And now they were on a plane, making their approach to San Francisco International Airport.

  “How much work do you have to do while you’re here?” she asked as she looked out the window, watching the plane’s descent.

  “Probably just a day’s worth.”

  “Not too bad.”

  “I can arrange for you to have a tour of the city.”

  She pulled her attention from the window and onto him. “I have a phone and a map and I’ve already looked up places to go—and to eat at. I’ll be fine. But thanks.”

  “Sure.”

  He’d called his mom to let her know he was going to be in town, and of course she’d insisted he stay with her. Bringing Hazel with him would have made that incredibly awkward, so he’d told his mom he had a lot of meetings in the city, some going late at night, so that wasn’t going to be possible. He hated lying, but there were just some things he wasn’t ready to do, and pushing his family onto Hazel was one of them. His mother was heaven on earth, and she would welcome Hazel with open arms, no problem. But if he stayed at the house, his brothers would invariably show up, and then Hazel would be bombarded with an inquisition, so, no way was he going to expose her to his family.

  But he hadn’t been home in a couple of months. And since he wasn’t full up with meetings with clients and staff, he’d have some time to see his mom while he was there.

  She’d never forgive him otherwise.

  After landing, they made their way to the rental cars, where he picked up the car he’d reserved, put their luggage in the trunk, and drove to his condo.

  He’d bought a condo in the perfect location. He could walk to his office, plus there were several interesting sites for Hazel to see all within walking distance. They pulled up out front, and he gave his keys to the valet, figuring it would be a day or so before they’d need the car again, then walked inside. He’d also invested in a place with full amenities, including valet, a doorman, a gym, and an indoor pool. He made sure Hazel’s name was added to his guest list so she could come and go as she pleased, and make use of all the facilities without question.

  Keys in hand, they made their way to the elevator and headed up to the unit.

  He held the door while Hazel walked in. She rolled her suitcase to the side and placed it against the wall.

  “Wow,” she said as she headed to the slate of windows. “This is really nice, Linc.”

  The open floor plan had been his number one requirement. “It’s not huge, but I like to be able to spread out.” He put his suitcase next to hers and joined her by the windows.

  “You can see the bay from here,” she said. “Oh, and there’s a balcony.”

  “It’ll probably be cool and windy outside. But at least you can get some fresh air if you want to.”

  “The sun’s out. Let’s chance it.” She unlocked the sliding door and stepped out, pulling her cardigan together as the wind whipped around her.

  Linc was used to the weather in San Francisco. The wind could be blustery, if not downright violent at times. Today it was actually fairly mild, but they were higher up and near the bay. It was sunny, not a cloud—or fog—to mar the day.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said. “You must have loved growing up here.”

  “I was raised quite a bit inland, but trips to the city were always a treat. As far as working here? It doesn’t suck, and my clients who live here like it. The ones who fly in enjoy being in the city. It’s a win-win.”

  She looked around. “I imagine it’s expensive for your employees to commute here. Or live here.”

  He nodded. “It’s definitely one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Some of my people telecommute and only come in for critical meetings. Also, they’re paid very well.”

  “I suppose that helps, too.” She went inside so he followed, closing the door behind him.

  She hadn’t once asked him questions about his income, or how he could afford such luxury. She asked about his work and seemed genuinely interested in what he did for a living. Otherwise, she wasn’t invasive about his money, and he liked that about her. He liked it a lot.

  He busied himself with unpacking while Hazel made a call, obviously to the person who was watching the dogs, since he heard her mention all their names. When she finished, she grabbed her suitcase and came into the bedroom to unpack, turning to face him halfway through. “I’d love to explore the city,” she said. “It would help me get my bearings for tomorrow.”

  “Sounds great. I heard you on the phone. How are the dogs?”

  She shook her head. “Sandy spoils and pampers them. They’ll be ridiculous when we get back and it’ll take me forever to get them on a routine again.”

  “Yeah, but worth it.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  He grabbed his jacket. “Are you ready to head out?”

  She changed from her cardigan to a zip-up jacket. “Let’s go.”

  He took her for a long walk, telling her where they were and all the places she could wander to tomorrow, like the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building Marketplace, and the Exploratorium, all of which were less than a fifteen-minute walk. Hazel made notes in her phone, and though he asked if she wanted to stop at any of the locations, she shook her head, saying she was just enjoying the walk and the fresh air for now.

  “How about a cable car ride?” he asked as they approached one of the hop-on points during their walk.

  “I’d love one.”

  They waited until a car arrived, then climbed on, along with several other people. He’d done this so many times since he was a kid, but it was still fun to ride the car, especially with someone who’d never experienced it before. Hazel held on to the pole along with grasping his hand, as if she half expected the car to catapult her like some kind of violent amusement park ride. He wrapped his arm around her to hold on to her, even though it wasn’t necessary. Then again, holding Hazel wasn’t exactly a hardship.

