She pulled back and whispered, "I thought you said this was strictly business."
"Right. You make the rules."
Oh, God, did he really mean that? Hell, yes! His life was at stake here! His hands dropped to his sides. He had to control himself. And resist her.
Her small right hand grasped his tightly and shook it. "It's been nice doing business with you, Mr. Bronson."
When she tried to remove her hand, he held on. His words were hot spurts of breath on her cheeks. "Tomorrow. Pichilinque Bay for shrimp tacos. A business lunch."
"More business?" Alyse caught a shaky breath. "Okay." Yes! Oh, dear God, yes! Again with Jake.
"Around eleven?"
She nodded, then clambered aboard the Skye Command. Why she was so shaky? And why had she agreed to go with him again tomorrow? And why she was so damned breathless right now. She leaned against the cabin door and gasped for air as if she'd been jogging for miles. The golden man did strange things to her.
Later, as Alyse settled in bed with her book, she couldn't concentrate on Bristol Bordeaux's adventures. She could think only of Jake Bronson, his strange story, and his even stranger request of her. . . And, oh God, the way his lips felt on hers and how he left her so breathless and weak.
She didn't know anything about him, didn't even know if she could believe him. She knew only that this golden stranger had mysterious and beautiful eyes that intrigued her. His mass of disheveled hair was tawny gold in the sunlight, darker at night. His chin and jaw-line were covered with a week's growth of a beard that was beginning to show reddish highlights. Viking ancestors, indeed. His hands were strong and warm, and she felt very safe when he touched her. How could she feel safe with a man she hardly knew?
Yet she knew she wanted Jake to touch her again. And kiss her . . .
Somewhere on Mexico's mainland two national soldiers talked in private.
"The suspect is missing, Captain."
"Are you sure? Have you checked everywhere?"
"Yes. He is gone."
"How long has it been?"
"At least two days, sir. Maybe a week."
"Damn! Why are you just now reporting this?"
"I wanted to make sure, Captain."
"What was his rank?"
"Just a soldier, sir. No rank."
"What about his family? Maybe he went home for a visit. Sometimes the men get lonely."
"We're checking now. It seems that he had no family."
"Just a man alone? Seems unlikely."
"Some men..."
"Only if he's guilty."
"We are searching. Maybe he left the country."
"Well, don't stand around talking about the situation. Find him, damn it!"
"Yes, Captain." The soldier saluted as he backed obediently out of the office.
Chapter Four
"You're positively giddy!" Alyse muttered to herself as she again peered through the long port window for sight of him.
She could hardly wait until Jake arrived. Remembering how he'd gawked at her yesterday on the beach, she purposely wore her red bikini under a sheer shirt with long sleeves. She checked her image in the cabin mirror. Alluring but not too, too revealing. Okay.
Alyse didn't know when she'd been as nervous over a man. Thoughts of Jake Bronson and what he did to her blood pressure when he looked at her that way made her as jittery as a cat on hot bricks. What if. . . what if she complied with his strange request to travel together? Yes, the man was intriguing, but was he telling the truth? There had to be some way to make sure he wasn't doing something illegal or dangerous. She had to remember that her goal was simply to bring the yacht safely around the 'horn' of the Baja, and back to the San Diego port.
What about the risks involved in this endeavor, legally and otherwise? From Jake's point of view, he was taking only what he deserved, his legacy from this aunt. Alyse could understand that… if it were true.
What would Bristol Bordeaux do in this situation? How would she respond to such a request? Then she smiled to herself. If Bristol wanted to travel with a man, especially such a hot, intriguing man as Jake, she would go.
Of course, badass Bristol packed a snug little Beretta and could take care of herself quite adequately.
Well, so could Alyse, and this was her chance to prove it. She didn't pack a gun, as Bristol did, but she'd play it safe. She'd keep her eyes open, watch him carefully, and use her intuition. Bristol often claimed her keen intuition was her best weapon, so Alyse would see how well hers worked.
