“You did what?” His jaw dropped.
She never thought she’d feel so nervous talking to someone. Being live on camera for the reality show hadn’t been this bad. Her heart raced, and her fingertips felt icy. But she had to take the chance.
“Rex, tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought we had something between us. This way, you can have a slip for your boat, and I can have my house, and we can be together. I even have money left over. It’s yours if you need it.”
He looked as though he’d been hit by a truck. “I thought you wanted the place. It was the only reason I left. I didn’t want to spoil your dream.”
She stepped closer. “You taught me that sometimes sacrifices are necessary to get what you want. I realized that my house was empty without you. I’ve fallen in love with you, Rex.”
His expression ignited as he clasped her shoulders. “I love you, too. You’ve given me a start on a goal I never thought I’d reach. Heck, I wasn’t going to live on my boat. I’d decided to leave it at the nearest dock and come back to you, maybe offer your guests fishing charters on the lake. Whatever it took for you to have me.”
“I’ll have you just the way you are, Rex Gerard.” She smiled. “I’ve reserved a private room for you at my new inn. When would you like to come?” She fluttered her lashes, letting him know the wicked direction of her thoughts.
“How about yesterday?”
His fierce kiss obliterated her rational mind, and she sank into an ocean of pleasure. Later, in her motel room, he showed her just how far they could sail together. Their dreams blended, strengthened by their union. And when they reached the horizon, she cried out in ecstasy, riding waves of delight.
Oh, yes, rocking on the sea with Rex could be fun, she thought, her fingers sifting through his soft strands of hair while he nibbled at a tender spot on her neck. And so would playing house on land. They’d have the best of both worlds.
In that respect, they had both won the prize.
Dear Reader:
Three Men and a Body was inspired by a stay at The Inn at Oakmont during the Annual Festival of Mystery sponsored by Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Pennsylvania. We had such a delightful time at this beautiful bed & breakfast that it inspired me to write this story. While my fictional reality show got a little too real, I hope you enjoyed the trials Heather and Rex experienced as they grew closer together.
For more reading pleasure, I hope you’ll look for current and upcoming titles in my Bad Hair Day mystery series featuring sassy hairstylist Marla Shore. Elements of romance and humor blend with fast-paced action to keep you turning pages. Now available are Killer Knots and Perish by Pedicure. Next in the series is Shear Murder, where Marla is a bridesmaid at a wedding that turns deadly.
I love to hear from readers. Write to me at: P.O. Box 17756, Plantation, FL 33318. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped #10 business-size envelope for a personal reply. Email: nancy.j.cohen@comcast. net. Web site: www.nancyjcohen.com.
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Copyright © 2005 by Kensington Publishing Corporation
“Ten Little Idiots” copyright © 2005 by MaryJanice Davidson
“Single White Dead Guy” copyright © 2005 by Amy Garvey
“Fast Boys” copyright © 2005 by Jennifer Apodaca
“Three Men and a Body” copyright © 2005 by Nancy J. Cohen
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ISBN: 978-0-7582-7372-7
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