Love on the Line (Love Beyond Danger Book 3)

by Diane Holiday

  He raised an eyebrow. “Is that a challenge?”

  “Stop it.” She play-slapped his arm.

  As they approached the boardwalk, bright pink marathon signs lined the streets. Police officers stood in front of roads with cones blocking access.

  “Are you kidding me?” Wyatt frowned. “I never thought to check for any events because it’s off-season.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Even with the race, it couldn’t be as packed as any day in the summer.

  Wyatt parked in the crowded lot at the end of the boardwalk. When Anne got out, the cool, salty ocean breeze blew her hair. The scents of cotton candy, fried dough, and popcorn wafted over, making her stomach rumble.

  They navigated between groups of people gathered at various mile markers on the boardwalk.

  “How about some lunch?” Wyatt asked. “It’s almost noon.”

  “You read my mind. What should we get?”

  “We’re at the boardwalk. Gotta start with a big tub of salt and vinegar fries.” He steered her over to the stand.

  They sat on a bench overlooking the water while they ate. Seagulls screeched, diving and fighting over dropped food from tourists.

  “These are so good.” Anne wiped her mouth with a napkin and took another bite of a French fry.

  Wyatt leaned over and kissed her. “Yum. You’re more delicious than the food. Salty and sweet.”

  She wasn’t going to last the day. Her brain ceased functioning when his lips moved over hers like that. What would it be like when they were on her breasts?

  “Mommy, Mommy can we get ice cream?” A little girl’s voice rang out.

  Wyatt pulled back and sighed. He traced a hand down her neck to where her pulse was erratically beating, and she shivered.

  A ghost of a smile formed on his face.

  He knew the effect he was having on her, all right. And damn if she didn’t love it.

  A man wearing a Ravens jersey walked past with a woman. He glanced in their direction, stumbled, and stopped. “Wyatt Pearson?”

  Wyatt nodded, and the man hurried to their bench, followed by the woman. “I’m a huge fan. Any chance I could get a picture with you?”

  “Sure.” Wyatt stood, and the woman pulled her phone out of her purse and snapped a shot of them.

  Another group of people passing by stopped and pointed to Wyatt, whispering to each other. After the man thanked Wyatt and left, the others approached, also wanting pictures.

  He glanced at Anne as more fans gathered, a worried frown on his face. Is this what would happen whenever they went to public places? No more stealing kisses on the bench. Her heart sighed.

  She stood and moved to avoid being stepped on by the fans. He posed for several more pictures, and the crowd kept growing. This was getting out of control. A thread of annoyance wove between her ribs. This was supposed to be their special day together. But he’d told her before that he hated to disappoint anyone and appreciated his fans. She couldn’t blame him for caring about them.

  Once again, though, she’d been nudged to the outskirts of the group.

  A whiff of coconut oil and suntan lotion floated from a sundry shop she now stood near. Wyatt’s gaze darted across the people in front of him until he met hers. His cheeks puffed and he blew out a breath.

  He didn’t look too happy about the situation, but the fans were so excited that Anne didn’t want to make him feel bad. She touched a finger to her chest and pointed to the store before entering. She’d kill some time in there away from the mob.

  The tiny shop was jam-packed with beach toys, towels, and souvenirs. She picked up a big conch shell with a bright painting of a dolphin jumping through the waves and “Ocean City, Maryland” written across the bottom. She held it up to her ear to “hear the ocean” like she’d always done as a child.

  A large, warm hand covered hers over the shell, and Wyatt’s clean, fresh scent surrounded her.

  “I’m sorry about that.” He brought his other hand around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. “It seems like all I do is apologize to you when we go out.”

  The timbre of his deep voice against her ear made her insides quiver. She lowered the shell and spun around in his arms. “It’s kinda hard, is all, with no privacy and fans always flocking you. I’m starting to think you need a disguise like the Hollywood actors. What did you say to the people out there?”

  He stroked his thumb over her knuckles. “I told them I was flattered and wished I could take pictures with everyone, but I was here with someone special and needed to get back to her.”

