Screw professionalism. Even if she did have a chance at the spot on the board, she knew Cole would never let sex cloud his decision to hire her.
That kiss had ignited the very fire she’d known would exist between them if they gave it the opportunity. Maybe they could play by the “what happens in Hawaii, stays in Hawaii” rules. If no one knew about their encounter, then her career moves could never be questioned.
Besides, right now she was feeling the need to break out of the stereotypes her family had placed on her, and a fling with the object of three years’ worth of her fantasies was the exact way to challenge that.
Game on.
“You’re right. I do like to have fun.” She ran her finger down the back of his hand where it rested on his thigh. “And there’s a specific type of fun I’m thinking of right now.”
His eyes lifted quickly and wordlessly locked on hers.
She gave him her best dirty-girl smile. “I know all the reasons why we shouldn’t, but I can’t stop thinking about that kiss.” Her finger moved up and traced his forearm, then circled in the crook of his elbow. “Maybe we should explore whatever this is.” She ran her finger back and forth between them.
He swallowed hard, then gulped in a breath. “Why here? Why now?”
“Can you think of a better place?” She held out her arms, coaxing him to take in the luscious scenery, feel the gentle breeze, smell the fresh ocean air. “I know you want to.” She didn’t think it would take much to turn him on, but convincing him to actually go along with it, well that was the bigger task. “No one has to know. Ever.”
She reached out and grabbed his hand, then settled his palm against her thigh. It twitched. And that simple reaction told her everything she needed to know. But she wasn’t ready to stop playing. Even if he pretended he didn’t, he loved it when she teased him. And he deserved every bit of it. “I’ve often wondered what these would feel like between my legs.”
Fire blazed in his eyes. “I was afraid you’d be a talker.”
Did he not like the dirty talk? She sure did.
Moving his hand higher, she pressed his fingertips against her center. He tried to pull away, but she held his hand in place and locked her thighs together. When he stifled a groan, she knew she’d won.
“I knew the moment I saw these hands that you’d know how to handle a woman.” And so he had no question as to where she was going with this, she added, “How to handle every inch of me.”
With her other hand, she traced up and down his fingers resting on the bar. He made no attempt to move his hand from between her legs. And that muscle in his jaw was twitching like crazy.
“This isn’t a funny game, Penn.” His voice was thick, heavy with desire, and he demonstrated by rubbing the edge of his finger against her panties.
“This…” She shivered. “Is no game.” She meant every word she’d said. “I want to have fun here, too. And sex just happens to be my favorite way to have fun.”
He’d probably thought that by coming to this island he’d help her win a cup, but he had no idea he was also going to help her find release from her familial chains.
He blew out a long breath. The more blatant and aggressive her words, the more fear darkened his gaze. “Why are you so willing to offer yourself to me like this?”
Because I’ve only dreamed of fucking you for three entire years. It’s about damn time.
“Maybe this is my way of repaying you for helping me finally win.”
He tensed up. “That’s not the reason.”
“I know.” She brushed her hand through his hair, soothing his tension. “And it’s not why I’m offering myself to you. You know why.” She sat back and locked eyes with him. “You’ve always known.”
At least she hoped he knew. Because there was no mistaking their sexual tension. It was as heavy and thick as the smoke from a five-alarm fire.
He hadn’t said no yet. That was a good sign. If he was going to turn her down, he would have already done it.
“Isn’t there something you’ve always wanted to do? Something you’ve fantasized about?”
He cleared his throat and brought his stool closer to hers. But he wasn’t trying to get closer to her, he was trying to stop her