Red Shoes & A Diary

by Mia Zachary

  “Who?”

  “Brava? Brana?” She searched her memory for the man’s name. “Braga, that’s it.”

  Wariness flashed in his eyes, but vanished so quickly she might have imagined it. “Just passing the time while I waited for you.”

  “Really? It looked kind of serious to me.”

  After the slightest hesitation, he admitted, “Señor Braga is the client I told you about.”

  She narrowed her eyes and her voice took on a hard edge. She really hated being lied to. “Last night in the lounge you acted like you didn’t know him.”

  “That was Braga? I didn’t recognize him.”

  She wrinkled her brow in disbelief. Then she thought back. Señor Braga had left before Nick came over to her table. “Oh. I guess you didn’t.”

  “Are you ready to go?”

  He handed her aboard the ferry that would take them out to Dry Tortugas National Park. Nodding toward the stairs, he met her gaze with a sensual smile. “Do you want to be on top or underneath?”

  “I like it on top.”

  The kaleidoscope in his eyes shifted and carnal heat leapt between them. “I’ll keep it in mind, Trouble.”

  A warm sexual glow spread over her body, settling between her thighs. Meghan laughed even as her pulse sped up. Apparently his joke had backfired on him.

  Thoughts of him never seemed to leave her mind. She’d become obsessed with the idea of getting naked with him. Top, bottom or sideways, she wanted Nick in the worst way.

  She climbed the steps and chose two seats towards the front of the boat. Leaning back in her chair, she kicked off her sandals and propped up her feet. He crossed his long legs and rested his deck shoes on the lowest rail. His thighs, bared by his denim shorts, were perfectly shaped with lean, hard muscle. Her fingers itched to reach over and stroke them.

  As the ferry got under way, one of the crewmen came by offering refreshments. Nick ordered a beer for himself. “You should probably stick to juice today.”

  She stuck her tongue out at him and ordered a cola. After pushing her sunglasses onto her nose, she took off the bright yellow shirt covering her swimsuit. Meghan stretched her arms above her head and sighed. Her headache was gone, her stomach had settled and she was with Nick.

  “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, the view’s real nice.” His eyes slowly took in her skimpy bikini top. She felt his heated gaze brand every inch of flesh not covered by the neon-purple material.

  “I like what I see, too. Except for the shirt, of course.”

  He took a swallow of his beer and pretended to frown. He glanced down at the repulsive orange-and-green fabric, then back at her. “You have no appreciation of quality fashions.”

  “Yes, I do. That’s why I hate your shirts.” Desire coiled in her belly as she admired the dark gloss of his disheveled hair, the laughter in his eyes and the natural sexiness of his smile. What might have happened last night if she hadn’t passed out? The prolonged anticipation of being with him was like one of the fantasies she’d written.

  I wait in suspense for the dangerous pleasure of his touch. He whispers softly in my ear, telling me of his desire, his need and his love….

  Wait a minute. That reminded her. She’d searched her luggage but hadn’t found her blue diary. Meghan toyed with the soda can, careful to use a nonchalant tone. “By the way, Nick. Did I leave anything in your suite?”

  “Don’t think so.” He stared down at the deck and reached for his beer. “What are you looking for?”

  She didn’t want to tell him too much. The part of herself she expressed on those diary pages was very personal, intensely private. “Um, nothing of value to anyone but me. I can’t find a particular book.”

  “Maybe the resort’s gift shop has another copy. You could just replace it.”

  “No, it’s… Never mind. It’s an old one, anyway.” Meghan reluctantly dismissed her concern. The diary would turn up. Right now, she wanted to just relax and enjoy the day.

  The sky was a brilliant lapis and afternoon sunlight glinted off the blue-green water. Above the rumble of the boat engines, frigate birds cried as they spread their seven-foot wings to glide on the updrafts. The mild trade wind carried the scent of brine along with the spicy fragrance of the Creole lunch buffet.

  Nick reached for her hand, rubbing the back of it with his thumb. The movement sent little tremors racing along her nerves. He gently tugged her fingers until she looked over at him. “Your proposition was a new experience for me. I got the impression it was new for you, too.”