  Warmth flooded her chest. He’d put her first.

  “How about if we drive up north to the less crowded beach?” he asked.

  That sounded way better. She nodded, and he let go of her hand. “This is a huge conch.”

  “And you women say size doesn’t matter.”

  For the love of God, she always said something suggestive around him. Maybe because he screamed sexy, and her brain fixated there. Then again, he sure never missed a chance to jump on it, so his mind had to be in the same place.

  He snatched the shell and headed toward the register. “Gotta get it now. A souvenir from our weekend.”

  They snagged a slice of pizza to eat on the way to the car, and thankfully, no one interrupted them.

  When they reached the quieter beach, Wyatt dropped her off at the bath house so she could change into her bathing suit and told her to meet him down by the water. The sun, high in the sky, had brought the temps to the promised mid-seventies.

  She slipped on a black halter-top bikini she’d bought for the trip. Sexy in its simplicity, or at least she hoped. Then again, he’d been with super models who probably wore Sports Illustrated special-edition bathing suits. Her stomach twisted.

  She shook her head. Comparing herself to other women served no purpose. She slid her arms into a white mesh cover-up, leaving it unbuttoned. After grabbing her beach bag, she climbed the fence-lined slope leading to the beach. Her flip-flops dug into the sand, spitting it up against her calves after every step. When she got to the top of the hill, the fresh, salty ocean breeze hit her face. Heaven…

  Wasn’t hard to find Wyatt on the almost deserted beach. Her jaw dropped at the sight of him, bent over, twisting the umbrella holder into the sand. The sun beat down on his shirtless, muscular body. His arms flexed as he twisted the pole deeper. It was one thing to feel his muscles rippling under his shirt, but quite another to feast her eyes on them. She didn’t move for a moment, enjoying the view.

  She kicked off her shoes and grabbed them with one hand. Her feet sank into the sand, warm on the top, cool underneath as she walked.

  As if he sensed her presence, he glanced up and then slowly straightened. He stood frozen in place as she made her way toward him. She couldn’t see his eyes behind his sunglasses, but there was no doubt his focus was completely on her. Her insides quaked, but she tried to strut down the beach with complete confidence.

  When she reached him, she dropped her bag on the blanket and her flip-flops on the sand. “I can’t believe how warm it is.”

  Wyatt stepped over to her. “That’s an understatement. Holy smoking-hot.”

  His voice sounded strained, and she tried to look up at him, but her gaze didn’t make it past his chest. Bulging, hard muscles flexed as he ran his hands down her sides, settling them on her hips.

  “You’re freaking gorgeous.” He drew her closer until her breasts pressed against the granite surface of his abs. Another plane she’d like to explore.

  With her tongue.

  She shivered.

  He wrapped his arms around her. “You cold?”

  “Not even close.” This time she did gaze up at him, but her face reflected in his sunglasses. Her pupils were huge and her eyes wide. If not for the breeze, her breath would fog his shades. Is that what she looked like aroused? She glanced back down to hide a certain blush.

  He chuckled, and his chest vibrated against her ch
eek, causing more shivers. “I don’t think you look in the mirror much, which is why you have no idea how sexy you are.”

  All that mattered to her was that he thought so.

  He gave her a squeeze. “What do you like to do at the beach?”

  “Read.” The word came out before she even had a chance to think.

  He smiled down at her. “Let me rephrase that. What would you like to do today at the beach, unless you brought a book?”

  If she had, it would’ve been the Kama Sutra. What the hell? Now she was picturing erotic positions with him on the beach blanket. His naked body over her, under her, twisted around her. Her thighs tightened.

  “Did you?”

  “Huh?” Focus. What had he even asked her?

  “Bring a book?” An eyebrow peeked over the top of his shades.

  “Oh, no. Let’s ah…take a walk. Cool down a little and maybe look for shells.”

  A bemused grin on his face, he took her hand. “Sure. Cool down. Didn’t realize how hot you were.”

  Damn Wyatt. He knew exactly what he did to her. And now his warm hand caressed hers with every swing of her arm. Kinda nice. Contact with no sexual agenda. Except what went on in her dirty little mind.

