by Jen Talty
“I’m not really wearing a bra,” she said.
His forehead fell to her shoulder. “How did I not notice that?”
“It’s a shelf bra. It’s built into the tank top.”
His lips brushed against her shoulder a few times. “You’re killing me.” He held up her top.
She wiggled behind the towel as his strong arms held the terrycloth across her body, and she slid the two small triangles over her breasts, looping the straps over her shoulders. “You need to tie the bottom first.”
“Hold the towel.” His hands found their way under the thin fabric of her tank top. She tried to keep her breath even, but it came in short, shallow pants, and his fingers gently brushed against her skin. “Tight enough?”
She nodded as his fingers ran across her neck, pulling the top straps tight.
“You can take off your shirt now,” he whispered, but didn’t give her a chance as he lifted the cotton fabric up over her head.
Looking down, she quickly made sure the bathing suit covered everything it should before turning to face him. Every inch of her skin screamed for his deft, soft fingers and warm, luscious lips. She lifted her head to see Josh standing there, lips slightly parted, and his gaze went from her toes to her head at least three times. “Is something wrong?”
He cleared his throat. “I had a picture in my head of what you’d look like in a bikini. Not even close to the real thing.” He closed the gap between them, pressing his hands against her hips, his thumbs rubbing against her bare skin. “I want to cover you back up so no one else can see how beautiful you are.”
“I want to you to take off your shirt so every female on the island will be jealous of me.” Had that just come out of her mouth? The desire to have her body pressed against his, feeling his hard muscles mold to hers as she shoved her tongue deep inside his mouth, had gotten the better of her.
He smiled. “Good line.”
“I’ve been taking lessons from you.” It was way too easy to flirt with him. It felt natural. Real. Something she couldn’t allow this to be. She tugged at the hem of his shirt, but didn’t have to do anything further as he tore it over his head. Taking a step back, she licked her lips, soaking in his six-pack abs until she got to a small, circular scar…and then another one…and more on his arm. She ran a finger over the rippled skin on his shoulder, then the one on his biceps, before gently touching the two on the right side of his abdomen. His stomach twitched as he sucked in a breath.
She snapped her hand back. “Sorry,” she said.
“Don’t be.” He took her hand then placed it on his shoulder, covering a couple of the scars. “Sometimes these come with the job.”
“What happened?”
“I was shot.”
“Who?” Her hand trembled. “Why?”
Cupping her chin with his thumb and forefinger, he kissed her lips gently. “It doesn’t matter. I survived. The person who shot me didn’t.”
Her chest heaved in deep breaths against his strong frame. He held her gaze in a warm, exotic dance.
“Let’s go jump off that cliff before I ravish you right here.”
“I’m not jumping off that cliff,” she said, grateful he broke their trance, but deep down the idea of taking that leap with him sent her pulse soaring, much like when he’d kissed her earlobe. When she was with him, she wanted to do things she’d never done before. Take risks. Be wild. Do everything she’d ever dreamed of, but had been too scared to ruin her carefully crafted, safe life.
He spread out one of their towels on a rock near the area everyone jumped from. She settled herself between his legs, leaning her back against his strong chest, her arms draped over his powerful thighs. The hardest part about this entire situation was she was honestly attracted to Josh. There was a comfort level with him she hadn’t had with anyone in a long time, if ever.
But Liam was blood, and while her brother could be a bit of an asshole, he didn’t deserve to be beaten up, held at gun point, or to die.
“Look.” Josh pointed to a family standing at the edge of the cliff. “That little girl can’t be more than ten. If she can do it, so can you.” He kissed her cheek, his hot breath causing her to shiver.
“It does sort of look like fun,” she said.
“So?”
She nodded. “What the hell? You only live once.” She jumped to her feet, pulling him up with her. “You’re jumping with me, right?”
“Won’t leave your side.”
Her pulse echoed between her ears as they stood in a short line, Josh whispering in her ear the best way to jump.