Meantime, she would enjoy this intriguing little game with Jake Bronson.
At a quarter to eleven Jake appeared on the dock. Alyse waved from the aft cockpit, then came around the deck. He wore jeans low on his hips and a loose white knit sweater with deck shoes. Double sizzle!
"No boots?" Alyse laughed, and he did too.
"We Texans do have clothes for other occasions," he boasted with a devilish grin. "Not many, but we have them." He knew how ridiculous he'd looked yesterday on her boat with those damned boots. He had just worn them naturally without thinking.
She walked up on the forward deck and folded her arms while boldly assessing him. "You're hot, Mr. Bronson."
"You too, Ms. Skye. Ready for a great day?" He motioned for her to join him. "Come on. Our seafaring chariot awaits."
She looked at him quizzically. "I assumed we'd just take a cab out to the restaurant."
"Going by waterway is much more fun. I'll give you a free tour of the sights between here and Pichilinque. We might even find some of that treasure they say the pirates buried here two hundred years ago. Or pearls on the beach like Cortes did."
"Did he actually find pearls lying around in the sand?"
"So the legend goes."
"I've always loved the idea of a treasure hunt. But finding pearls on the beach is one I haven't heard." She hurried to lock the cabin, smiling to herself. Today promised to be even better than she anticipated.
When Alyse stepped onto the pier, Jake took her hand, and they strolled away like a couple of sweethearts. Alyse realized she was playing right into his hands, but she didn't care. Considering the way she felt last night after only one kiss, this was exactly where she wanted to be. In his hands . . . maybe in his arms . . .
Jake steered her toward a small motorboat tied to the end of the pier. "Here we are. A little Mexican picnic, a six-pack, and thou. Everything we'll need."
"What's a Mexican picnic?"
"You'll see."
"I thought we were going to a restaurant on Pichilinque Bay for grilled shrimp tacos."
"We will, later. But for now…" He motioned her aboard.
Alyse accepted his hand for balance and watched him as he pushed off. Jake was lean and golden, with swirls of curly hair adorning his bare legs and forearms, and his light growth of beard glistened red-gold in the sun. It gave him a bold, masculine appearance and reminded her of those pirates he'd mentioned.
As she settled aft, Alyse felt as though she were off adventuring with a modern day pirate of her own, a man equivalent to any Bristol had encountered. She tingled inside at the thought. Here she was, participating in her own fantasy.
Jake revved the motor to life and tried to concentrate on steering them out of the crowded harbor. But his mind was on Alyse. He'd touched only her hand today, but oh, God, did he ever want to touch more of her.
His hungry eyes watched those lithe, slender legs beneath the sheer shirt she wore. She sat almost primly with her knees and straight thighs together, but when she twisted around to gaze across the beautiful La Paz Bay, he could see through the shirt to that skimpy red bikini. Damn, she was sexy! He feasted on the tantalizing tanned skin between the red triangles of her suit. . . tanned skin he longed to explore.
With a strength born of frustration he gripped the tiller and the engine seemed to vibrate through his entire body – or was the nerve-racking vibration coming from being so close to her?
Alyse swung her knees back around
and faced him. "Where are we going?"
Jake swallowed his erotic thoughts and forged a tight smile. "To tour the greater sights of La Paz Bay. Seal Island and Pelican Rock. Maybe we'll even find a peaceful, secluded cove for our picnic. And I brought along some snorkeling equipment in case you want to dive." He lifted a facemask from the pile of paraphernalia at his feet.
"Looks like you thought of everything, Jake. You really are serious about playing tourist, aren't you?"
"Any objections?"
She shook her head and grinned. "Course not. I think it's fun."
"Good. So do I." Jake forced his eyes away from the lovely, long-legged creature before him and scanned the brush-covered shores. A few days ago he couldn't imagine getting this close to the woman on the yacht. He'd never thought it would be this easy and so quickly accomplished. Taking a deep breath, he told himself it was a good omen. But even as he fantasized about Alyse, Jake's dark, brooding gaze continually combed the shorelines on both sides of the bay they traversed along.
