Steele Family Romance Collection

by Cami Checketts

  She blinked up at him, as if she doubted his words. Her eyes trailed over his shoulders and chest. “You look … huge and tough.”

  He laughed. “I spend a lot of hours in the gym. Professional duty.”

  “It’s a mighty fine look on you.” She quickly glanced away.

  Preston’s eyebrows arched. She didn’t appear to be any more comfortable giving compliments than she was receiving them. Bending down, she started strapping on the heels that weren’t heels anymore. Preston had to look away as the T-shirt rode down on her neck, giving him a glimpse of a silky undergarment. He needed to be a gentleman, or he would be in trouble. He’d told her earlier how upset he’d been when she’d done that same move with her shoes and those men had leered at her. She hadn’t responded. Maybe he was scaring her because he was so attracted to her. He’d promised to stay in control, and he would, no matter how tempting she was.

  As she straightened, he smiled gently at her. “We’re quite the pair. Me in cotton shorts and dress shoes, you in a massive T-shirt and heels.”

  “Not heels anymore. You killed them, remember?”

  He chuckled. “I do remember. Sorry about that.”

  “Ha! You realize when somebody says ‘sorry about that,’ they basically mean ‘I couldn’t care less.’”

  “That’s not true. I didn’t mean it like that at all.” He said it in a low voice, as he didn’t want to push the point. She seemed to finally be relaxing around him, much to his relief.

  She arched a challenging eyebrow. “Let’s go find water. I’m so thirsty.”

  “Okay.” He was thirsty too, hot and sticky. He hoped there really was safe water to drink, or they’d be in trouble and quick. “Speaking of killing, though …” He bent and swept up the knife, transferring it to his left hand.

  “No more talking about killing.” She gestured. “Lead the way.”

  He nodded and took a few steps into the dense foliage, but then he stopped. “I just thought of a better idea.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I wonder if we shouldn’t walk the perimeter of the island. If there’s really a waterfall, there should be a stream coming out to the ocean. It would be much easier to follow a stream to its source than fight through this.” He pointed at the thick greenery.

  “Okay. But what do you mean, ‘if there’s really a waterfall’? There had better be fresh water, or I’m tracking that Carlos guy down.”

  He smiled at how cute and feisty she was. They fell into step side by side, staying at the edge of the forest. The heat was oppressive, even in the partial shade, and sweat trickled down Preston’s back.

  “Are you comfortable like that?” she asked him after they’d walked in silence for a few minutes.

  “Like what?”

  “Shirtless.” She didn’t meet his gaze, and Preston thought again how much he appreciated her innocence.

  He shrugged. “As an athlete and one of four boys, I’ve lived a lot of my life without a shirt on. It’s a lot nicer without a shirt right now, not as hot. I was dying in that dress shirt and slacks.”

  “I bet.”

  They walked along, silently working their way around the curve of the beach. He must’ve misjudged the size of the island. If it was less than two miles around, like he’d assumed initially, they should’ve walked the entire perimeter, but he hadn’t seen any stream and they weren’t back to their boxes of supplies. They had no choice but to keep moving and hopefully find water. Preston was used to extreme workouts, sometimes without water in the heat, so he was doing okay.

  Ally looked like she was fading. She swayed and fell against a tree, scratching her arm on the bark. “Ouch,” she muttered so quietly he barely caught it. She definitely wasn’t a dramatic type of girl.

  Preston stepped in close and inspected the scratch. It was red, but the skin luckily hadn’t broken. He hadn’t seen any medical supplies and hated the thought of one of them getting hurt out here. It was possible there was someone else on the island, but he doubted it. Carlos wouldn’t have left them any help, unless it was someone intent on hurting them. He’d already lied saying there were only spiders, and Preston had seen that snake. He shuddered.

  Wrapping his arm around her waist, he said, “Lean on me. I’m sure we’ll find water soon.”

  Ally did lean into him. “Sorry. I’m not usually the wussy girl, but I’m so thirsty I’m getting dizzy.”

