by Karen Muir
Her hand went to her chest. “Good. You had me scared.” She frowned. “So why are you here?”
Because I’m trying to keep you from getting hurt. He rubbed his hands together. “Invite me in, and I’ll tell you. It’s cold out here.”
She opened the door wider, and he strode past her toward the gas insert with glowing red coals. He turned his back to the warmth and faced her. “You’re not answering your cell phone, so I came by to make sure you were okay.”
“That’s sweet of you, but why wouldn’t I be okay?”
Why indeed? Her hair was mussed, and her blouse was buttoned up wrong. Had the creep been pawing her? “You keep dangerous company.”
She crossed her arms. “Roderick and I had a wonderful time today, and we’ll probably go out again. Subject closed.” The stiffness left her stance, and she smiled. “Want some coffee?”
His jaw clenched. She was blowing him off again. “No, thanks. I’ve got to get home.”
But he made no move toward the door. Gina looked so lovely in the soft lamplight, she stole his breath away. Staring into the fathomless green of her eyes, he felt an urge to sink his fingers into her tousled blond hair and pull her soft body firmly against his.
Not gonna happen. He took a step back. Gina had insisted there be no intimacy between them, and he’d accepted the fact she would never be his. But he could still protect her from guys on the make, whether she liked it or not.
She broke the silence. “Let me guess why you’re here. You thought Roderick would seduce me, despite all your great advice.”
“I knew he’d try.”
“And I’m so gullible and naive, I need your protection.”
She spoke calmly, but he sensed he stood on thin ice. “He’s a slick operator.”
“Your concern is touching, but I’m insulted you have so little faith in me.”
“I have total faith in you. It’s Roderick I don’t trust.”
Her index finger tapped her elbow, her tell gesture for annoyance. “What would you have done if my bedroom light came on—burst in with an ax?”
He tensed. “You’re taking this wrong.”
“I suppose you could always call 911.”
Breathing in slowly, he held onto his temper. Barely. “You need to pull your head out of the sand. Roderick changes lovers as often as he changes his shirt.”
“Maybe I don’t have a problem with that.”
“You should.”
“It’s my life. I can date whoever I please, and sleep with any man I want.”
His chest tightened. “Is that what you did?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Aw, hell. I should have busted in with an ax.” He wrenched off his jacket and threw it on the couch, his insides churning at the thought of her and Roderick going at it between the sheets.
She put her hand on his arm. “No personal involvement means no lurking outside my house, and no unwanted advice about the company I keep.”
“But I care—”
“Don’t care.” She stepped closer. “I don’t lecture you about the hazards of sleeping with Bree.”
He scowled. “I’m not sleeping with Bree.”
She laughed. “Oh, please.”
“I’m serious.”
“You expect me to believe that?”
“Hell, yes.” He had never lied to Gina. Where did she get off, doubting his word?
She shrugged and stepped back. “What happens between you and Bree is your business, not mine. And what happens between Roderick and me is my business, not yours. That’s the way it has to be.”
He jammed his fingers through his hair. “We’re getting nowhere.”
“You’re right.” She switched off a lamp. “Go home to your boys. Worry about them, not me.”
He shrugged into his jacket and headed toward the door. Confronting Gina had been a mistake. She had her back up now, like a scalded cat. Maybe he’d blundered across a line, but Roderick was setting her up for the kill. On the porch, he turned back for a last desperate attempt at reason. “He’ll break your heart.”
She sighed. “There’s something you need to understand. Roderick can’t hurt me, because I don’t love him.”
He sputtered in protest. “Well of course you don’t love him yet, but if you give him time—”
“Good night, Will.” She stepped back and closed the door in his face. He stared at it, dazed, his stomach knotted with frustration. Gina was falling for another man, leaving him with a new and disturbing awareness. He might become the one with the broken heart.
