Coffee and Cockpits

by Jade Hart

  “I don’t mind,” I murmured.

  “I’m glad,” he whispered back. Both of us afraid to speak louder for whatever reason. His eyes weighed full of things I couldn’t decipher, as we ambled silently to the hotel car park.

  Liam stopped in front of a row of brightly jewelled scooters. Blues, greens, reds, and the occasional orange, all glinted like a gemstone display in the sunlight.

  “I came here after the airport to arrange the hire. I hoped you’d say yes, so I got two helmets, but only one bike. I’ll drive.” He unlocked a helmet dangling from the handle bars of a green Honda. Stepping close, he gently lowered it onto my head.

  His fingers swept my hair behind my ears, to cinch the strap beneath my chin. My lungs stuck together with how close his mouth was. His eyes were tight, focused on being gentle, jaw clenched as the snap of the buckle locked into place against my throat.

  I was mesmerized by the shape of his lips, the faint five o’clock shadow. What would he do if I leaned in and kissed him? Licked his neck and nuzzled?

  Icy eyes blazed like blue firecrackers as he cleared his throat, taking a step back. Why didn’t he take advantage of the situation? He backed off, just like last night. Did he still think I had such lofty aspirations to ignore him? Couldn’t he see the signals my body blared at him? I was interested, dang namit. Against all my rational thinking, I wanted him to kiss me. I was ready to break my rules and let this island lull me into a different reality.

  He put his own helmet on and pulled the scooter from the line-up. Swinging his leg over, he turned on the ignition and looked up. “Get on. Let’s go see that waterfall.”

  I didn’t need the invitation twice. I clambered on board as gracefully as I could; making sure my sarong was placed beneath my butt. I grabbed hold of the hand bar behind me, rather than wrap my arms around Liam. If I touched him, my self-control would suffer a quick and sharp death. I still held some resemblance of pre-crash Nina to care about my reputation.

  Liam’s shoulders tensed when my arms didn’t go around him. Revving the engine so the machine vibrated between my legs, he engaged a gear, and we shot from the parking lot.

  I squeaked, almost toppling off the back. My arms whipped around his waist, cinching myself tight against his hard, warm body.

  He chuckled.

  I growled in his ear, “You did that on purpose.”

  “Nina, the whole purpose of a scooter is you’re forced to touch me. Where’s the fun if you don’t?”

  Confusion fogged. What did he mean? He could’ve kissed me in the parking lot and didn’t. What was he playing at?

  My hair flew messily behind me, while my sarong tassels whipped in the breeze. I shouted over the wind, “I don’t understand you.”

  He muttered something, shuddering beneath my touch. A thrill ran through me at the small surge of power I held over him. He did want me.

  “I didn’t hear you,” I spoke directly into his ear, hoping my voice was husky and alluring, but most likely wind-whipped and warbled.

  “I said, when I kiss you, I want you to be completely wrapped up in my touch.” He paused before adding, “The way you touched Nikolai last night wasn’t something I wanted to see. It was hot and sexy, and I don’t know where I stand.” Slowing down, he muttered, “When I kiss you, I want to see desire blaze in your eyes. I want you to need me to kiss you so much you have no choice but to yield.”

  My voice deserted me to huddle in my stomach. Every inch of me twisted inside out, and for one indescribable moment, I was weightless. I wasn’t on the bike, hurtling down a potholed road. I wasn’t holding on for dear life to a man who turned my rational-thinking soul into a snarl of befuddlement. I was a speck of nothingness.

  Not here. Not there.

  Just one sensation: bursting happiness.

  * * * * *

  My legs and back ached by the time we turned down a dirt road with a rudimentary carved picture of a waterfall on a wonky signpost. It looked as if a caveman did it. And the road we bumped and skidded down was not a good feeling for the crick in my neck.

  I was slightly woozy as Liam coasted to a stop and killed the engine. I didn’t move, gritting my teeth against sharp spasms darting in my spine and head.

  He clasped his hands on top of mine, which were wrapped around his waist. “You can get off now.” His fingertips caressed my skin, trailing fire across my skin. I leaned into him, riding the final small waves of pain.