  “You’re doing great. We’ll find the stream soon,” he repeated as they shuffled forward. If they got back to their starting point and the supplies without finding a stream or water source, they’d have to plunge into the interior and fight their way through the thick greenery.

  “Why aren’t you dying like I am?”

  Preston smiled. “I’m used to working out in the heat. Do you like to work out?”

  “Ha,” she grunted out. “I enjoy running, but my mom’s always harped on me about the idiocy of it.”

  “Excuse me?”

  She straightened, not leaning on him so much. “I’m … out of it right now. Forget whatever I say. I do like to walk or jog, in the mornings, with plenty of water.”

  “That’s why you look so good.”

  Her body felt stiff against him, and he feared he’d made her uncomfortable. He loved her curvy shape, but couldn’t understand why her mom had “harped on her about the idiocy of running.”

  He didn’t feel comfortable prying, so he said, “What’s your favorite spot to run?”

  She talked slowly, as if she were drained. “Well, downtown I like Freedom Park. In Buckhead, near my parents’ house, I loved Tanyard Creek Park.”

  A creek sounded nice about now. “How far do you usually run?”

  She glanced up at him. “Jog,” she emphasized. “I’m not an ultra athlete like you. I’m happy to do a few miles.”

  “I never run distance unless the conditioning coach or my trainer includes it in the workout,” he admitted. “Sprints are my favorite, but never more than an eight hundred, so a few miles sounds impressive to me.”

  “Thanks.”

  They shuffled along, and Preston wanted to know more about her. A lot more. He liked how chill and uncomplaining she was, that she was successful at her career, and he also liked how she often phrased things in a funny way.

  “Preston!” she screamed.

  He jumped. “What?”

  “A stream.” She pointed, and his eyes followed her finger. Around the bend up ahead, a trickle of water came down out of the jungle and made its way to the ocean, carving a small creek bed through the sandy beach. “Thank heavens,” she breathed. Pulling away from his arm, she hurried to the stream. Preston followed. She dropped down to the water and dipped her fingers in, then gave him a brilliant smile. “It’s cool.”

  “Cool as in cold, or as in ‘this is so cool, we finally found fresh water’?” He grinned and knelt next to her.

  She giggled and splashed some at him. “Cool as in semi-cold.”

  The water felt great. He dipped his hands and splashed it on his face.

  “Do we dare drink it?” she asked.

  “Probably smarter to drink closer to the source. I hate the thought of you getting sick.”

  She cocked a gaze at him. He was struck again by how beautiful she was. Her features were soft and feminine, her dark eyes sparkling and appealing, and her skin was smooth and a deep tan. “Only me?” she said. “You don’t care if you get sick?”

  He laughed. “I’m not thrilled about the idea, but I’d take a fall for you.”

  She looked shaken. Glancing away quickly, she sprang to her feet, suddenly invigorated. “Let’s go find the source, then. I’m thirsty as a horse after racing the derby.”

  He let her lead the way as they trekked along the edge of the small creek. It cut through the jungle pretty effectively. Occasionally, she’d lift a branch out of the way and he’d hold it for her as they both went through. Her makeshift flats couldn’t be too comfortable to walk in, but she didn�
�t complain. Preston was getting blisters in his dress shoes, but he wouldn’t say anything.

  The splashing of water grew louder as they progressed through the jungle at a slight incline. Preston’s eyes darted around, but he didn’t see any creatures that were threatening. He’d gripped the knife the entire walk and wished he had a sheath for it. These shorts fit fine, but they weren’t tight or thick enough for him to dare put a knife through the waistband.

  A small clearing opened up ahead, and Preston could see a shallow pool of water and a trickling waterfall spilling into it from about ten feet above. He wondered how long it had been since it had rained here. Hopefully the water was clean, or they’d be in a lot of trouble. The clearing was shaded with trees and had a decently level spot where they could put their tent.

  “Can I drink now?” Ally asked eagerly.

  “I think it’ll be okay.”

