by Nicola Marsh
Okay, maybe the lassi had done the trick for her, but he was about to explode—and as she opened her eyes he bit back a groan.
‘You’ve got a milk moustache. Here—let me.’ He reached out before thinking better of touching her and pointed at her top lip, his words strangled.
She laughed and wiped her lip. ‘Thanks. Not a good look.’
He smiled and stuffed another piece of naan into his mouth, concentrating on his food as he mopped up the last of his curry with the bread—anything to take his mind off how much he wanted her.
He topped up her glass and she drank again. He had the strongest urge to reach over, pull her head towards him and lick the lassi off her top lip.
Instead, he had to sit there and watch her do it, her tongue flicking out to caress her lip in a slow sweep, and he almost bolted from the table.
‘Finished? I’ll take care of the bill and meet you at the car.’
She nodded, the loose strands of hair around her face floating in the breeze. The urge to brush them away made his gut clench all over again.
‘Thanks for lunch. It was delicious. Sujit’s a great cook.’
As he pulled out her chair, his hand brushed her bare arm, and he gritted his teeth at the feel of her silky, soft skin. At this rate he wouldn’t be able to walk.
‘See you at the car.’
Her open expression told him she had no idea how much he was struggling with his libido, and he turned away and called out to Sujit, who appeared from the kitchen in an instant.
‘Mr Zac, your friend is special.’ Sujit’s singsong lilting accent held a wistful note. ‘You have known her long, yes?’
‘Not long. Though I agree she’s special.’
So special he’d given up a valuable day to be with her. After last night he’d almost reneged on their tour; he could have spent the day catching up on paperwork and following up that fax pointing to their suspected saboteur.
But his wanting to cancel had been more than business; not only had that jerk of an ex done a number on her for sex, he’d lied to her—and the second Zac had heard that he’d known he shouldn’t get involved.
He was lying to her too.
Every moment he let her believe he was a PR manager at sea he was being dishonest, and while catching the saboteur demanded duplicity—and ultimately making good on his promise to his uncle—it didn’t stop him hating every second of his deceit.
So he’d told her a partial truth to compensate for his guilt—told her how badly he wanted her, expecting her to run at the mention of a date let alone anything else.
Instead, her response to his kiss had shaken him as much as the fact that she’d stood her ground and hadn’t run. And even while he’d planned on begging off the tour today the memories of her fiery reaction had kept him up all night and drawn him here.
‘It must be serious. You have never brought a woman to Sujit’s humble café before. Are you going to marry her?’
Zac laughed. Life was so simple in some cultures. You met a girl, you liked her, you married her. Either that or your parents chose a bride for you.
‘No.’ A strange tingle ran up his spine, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end. ‘I’m just showing her around your lovely island today. She’ll be leaving the ship in a week.’
‘Ah, she lives in Australia. Why should that stop you from marrying? You also live there, yes?’
‘Yeah, but she’s a friend, and I’m not remotely interested in marrying her or anybody else for that matter.’
Been there, done that, never forgotten the folly.
Sujit grinned, his teeth stained an ugly brown from years of chewing betel nut. ‘Whatever you say. Though trust old Sujit—he has a feeling in his bones about this one.’
‘You’re an old degenerate.’ Zac settled the bill and shook his hand. ‘See you next time.’
‘Maybe you’ll both visit on your honeymoon?’
Zac chuckled, amused by the restaurant owner’s one-track mind.
Marriage again? Not for him.
As he caught sight of Lana, casually leaning against the Jeep, the wind whipping her hair away from her face while plastering the dated dress against her shapely body, the faintest niggle of doubt entered his mind.
She was dynamite, packing a stronger punch than TNT and C4 combined. She blew his mind and short-circuited the rest of his body every moment he spent with her, till all he could focus on was how much he wanted her.
He’d been attracted to her mentally at the start, but how quickly that had all changed. Now he wanted her so badly he ached.
Yet for all her surprising bravado last night she was still inherently shy, retreating when he pushed too far, still hiding her sensational body behind those repulsive clothes.
So if they couldn’t have a fling, what the hell should he do? Back off?
‘Mr Zac, I’ve never seen you like this.’
He tore his gaze away from Lana, focussed on Sujit. ‘Like what?’
‘Distracted.’ Sujit pointed to his forehead, imitated a frown. ‘So very serious.’
That’s because his growing feelings for Lana were serious. Even the fact he was using the word ‘feelings’ scared the hell out of him.
Sujit shook his head, his benevolent grin bordering on condescending. ‘I can see you’re making this more complicated than it is. You like this woman, yes?’
He nodded, his gaze inadvertently drawn to her again. Crushing need swamped him, blindsiding him faster than a swinging mast.
‘Well, then, do not over-analyse. Do not worry about the future and what it may hold. Live for the moment. See where the winds of change take you.’
He stared at Sujit as if seeing him for the first time, his words echoing through his head.
Could it really be that simple?
Was he over-analysing, thinking too far ahead, allowing his fears from the past to destroy a possible future with a wonderful woman?
His conscience yelled a resounding Hell, yeah! and just like that a mighty weight lifted from his shoulders and floated away into a cloudless Fijian sky.
