her cheeks?
She glanced away, toward the beach and the waiting boat.
“I am not dressed for this,” Jennifer said.
“That’s okay.” He paused as they reached the boat, turned and before she could react, he swept her off her feet.
Jennifer yelped and kicked her feet, but he’d expected that.
“Put me down,” she demanded.
He grinned. “Certainly.”
Orion took two steps. The waves lapped at his ankles. He leaned against the inflatable boat and carefully set Jennifer on the side.
“I could have done that myself,” she huffed.
He winked at her. “And gotten your pretty shoes wet? I don’t think so.”
She paused and frowned at the offending footwear. No doubt it was from what he’d heard her call her work wardrobe. These were clothes provided by Milan so that Jennifer matched the day’s color scheme. The shoes probably cost as much as Jennifer’s weekly salary. Not that he knew what she was paid or what the shoes were worth. It was a guess.
Orion quickly untied the boat. Jennifer took that time to move onto the bench seat. Her frown was still firmly in place.
He’d change that.
He pushed the boat off the sand until the waves accepted the load. For good measure, he kept pushing for another few yards before hoisting himself up and over the side.
Of course he could have paid for someone to do this part, but the truth was he wanted to be greedy of this time with Jennifer.
He moved around the boat to the motor, started it and got them headed toward the yacht.
When it came to luxury boats, this one was on the small side. The fifty foot yacht sported two sunbathing decks, a lounge with a small kitchen and bar, and three comfortable bedrooms.
Jennifer tipped her head back, hair streaming in the wind, and closed her eyes. He watched her profile as much as he could, soaking in the pleasure of seeing her, letting go of her stress and worry. She took her job seriously. Milan didn’t know how lucky she was to have Jennifer.
Before long, he’d pulled the boat alongside the rear of the yacht.
“Stay there,” he told her and leapt to the platform.
He secured the boat, paying close attention to the knots.
Orion wouldn’t tell her, but he hadn’t done this stuff much since he’d left the SEALs. It was a lot like riding a bike, though.
Satisfied, he went to the edge and held out his hand.
One side of Jennifer’s mouth quirked up. “Permission to come aboard finally?”
He grinned back at her. “Please do.”
She laughed and put her hand in his.
He hoisted her up to the deck and wrapped his other arm around her waist. While he wouldn’t call her reaction enthusiastic, she looked at him with warm curiosity. Considering that he’d half expected to find her in angry badger mode, he was thrilled.
“Welcome aboard, ma’am,” he said.
She placed her free hand on his shoulder. “Thanks for having me. I think.”
Orion was tempted to kiss her right then and there. Her body was soft against his. It was just them and the water.
Not yet.
“Now, for the rest of the surprise.” He let go of her and glanced toward the dining table set up not far away.
A brown shopping bag sat in one of the seats.
“The rest?” she echoed.
Orion grabbed the bag and turned to face her. “Yes. There is surprise appropriate attire. You have options. The plan which can always change, is to stay on the boat until roughly four. We can do nothing, swim, fish, watch TV, play video games—whatever you like. And, there’s an outfit for each of those activities I think you’ll like.”
He held the bag out to her.
Jennifer laughed and peered inside.
“There are a few rooms downstairs. Take your pick and change into something a hell of a lot more comfortable, okay?”
She glanced at him. “I’m kind of surprised your selling point is, pick your outfit. I would have thought you’d try to sell me on the be naked line.”
Oh, he’d like that.
“All in good time,” he said. He nodded toward the cabin. “Go.”
Jennifer’s gaze narrowed, but she didn’t say anything else. Instead, she pivoted and walked away from him.
It was a damn nice sight.
He didn’t know how she managed to stay in top physical shape considering that she followed Milan around parties and shopping most of the time. Whatever Jennifer’s routine was, it worked. Her ass was round, firm and a vision of perfection in the tight cropped pants.
Orion remained where he was, tracking her shadow through the tinted windows. She passed out of sight.