  The last twinge passed, and I reclined regretfully, unlocking my arms to slink off his waist. His body was so enjoyable to be wrapped around. Warm but different to the island heat in a way that was uniquely Liam.

  He sucked in a breath as I rested my palms on his hips, using him as an anchor to swing my leg over the motorbike.

  Unfortunately, my legs succumbed to numbness, and I tripped. I had a one way ticket to the ground when Liam caught me.

  His steely blue eyes laughed. “I had no idea I affected you so strongly. I’ll have to take you motorcycling more often.” His head dipped so his lips were millimetres from mine. “I must admit, I hoped I was getting to you. It’s hard not knowing if I’m cracking your cool shell.”

  Oh, kiss me already. I raised my head, angling my face.

  Liam sucked in a deep breath and the atmosphere instantly thickened. We both froze in that sliver of a moment of anticipation. His cinnamon scent filled my nose; my eyelashes fluttered closed.

  And he didn’t kiss me.

  He stepped back; my eyes flew open. “I never thought I’d say this to a guy, but you’re such a tease.”

  He laughed, running hands through his unruly black hair. “I already told you what I wanted from you, Nina. You aren’t quite there… close, but not yet.”

  I growled and stomped off into the undergrowth. I had no clue where I was headed, but if it was far away from him, it was a good direction. I’d never been so manipulated. So toyed with. What did a girl have to do to get a little peck?

  He snorted and locked the motorbike, not that anyone was around to steal it. “Wait up. You don’t know where you’re going.”

  I rolled my eyes. “And you do?”

  He walked beside me, brushing aside low lying branches and making sure I had a clear path. “I’m here to protect you from man-eating creatures in the jungle.” His eyes dropped to my bikini-clad body. “You aren’t exactly dressed to deal with sharp teeth.”

  Suddenly the dense undergrowth with vines, bushes, and green haze from the sun breaking the canopy was a cesspit full of hunters.

  I gulped. “What do you think lives on this island?”

  He pressed against me; his chest firm beneath his white t-shirt. “I was kidding. I doubt they have anything deadly here. Maybe a few snakes and spiders, but I wouldn’t count on seeing a lion anytime soon.” He stopped, cocking his head. “Besides, we’re not far. If you strain, you can hear the crash of the falls.”

  I listened. Sure enough the white noise of gushing water sounded not too far away.

  I strode off in the direction, throwing Liam a look over my shoulder. “You coming?”

  He shot me a grin and overtook. Not that I minded, I had the lucky view of staring at his well-defined butt. Holy hell, his red board-shorts gripped low on his hips. One small tug and I doubt they’d still be clinging.

  We hiked for ten minutes—well, not that I would call it hiking. More like clambering over a few gnarly tree roots, and following Neanderthal carved signs of a waterfall.

  Bursting out of the forest, we were confronted with dazzling water droplets, a symphony of splashes, and the most incredible waterfall I’d ever seen. It wasn’t huge. It wasn’t fancy, but the rocks formed a perfect cascade with rippling velvet water sprinkling into a naturally round pool. Rainbows danced in the droplets and palm trees bowed to the water.

  Liam stopped beside me. His eyes widened. “Wow. That’s beautiful.”

  I nodded, soaking up the soft mist, letting nature whisk away my stress. This was what life was abou
t. Moments like this when inconsequential things faded in the sheer amazing perfection of nature. We survived a crash. We lived to see more wondrous things. I beamed with thankfulness.

  Liam turned to me, his eyes hooded.

  My heart galloped under his gaze. If he wanted me to beg him to kiss me, I’d do it. Just the thought of his lips on mine sent my body into delirious cartwheels of promise.

  He reached for me; I practically danced into his embrace. This was it. He was going to kiss me. It couldn’t be a more romantic time. Just as his arms closed around me, he winced, grabbing his temple. Pain flickered in his eyes as he doubled over.

  I stood panicked. “What is it? What’s wrong?” I touched his forehead trying to gauge his temperature, which I couldn’t tell in the island heat. “Liam—talk to me.” What should I do?

  He hissed between his teeth, eyes squeezed tightly. “Give. Me. A. Moment.”

