Free His Perfect Match by Elaine Overton

didn’t really fit into their country-club world.”
    â€œHow did you survive?”
    â€œI worked as a cocktail waitress and put myself through school.” She sat up a little straighter, feelingpride in her accomplishments. “I’m a teacher. Kindergarten.” She shrugged stiffly. “Although, I’m just substituting for now.” She quickly glanced up at him and looked away. “It allows me more time with Marc.”
    Darius studied her face, trying to see what was not being said. Despite her fine appearance—and she did look fine, he thought, taking in the sleeveless dress—she could not be making that much as a substitute teacher.
    He watched her discreetly wring her hands on her lap.
    â€œKindergarten, huh?” His eyes widened with exaggeration, trying to recapture the easy mood of the past moments. “Yikes.”
    She laughed. “I know. But they’re not so bad, you just have to keep their minds engaged. They’re so bright and hungry for knowledge at that age. I love my job.”
    He returned the smile. “I can see that.”
    In that brief moment, she saw a glimpse of the old Darius. The one she’d known as a young woman. The one she’d expected to find here. Warm, caring, thoughtful and an attentive listener. But it was only for a brief moment, and then he was gone. Replaced by the cold, calculating man she’d met on the beach last night.
    â€œI guess you’re eager to return home, huh? When are you leaving?”
    She licked her lips nervously. “I guess that depends on you.”
    A mischievous grin came to his face. “You think you know what I want, don’t you?”
    â€œI think so.”
    He leaned his large body back against the stucco wall and crossed his ankles and arms. His eyes darted to the top of her cleavage, slightly exposed by the thin sheath dress. “Not quite.”
    â€œNo?”
    â€œNo.” He walked over to the table until he was standing directly beside her and, looking down at her, he said, “You’re right that we can never relive the past, but I think we can recreate parts of it.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    He reached forward and took her hand, pulling her to her feet. She didn’t know what he was planning, but the thought of saying no to anything was not an option. Her son’s life was worth far more than her pride.
    â€œWhen you hired your private detective to find me, did you tell him to look here first?” He walked her over to the balcony.
    â€œNo, why would I?” She stood beside him overlooking the harbor. The sparkling blue water of the bay was already sprinkled with swimmers and fishermen in small boats. The bright-yellow sun was high in the sky and it was turning out to be another perfect day in paradise.
    She glanced at him and was stunned by the hurt look in his eyes.
    â€œOur honeymoon plans.”
    â€œDarius, we never discussed plans, remember? You made all the arrangements.” She quickly looked away. “You never asked for my input.”
    His face twisted in a confused expression. “Seriously?”
    â€œNot even once.”
    He turned to face the harbor as a thoughtful silence settled between them. Finally, he said, “Well, this was it.” He gestured to the surrounding areas. “After you left, all I wanted to do was get as far away from Ohio as I could. So, I decided to use one of the tickets and take a vacation. But once I got here I didn’t want to leave.” He shook his head. “It amazes me that anyone leaves this place.”
    â€œIt is beautiful.”
    â€œIt would’ve been the perfect honeymoon spot for us.” He walked back to the table and picked a single plump grape from a bunch. “It still will be.”
    She turned to face him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    He looked up at her with a wide smile, but it didn’t fool her for a single minute. His eyes