by Mia Dymond
“I don’t have your number.”
For some reason, the digits left her mouth before she could stop them.
He nodded. “Got it.”
“Diesel,” she groaned. “Other than the heart attack you nearly gave me, I’m fine. Really.”
He cocked his head to one side. “Why were you in the closet?”
She frowned. “I wasn’t in the closet.”
“Yes, you were.”
“What are you, a human lie detector?”
“No, the door is open.”
“Maybe I hung a coat.”
“It’s summer.”
“Okay, I was in the closet when I made the phone call. I had no idea who was outside so I decided to hide.” She folded her arms to match his position. “Now that you’ve solved the closet mystery and see for yourself that I’m safe, I’m sure you’d like to get back to your evening.”
“Sure you don’t need me to stay?”
“Positive.”
He lowered his arms and took one last look around the room before he turned and reached for the doorknob. “Do you want to set the alarm or do you want me to set it from the truck?”
“I will.”
“I’ll wait outside on the porch until you do.” With another slight nod, he left the house and closed the door behind him.
Just to spite him, she began to count a full ten seconds before moving to set the alarm. Five Mississippi’s into it, he interrupted.
“The alarm, Trista,” he growled.
She rolled her eyes. Good grief, was he counting too? She released a hard breath as she stepped to the keypad and stabbed numbers. As soon as the red light blinked at her, she turned off the lamp and headed to the bedroom with a new realization. The security system would keep her safe from things lurking in the night, but nothing could save her from Diesel.
***
In the warm darkness, Bailey crept around the cement edge of the pool, careful to keep a safe distance between her and the water. Annoyance creased her brow. If she weren’t such a scaredy cat, the water could provide relief from the agonizing heat generated between her and Ice – temporarily at least. She agreed wholeheartedly when he said only one thing would extinguish it and she had no idea why they hadn’t given in. Murder may have something to do with it.
The nagging feeling of why someone killed Jack continued to plague her and the most obvious explanation she could come up with was that the man had seen something he shouldn’t. After all, his job was to monitor the safety of the resort. If he didn’t attempt to question someone’s motive, why else would he have been murdered?
She bit her bottom lip and moved back into the shadows of the trees around the lounge chairs. Ice said his background was clean, which didn’t surprise her. Jack had a license to carry a firearm, of course he wasn’t a criminal. Besides, because of the caliber of guests the resort hosted, he had been thoroughly investigated.
A light breeze moved her hair over her bare shoulders, causing goosebumps to dance on her skin. She had the distinct feeling that Jack had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Suddenly, her revelation caused her to second guess her decision to leave the suite and investigate.
She moved her gaze around the area and then out onto the moonlit waves of the ocean. The rhythmic slosh of the water against the shoreline lulled her into a warm sense of security, one she thought she might like to embrace. It was truly a beautiful, serene sight – too bad she was too chicken to experience it more closely.
The sounds of voices moved her gaze from the ocean and back toward the door leading outside to the pool. A man and woman left the resort and walked down the path to the pool. Instinct pushed her to move even further back into the trees where she could escape detection, hopeful the couple hadn’t planned on a late-night swim.
Tucked into the cover of the foliage, she took a deep breath, released it, and settled in to remain undetected until a low, husky voice broke the silence.
“If you wanted to take a moonlight stroll, all you had to do was ask.”
Normally, she would’ve screamed bloody murder at the sudden intrusion, but this time – thank Jesus – she recognized the voice immediately. She still felt fear, just not for her life.
Slowly, she turned to find Ice behind her with one hip braced against the nearest tree trunk. Obviously, he left the suite quickly because somewhere along the way he forgot to button his shirt. Moonlight crept through the darkness and cast a spotlight on those incredibly awesome abdominals.
She cleared her throat and attempted to reel in her hormones. “I wasn’t taking a stroll.”
“You left to get wine,” he reminded her.
She nodded, amused by his accusation. She was perfectly aware he saw right through her excuse, she just had no intention of admitting anything until absolutely necessary.
As usual, he continued his interrogation. Except this time, he stepped closer and placed his hands on her hips. “That’s funny, because we have a stocked wine refrigerator in our suite.”
Her stomach muscles fluttered when his thumbs made lazy circles on her hipbones. Oh geez, the man played dirty.
“So, I didn’t exactly plan to get wine,” she admitted.
He chuckled and her thighs tightened. That arrogant, masculine noise was like truth serum and her explanation fell from her lips.
“I came out to see if I could see anything.”
“And here I thought you lured me out here to go skinny dipping,” he drawled.
“I don’t swim, remember?”
“But I’m an expert.” He pressed her against him and then his lips moved the hair over her ear as he spoke. “I could teach you.”
Lured by the strength of his body, she allowed herself to relax against him and tossed the idea from side to side in her muddled brain. After all, her body screamed a very loud yes, and her brain already stripped him stark naked.