  “It was.” She glanced away and back again. “I don’t want you to think that I come on to every guy I see.”

  “Glad to hear it.” His smile was all male arrogance. “Is that what you wanted to tell me earlier in the gym?”

  “It’s about last night, about the way I acted.” She hated talking about Rob and the crotchless panties, but an explanation was in order. She didn’t want Nick to judge her by her outrageous behavior. “My ex-boyfriend decided he wasn’t cut out for monogamy.”

  “How did you find out?”

  She ducked her head, old hurt rising to the surface. “I found some underwear that wasn’t mine. That made it kind of hard for him to deny he was cheating.”

  “He sounds like a moron. Not because he didn’t deny it—because he cheated on you in the first place.” Nick set his empty bottle on the deck beside him. “So, what’s this have to do with last night?”

  “I felt so betrayed, so angry. The whole sordid thing really affected my self-confidence.”

  He lightly squeezed her fingers, but said nothing. His quiet understanding soothed her. She didn’t need alcohol to boost her courage this time. This time she could say the words with bold confidence.

  “I want to prove that I’m not cold or uptight, so I’ve decided to take a lover. I want you to be my lover.”

  She saw the heat flare in his eyes just before he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “And I want to be yours. You’re beautiful and sexy and I know we’ll be great together.”

  “I’ve never felt sexy or desirable. Until I met you and you made me feel—I don’t know—like nothing I ever felt before.” Meghan dropped her gaze. This was so embarrassing. “Rob said that I never satisfied him. But then, he left me completely unfulfilled, too.”

  Nick dipped his head to peer at her intently. “Are you telling me you’ve never had an orgasm?”

  “He was the only— I mean, I’ve never been with— Oh, never mind. I only wanted you to understand.”

  “Don’t worry, I do. When you’re ready, I’ll be gentle and take my time. All night, if necessary.” He winked and gave her that grin she adored.

  “Are you bragging or flirting this time?”

  “Bragging. Definitely bragging.”

  All night. Oh, wow.

  She was thrilled that he agreed to her proposition, but needed to clarify what they were getting into. For the first time in her life, she had control. She could give as much or as little as she wanted, without worrying about letting someone down. This was her chance to be impulsive and make her own needs a priority. If she set the rules, she wouldn’t get hurt.

  “I want to make it clear that this will just be physical. A week of sexual exploration with no strings, no promises and no regrets.” She looked at him squarely. “Agreed?”

  “There’s no such thing as ‘just sex,’ Meghan. Every encounter, no matter how casual, has an effect on the people involved.”

  She tilted her head. “I’m surprised to hear this coming from a guy. I thought women needed a reason for sex and men just needed opportunity.”

  As Nick’s eyes searched her face, his expression revealed a tenderness she wasn’t prepared to deal with. “I’ll agree to a satisfaction of mutual needs and desires. But you have to agree to be open to whatever happens between us.”

  She hesitated. He could be talking about uninhibited sex or falling in love. She’d come to Cayo S
ueño with the intention of shedding her prim and proper insecurities. But she hadn’t counted on meeting someone who excited and intrigued her; a man who could matter if she wasn’t careful.

  “All right, Nick. You’ve got a deal.”

  WHEN THE FERRY DOCKED on Garden Key, he suggested touring Ft. Jefferson first. She listened absently while he read aloud from the brochure, something about the Civil War-era coastal fort becoming a national monument in 1935. Who cared?

  Her mind was whirling with questions. When? Where? How many times? And her body hummed with excitement. A flutter of nerves accelerated her pulse as a thousand possibilities raced through her mind. Omigod. We’re really going to do this.

  She followed Nick to the visitor’s center to rent masks, snorkels and fins. An electric current of awareness zinged through her every time their eyes met. When she reached for his hand, the smile he offered was ripe with promise. They walked to the beach on the west side of the small key.

  Meghan dropped her tote bag onto the chalk-white sand, then kicked off her shoes and peeled down her shorts. After coating her skin with sunblock, she drank some water and turned to offer Nick the bottle. The words died on her tongue.