‘Thanks, my friend, you’re a genius.’ He pumped Sujit’s hand, his attention still firmly focussed on the woman who’d captured his heart without trying.
Sujit’s grin widened as he placed his palms together and bowed. ‘I know. Now, go.’
He didn’t need to be told twice, and as he headed for the car, refraining from breaking into a run, he knew the decision he’d just made had the potential to change his life. For the better.
Lana squinted into the sunshine, watching Zac stride towards the car. He’d been in a strange mood over lunch and the odd times she’d caught him staring at her it had looked as if he fancied her as dessert.It had made her uncomfortable, and she’d had no idea how to handle the attention, so she’d focussed on her meal, steered the conversation onto factual topics and muddled through the best she could. She just hoped things weren’t as tension-fraught at the beach.
‘Ready to go?’
‘Sure.’
As he drove along a winding coastal road she focused on the picturesque scenery and replayed their lunch conversation in her head.
There was so much more to him than smooth words and a charming smile. He was well-travelled, articulate and self-assured, with charisma that captured her interest and engaged her mind. It only added to his appeal. But she’d be better off remembering most of what he said was designed to tease her, that words were cheap.
She’d fallen for slick words before. These days a guy’s actions were the only thing that would let him anywhere near her bruised heart.
‘Wait till you check out this beach. I’ve seen a few, but I think this is better than some of the Caribbean beaches—not to mention Queensland’s hot spots.’
‘I love any beach. My apartment’s in Coogee, so you can safely say I’m a bit of a beach babe.’
‘Well, you’re right about one thing. You’re definitely a babe.’
Her
measly ego inflated momentarily, before she shot him a disapproving stare. ‘Oh, yeah, I’m sure my designer wardrobe elevates me to babe status.’
He paused, as if searching for the right words. ‘Don’t take this the wrong way, but your wardrobe is a little…’
‘Boring?’
Her sour interruption had him darting a worried glance in her direction before refocusing on the road.
‘I was thinking more along the lines of sedate for someone your age.’
‘Which is?’
‘Hell, I’m digging myself in deeper, aren’t I?’
She chuckled. ‘Quit while you’re behind, sailor boy.’
She liked her clothes. They might be old but they were safe, familiar, like snuggling into a favourite quilt on a cold winter’s day.
She’d tried a new wardrobe once before, a new look, going the whole way with risqué lingerie. But none of it had made any difference with Jax. He’d hurt her just the same, designer dresses or not. Much safer to stay true to herself, to find a man who wanted her for the real her, not because of how she looked or what she could do for him.
‘Actually, I like what you’re wearing today. That blue brings out the green flecks in your eyes.’
‘My weird eyes change colour according to what I wear.’
‘Not weird. How about alluring?’
She snorted. ‘You could bottle that charm and sell it.’ His bashful smile made her laugh. ‘And I see what you mean. I’m so alluring I have hundreds of men falling at my feet, and it’s all because of my eyes.’
‘You have one.’
‘Who?’
‘I’m a male, in case you hadn’t noticed.’
Oh, she’d noticed, all right—was noticing more by the minute, despite all attempts to the contrary.
Fortunately she was saved from replying as he slowed the car and turned into a narrow dirt track. The Jeep bumped and lurched over rough terrain, the ground scattered with large potholes, and thick foliage slapped against the doors.
Just as her bones started to warn her they’d been rattled once too often the vegetation thinned, and he pulled over into a clearing which overlooked an inviting stretch of white sand, with an aquamarine ocean that stretched as far as she could see.
‘Wow—amazing.’
Zac’s blue-eyed gaze fixed on her, bold, challenging. ‘Sure is.’
He wasn’t looking at the view, and she squirmed under his searing stare.
‘Come with me.’
She stared at his outstretched hand, wanting to take it, but nervous he’d read too much into it.
He took the decision out of her hands by grabbing hers on the pretext of helping her from the car, and she sent him a tremulous smile, wondering if he had any idea what a big deal it was for her to hold hands with a gorgeous guy as they strolled towards a secluded beach.
Holding hands implied trust, implied dependence, implied she believed in him enough to lower her barriers—much more than responding to his impulsive kisses inspired by chemistry and the length of time since she’d last been kissed, and the soul-deep yearning to be wanted by another person.
As her feet sank into the soft sand, and he gripped her hand that little bit tighter, she knew her resistance to this charming man was slipping dangerously.
A loud ‘caw’ captured her attention, and she glanced to her right, at a huge bird perched on top of a towering cliff ending at the lagoon’s edge.
That was exactly how she felt—as if she was standing on the edge of a very steep cliff, torn between wanting to jump into the warm, welcoming ocean below and experiencing the thrill of a lifetime, or letting her feet back her up to the predictable safety of solid ground.
With Zac tugging gently on her hand she had no option but to follow, heading into the unknown with a man who had the power to unnerve her, when every self-preservation instinct screamed at her to dig her heels in the sand.
CHAPTER EIGHT
‘WELCOME to paradise.”
They stopped beneath a coconut tree, the air fragrant with frangipani, the view picture-perfect.