  Wringing my hands, I did as he asked, but it was agonising. I couldn’t help him fight the pain and his face grew clammy with sweat. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he blinked and stood to his full height. His eyes glittered with residual agony, and the jovial sensual look I’d grown to love was replaced with hard-edged determination.

  I grabbed his hand, looking for blood. Did his head injury start bleeding again? I flipped his hand, searching for a droplet, anything to show he needed a doctor. How would I get him back to the hotel? I couldn’t drive a scooter, let alone with a passenger on the back. We’d end up in a ditch.

  But there was nothing. I reached up to see if the bump was still there, however he ducked out of my reach.

  He smiled; it didn’t erase the stain lines around his eyes. “I’m fine. Better now.”

  “I don’t know if you are. I think you should have your head examined by a professional.” Regret and unwillingness filled me. “Maybe you should go back to New Zealand?” First, I make it seem like he needed a mental exam, the next I asked if he wanted to leave early. Way to make him kiss you, Nina.

  He scowled. “Just because I have a lingering ache from bashing my head, it doesn’t mean I’m going to keel over. Like I said, I’m fine.”

  My temper flared, laced with worry for him. I didn’t like being helpless or being told a lie. He wasn’t fine. Cluster headaches weren’t something to be ignored—if that was what he suffered.

  He swiped hands over his face, wiping away all hint of what happened. He grinned. “We came here to have fun. Not to argue.” Grabbing the edge of his t-shirt, he whipped it over his head. “So, let’s have some fun.”

  Oh my. Yes, fun. Liam-naked fun.

  I gaped at his naked chest, trying to imprint his defined pecs, ripples of muscle, and flat stomach into my memory. When I was eighty and no longer had a libido, I’d rifle through my ‘Liam drawer’ and fantasise. He didn’t have an inch of hair on him, and his skin glossed with heat.

  Shooting me a sultry look, he bounced on his heels and in a blur of flesh, hurtled away, disappearing beneath the waterfall.

  His splash rained droplets everywhere.

  I ducked the small shower, smiling as he broke the surface. My tummy clenched as he shook his soaking blue-black hair. Obviously, the headache wasn’t affecting him now. I swear rainbows weaved themselves in the strands, making him look like some fairy prince.

  He floated onto his back, arms paddling the water. “You don’t know what you’re missing, Nina. Get your ass in here.”

  The very thought of entering the water made me take an eager step toward the edge, but I stopped. I wasn’t the most graceful of swimmers. “My ass and I are quite okay right here. Thank you very much.”

  He treaded water, raising an eyebrow. “I can see you salivating from here. I won’t bite. Come swim with me. The water is heaven.”

  He thought I was salivating? How gross. I wasn’t going to turn him down again, though. My skin ached to be covered in cool liquid. Taking my time, I untied my sarong and threw it over a bush.

  Sucking in my stomach, I dived in. I hoped I looked like a swan, breaking the water without a ripple and blowing his mind with my delicateness. Unfortunately, I doubted it. Nina on a dance floor—pretty hot. Nina in a pool—disastrous.

  I floundered for air, sputtering. My eyes streamed with mascara as I forgot I was wearing the blasted stuff, and it wasn’t waterproof. It hurt like a hundred bees stung my retinas. “Ow!”

  Liam was by my side in an instant. His bare skin brushed mine as he turned me to face him. “What’s wrong?” Then he burst into loud laughter. “What on earth is on your face? You look like you’re bleeding oil.”

  I splashed him with one hand while I tried to wipe away the blackness raining from my lashes. “Ha ha, very funny.” I ducked underwater, scrubbing my eyes till no residue remained. I just hoped it was gone from my cheeks, too.

  When I resurfaced in the warm water, I could see again.

  Liam’s face split into a smile, and the damn rainbows danced in his hair again. “Are you okay now?”

  “Not in pain if that’s what you’re asking.” I smirked, unable to be mad with a crashing wall of water thundering behind us and warm sun above.

  “Uh oh.” Liam bumped into my chest with a too powerful stroke, reaching with one arm.

  “Uh oh, what?” I looked around me, expecting to see an anaconda or piranhas. Could piranhas live in fresh water? Or was it salt-water?

  His hand cupped my cheek.

