As they drew closer to the hotel, Zach’s heart grew heavy with disappointment. Time was so fickle. The days you wished to pass quickly generally stretched on for an age. The ones you hoped would last always drew to a close before you were ready. Although they had a handful of days left, Zach found he wanted this one to linger.

When they paused at the bottom of the stairs, Zach didn’t urge them along, although it was the expected course of action. The sensible thing would be for them both to amiably bid one another goodnight and go their separate ways. Why was he hesitating?

Had anything about this trip even been sensible? This was likely the most nonsensical thing he'd done in his entire life, taking off with an unmarried woman to a remote location, allowing himself to succumb to physical attraction. Yet it felt so right.

Zach lifted Jo’s hand and planted a tender kiss upon it. His eyes met hers, and he found himself lingering there longer than was proper. Was anything proper anymore? "I…" he began, his voice gone a touch raspy from holding his breath. "I’ve had a lovely day...with you." Heart pounding in his ears, he lowered their hands, unable to tear his gaze away from her. He should let go. He should just bid her goodnight, but his feet stuck firm.

"You…"