Chapter Ten
Will lay on his back in the backyard tent, staring up into the darkness. Harry and Ian lay burrowed in sleeping bags on either side of him. Their soft, even breathing said they slept soundly. Sighing, he tuned in to the sounds of the night—the soft hoot of an owl, a midnight breeze rustling the cedars, the faint rumble of a faraway train. Soothing sounds that should bring peaceful sleep. But tonight, Gina was stuck in his head.
His attempts to warn her off Roderick had failed. She insisted he back off, yet something in his gut balked at leaving her at the mercy of a callous womanizer. Rod’s easy morals reminded him too much of his ex. Gina was like family and needed his protection. But that protection wasn’t brotherly. Last Saturday, he’d acted like a jealous lover fending off a rival for his mate.
He punched up his pillow and rolled onto his side. The last thing he wanted was a serious relationship. Betrayal did that to a man. Which was why he’d begun dating Bree, a good friend who could never break his heart. He cared about her, but not that way. He’d had to be careful not to break her heart.
But Gina was a whole different story. His feelings for her were much stronger, and with her, he’d be vulnerable.
Harry mumbled and kicked out in his sleep. Will tucked his son’s legs back inside his sleeping bag. Raindrops pattered on the canvas overhead, prompting a growl. If this tent wasn’t as waterproof as it claimed to be, he was taking it back to the store. He shifted onto his side, annoyed by the rain and thoughts of Roderick. The guy was bad news.
Will needed time to contemplate pursuing a relationship with Gina. But Roderick brought urgency to the situation, forcing him to make a life-altering decision he didn’t feel ready to make. If he wanted Gina for himself, he had to act soon.
…
Gina paused in the doorway to Will’s den as he sat at his desk, penciling a sketch. Intent on his work, he didn’t notice her. She kept silent, wishing things could be different between them. Warning her about Roderick meant he cared about her. She cared about him, too. But for his own good and hers, she had to discourage him.
He glanced up, and physical awareness swept through her, the way it always did when their eyes met. She took a breath. “Got a minute?”
“Sure. Come on in.”
She sat in the green chair across from him. “I want to ask a favor. It’s short notice, but I need to take Friday off. A friend invited me to go on a weekend retreat.”
Will propped his elbows on the desk. “I suppose I could work from home that day.” He paused. “What kind of retreat is it?”
“It’s a science camp in the San Juan Islands. We’ll be studying marine organisms.”
His eyes widened. “Marine organisms?”
“Yes.” The glint in his eyes told her he’d made the connection.
“Tell me you’re not going on this retreat with Roderick.”
“Then don’t ask.”
He slumped back in his chair. “You didn’t hear a thing I said the other night.”
“I heard everything. You have a history with Roderick, apparently all bad. But he and I are friends, and we share an interest in science.”
“You’ll share more than that, if he has his way.”
He was wrong. She’d made it clear to Roderick there’d be no sex at sea. But Will wouldn’t believe that, and maybe that was okay. Thinking she’d taken a lover might be for the best.
&n
bsp; “Sorry.” He forked his fingers through his hair. “That comment was out of line. Tell me more about the retreat.”
“Do you really want to know?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Okay. Roderick’s professor will talk to our group about the local marine life, and we’ll observe and collect specimens on the beach during the day. At night we’ll use flashlights, as some creatures are nocturnal. There’ll be campfires both nights, and Roderick’s bringing his guitar.”
Despite Will’s grunt, she smiled. “I’m really looking forward to this. I’ve always loved science and being outdoors, close to nature.” She wished she could share more about herself with Will—her degree and her research. Key parts of who she was.
“The retreat lasts all weekend,” he said.
“Yes.”
“What are the sleeping arrangements?”
Oh, come on. Like she hadn’t checked that out. “We’ll be staying in cabins. It will probably seem like going to summer camp.” Roderick had actually invited her to sleep on his boat, claiming he’d take the couch. An idea she’d firmly nixed.
“Separate cabins for men and women?”
“Of course.” She stood. “I think that covers it.”
He stood, too. “Is there anything I can say to change your mind?”