  She did that incredibly sexy move where she bent down and slid off her strappy shoes, the shirt riding up on her legs. His mouth went dry, but he couldn’t find the willpower to look away. She smiled up at him. The longer they were together, the more relaxed she seemed around him, and the more he reminded himself he couldn’t relax around her. He loved the innocence shining from her eyes and would never risk getting too physical with any woman, let alone one as impressive as Ally.

  Straightening, she left her shoes and waded into the pool. The pool was clear and clean-looking, the bottom rocky. Ally slipped and slid around in the knee-deep pool, looking so irresistible in that ridiculously huge T-shirt. He about suggested she take it off so she didn’t get her only comfortable item of clothing wet, but he wasn’t sure how that would be received. And the thought of her in only her underwear was enough to make more sweat drip down his back.

  She reached the waterfall and stuck her hands under it, cupping the water and drinking. Preston was really thirsty, but he could’ve stood there and watched her all day.

  “Are you coming?” she asked him.

  He nodded dumbly and slipped off his shoes and socks, then eased into the water. The coolness felt great on his raw heels, but the rocks, though they were smooth, were uneven and dug into the soles of his feet. He made his way across the small pool and to her side. She glanced up at him, all cute and mischievous, and threw some water in his face.

  Preston blinked it out of his eyes, smiled, and said, “You realize I grew up with brothers and we take teasing to another level.”

  She leaned away. “Sorry. Forget I splashed you.”

  “I won’t forget.” He winked, then cupped his hands and drank from the falls. It tasted good and fresh. Once he’d drunk his fill, he put his head under the stream, groaning with relief as the cool liquid soothed his lingering headache. They’d found water, and it felt amazing. He pulled back, blinking water from his eyes, and saw that Ally was watching him. He shook his head like a wet dog, splattering her with droplets.

  She cried out, “Hey!” Then she giggled. “Guess I deserved that.”

  “For sure. You’d better watch your back.”

  She laughed again. “Sisters can be as vicious as brothers.”

  He lifted his eyebrows. “We’ll see.”

  They stood there smiling at each other for a few seconds. He pushed away the worries over being stranded with no way to start a fire, her being uncomfortable with him, and not finding fresh water. The last two worries seemed to have resolved. He hoped. As long as Ally stayed comfortable around him and this water didn’t make them sick.

  Ally took a few more drinks, then slogged back through the water and sat on a boulder at the edge. The T-shirt rode up on her legs. She glanced around at the sparkling waterfall and all the greenery. “It’s beautiful,” she said.

  Preston nodded. He plodded over toward her, sitting right in the water next to her. He’d worried about her getting her T-shirt wet, but found he didn’t care if he was wet. He’d dry in this heat, and the cool water felt great. The only drawback was the pool was only knee-deep. If it was deeper, he’d be back-floating. “So are you,” he said.

  “Excuse me?” She finally met his gaze.

  “You’re beautiful, Ally. Much more beautiful than this scenery.” When she didn’t respond besides narrowing her eyes, he added, “To me, at least.”

  She stood quickly and edged away from him. Not meeting his eyes, she murmured, “Please don’t, Preston.”

  “Don’t … compliment you?” He glanced up at her. She looked uneasy and he didn’t want that, but he needed to know what was so wrong about him complimenting her. “Why?”

  She licked her lips and studied the waterfall. “We aren’t going to have some fling because we’re stuck alone together.”

  His eyebrows rose at that. He wasn’t looking for a fling, but he was sincerely interested in her and thought she was impressive—brave, funny, smart, not a complainer, the list could go on.

  “You don’t need to compliment just because it’s what you’d do with other women.”

  Preston was confused. He stood in the water and asked, “Do you think I’m a player?”

  She harrumphed and walked back to her shoes, bending down to strap them on. When she spoke, her eyes were fixed on the ground. “Do you want to carry the supplies up here to set up camp, then?”

  “No.”

  “No?” She glanced up at him, tendrils of dark hair curled around her face. Most of it was still piled on her head.

  “No, you’re not going to dodge my question. Why do you think I’m some player who hands out empty compliments?”

