Losing Control - By Robyn Grady Page 0,28

to absorb the concept, he repeated her words. "Women are waited on here..."

"Yes. Hand and foot."

"So where's your slave?"

"Standing right there."

Cole actually looked over his shoulder. When he realized the joke was on him, he slowly turned back. She'd had fun imagining this moment. He'd invited himself along to see for himself. Like the emperor with his new clothes, Cole had gotten his wish. If he had half a funny bone, he'd take it on the chin. Hell, he might even laugh. But his expression fell flat.

"Other than the view and that hammock," he said, "you're not scoring too many points."

A bristle ran up the back of her neck. At times he could be so darn negative. "You don't have to stay if you can't handle it."

He challenged her gaze for a long moment then bent to slip off his loafers and wiggled his toes in the sand.

"But if I leave you here all alone," he said, "who will brush your hair? Peel your grapes?"

At that moment, that man with his amazing tan and billboard chest passed by. When he sent a dazzling helpful smile her way before leaving by the path again, Taryn sucked down a breath and gathered her thoughts.

Cole wanted to know who would peel her grapes?

Winding her arms over her waist, she angled her head and shrugged. "Oh, I'm sure I'll find someone."

From the way Cole's shoulders squared, he was back to unimpressed mode. "I thought you were selling this as a family show."

"I'm sure a lot of underappreciated mothers would love a slot."

"What's in it for the poor lugs who have to tag along?"

"Quality time to reflect?"

"While they're fanning the revered ones with palm fronds, I suppose."

"And all while enjoying that view." When his unimpressed look held, she spelled it out. "This island's magic lies in its reversal of social domestic norms. It encourages men to truly nurture their women, which will hopefully ultimately deepen and strengthen their relationships. You've heard of the saying, with sacrifice comes great reward? In the work comes the reward. The payoff."

"With sacrifice comes reward."

She nodded then headed toward the bungalow. "But, before you get busy peeling any fruit, we should unpack."

Cole massaged his brow. He was her boss. So why was he being bossed around? Oh, that's right. This "women are revered, men are slaves" twist. Novel. Cute.

Taryn was strong-willed. Even on her best behavior, she couldn't help but occasionally mock him. Over this past week, he'd almost gotten used to her particular brand of sass. She had a sharp wit. Sometimes too sharp. And he didn't enjoy being anyone's pincushion.

She'd told him that he needed to unpack.

He called out, "We're here two days."

"Clothes get rumpled."

"We're not dining with the queen."

On the bottom step, she rotated around. "If you want to live out of a bag, that's your business."

Darn right it was his business. This might be her location survey but, make no mistake, he was in charge regardless of this island's female bias. And as she continued up those steps in that hug-every-curve dress, a cog in his brain turned and clicked. When she reached the bungalow doorway, the ideal solution to this predicament lit his mind like the breaking of tomorrow's dawn.

Taryn wanted to explore the island's ethos. She expected him to serve. Get enlightened.

He called out again. "I might not need to unpack my bag but, if I have this setup right, while we're here - me being the male and you being the female - I'm supposed to revere you. Be your slave."

Pivoting again, she rested a hand on the bamboo doorjamb. "Slave was your term."

"But Hot Spots male guests here will be expected to look after any chores so their wife or girlfriend can lie back and soak up the atmosphere. That's the twist - the opportunity for confrontation and redemption - you want the contestants and viewers to experience, right?"

"Right."

"Which means, if we're really going to get a take on possible dynamics, while I might not want to unpack my bag, I should 'servant up' and unpack yours."

As he sauntered up the steps, she arched a brow. "We don't need to go to extremes."

"Do you want me to immerse myself in this project or don't you? Heaven forbid a rumor should spread that I didn't play by the rules and robbed you of a fair chance."

"I'm quite capable - "

"Then again if you don't want to give it your best shot..."

She seemed to hold her breath. As he imagined her heart pounding and