His arms moved from her hips to wrap her lower back and a sense of security enveloped her like a cozy blanket. With her cheek pressed against his chest, she took a deep breath and inhaled the pure masculine scent of him. Warm, wild, and enticing. Her desire was so powerful that she thought very seriously about dragging her tongue along the surface of his bare skin. Across his muscled pecs, from one to the other and back again, and then pausing to close her lips around one nipple while her tongue teased the pebbled flesh.
What would it hurt to test the water with him?
She inhaled again and then lifted her head to meet his smoky gaze. “Okay.”
When he didn’t immediately answer, she wondered if he’d changed his mind. Or maybe she’d imagined the whole thing. She mentally groaned and returned her cheek to his chest.
“How about we just get our feet wet?”
“Naked?”
Another chuckle tickled her ear. “Not unless you insist.”
“What would you suggest?” The delicious shiver that traveled her spine pushed her to offer her own, very naughty suggestions.
“How about a walk on the beach? You can put your toes in the water.”
She released a soft, satisfied sigh. “Sounds nice.”
She lifted her head and stepped away from the warmth of his body while her body protested. Damn her fear of the water. Although, she wasn’t entirely sure that skinny dipping would soothe her ache. Common sense told her that the only way to douse the fire would be to climb on, dig in her heels, and ride the wild stallion. Even if she had to go in the water to do it.
He gestured with his head at the area next to the pool. “Who’s the guy at the hot tub?”
She moved her gaze across the lit area onto the man who removed a side panel from the tub. Tools covered the cement next to him.
“Marcus Knight, the Maintenance Director.”
He offered a hand and she tucked hers inside, thankful she touched him once again. They left the cover of the trees and followed the stone path that led them away from the swimming pool, down four steps, and finally to the sandy beach. Gr
ains of sand sparkled beneath the moonlight and small waves swallowed the edge of the beach with each movement. Tonight, she found the water inviting and appealing.
He bent, unlaced his boots, and then straightened to remove them before he pointed at her feet. “You’ll sink in those things. Leave them there and we’ll come back for them.”
As soon as she was barefoot, they crossed the sand. He stepped into the water first and then gave her hand a tug.
She bit down on her bottom lip. “Is it cold?”
“No, it’s comfortable.”
“Are there … creatures in there?”
“Creatures?”
“Yeah. You know, like crabs or jellyfish.”
“Bailey.” Gawd, she loved hearing her name on his smooth, sexy voice. “The water is warm and you won’t be bothered by any creatures.”
He gave her hand a harder tug and she had no choice but to join him in the water.
“See? No so bad, huh?”
“No,” she agreed. “It feels pretty good.”
With the water lapping at her ankles, she walked beside him, comforted by his presence and flattered that he took the time to help her get past her fear. Normally, his long legs covered distance faster than hers but tonight, he took smaller steps that allowed him to stay right beside her. Oh, man, she had it bad for this man.
Wet sand seeped between her toes as they continued down the beach in contented silence. For a brief second, she wondered where the earlier couple might have gone, selfishly grateful she and Ice hadn’t encountered them.
She finally gave his hand a short squeeze. “The Navy made you comfortable in the water, didn’t it?”
He nodded. “As a search and rescue diver, I practically lived in the water. Now, I swim because it relaxes me.”
“Do Harvard and Diesel share your love of the water?”
“They’re just as skilled as I am but they each have their own niche. Harvard is a computer and electronics guru and Diesel can fly anything with wings.”
“You guys are close.”
“They’re my family, like you and Grace.”
She giggled. “Grace and I have experienced many sisterly adventures.”
“Some of which have caused me grief,” he mumbled. “Where does Trista fit in?”
“I met Trista at the beginning of my freshman year in college and we roomed together until we graduated.”
“Is she an only child?”
“You mean, you didn’t pull her background?”
“You said I didn’t have to.”
“No, she has four older brothers. Needless to say, she was ecstatic to embrace sisterhood with me and Grace.” She lifted one foot and then slapped it against the water to create a small splash. “Do you really think you can convince me to enjoy the water?”
“I think you already do.”
She grinned. She was enjoying the walk in the water but mostly due to the company she kept.
“Did Diesel and Harvard have anything new on the investigation?”
“Nothing we didn’t already know. Even a review of the security footage didn’t show anything.”
“That’s strange. The Regency is known for being secure and I’m almost positive the security cameras are state-of-the-art. Should I ask Daniel about them?”
“Not yet. If we get too aggressive, he may get suspicious.”
“So, we just hang around and hope we hear something?”
“For now. Diesel’s got an ear on Hummingbird PD so we’ll know as soon as they have a lead.” He stopped, released her hand, and then grasped the other. “We’re almost out of beach. Are you ready to head back?”
“Sure.”
As they turned and headed back the way they came, she knew that she should probably be disappointed that the walk would soon come to an end. Except, the knowledge that she would sleep next to him in the next hour kicked disappointment to the curb. No, lying close to that mountain of muscle was on the opposite end of the emotional spectrum from disappointing. Delectable was a much more appropriate description.