  She straightened and rolled her eyes. “I have Google, Preston.” She frowned. “Or at least I used to have Google.”

  “I’m not a player,” he insisted. “I date, but I don’t burn through women or treat them poorly.”

  She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him. “Fine, you’re not a player. Please stop complimenting me.” Turning, she started back down the edge of the creek.

  Preston scrambled over to slide into his shoes without any socks. His blisters were going to get worse, but all he cared about right now was catching up and getting a straight answer out of her. He caught her quickly and wrapped his arm around her waist, tugging her to a stop.

  Ally whirled on him, her dark eyes full of fire. “Don’t compliment me, and don’t grab me.”

  The words hit him like a punch in the gut. Preston released her and stepped back, staring down at her. “Ally.” His voice dropped low. “Did a man … hurt you?”

  Ally stared at him. For half of a terrifying moment, he was afraid that he’d hit the nail on the head. She was apprehensive around him because a man had hurt her. How could he convince her he’d never do the same? His size alone could intimidate a woman.

  “I would never, Ally. I promise, you don’t know me, but—”

  “A man didn’t hurt me,” she interrupted him.

  “Then why do you seem so …” How did he describe it without offending her further? “Apprehensive around me?”

  Ally looked down at the stream. Finally, she muttered, “I’m not used to being around men, but nobody hurt me, at least not like you’re implying. Let’s just set up camp and forget I said anything.”

  “Ally, we might be alone here forev— a long time,” he amended quickly. “I want you to be comfortable around me.”

  Her lips twisted. “Then stop complimenting me and touching me unnecessarily. You want trust, you need to earn it.” With that, she turned and hurried down toward the beach.

  Wow. She claimed a man hadn’t hurt her, but what did she mean, “at least not like you’re implying”? Maybe a man had hurt her emotionally. Either she was dealing with some really huge issues, or she didn’t like him for some reason. He pushed out a breath and followed her. Either way, he had time to figure it out. He hoped it wasn’t years.

  Chapter Seven

  They slowly made their way back to the waterfall. They’d completed the circle around the perimeter of the island and found their supplies not too fa
r away. Preston had insisted on hauling both boxes. She’d tried to protest but it did no good. He was big enough that he could easily handle two boxes stacked in his arms.

  Ally wished she could explain it better to Preston. He really seemed worried that someone had hurt her. She’d been hurt emotionally, but hadn’t everyone? She couldn’t forget seeing all those pictures of him online with thin, gorgeous women. Worse, when he complimented her, she found it harder to trust him. It made her think he was one of those schmoozers who threw out compliments they didn’t mean to try to manipulate or influence someone else. Maybe it was just her lack of experience with men and her fear of being alone with an unreal attractive man. Forever. He’d almost said they’d be stuck here forever. He might not be wrong. Their food might run out, and either they’d learn how to fish and find fruit, or they’d die.

  She followed his broad back along the side of the creek. Staring at his wide shoulders, which tapered down to his taut waist, she was amazed at the striations of muscle on his back. He was beautifully formed—that was for sure. He probably thought she was intimidated by his size, but she’d seen the sincerity in his eyes earlier. He wouldn’t hurt her physically, and hopefully, after her sharp words, he’d stop complimenting her. When neither of them was acting weird, she enjoyed talking to him and teasing with him. Who knew that men could be so fun to tease?

  They reached the clearing by the waterfall, and he set the boxes down closer to the trees, next to the little rise about fifteen feet away from the water.

  “Are you worried they’ll get wet?” she asked.

  “If it rains, the pool might flood.”

  She nodded and set to work, helping him set up the small tent on the flattest spot they could find, inflate the thin mattress, and spread out the blanket. They left the towel and toiletries in the box. Looking at that tent made her apprehensive. It was probably midday, so they wouldn’t sleep for several hours, but how in the world would they fit in there—together?

  Pushing it from her mind, she slipped her shoes off, waded into the pool, and took a long drink from the waterfall, splashing some on her neck and face. She tried to rub under her eyes, wondering how horrific she looked with all the makeup caked on her face.