  She glanced at the ocean as they walked. The waves rhythmically rolled in, crashing and receding. Creamy foam eased across the beach, stranding tiny clams that flipped sideways and dug down into the sand.

  Wyatt glanced at her. “How’s your student? The one with leukemia?”

  “As good as can be expected. He’s been doing the chemo, but it’s tough on him.” An ache gnawed in her chest. “I’m going to be tutoring him from here on out at his home.”

  “Wow, I guess I never thought of that. He would be too sick to go to school.” Wyatt shook his head. “All the medical expenses, parents’ time off work, private tutors, it’s gotta be financially crippling.”

  “Oh, I’m not charging anything.” She couldn’t imagine adding to their burden. “They have four kids. The mom’s a bus driver, and the dad’s an EMT. They’re hurting.”

  Wyatt stopped, his hand jerking her to a halt.

  “Something wrong?” She faced him.

  He slid his sunglasses to the top of his head and cupped her chin with a hand. “Do you know how special you are?”

  He stared down at her, the ocean reflecting in his eyes, turning them almost blue. She squirmed under the intensity of his gaze. “It’s the least I can do. He’s my student, and I don’t want him to have to repeat the year and lose all his friends.”

  Wyatt tucked her hair back and held his hand there. “This is what I’m talking about. As busy as you are, you’re making time for him and not even charging for it.”

  Her scalp tingled under the heat of his hand. Comforting and warm. “I just hope we can raise enough money through the walk-a-thon to make a difference.”

  “You’re one determined lady. I’m sure you will.” He slid his sunglasses back down. Taking her hand again, he resumed walking. “Heard any more from your interview?”

  “Only that it’s down to me and one other candidate. I should know soon. I’m hopeful.” If she got the position, she’d be grounded in Maryland. A knot formed in her stomach.

  Wyatt squeezed her hand. “By the way, my lacrosse team thinks you’re the bomb now.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Please, that was such a flub-up. Bringing dirt pudding cups with gummy bears to high school boys? I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “They loved them. Those guys all try to be tough, but inside they’re still kids.” He shook his head. “Of course, I had to confiscate the extras when they started flinging the worms at each other.”

  Anne laughed and stepped over a clump of seaweed. “I didn’t see that.”

  “They saved it for the locker room.” Wyatt bent and studied a shell, then tossed it. “Not much on the beach with the tide so high right now.”

  “That’s okay, you already got me a shell today.”

  He snorted. “Real quality piece of work.”

  “Well, I like it.”

  “Then that’s all that matters.”

  They walked a few more beach blocks and then turned back. Being with Wyatt away from the crowds was heaven. He seemed like any normal person when they were alone. She could relax around him and be herself. But out in public? She’d rather moderate standardized tests than deal with the paparazzi.

  When they reached their blanket, Wyatt waved to the ocean. “You managed to stay on the sand, but we can’t get this close without putting our feet in.”

  Before she could answer, he tugged her closer to the ocean, stopping at the edge.

  She wasn’t excited about freezing, but she didn’t want to dampen the huge grin on his face.

  They both took a step in.

  “No. This is crazy cold.” Arctic water froze her toes. He dropped her hand and laughed as he plunged ahead to knee-deep.

  “Wimp. Come on.”

  She scampered backwards until her feet were clear of the surf. “Not in a blue moon.”

  “Ha, you wanna see a blue moon? I’ll give you one.” He sprinted out of the waves toward her.

  “Oh, no. Don’t you dare!” She took off at a run. No way was she going to be one of those girls that got tossed into the surf by her boyfriend.

  He grabbed her by the arms, hoisted her, and faked a move to the ocean. When she squealed in protest, he whirled around and carried her back to the blanket, dropping her gently down.

  “I may be a Neanderthal, but I ain’t stupid.” He lowered his head and kissed her.

  Sensations flooded her. His mouth hot, his legs cool and damp against hers. Both their hearts pounding from the jaunt back. The umbrella shaded their heads while the heat of the sun warmed their bodies. The kiss was salty, breathless, and tasted like the sea.