  Who would have guessed what was under those ugly shirts?

  Her eyes roamed hungrily over his wide shoulders, powerful arms and broad chest. When he stripped off his shorts, her gaze moved to his flat stomach and heavily muscled thighs, admiring the way his swim trunks clung to his rear.

  “Ready, Meghan?”

  “Yes, I am.” She was more than ready. The seductive, husky tone of her voice made him grin as he showed her how to use the snorkel. She was intensely aware of him, this big strong male who turned her on just by breathing. A delicious pressure grew in her belly, making her thighs tingle. He really was perfect.

  Diving beneath the waves, she marveled at the sight that appeared. The turquoise waters off the rocky shoal exposed a world teeming with marine life. Vibrant sea fans swayed in the gentle current. Bright sponges and staghorn coral rose from the sandy floor.

  She watched Nick cut through the water a few feet ahead. His strokes were powerful, confident as he followed one of the endangered loggerhead turtles for which the Tortugas was named. If his strong, sure movements were anything to go by, he was going to be incredible in bed.

  Coming up for air moments later, she treaded water under the bright sun. Then suddenly she felt Nick’s large hand sliding up her thigh. She took a deep breath just before both hands grasped her waist and pulled her under. He held her, weightless beneath the waves, as schools of boldly patterned fish darted about in a blur of yellow, black, green and blue.

  They’d been swimming for about an hour and Meghan hated for the experience to end. But her legs were tired and the sun had burned her back and shoulders. She found her footing in the shallows and pushed the mask onto her forehead.

  Nick broke the surface a moment later. He took off his snorkel and walked up beside her wearing a grin that mirrored her own. His eyes gleamed as he looked her over. She glanced down to see the wet nylon clinging to her hardened nipples.

  She laughed shyly. “I guess the water’s a little cold.”

  “Let me warm you up.”

  He moved in close, one strong arm around her waist and the other draped over her shoulder. She reached up and wound her arms about his neck, pulling him even closer. His kiss was raw, primitive, the action of a man claiming a woman as his own. He took her mouth with a savage passion and she returned the kiss with reckless abandon.

  A wild flash of pleasure raced through her body as their tongues met and mated. He made a rough, impatient sound in his throat as he molded his pelvis to her belly. Only two thin strips of nylon separated his burgeoning erection from her tingling center. She arched against him, rubbing, teasing. He shuddered and tightened his grip.

  Slowly, Meghan became aware of sounds other than those of the wind and waves. She reluctantly broke the kiss and opened her eyes. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment when she finally recognized the whistles and laughter of a dozen or so onlookers.

  “We’ve got an audience.”

  “They’re just jealous. Walk with me.” Unmistakable desire smoldered in the depths of his green eyes. She was immensely pleased she had that kind of effect on him. Heaven knew he turned her on like a switch.

  Holding Nick’s hand, she strolled beside him along the powder-soft sand, skirting the waves that rolled gently up the beach. The incoming tide was a dull roar broken only by the cries of gulls overhead. Sunlight sparkled on the water and the occasional seashell that washed onto the shore.

  He led her over to the shade of a stand of palms, and eased her down onto the cool sand. She felt a surge of excitement when he gathered her into his arms. A heavy, aching need settled in her belly, making her tremble with desire. She clung to him, their bodies as close as could be without becoming one.

  “I’m going to fulfill that beach fantasy of yours.”

  She tensed, startled by his words. “How do you know about that?” Did he have her old diary after all? That’s the only way he could—

  “You told me last night, remember? At the party.”

  “Oh. Yes, I did. Right before you kissed me senseless.”

  He laughed. “I think you were senseless from those drinks, but thanks for the compliment.”

  “It was you, Nick.” She met his gaze boldly. “Do it again.”

  “My pleasure.”

  He teased her lips apart with his tongue, his mouth slanting across hers again and again until their breath came in harsh gasps. A delicious shiver ran through her and the touch of his hand to her breast increased the hot ache.