At the bottom of the steps, he squatted next to her, lifted one of her feet, and then slid on her sandal. His hands slid across her skin as he buckled the strap.
“How about we try the pool tomorrow?”
“Okay.” Her agreement slid past her lips before she could stop it, but as long as he touched her she wouldn’t waste time on analysis.
He buckled the second sandal then stood and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Good. Then it’s a date.”
***
His blood nearly burnt his veins as his heart worked overtime to circulate the life-sustaining fluid through his body. This operation was determined to be the death of him if things kept going wrong. He snorted at his unintended pun – anyone who stumbled upon the unusual activity had ended up dead. Of course, he would eventually follow suit and at this moment it didn’t sound quite so bad.
Deep in his pocket, he tightened his fingers around his cell phone. His associate expected an update and for a brief moment he contemplated not providing one. In fact, both the resort’s jet and boat were empty and on stand-by. He could easily board one of them and disappear before anyone discovered him missing. He could start completely over in a new place and avoid situations such as the one in which he currently found himself involved. Except, that wasn’t even remotely possible. He released a long, hard sigh. No matter where he ended up, his associate would find him.
He pulled the phone from his pocket, placed it on the table, and gave it a narrowed stare while he considered the risk. In all reality, if his associate took him out, he wouldn’t have to worry about all the interferences he’d recently encountered. But there was also the possibility he would be allowed to live and forced to participate. At least now he still had free will.
He lifted the phone and released a calming breath while he pressed numbers and held onto hope that things would still work out to his advantage.
“Everything is in place for tonight’s delivery,” he said as soon as the call connected.
“Excellent.” The other man paused and something in the silence caused his hope to tremble. “I believe we need to discuss the recent inquiries that your actions have caused.”
“They are harmless.”
“You are certain?”
“We can’t avoid them but I have taken every precaution to answer them without drawing attention to the operation.”
“There seems to be increased interest in our activity.”
He swallowed hard at his associate’s comment. He knew the other man had operatives in place to assure the exchange proceeded as planned but the reality of it slapped him in the face; no way could he deny the truth.
“Yes, sir. I’m afraid I may have to take drastic measures.”
“Do you have an explanation as to why we are suddenly experiencing such intervention?”
“No.” He ran his free hand down the side of his face. “I don’t have a clue.”
“Perhaps the woman has something to do with it.”
“I thought that as well, but she hasn’t been anywhere near the activity.”
“She is curious.”
“Yes, but only about the corpse. She knows the resort and its employees well and is concerned about how the situation will affect her clients.”
“She must be monitored.”
“You have my personal assurance that she will not be a deterrent.”
“I will take you at your word. We will speak again as scheduled.”
Silence fell over the line and he disconnected the call with another heavy sigh. His hand had once again been forced; he had no choice but to make absolutely sure no one else intervened.
CHAPTER FIVE
Afternoon sunlight warmed her skin as Bailey stood at the top of three steps leading into the swimming pool with her hand tucked inside Ice’s while her knees shook and her nerves jumped beneath her skin. How on Earth had he managed to talk her into this?
He gave
her hand a quick squeeze and then a slight tug. “We’ll go slow, baby, you can do this.”
“I’m surprised we’re alone.” At least she wouldn’t have an audience. “I guess everyone else is out on the ocean.”
She took a deep breath and hesitantly descended the steps until she stood in front of him. Surprisingly, the cool water refreshed her heated skin and with her feet firmly on the bottom of the pool she felt the tension begin to leak from her muscles.
“Good girl.” He pulled her against him in a tight hug. “See? It’s not so bad.”
Normally, she wouldn’t hesitate to point out the obvious flaws in his statement. After all, she stood wrapped by his muscled arms in a ten-feet deep swimming pool without waves, animals, or riptides and her feet were firmly planted on the cement at the bottom. And, he just happened to be an expert swimmer. But in her current position with her breasts pressed against his carved abdominals, she wasn’t about to argue and her nipples weren’t shy about expressing their appreciation by standing at attention beneath her top. Add that to the sincere delight of being held in his arms and she was a happy girl. No argument whatsoever. And then, to add to her extreme pleasure, movement beneath his shorts caused her thighs to tingle.
“Can you swim at all?”
“A little. I can tread water and as long as nothing pulls me under, I can keep from drowning.”
“Rule number one, don’t panic. Treading water will keep you calm until help arrives.”
Unable to help herself, she moved her hips against the bulge in his trunks. “And rule number two?”
He gently eased her back, moved his hands to her hips, and then lowered his head. “Rule number two, don’t fight the unknown.”
His lips captured hers in a heated kiss and suddenly she couldn’t get close enough. She plastered herself to him, rubbing her chest against his skin in an effort to soothe the pleasurable ache. He answered by releasing a low, masculine grunt and thrusting his hips forward. Fight this? Nuh-huh, not a chance.
His lips continued to caress and nibble in a gentle tease that only made her needier. Desperate to taste more, she opened her mouth in an invitation. He obliged.
