? That was it about Mila?
    Why are you giving her any thought at all? Had he wanted Mila, he would have found a way to call her. Not you. Get it together, girl, he is out with you. The mental pep talk helped her calm down.
    “Are we ready here?”
    At the intruding question, Halyn looked to see Patti standing there with an expectant smile on her face. Enzo shot her a