She swallowed, easing her toes to the very edge of the rocks, staring down at the water where the sun rays tore through it, piercing at least twenty feet down, and she still couldn’t see the bottom. That had to be a good thing. “Did I mention I’m afraid of heights?” She held his hand in a death grip. “On three?” she asked.
“You’re trembling,” he said. “We don’t have to, if you really don’t want to.”
“I’m not backing out now.” Closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath. “One…two…three…” Her feet left the cold rock, running in midair as she opened her eyes. She screamed, turning to look at Josh, who smiled at her, squeezing her hand. Seconds before her feet hit the water, he winked.
The cool water roared in her ears as her body catapulted down while bubbles rose up. She kicked her legs frantically, wanting to surface, panic about to set in. Josh’s strong hands wrapped around her waist as he pulled her to the top.
She gasped, sucking in as much air as she could when her head surfaced.
“You okay?” he asked, brushing her hair from her face as he pulled her toward the docks.
“That was amazing.”
“Want to do it again?”
“God, no. Once is enough.”
He held her with one arm around her waist, caressing her skin under the water. The other hand held onto the ladder at the end of the dock.
Without thinking, she melded her lips against his, darting her tongue inside his mouth. Her heart beat so fast, he had to feel it against his chest. Her body still trembled from the excitement of the jump. Her skin warmed with the thrill of life.
“Slow down,” he whispered, cupping her face. He kissed her nose, then patted her bottom, encouraging her to climb the ladder. She did so, reluctantly, her mind and body still reeling from the thrill of conquering the cliffs and the agony of his kiss. She’d been so demanding of him, controlling the kiss, something she’d never done before, always following the lead of the few boyfriends she’d had.
“Why don’t you take a seat in the boat while I go collect our stuff?” he asked.
“I can help.”
He looped his arms around her waist, running his callused hands up and down her back as he pulled her tight against his body. “I don't want you to.” His lips brushed hers. “So beautiful,” he murmured. “Wait for me in the boat.”
She watched him for a few moments as he hiked back up the trail to the picnic area before she laid down on the back cushion, soaking in the sun as she took in slow, shallow breaths, desperately trying to calm her breathing.
The more the sun’s heat reminded her of his tender touch, the tighter her nipples became, and the more she throbbed for him. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She wasn’t supposed to want to make love with him.
The boat swayed as a loud thud vibrated her seat. “You can stay right there,” he said, so I can enjoy looking at you sunning yourself on the engine cover.”
“I won’t fall off?”
“I won’t drive fast enough for that to happen.”
She heard the engine roar to life. Keeping her eyes closed, she focused on the humming of the motor and the rocking of the boat. She was sure she dozed off, exhausted and jubilant from the day’s events.
* * *
At least ten times, Josh wanted to stop the boat in some private nook and seduce the woman who’d given him the most erotic afternoon of his life. H
e didn’t want to screw her. No. He wanted to touch every inch of her. Take his time with her. Taste her. Make love to her. No woman had ever made him feel like that. Not even Nicki, and if he was being honest with himself, part of him had been in love with the woman who had not only tried to kill him, but had been playing him from the very start.
He held open the door to The Heritage Inn, carrying Delaney’s bag.
“I’m on the second floor,” she said.
“Lead the way.”
Patty, one of the hotel owners and one of his confidants since he’d first moved here, stood behind the desk giving Josh an inquisitive stare as she greeted them. He could have just handed Delaney the bag and said his goodbye at the dock. But no. He had to walk her all the way to her room. And she didn’t protest. Not even a little.
“I had a really great time today,” she said, sticking the key into the lock. “I love how they use old-fashioned keys. Not those plastic things.”
“I’ve never been in here before. I mean, I lived in one of the cabins for a month, but I’ve never seen these rooms.”
She turned as she pushed open the door. “Is that a line to get into my room?”
“No.” He cleared his throat, crossing the threshold. “But since you invited me.”
