caught in such a predicament where he was desperate to make love to this glorious creature but couldn’t take the risk. It wasn’t just a physical problem but rather a question of where would it lead? Precisely nowhere, he decided. They would part after satisfying this primal sexual urge and never see each other again. That wasn’t his style. He wanted more than a casual fling with her. It was a crazy situation.
She had covered her bikini with a wrap, whether to protect her skin from the hot sun, or from his eyes, he wasn’t sure. All he knew was the sensual, sexual tension still hung in the air between them. Damn it.
“Come on.” He walked ahead to the beach leaving her to follow. He headed for the sheltered cove with the curving sandy bottom, which he knew was safe for bathing.
As they reached the water’s edge, she tossed her towel and wrap to one side almost in an act of defiance, and running into the water, dived beneath the surface. He followed more slowly, his gaze on the spot where she had disappeared. She emerged in front of him wiping the stream of water from her face and hair.
“What is it?” She tried to decipher the strange expression in his face. “Isn’t it safe here?”
He reached for her, pulling her against him and covering her mouth with his. She responded with reckless abandonment as she wound her arms around his neck.
He drew away at last and she stared into his eyes seeking to know his thoughts and what lay behind the passion of his kiss. His hands continued to caress her waist and hips as he supported her weight.
“I’m sorry, Lara. I didn’t mean for this to happen. It appears it isn’t safe here.”
“It’s all right. It was only a kiss,” she replied before turning and diving beneath the water once more. She surfaced and began to swim as if chased by a thousand devils, her body throbbing with need. How could she have reacted this way? She knew little about men and was reserved in their company mostly due to her royal training, but also because of her own shy nature. Jade and Kate would tease her because she was so shy, her manner often mistaken for being standoffish and proud until she was pushed too far and then a red-hot temper would surface. Jade was the “in your face” noisy one of the trio while Kate was studious and rarely had her head out of her books.
She watched as Jack swam strongly away. Floating on her back, she shut her eyes against the glare of the sun as wayward thoughts crowded her mind. He’s probably regretting the kiss right now. He had no idea I would respond that way. Neither did I. He seemed as shocked as I was when we lost control. I’m sure he’s not some sort of playboy intent on seducing me, but I don’t really know anything about him, do I?
She moved her arms and legs through the water slowly propelling herself toward the shore. He hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d said he wanted her. She saw it in his eyes, in the depth of that kiss and in his hands touching her. Was she in love with this rugged fisherman or was it the island weaving a strange magic spell over them? She knew she was foolish to stay another night, but she couldn’t bear to say goodbye yet. Not to the island. Not to Jack.
At the house, she dried herself and changed into a fresh top and slacks. Her long hair was sticky and unmanageable from the salt water and she made a mental note to wash it with the shampoo she had brought with her.
They sat opposite each other eating their lunch in silence. She was awkward and unsure of what to say while he looked cool and controlled in his clean blue shirt and shorts.
“I want to go over to the boat this afternoon and tidy up a few things,” he said at last, taking a swallow of water. “Then I’ll catch another couple of fish for our dinner.”
His smile was warm and she responded. “There’s a bottle of white wine in the fridge. We could celebrate.”
“Celebrate what? My lack of control?”
Her eyes widened at his blunt statement. “We’ll celebrate meeting and being on this lovely island…and parting.” Her voice quivered and to cover her confusion, she stood abruptly gathering the empty plates.
He also stood. “You’re quite right. We