“Whoops, sorry,” she murmured, glad that he couldn’t see the blush that she knew was on her cheeks. She had lost a few more sexy points with that less than graceful move. Luckily, she still had her unfettered breasts to bring him back around.

Soon, they were coasting through the streets of Myrtle Beach. Gwen relaxed her death grip on Dominic as she got more comfortable with the feel of the bike. Having him nestled between her thighs had been a little distracting at first, but now she was able to enjoy the wind in her hair and the freedom of the road. They hadn’t been riding for long when he slowed to make a turn. She looked around in interest and was surprised by what she saw. When he parked the bike in a busy lot, she hugged him excitedly. “We’re going to the zoo?” God, she couldn’t remember the last time she had been. She had tried to take Maddy and Megan, but they always begged for Chuck E. Cheese instead.

He turned in his seat, looking at her over his shoulder. “Yeah, is this okay with you?”

“Oh, yes! This is wonderful.” She laughed. “I can’t believe you thought of it.”

Dominic got off the bike and helped her up before answering. “I was just here last week. They’re interested in hiring us to replace their current security company. There’s also a park and some nature trails. I hoped it might be something you’d like.”

“Thank you,” she beamed. “I haven’t been to the zoo since I was in college.”

Dominic stored their helmets before clasping her hand in his. “I take my nephews almost every time I visit.” Looking amused, he added, “I think the zoo there is about ready to pay me never to bring them back again. Last time we were there, they had the monkeys all pissed off by trying to impersonate the sounds that they made. I thought we were going to get kicked out.”

Gwen laughed, imagining the scene he had described. It sounded like the perfect day to her. “I’m afraid things weren’t that crazy when I went. My sister got me a yearly membership for my birthday because I liked spending the day there studying when I was in school. It might not sound ideal, but I would find a bench in one of the quieter areas and spread my books out. It was much better than sitting in a dark corner of the library for hours.”

Dominic stopped to purchase their tickets before asking, “Where did you go to school?”

Snuggling into his side as he dropped his arm around her, Gwen said, “I went to the University of South Carolina.” Pointing to her chest, she added, “You’ve got a loyal Gamecock fan right here. Hey, how about you? Did you go to college or straight into the military?”

Pulling her close as they walked toward a bird exhibit, Dominic said ruefully, “I was fully educated by Uncle Sam. It’s what I call a degree in life.”

They stopped for a few moments to laugh at the parrots before Gwen asked softly, “Was it hard? Your time in the Marines?”

He was quiet for so long, she was starting to wonder if he’d heard her. Then he began speaking slowly as if searching for the right words. “It was—tough some days. It taught me the true meaning of unity and trust because I would have died to save a brother or a sister and I know that they would have also, without thought. We were a family, and as such, there were days you would want to choke one another and would give anything for just some peace. But none of that mattered when we were on patrol. Then we just watched our partner’s back no matter what.” His voice thickened as he continued. “As careful as we were, we still lost people, and that’s something you never forget. I considered being career military, but when Mac and the others left, I just didn’t have it in me to stay. I missed my family, and I needed a change.”

Running her hand soothingly up and down his back, Gwen said, “So, here you are.”

“That’s right,” he agreed, “and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.”

“Me, either.” Thinking they needed to change the subject to something lighter, she stepped out of his arms and grabbed his hand. “If I don’t see those penguins now, I’m just going to freak out!”

Dominic’s face, which had been so somber a minute earlier, now carried an easy smile. “Well, we certainly can’t have that. And it’s funny you should mention that because it’s one of the surprises I have for you.”

Gwen had jumped up and down before she caught herself. Yikes, she must look like a sight, bouncing braless in a zoo full of children. When she glanced down, she was grateful to see her jacket still covering enough to keep her PG-rated. “What is it?” She tugged on his hand as he looked at her indulgently.

He checked his watch before answering. “In about fifteen minutes, we have an appointment to help feed the penguins.” When she could only stare at him in shock, he added, “That means you get your own bucket of fish.”

Squealing loud enough to pop a few nearby eardrums, Gwen launched herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. He staggered for a moment from her surprise attack before wrapping his arms around her and pulling her even closer. “I can’t believe that,” she shrieked. Her heavy boots started to lose purchase, and she would have slipped down if not for his hands tightening on her hips and holding her steady.

“Me thinks my baby likes,” he teased as he dropped a kiss on her upturned mouth before putting her gently onto her feet. “If I’d known it was this easy to impress you, I’d have had you here months ago.”