His concern warmed her heart, but she shook her head. “Don’t worry about me. This will be fun.”
Frowning, he jammed his hands in his pockets. “I’ll drop you off at the marina.”
No way. “Thanks, but I’ll drive.”
“I’ll behave, I promise. I just want to make sure the boat is seaworthy. Naturally, the boys will want to come, too.”
Letting Will anywhere near Roderick seemed like a really bad idea, but if Ian and Harry were with him, surely he’d stay calm. “You’ll be on your best behavior?”
He held up three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”
She paused. “Were you ever a scout?”
“Of course.”
“Well…okay.” Driving home, she hoped she hadn’t made a mistake.
…
Filled with misgivings, Will drove Gina and the boys to the marina Friday morning to board Roderick’s twenty-five-foot cabin cruiser. Harry and Ian were eager to see the boat and peppered Gina with questions.
“Is it big?”
“Do you get to steer?”
“Where do you sleep?”
Gina answered cheerfully and seemed excited about the trip. Will was grumpy and suspicious and not hiding it well. He planned to have a man-to-man talk with Prince Charming.
A dense gray cloudbank covered the sky as they crossed the marina parking lot. The jolly TV weatherman had predicted a wet and windy weekend, “a great weekend to spend indoors.” Will wanted Roderick and Gina outdoors collecting specimens, not cooped up inside with time on their hands.
Gina led the way down a creaky boardwalk, past an array of vessels. Will and the boys walked behind with canvas bags containing her sleeping bag and gear. A brisk wind stirred the dark waters into whitecaps.
“Ahoy there, come aboard!” a hearty voice called. Will clenched his fists as Gina waved to Roderick, who stood at the stern of his boat in his jaunty captain’s hat, blue jacket, and jeans. The smile he gave Gina was far too eager to suit Will.
Gina took her bags from the boys and Will and handed them to Roderick. He set them aside then gave Gina a steadying hand as she stepped from boardwalk to boat. Will watched them through narrowed eyes. It was hard, seeing them standing side by side. It got harder still when he spotted the name painted on the side of the boat: The Hanky Panky.
What the hell! His gut burned with urgency. This was wrong. He had to get Gina out of here. He lifted the boys onto the deck then clambered aboard to close in on his nanny. “Gina—”
At the look on his face, her eyes widened with alarm. “You promised,” she whispered, then turned away. “Come inside.”
His insides seethed as the five of them crowded inside the cabin.
“Here’s the dining area,” Roderick was saying. “The galley is up front.”
Gina and the boys took turns looking inside the bathroom—Roderick called it “the head.”
“Where do you sleep?” Harry asked.
“There’s a large bed up front under the bow. Very comfy.”
His wolfish grin didn’t fool Will. “Step outside with me a minute,” he said to Roderick. When the boys started to follow, he told them to stay with Gina. “We’ll be right back.”
Roderick followed him out, and Will closed the door so the two of them could not be heard. The wind whipped his hair, chilling him to the bone.
“What’s up?” Roderick asked.
Will faced him, frowning. “Gina means a lot to me and my boys. We don’t want her hurt.”
Roderick nodded. “No problem. I don’t hurt women.”
“You charm them ‘til you lose interest then move on to someone new. Do you honestly think that doesn’t hurt?”
“I’ve never done anything a woman didn’t want me to.” He eyed Will curiously. “Is there something going on between Gina and you?”
“She’s family to us. I look out for her.”
“I hear you, Will. And if you and Gina were a hot item, I‘d respect that and step back. But since you’re not”—he shrugged—“then I guess it’s up to her to decide what happens.”
Will bristled at the clear challenge. If he didn’t say he wanted Gina for himself, then Roderick would do his best to seduce her. “I’m not staking a claim on her. I’m asking you not to, either. She’s not just another notch on your bedpost.”
Roderick winced. “You really don’t like me, do you, Will? Fair enough. I’ll give it to you straight. Whatever happens on this trip will be Gina’s choice. No pressure.”