  I froze. Was this the moment? Would he be sufficiently satisfied that I wanted—needed—him to kiss me?

  “You missed a spot.” His thumb caressed under my eye; he bit his lip in concentration.

  I stopped breathing, extremely aware of the heat pulsating off his body. All thoughts flew from my head like sparrows from a roost. All I could focus on was his skin on mine. This man saved my life. The feeling of being protected blanketed me again as I gazed at his lips.

  “Nina… I—”

  I was utterly unable to move.

  He leaned in, his hand still cupping my cheek. His eyes half-closed, and his scent filled my nose. He was crisp as the water and smelled of coconuts from his sun-screen.

  I swayed toward him, just as his lips touched mine. A jolt ruptured my heart, sending shockwaves rippling through the water. It was a brush of a kiss, barely there, asking permission. But liquid heat moved like lava in every inch of me. I melted under him, tilting my head. My silent answer to his unvoiced question.

  Yes, you can kiss me. I need you to kiss me.

  He didn’t hesitate. His hand slinked around to the back of my neck, while his other hand rested on my hip. Fingertips dug into flesh and I moaned.

  He sucked in a breath as his lips sealed over mine, harder this time, demanding something from me, now he’d been given permission.

  I opened my lips, allowing him entry, trembling as his tongue dipped into my mouth, darting fast, licking, tasting, before withdrawing and moulding his lips firmer against mine.

  The waterfall crashing ceased to exist, the fear I was about to be chomped by tiny fish disappeared, and my arms floated to wrap around his body, dragging him harder against me. I revelled in the sounds of the chains breaking off my self-imposed goodness. My regulations were obliterated as his tongue tangoed with mine.

  When Liam finally broke contact, I whimpered. Mortification replaced all the happy, hot feelings inside. Did I really just whimper? Oh God.

  “Nina, I need to tell you something.” He dropped his eyes, but didn’t relinquish his hold on me.

  Icy dread filled me. This was the part where he told me he wasn’t really interested, or any other manner of heart-shattering things. I gulped. “What exactly?”

  “I needed you to want me to kiss you, as I’ve been wanting to do that for a very long time.”

  I frowned. “As in the three days we’ve worked together?” The timeframe seemed a little extreme to say he’d been waiting a long time.

  He shook his head, grimacing. “Not exactly.”

&nbs
p; Fear choked me. Why did guilt etch his face? “Tell me. What is it?” I tensed, bracing for the worst.

  “I’ve had a crush on you for almost a year. More than a crush, actually.”

  Air exploded from my lungs. “What do you mean?” The water lapped our bodies and it seemed odd to have such a serious conversation in the middle of a waterfall.

  Liam sighed, rivulets of water cascaded down his shoulders. “Ever since I knew you flew with Theo, I wanted to know the woman who had such drive. When I managed to get your name out of him, I searched for more about you. A few months later, I found out you were on the same training course as my stepsister. Imagine my luck when I learned you were friends.”

  I cocked my head. “So you kept asking about me because you fancied me?” A small pulsate of hope blossomed in my chest.

  “Not quite.” He smiled awkwardly. “At first I wanted to know the girl who fought so hard for her career. But when Joslyn started sharing funny stories about you and what a caring friend you were, I fell a little more each time you were mentioned.”

  Fell? My heart kicked my ribs. Was it true that Liam, the unattainable pilot, was falling for me? My lips ached to kiss him again. To respond to his admission with a declaration I was falling for him, too. At least he had an excuse—he knew me. From friends and underhanded tactics, he grew to know me by passing comments. I had no excuse. I was teetering closer and closer to the edge of no return the more time I spent with him.

  “Liam I—” I wanted to tell him how happy he made me. How much I wanted to learn about him. Find out the secrets he guarded in his blizzard-blown eyes.

  But he pressed a finger against my lips to silence me. “I didn’t tell you to rush you into bed, or try and manipulate you. I wanted you to know the truth. Nina Poppins, I’ve liked you for almost a year, and it means a lot to me for you to grow to like me, too.” He swallowed. “I’m willing to wait for you. After watching you with Nikolai last night, I don’t know if you like him or not. I don’t want to come in the middle of something. But you have to know, I won’t back down without a fight.”