“I did no such thing.”
The door clicked closed behind him, and his heart beat a little faster as he rested her bag on the neatly made king-sized bed with white-and-red quilt. A small wooden desk sat to the right of the bed, just underneath the window. “Lucky you. You’ve got a view of the lake.”
She stood next to him in her bikini top and denim shorts, her body drenched with the scent of a warm summers day. “Thank you,” she whispered. Her hand gripped his biceps as his muscle flexed.
He palmed her cheek, and she rewarded him with the fluttering of her eyelashes. Her body trembled as he wrapped his other arm around her waist. “Are you cold?” he whispered, holding her against his chest.
“No.” Her hot, moist lips rubbed against his neck. “But I’m confused.”
“About...?”
“Why I want you so badly.”
“I want you, too.” He cupped her face, holding her head steady, searching her eyes for any reason to back away. Her fingers dug into his back. Something in the way she blinked indicated fear, but he didn’t think she was afraid of him based on the way she pressed her hips against him.
She rose up on tiptoe, slipping her tongue between his lips, then swirling it against his. Anything she wanted, he’d give her—without hesitation. He cupped her firm ass with one hand while the other glided across her soft, milky skin in search of the small piece of triangular fabric that covered her perky breast. He told himself he just wanted a single feel. To pinch her nipple once, hear her moan…once. Then he’d be done. He could walk away.
But he knew that would be impossible as he pushed the flimsy fabric away, brushing his thumb across her tiny, tight nipple, swallowing her deep, guttural moan. He guided her down to the bed, kissing her lips, his finger still toying with her breast when he abruptly pulled away. “Protection,” he whispered. “I don’t have any.”
Her big, blue eyes, laden with lust, stared up at him.
“Do you?” He shouldn’t have asked, because this needed to stop. He wanted to keep her close, in case she was an enemy, but it was never a good idea to take potential threats to bed.
She shook her head, biting down on her lower lip. “I wasn’t planning on meeting anyone. I was just going to lock myself up in my room and write.”
“It’s a nice room to do that in.” Carefully, he covered her breast, adjusting the bathing suit so as much of her soft swell was covered as possible, but he wasn’t prepared to get off her just yet, enjoying the softness of her flesh against his thigh. “I have to work tomorrow until around five. Want to have dinner with me?”
“I’d like that.” She bit down on her lip.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m not… I don’t… This isn’t like me. I don’t…”
“Shhhh,” he whispered. “I don’t, either.” Rolling to his side, he propped himself on his elbow, pressing his hand firmly against her lean, taut stomach. “I’ve been mentally scolding myself all day for my thoughts. You’re so beautiful, but it’s more than that. I like spending time with you.”
“Twice today, I’ve thrown myself at you,” she said, covering her eyes with the crook of her elbow.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” he said. “Look at me.” While she’d initiated both intense kisses, he would have devoured her mouth anyway. He wanted to believe he was just following her lead, but both times, her body trembled. The first kiss, he assumed was from the adrenaline rush of cliff jumping. He felt bad, standing on the side of that cliff, knowing how scared she’d been. He didn’t think anyone could fake that kind of anxiety. But she overcame it for one moment. Conquer once, so you know you can.
She groaned, tossing her arm to the side, but kept her eyes closed.
Cupping her chin, he turned her head and those baby blues fluttered open. “We both got wrapped up on what, at least for me, was the best second date ever had, and I just didn’t want it to end.”
“It was pretty awesome.”
Her smile sent heat to places he’d been trying to calm down.
“Not sure how you’re going to top it tomorrow night,” she said.
“No pressure there.” He couldn’t stand being on this bed for one more second as his mind pictured all the things they could do without protection that would satisfy at least part of his ache. “Do you ever sit outside and write?”
“I’ve been known to bring my laptop outside. Why?”
“If you go down to the waterfront tomorrow, will you text me?” he asked.