No one was following him so far. But he was constantly cautious.
Actually Jake hadn't relaxed in months. Last week had been pure hell, always looking over his shoulder, always expecting the worse. If they weren't after him now, they would be soon. It had been eons since he'd just had fun—pure and simple fun with a woman who enjoyed the same things he did.
With Alyse he felt a renewal of excitement again. Oh, hell, he felt like a man about to have an affair with a beautiful woman. And Alyse looked like a woman about to agree. Hell, that could only help his mission.
When they left for California . . . yes when, no doubts about it, he had already decided they should pose as a couple. That would be most convincing in any Mexican patrol checks. Therefore, the more romantically involved they were in actuality, the more convincing the charade.
He caught her eyes and pointed to the large volcanic rock jutting out in the middle of the blue bay. "Pelican Rock."
"Why is it white instead of black like the others?" she asked.
"At night it's completely covered with roosting pelicans. They're indiscreet."
She laughed and wrinkled her nose prettily. The warm wind whipped her hair around her face and billowed the shirt away from her body. She raised her arm and shaded her eyes. The shirt lifted above the bottom of her bikini, revealing trim thighs coming to an enticing V. It was a day for enjoyment, and Alyse Skye seemed to be enjoying every glorious moment.
So was Jake. He felt white-hot heat spread through his loins.
When they reached the seals' habitat, Jake cut the motor and steered them slowly and quietly around the small rock island. A colony of seals romped and played and sunned themselves while floating in the water on their backs waving their flippers in the air. It was a special moment, this close intrusion of humans into the world of wild, free sea creatures.
"I feel like one of those TV cameramen on the wildlife specials," Alyse whispered as they motored away. "Getting so close is a thrill. They're really adorable creatures, you know?"
"Yeah." Jake could only think of one adorable thing right now.
She smiled and hugged the shirt to her body as they searched out cove after cove, each with glittering white sand and crystal-clear water. Finally, Jake was satisfied and drove all the way into one cove and beached the small boat. They were alone.
Alyse clambered ashore, wading knee-deep in the gorgeous aquamarine waters. Jake hopped out, trying to keep his jeans dry. But they were wet to the knees. He pulled the boat ashore and propped a stone on the rope. He unsnapped his jeans and looked around to see if she were watching.
She was.
He lowered the zipper slowly and shrugged his legs out of the wet jeans. Beneath the jeans he wore a tight black swimsuit. He looked back at her. She gave him a thumbs-up and waited while he spread his jeans on the boat in the sun to dry. "How about this?"
"Paradise."
He grabbed the small cooler and joined her, walking along the beach.
"Beautiful, Jake."
"It's called Balandra Beach. One of the prettiest on this coast."
"Peaceful. Quiet. I love it here."
"I like it because it's private."
"Um-hum. That's why you brought me here."
"I just wanted to share a beautiful part of Mexico with you," he lied.
"It's so private here, no one would ever know what we did."
"Something like that." Jake motioned over the small bay. "That's why the pirates liked this area so much. Can't you just see a four-rigger anchored out there while the crew gathers around a campfire on this beach gambling with gold coins?"
"Or trading for beautiful native women?" Alyse pushed her hair back. "Is this where they found pearls on the beach?"
He grinned and swept one arm around them. "I'm sure they showered the ladies with jewels."
"Before turning them into sex slaves." Alyse kicked up a spray of sand and jogged away from him.
Jake caught up with her and took her arm. "Hey, we can't change history, we can only make our own." He pulled her close for a kiss while his hand closed over her breast. Tweaking the nipple, he murmured, "Speaking of pearls on the beach…"
Alyse faced him and drew on her bravado. As much as her aroused body wanted this, she knew it was too risky. She had to stop things while she could. "Lousy pickup line, Jake. We won't be making our history that way. If you were thinking about a quick romp on the beach, forget it."