  The ride was steady and not too fast as they made their way toward Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. Along the way he pointed out spots she might want to stop and get off at tomorrow should she decide to ride the cable car by herself and explore. She nodded but didn’t make notes this time. Her body was tense, but she was smiling.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Yes. This is amazing. Do people commute this way?”

  “Some do, yes.”

  “Incredible.”

  When they made it to the wharf, they got off and he walked her toward the pier.

  “I’ve read about this and seen it in movies,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to come here.”

  They grabbed something cold to drink from a vendor and wandered along the pier. There were attractions and shops and just about anything and everything, but Hazel seemed content to just walk and watch, which suited Linc just fine.

  “I hear the seals,” she said, grinning at him as they got close to the end of the pier. She picked up her step and he did as well.

  The pier was covered with seals of all sizes, their loud bellowing like an insistent complaint. Or maybe an urgent request for someone to bring them some herring.

  Hazel leaned against the railing, pulled out her phone and started recording, then took some pictures. She was giving those seals the kinds of emotional, loving looks that made him feel kind of jealous.

  “They’re great, aren’t they?” he asked.

  She glanced over at him briefly before turning her attention back to the seals. “They’re gorgeous. And so gloriously loud. I love them.”

  Of course she did. She’d probably want to slip one in her luggage and bring it home, where it could live out its days in the backyard pool.

  Eventually, he pried her away from the seals and they made their way down the wharf, exploring a few shops where she wanted to buy absolutely nothing.

  “Really? Not even souvenirs or a T-shirt?”

  She shook her head. “The experience is all I need. Besides, I’m taking pics.” She grabbed him and leaned in, snapping a photo of the two of them, then showed it to him.

  They were both smiling, and Hazel had laid her head against his shoulder. It was a perfect picture of the two of them. He hadn’t realized before how well they fit together.

  “It’s a pretty good shot,” he said.

  “I think so, too.”

  “Send it to me?”

  She nodded. “Sure.” She pulled up his number and texted it to him. When his phone buzzed, he brought up the pic and saved it, then realized he had no other pics of her, and hadn’t ever taken any of her and the dogs. He made a mental note to rectify that when they got back home.

  Home. He mentally paused when he realized that the house they currently shared wasn’t his home. Or hers. It was a temporary thing, just like their relationship. So why had he called it home?

  “I’m getting kind of hungry,” she said. “How about you?”

  “I can always eat.” He looked at his phone, realizing it was nearly six thirty. “We can head back to the condo, change for dinner.”

  “Oh, we’re dressing up for dinner tonight?”

  “Hell yeah, we are.”

  She looped her arm in his. “Okay, then. Let’s go get fancy.”

  * * *

  • • •

  Hazel was relieved to have raided her boxes of stuff at Sandy’s and brought a nice dress for dinner. It wasn’t super expensive, but it was a gorgeous burgundy, hit just above the knees, and fit her perfectly. It would be suitable—she hoped—for any restaurant Linc decided to take her to. She’d combed through her hair, touched it up with a bit of wave, then put on makeup and lip gloss along with her heels. She felt good and more than ready to enjoy a night out in San Francisco with her guy.

  Her guy. Was he, though?

  He took you on a trip to another city, Hazel. That’s got to mean something, right?

  She supposed it did. What exactly it meant, she didn’t know, and it wasn’t like she planned to bring up the status of their relationship over dinner. This was a fun trip. Business for him, total relaxation and touristy stuff for her. Whatever else happened would just . . . happen. Right now she was looking forward to a relaxing evening of cocktails and dinner and hopefully an amazing view.

  She came out of the bathroom, and Linc was dressed in black pants, a black-striped button-down shirt, and a jacket. He looked . . . Damn, he was a fine-looking man no matter whether he was in dusty jeans or dressed up like this.

  “Wow,” he said, walking over to her and taking her hands in his. “You are gorgeous.”

  “You’re full of hyperbole.”

  “Not even lying. You look beautiful, Hazel.”

  “Thank you. You clean up nice, too.” She laid her palm on his chest. “I guess we’re both beautiful tonight.”

  “I’ll take it. Shall we go?”

  “I guess we shall?”

  She grabbed her wrap and slung it over her arm, then slid her other arm through Linc’s as they made their way downstairs to the lobby. Admittedly, she felt kind of special as she walked with Linc, certain that the people they passed by were staring at him. After all, he was tall and good-looking, and dressed up like this he was kind of perfect. But then she realized that couples were staring as well, so maybe it was both of them.

  “People are staring,” she said as they made their way through the lobby.

  Linc looked around, then down at her, smiling. “Because you’re hot as hell and have amazing legs.”

  “I don’t think they’re all looking at me.”

  “And I don’t think they’re all looking at me.”

  “Some might be.”

  He laughed. “Okay, I’ll take that. How about everyone thinks we make a spectacular couple?”

  She thought about that as they reached the doors, looked up at him, and grinned. “And I’ll take that.”