“If I had your number, sure.”
Pulling his cell phone from his back pocket, he unlocked it, then handed it to her. “Put your number in there, and then call yourself so you have mine.”
He swallowed a grown as she rolled to her stomach, facing him. She propped up on her elbows, feet in the air behind her, ankles crossed, seemingly oblivious to her flirtatious posture.
“Can I take your picture for my caller ID?” she asked, handing back his phone while she dug through her bag.
“I guess.”
“Smile.” She held up her oversized pink phone then tapped. “Nice.”
“Then I get one of you.”
“Do you know how to set a picture to a number?”
“No idea.”
“Unlock your phone,” she said. “then give it to me. I’ll take a selfie and then set it to my number.”
In awe, he watched her take three or four selfies before she found one she liked, then she fiddled with his phone a little more before handing it back.
“I should go,” he said softly. “Pick you up at seven for dinner?”
“Sure.”
He bent and kissed her cheek, letting his fingers trace a path down the side of her neck to her shoulder. “I’ll see you then.” He didn’t wait for her to get up before he headed toward the door. Stopping there, he turned. She sat on the edge of the bed, legs crossed. “You’re going to be impossible to resist,” he said.
“You are impossible to resist.”
Josh took the steps to the lobby two at a time. He didn’t trust his instincts when it came to women. Not after what happened with Nicki. He wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to trust a woman intimately again. Even when Craypo had been in jail, he couldn’t bring himself to date, or even hook up. He always worried there was a hidden agenda.
When he stepped into the lobby, Patty’s husband, Reese, had joined her.
“What are you doing here?” Reese asked, jutting his chin toward the stairs.
“Walking a friend home,” Josh said.
“He came in with one of our new guests,” Patty said. “One of the pretty, young ones.”
“You don’t say,” Reese chided. “The woman at the Boardwalk last night?”
“That’s the one,” Josh said.
“He didn’t stay up there very long, though.” Patty had been one of the first people he talked to about Nicki. She’d been a good listener, never judging him or telling him he should have done something differently. She’d just been there for him. And so had Reese.
“I just met her.” Josh shook his head. “Can you check on something for me?”
“Depends,” Reese said.
“Can you tell me when she made her hotel reservation?”
“Why do you want to know?” Reese asked.
Josh glanced over his shoulder, hoping Delaney wasn’t going to come bouncing down the stairs anytime soon. “She’s from downstate and I’m probably being paranoid, but—”
“Say no more.” Reese tapped away on the keyboard behind the lobby desk.“She made the reservation two weeks ago. She was lucky we even had a room.”
“Was there a cancellation?” Josh asked.
Reese shook his head. “Does that help?”
“Just makes me more paranoid,” Josh said. “Thanks. Appreciate the intel.”
“We can keep an eye on her,” Patty said. “I could friend her. Chat her up.”
“No, you won’t,” Reese barked. “I’m sure Josh doesn't need you to play detective while playing matchmaker at the same time.”
“You’re no fun.” Patty swatted her husband’s arm. “And it’s about time Josh started dating. She’s very pretty, but on the quiet side. I bet—”
“I’m sure Josh doesn’t want you meddling.” Reese looped his arm over Patty’s shoulder. “If there is anything you need, let me know.”
“Will do,” Josh said. “And feel free to chat her up.”
“Don’t encourage my wife.” Reese playfully kissed Patty’s cheek. “She’ll have you married by the end of the month.”
Chapter 3
Delaney closed her laptop and stared at the lake. A large boat cruised up the shore, creating rolling waves that crashed against the break-wall. A group of children pranced down the yard and onto the docks while a group of women scolded them for running. The noise created a calmness inside her, but didn’t give her the ability to concentrate on her book. The sky burned red and orange as the sun’s rays collided with the oncoming dark of night. She tried calling her brother again, but his phone went straight to voicemail. Tapping on the Contacts app, she pulled up a number she should have removed a long time ago.