He spread both arms and took a step away from her electric body. "Okay. You're in charge. I thought I saw a little seduction in your body language."
She folded her arms and looked away. What did she want? Did she know?
"Hey Alyse, let's talk. I need a beer. Maybe you, too." He found a shady spot, opened up the cooler and spread a blanket that was folded inside.
By the time she joined him, he was downing a beer and she had cooled a bit. He handed her a beer.
She placed the frosty bottle next to her cheek. "I think we were both under misconceptions before coming here."
"Not me. I only want the use of your boat. I'm willing to pay. That's it." He didn't even look at her as he spoke. And damned if he'd touch her again. The risks for him were too great. He needed her boat more than he needed her. He couldn't mess this up now for a piece of ass.
Alyse looked at him. Hell yeah, he was hot and bothered. And aroused. So was she. And she'd just thrown cold water on both their desires. She dug her toes in the sand and thought ironically of Bristol Bordeaux, badass babe. What would she do? Alyse knew well that she'd have this man if she wanted him.
Jake started talking and she listened quietly while she drank her beer. "My dad was in the Army, and we lived everywhere, from South Carolina to Oregon. Finally, we ended up in El Paso, where I went to college. I took a few business courses, but have always been a hands-on kind of guy. Dad wanted me to go Army, but I preferred the Navy and ultimately joined the Seals. A knee injury sent me home where I took a job in a little boot shop run by a Hispanic man. Lorenzo taught me the trade. And I fell in love with leather. When I started my own business, I hired him. And his sons. I am not a rich man, but I can make my own way."
Alyse took a drink of her beer and tried to skirt financial details of her family. But wealthy is wealthy, and that's all she knew. "My only brother, Greg, and I grew up in San Diego. Our mother died when we were young, and for convenience, under the guise of a better education, our father sent us to private schools. We hated it, but that was our life. After graduating college, both my brother and I came back to California and started working for father. I've been everything from interior decorator to concierge. Right now I'm a sort of troubleshooter and travel from hotel to hotel, making sure the standards are high, which means the places are beautiful and meeting every wish of the customers. Greg has a more important job, that of chief operations officer."
"Hotels, as in plural?"
"Father has a few in California."
"And you're divorced? N
o kids?"
"Nope. Divorced from a man hand-picked by my father. Should have learned from that one. But Father insisted that Evan was different and had a brilliant business mind." She paused to laugh. "Not! We were down here to look over some property, maybe find something good for another hotel. But Evan only wanted one thing – to hop in my bunk. When I said no, he lost interest in the business prospects."
Jake shifted and looked away from her. "I'm not most men. And I'm definitely not looking for a rich father-in-law."
"You're divorced? What about the kids?"
"Their mother and I share custody. That's why I have to get back as soon as possible." He opened the cooler and pulled out a couple of plastic containers and forks. "Care for some fabulous ceviche?"
She grinned. "So this is your Mexican picnic?"
"Yep. But gotta have chips and salsa." He popped open a bag of chips and spread it all out on the blanket. "This is just the appetizer for those shrimp tacos I promised."
Alyse dug into the ceviche with the appropriate sounds of yummy appreciation. The food and beer lightened the mood between them. He probably knew it would. And the little family backgrounds gave them a base for understanding each other. Okay, he probably knew that, too. But Alyse didn't care if his every act was intentional. She couldn't take her eyes off him. He was so damn hot! But now, he was definitely different, more distant, after being rebuffed. What the hell did she expect?
Her whole body tensed as she watched him. His chest was broad and visible beneath the loose knit sweater. When her gaze lowered to the black swimsuit he wore, her imagination took over where line of sight failed.
"Take it off."
He straightened. "Huh?"
"Take it off," she repeated. "Your sweater."
He glared at her, untrusting. She almost laughed at his expression.
"I just want to get a good look. You don't mind, do you?"
A Man to Remember Page 4