‘How did you find this place?’ she whispered, reluctant to break the tranquility as they strolled towards the beach.
‘Raj brought me here with his family. We had a picnic, swam in the lagoon, lazed around. It’s great being able to relax away from the tourists swarming the island. I come back every chance I get, though I’m usually alone.’
‘So you haven’t brought a horde of women here before me?’
Though she kept her tone light, she knew some of her enjoyment would dissipate if he had brought countless others here.
He squeezed her hand. ‘You’re the first. I wouldn’t share this place with just anyone.’
Oh-oh—there he went with more of that defence-shattering charm. With a nervous smile, she slipped her hand from his.
‘More flattery. Aren’t I the lucky one?’
He laughed. ‘Come on, let’s go for a swim.’ He pointed to a row of palm trees. ‘Let’s dump our stuff over there. You get changed, I’ll test the water.’
A great suggestion, as getting undressed in front of him would have made her beyond uncomfortable. Crazy, as he’d already seen her in bathers, but disrobing in front of someone implied intimacy. Besides, she’d taken another step down the confidence road today and worn the new bikini she’d bought in Noumea, and if the way he’d been staring at her over lunch was any indication, she’d be blushing from head to foot the entire time.
She dropped her bag on the sand and whipped her dress over her head, kicked off her sandals and rummaged in her bag for sunscreen. Just as she started to rub the lotion on her arm, he touched her hand.
‘I can do that for you.’
She squeezed the tube so tight lotion spurted out in a noisy raspberry. ‘I’m fine. You go ahead. I’ll meet you out there shortly.’
He didn’t budge, and held out his hand for the tube. ‘Unless you’re a contortionist I doubt you’ll be able to reach your back. This sun can burn you in less than ten seconds flat, so let me help.’
He was right, but the thought of him rubbing any part of her body was already causing the skin behind her ears to prickle in that annoying way only he and strawberries could elicit.
‘Really, I’m fine—’
‘Damn, you’re a stubborn woman.’
He snatched the lotion out of her hand and squeezed a healthy blob into his palm, raising an eyebrow when she frowned. ‘Now why don’t you play nice and lie face-down on your towel?’
With an exaggerated huff, she plopped on the towel, rested her forehead on her hands and braced herself for the first cold dollop of lotion.
‘I suppose you want me to thank you?’
‘Oh, you will.’
He thoughtfully warmed the lotion between his hands, though his first touch was as shocking, as electrifying, as if he’d squeezed the entire tube onto her back.
She gritted her teeth and tried to relax under his hands, while her skin tingled everywhere he touched.
She’d never been touched by a man like this before. Jax hadn’t been touchy-feely, and his version of foreplay extended to a kiss and wandering hands.
She’d never experienced the luxury of a man’s warm, firm touch gliding over her skin, and as platonic as this was, she couldn’t help but enjoy it.
‘You’re very tense.’
‘Must be the extra aerobic classes.’ As if.
He didn’t let up the pressure, his hands stroking her back in long sweeps designed to be impersonal yet driving her just a little bit mad with the sheer pleasure of it.
‘Try to relax.’
How could she relax when he was stroking her flesh, his strong hands splaying over her back, her defences unravelling as fast as her muscles unwound?
His fingers kept snagging the tie of her bikini bra, though she didn’t dare suggest he undo it. That would be her final undoing. She might be immune to his charms, but her body, long neglected, was enjoying this way too much.
‘Why don’t you turn over, and I’ll do your front too?’
Just like that, her muscles twanged back to tense. The thought of him rubbing her stomach sent heat surging to her cheeks.
‘Not a good idea.’
She flipped onto her back and held out her hand for the tube.
‘Why not?’
‘Because I’m perfectly capable of rubbing lotion onto my tummy.’
His eyes glittered and she shivered at their taunting glint. ‘But where’s the fun in that?’
Her skin prickled some more and she itched behind her ear.
‘Give me the tube.’
He held it overhead and waved it around. ‘Only if you ask nicely.’
Clenching her jaw, she stuck her hand under his nose. ‘Please.’
He chuckled, and dropped the tube into her palm. ‘Actually, it’ll probably be just as much fun watching you do it.’
‘Pervert.’
‘Just interested. But you already know that.’
His low, suggestive tone had her squeezing way too much lotion into her palm, and rather than taking her time to ensure she didn’t miss any spots she slapped the stuff onto her belly and made a few half-hearted circles before leaping from the sand.
‘Right. Hope that water’s warm.’
‘It’s perfect.’
His heated gaze slid over her before meeting hers and she bit the inside of her lip to stop it quivering. He totally unnerved her, from his roguish smile to the devilish glint in his eyes.
He was toying with her, she knew it, but with every compliment she let her guard down just that little bit more.
She wanted to believe him, wanted to believe he thought she was perfect. But she wasn’t a fool. Not anymore. Objectively, how could he find her less-than-a-handful breasts—another Jax-ism she hated—no waist to speak of, and thighs with the first hint of dimples perfect?
‘Oh-oh, you’ve got that serious look on your face. Come on—race you there!’
He flung the words over his shoulder and took off, tearing across the hot sand before she could move. By the time she’d caught up he’d dived into the water.