It mattered too much to Will to settle for that. “This isn’t a pissing contest between you and me.”
“’Course it’s not.” Roderick clapped him on the back. “We’re done here, pal. Let’s go inside. This wind is damn cold.”
Gritting his teeth, Will followed. He’d wasted his breath. Back inside, Gina approached him with an anxious look. Probably worried he’d throw Pretty Boy overboard. An idea that had merit.
“I’ll be fine,” she assured him. “I’ve got my cell phone, and I’ll call you as soon as we reach camp.”
“’Fraid not.” Roderick shook his head. “There’s no reception on the far side of the island where we’ll be anchored.”
He bent his head to look out the window. “It’s time we shoved off. It’s going to be a choppy run, and we want to arrive before the weather deteriorates.”
They trooped out to the stern, where Gina hugged both boys and bid them goodbye. “See you Monday.”
“See you Sunday,” Will corrected. “The boys and I will pick you up.”
“It would be easier for me to drop Gina home,” Roderick said. “No telling what time we’ll be back.”
Will’s insides churned. Roderick would take her home over his dead body. “The boys will want to hear about your trip,” he told Gina. “Just call me on your cell, and we’ll be here.”
She nodded then moved close so only he could hear. “Relax. I’m wearing my chastity belt.”
“Funny,” he growled, drawing her into a hug. Filled with foreboding, he held her close and breathed in her scent. Gina had become very precious to him, and she’d probably return as Roderick’s latest prize. Will cursed himself for not doing more to stop her. Even now, he’d cart her off over his shoulder caveman style if he thought he had a chance of pulling it off.
He and the boys climbed back onto the boardwalk with long faces. His gaze locked with Gina’s as Roderick went inside to start the engine and maneuver his boat out of its slot at the dock. She waved goodbye to them, with an intent look he couldn’t decipher. Sadness? A sense of loss? No, those were his feelings as he watched the small craft cross Puget Sound and grow smaller. The Hanky Panky. He grimaced. That said it
all.
…
Will and the boys spent a typical Saturday morning doing “shared tasks.” While he washed clothes, the boys cleaned their room and shook out the throw rugs. Done with their chores, they made hot dogs for lunch and ate outside on the back porch.
Thinking about Gina and Roderick was driving him crazy. What was she doing now? Walking the beach, hopefully. Or hanging out with the crowd. He’d kicked himself countless times for not telling Roderick, “Yeah, Gina’s mine. Hands off. Take a hike.” Not that it would have done any good. Roderick had targeted her for seduction. Hell, maybe she wanted to be seduced and have a fling with him. A lot of other women had.
He bit into his hotdog and winced. Harry always put on too much mustard.
“You look mad,” Harry said.
He looked down at his son in surprise. “Sorry. I was thinking.”
“About Gina?”
“Yes.”
“Is she okay?”
“She’s fine.” He set down his hotdog. “She’s probably having lots of fun. You know how she loves the beach and the outdoors.”
“Yeah. And flowers.”
He nodded.
“I don’t like it when she goes away,” Ian said. The waver in his voice conveyed his uncertainty. Will realized his sons had picked up on his dark mood.
“I don’t like it when she’s away, either,” he said, “but I know she’ll come back.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded. “When Gina tells you something, you can believe it.”
“Every time?”
“Yes, every time. She’ll be back.”
And what then? Could he handle it if she and Roderick became a couple? Pursuing her for himself meant facing things he’d avoided for a long time—committed relationships and the risk of getting hurt. Did he want Gina enough to put his heart on the line? If he didn’t decide soon, the choice would be taken out of his hands. A gloomy voice in his head said it might already be too late.
Chapter Eleven
Minutes from the marina, Gina called Will on her cell phone. He answered on the third ring. “We’ll be there.” And ended the call.
His clipped response puzzled her. Was he annoyed she’d ignored his warning and gone on the retreat with Roderick? It was a step in distancing herself from Will, but it hurt.