  Liquid fire speared through her body. He skimmed his hand over her bikini top, teasing her nipple through the thin fabric. She moaned when he dragged his mouth away and seared her neck with hot kisses. His hand slid from her breast, to her stomach.

  The sputter and hum of one of those low-flying airplanes dragging an advertisement sign grew louder.

  Wyatt drew his head back. “Damn, I forgot where we were.”

  She gazed up at him. His jade eyes were shades darker with desire, and her breath stalled. He slid his hand from her stomach and eased to his side.

  The sun disappeared behind clouds, and the wind kicked up. She glanced at the incoming front. Foreboding. A sliver of anxiety stole air from her lungs.

  “Looks like we might get some rain.” He eyed the sky.

  Her heart continued to thump hard. Decision time was coming.

  “We should get going.” He rested a hand on her arm.

  “Yeah, we should pack up.”

  But neither of them moved.

  He blew out a breath and lightly stroked her skin. “This day didn’t turn out anything like I had planned. I mean, the race, the fans…now the rain.”

  “You can’t control Mother Nature.” Her voice came out higher than usual in her effort to sound casual.

  Wyatt shook his head. “I know, and I can’t change any of it, so here we are.” He met her gaze. “I meant what I said earlier today. No pressure.”

  She swallowed, uncertainty swirling in her head.

  With a resigned sigh, Wyatt eased back, giving her space. “So, do you want to stay or go home?”

  Chapter 19

  Pouring a scotch on the rocks, Devon recounted the events of the day. After hearing the conversation between Anne and the ex-jock on her apartment bug, he knew they’d be gone for the weekend. Devon’s “birthday” dinner had caused some friction. Perfect. He intended to cause a lot more.

  He’d entered her place and made copies of the spare key she kept to Pearson’s apartment. Easy work, as organized-Anne had it labeled in a drawer no less. Next, Devon had planted bugs in Pearson’s apartment.

  Things were getting way too cozy between An
ne and the pigskin player. Devon needed to eliminate the competition. The muscles in his upper body stiffened. He wouldn’t lose another bet over a woman to Paul, of all people. No fucking way.

  Women always went for powerful, strong, successful men. Devon had to take Pearson down a notch. Make him look weak and lame. Show him up.

  A plan started to form. Yes. Devon narrowed his eyes. He took a drink and sat in his recliner. The scotch burned down his throat and swished in his belly, warming his insides. This could work. In fact, if he played it right, he would come out the hero. He’d have to enlist the help of some of his old buddies, but that shouldn’t be a problem. They’d whore out their own mothers for the right price.

  Time for the gloves to come off.

  Chapter 20

  Waves crashed on the shore, pounding as hard as Wyatt’s heart while he waited for Anne’s answer. Resisting the strong urge to touch her, he stared into her eyes and steeled himself for a negative response.

  Instead, she eased closer and looped an arm around his neck. “I want to stay.”

  A mix of relief and anticipation tightened his belly. He pulled her close and kissed her. She molded her body to his, pressing her soft breasts to his bare chest, and kissed him back.

  Hard.

  Okay, time to go some place more private. He tore his mouth away from hers, and she gazed up at him. Stroking her cheek, he struggled to keep his voice steady. “I know this is a big step. It means a lot that you trust me.” He touched his lips to hers. “Ready to leave?”

  She traced a finger down his abs and teased him with a naughty smile. “How fast does that Lexus of yours go?”

  Hot damn. They were so out of here. He jumped to his feet and made quick work of yanking out the umbrella. Couldn’t help staring at her gorgeous ass as she bent down to pick up the blanket and shake it out, causing his dick to twitch. Christ, at this rate he wouldn’t make it to the place he’d rented.

  Wanting complete privacy, he’d found a whole-house rental for the night. Anne would be more comfortable not traipsing back and forth in front of other people in a hotel lobby. And he sure didn’t want to be stopped for pictures again. Still, he’d only stayed at hotels in the past and had no idea what to expect.