  The evidence of his passion pressed against her leg. Nick moved his hand to massage the tender flesh of her inner thigh. Questing fingers delved under the edge of her swimsuit. Meghan arched closer to the seductive torture. She spread her thighs, opening herself to him and anything he wanted to do with her.

  Her eyelids fluttered but she refused to close them. She watched his face, saw the male arrogance in his expression as he pushed one finger, two fingers, inside. His thumb circled her clitoris, urging her on, making her desperate for release. A flame of desire ignited within her, burned away all inhibitions.

  A whimper escaped her throat as he increased the erotic pressure. She arched against his hand in wanton abandon, bit her lip to keep from crying out. The slow, insistent throb became a deep pulsing tremor until she thought she would die from the pleasure.

  Now she wanted him fully inside her. Meghan reached for his swim trunks, tried to free him from the restraining fabric, but Nick leaned back slightly. When she tried again, he pulled away.

  “Why did you stop? I was so close…” She saw her own hunger and longing reflected in his gaze.

  “I know, I know.” He struggled to get his own breathing under control. “But your first time shouldn’t be on a federally protected beach.”

  She tried to pull him back into her arms. “I’m not a virgin—”

  “It’s our first time. Let’s make it special.”

  “Nick, I don’t want to wait. I can’t wait.”

  “If I can, you can. Be mine tonight. Let me show you how good it can be.”

  ALEX SAT out on the balcony of his suite, reading the last couple of entries in the journal. This thing was pure gold. A priceless window into the mind of a fascinating, contradictory woman. While Meghan was sweet and conservative, “Elise” was a hedonist who indulged in the wildest of desires.

  As he read, he jotted some notes on a sheet of the resort stationery. Interestingly, it seemed like every entry she’d written was a fantasy. Some were just fun, others sensual. The rest were hot enough to singe the page. Inhibition was limited only by imagination.

  But he noticed she never seemed to write about anything true, anything real. Her journal was filled with fantasies, but no memories or anecdotes. It was like she didn’t want to face whatever held her back.

  How could a
woman so hot, so receptive to sensual pleasure, think she was cold and uptight? It was obvious she’d never given herself over to the ultimate ecstasy. But if she let him, he could show her that, by surrendering, she would actually triumph. They both would.

  He couldn’t shake his disappointment over the boundaries Meghan had set. He wanted to explore a relationship, not just sex. She drew him in ways he couldn’t understand. There was something about her that made him feel alive. He wanted… He had no idea what he wanted. But she’d made it clear she was just looking for a good time.

  It was for the best. Now was the wrong time to get involved. As it was, he should be checking in with Brent, not planning a romantic evening of seduction. Too much depended on closing this case for anything more serious to develop with Meghan. It would distract him from his job.

  He shifted in his seat, trying to relieve the pressure straining his zipper. Hell, he was already distracted. He had Trouble on his mind. Meghan had awakened feelings he’d shoved aside years ago. He wanted her. After only two days, it was that simple and that complex.

  Alex picked up the stationery and looked over the list. “Rent a tuxedo… Buy condoms… Do the strawberry thing… Let her take control…”

  He got up to call her and to make the arrangements. He was going to return Meghan’s journal tonight. Then he intended to bring every one of her fantasies to life.

  8

  I touch my body, enticing and teasing and provoking him. Boldly sensual, eminently sexual, I weave a spell of lust. For once, I am not myself but the darker side of me.

  MEGHAN STEPPED into the elevator, her stomach quivering with sudden anxiety. A combination of hope and fear made her heart beat an unsteady tattoo in her chest. What should she anticipate? What did Nick expect of her? She wasn’t exactly an expert on casual sex.

  It’ll be okay. It will be better than okay. It will be fantastic. She stared at her reflection in the mirrored walls of the elevator, trying to see herself through Nick’s eyes.

  Julie had loaned out the contents of her closet again. Thin satin straps crossed over her bare shoulders to the beaded trim of her dress. The single yard of royal blue material scarcely covered her breasts and ended at the middle of her thighs.