  Their car was waiting for them outside, which was perfect timing. Linc held the door for her and she slid inside the back seat, Linc following her.

  She had no idea where they were going. Since he was more familiar with the area, including places to eat, she trusted his judgment. Plus, she liked food in general, so she was up for anything. Mainly, she enjoyed the ride, sitting next to a hot man while taking in the incredibly beautiful city.

  They ended up at Ghirardelli Square, right near where they’d been earlier in the day, at a restaurant called McCormick & Kuleto’s. The restaurant was warm and atmospheric, and they were seated near the full windows that lent an incredible view of the bay, the boats swaying in time with the water.

  “This is incredible,” she said after their hostess left them with menus.

  “I thought you might like a view. Plus the food here is amazing.”

  “I’m a fan of food.” She opened her menu and started perusing, her stomach doing flip-flops over the amazing selections.

  Their server came over and discussed drink orders.

  “Would you like a bottle of wine or something more specific, like one of their craft cocktails?” Linc asked.

  Hazel looked at the cocktails, immediately intrigued. “Hmm. I’m thinking I might like to try the prosecco sangria.”

  Linc nodded. “Good choice. I’ll have a Guinness stout.”

  Their server nodded and disappeared.

  “Thank you for taking me to dinner,” she said. “This is lovely.”

  “I want you to enjoy this trip. San Francisco is all about good food and great sights.”

  “I’m really looking forward to sightseeing tomorrow.”

  He reached out and laid his hand over hers. “I’m sorry I can’t go with you.”

  “Please don’t feel bad. It’s totally okay. You have work to do, which is why you’re here, and I’m used to being on my own.”

  “Okay. But don’t be surprised if I text you throughout the day to make sure you’re doing all right.”

  She would not tell him how special that made her feel. “That’ll be fine.”

  “And if you run into any problems, you call me right away.”

  “I will absolutely not do that. Again, you’ll be working.”

  He gave her a stern look, which admittedly was kind of a turn-on.

  “Hazel, you have to promise.”

  “Fine. I promise, but I won’t run into any problems at all.”

  Their server came by with their drinks. Hazel took a sip, delighted by the sweet, bubbly flavor. “This is so good.”

  Linc took a swallow of his beer. “You like fruity drinks?”

  She laughed. “I like all kinds of drinks. Beer, wine, cocktails, shots.”

  He arched a brow. “Shots, huh?”

  “Of course. There’s nothing like a smooth tequila on its own.”

  “I agree with that. We’ll have to do shots sometime.”

  Hazel could already imagine how much fun that could be. “I’ll make a note to put tequila on the shopping list.”

  “You do that.”

  She wondered if he was even aware that while they were talking he was drawing circles and other shapes on her hand with his fingertip. He might not notice, but every part of her definitely did. What was it about his touch that got to her?

  “Your city is beautiful,” she said, trying to disengage her sensory reactions to his skating fingertip. “How could you possibly want to leave it?”

  He shrugged. “Yeah, it’s really nice here. But so are other places in the U.S. and I wanted to see them.”

  She took a sip of her cocktail, studying him. “What made you decide to go into renovating houses?”

  “I hate to be cliché, but I’m gonna do it anyway and say I’ve always liked doing things with my hands. Working in investments has been fun. It engages my brain in all the right ways.”

  “But not exactly a physical workout.”

  “No. When I got the business up and running and put the right people in place, I knew I could take off for long periods of time, popping in when needed. Which meant I could take six to eight weeks to renovate a house, then head back here, take a week or two to catch up before I start the process over again.”

  He was so confident about who he was and where he wanted to be. She wished she’d had that level of self-assuredness about any aspect of her life, instead of floundering for so long about . . . everything.

  Their server came and took their food orders. After, Hazel took several sips of her outstanding cocktail while pondering her life choices versus how Linc seemed to have it totally together.

  “You’re staring,” he said.

  “I am? I was. I’m sorry. I was just thinking about your confidence level, how you seem to know exactly what you were meant to do.”

  He swirled his fingers around his glass. “You’d like to think that, but it wasn’t always the case. I started out working in finance. I was good at it, but God, I was bored. I knew right away I didn’t want to work for someone else. I had all these ideas about what I wanted to do, investments I wanted to make in real estate.”

  “And you obviously did.”

  “Eventually, yeah. But I had to save money. I lived at home for the first five years after college, banking every penny I could save. Then I took the leap and started my investment firm, hoping and praying and lying awake nights scared shitless that I would fail.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “You don’t strike me as someone who’s afraid of anything.”

  “Thanks for that, but trust me, I was plenty scared. But I plowed headfirst into this dream of mine, figuring I would either succeed fantastically or fail dramatically. I got lucky and the business took off, thanks to my amazing team.”

  She loved that he gave credit to the people around him instead of taking all the glory for himself. “I’m sure you had something to do with it, too.”