Lunch passed without his return. By the time dinner came and went and he still hadn’t shown up, Eva was beside herself with worry. Enough. Luc hadn’t contacted her about the newspaper story and Seb had disappeared.
She marched into her office and dialled. It rang three times before being picked up.
“Luc, it’s Eva. Have you seen the paper today? Gossip pages.”
“Not usually my cup of tea. Give me a minute to look.”
She gripped the hand piece and pressed it to her ear. Paper rustled on the other end of the phone followed by a soft “Shit!” and several heartbeats worth of silence.
“You didn’t speak to anyone about it?” Was that anger or annoyance in his tone?
She rested her head on her free hand. “No. And Seb stormed out after he saw it. He hasn’t come home.”
“I’m coming over.” The line went dead.
For several seconds she stared at the receiver before replacing it. Luc was coming. Why did that feel so right?
***
Luc pulled up at the foot of the steps and jumped out. Eva sat curled up at one end of the swing seat, small, vulnerable and alone. Light spilled from her office window onto the veranda, burnishing golden highlights in her hair.
He was tempted to comfort her, but he’d keep his distance or they’d not talk about the leaked proposal. As he climbed the steps, she rose and walked towards him.
“Thanks for coming. I’m worried Seb’s had an accident.” She stopped just out of his reach.
“I checked with the police before I came. There haven’t been any accidents reported.”
Eva released her breath in a long, slow sigh. “I’m sorry about this business with Seb. I just want to—”
“To protect him. I know. We’ll find him.” His hand reached up to stroke her cheek before he realized he’d made the movement and she tilted her head into his touch, her cheek cool and soft. When she swayed toward him it felt natural to wrap his arms around her. Her softness melted against his hard body and his arousal rejoiced at the connection. He was determined to get to the bottom of why she pushed him away when they reached a certain level of intimacy. Something was holding her back and his gut told him it wasn’t their competition.
Was it possible she felt a relationship with Luc threatened all she’d done for her nephew?
“Do you remember our discussion about Seb the night we met?”
He felt her nod before she took a step back. He missed her softness and the scent of her as soon as she stepped out of his arms. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he leaned against a post. “Young men get fired up and do silly things when they’re working out where they belong. His world has been turned topsy-turvy and that photo probably made him feel like more change is coming just when he’s starting to get settled.”
“It’s not change he fears. At least, not only that. He thinks I lied to him. About—us.”
“He’s an intelligent young man. Give him credit for seeing what’s in front of him.”
“What do you mean, what’s in front of him?”
“You said he stormed out of the house after seeing the photo? Don’t you think that might be it then?”
“That stupid caption. Of course he would have believed it. But there isn’t anything to it. He knows he’s the most important person in my life.”
“But what about us, Eva?”
She wrapped her arms around her waist in the gesture he was coming to recognize meant she was stressed. He’d be damned if he’d let her close him out again.
Take a chance…
His father’s words filtered through his mind. He’d rejected them out of hand and thrown himself into heavy physical work. Laying himself open to a woman, trusting her, was a bad idea. But his father was no fool; there was something different about Eva.
Luc swallowed the lump of dread in his throat. She wouldn’t accept anything less than the truth and if he wanted to find a way forward with her, that’s what he had to offer. He took a deep breath, took her hand and led her to the swing seat.
“I’m going to lay my cards on the table so you know exactly where we stand. Yes, I tried to buy your property, and when I discovered Benson had sold it to you, I was angry. I wanted this property—badly—so I could expand my work program for the boys as well as claim one of the finest plantations for my own. But that has nothing to do with this attraction I feel for you. I want you, Eva. You get under my skin and I can’t think of anything other than making love to you when you’re near. I’m not trying to seduce you to get your property but I do want you. There it is.”
Wide-eyed, she stared at him and her lips parted. Always her lips drew him like a bee to a flower. Sweeter than honey, he hungered to taste them again. Uncomfortably aware of his growing arousal and other places he’d like her mouth to explore, he was hard-pressed not to shift under her gaze. Around Eva, he seemed to be in a permanent state of arousal.
“You don’t know me. How can you—want me?”
“How can I—my God, you really don’t know how desirable you are. In the restaurant, every man on the Island watched you walk into the room and every man wants to be with you.”
“You want to sleep with me? Is that what you’re telling me?”
“Of course I want to sleep with you. A man would have to be dead not to, but I want the chance to get to know you better, too. Will you give me that chance?”
Through the open window to her office, the phone rang. She blinked and stared at him for one emotion-charged moment before she raced through the doorway with him hot on her heels. She snatched up the phone. “Eva Abbott here… Oh, yes, he is. I’ll put him on.” She held out the phone. “It’s your man, Samuel.”
He frowned. Their fingers brushed as he took the receiver and her eyes widened at the contact.
“Boss, we got Miss Abbott’s brother here. He’s drunk as a skunk and rambling. Moe ain’t much better. What you want us to do with him?”
“Keep him there. We’ll be right over.” He hung up and took her hands.
Their gazes locked, hers hopeful. “He’s at your place?”
He nodded. “He is and by the sound of it he’s plastered. Come on.” He grabbed her hand and escorted her to the Jeep.
Eva clenched her hands in her lap, her shoulders stiff as they travelled down the road. Quiet until the car hit a bump, she turned to him and suddenly words poured from her. “How could he? Drunk? He’s not of legal age.”
“Easy.” He reached across and covered her hands with one of his. “Let’s find out what happened first. Moe’s going to be in big trouble though, if he’s led Seb astray.”
They pulled up in front of the workers’ quarters. Samuel lounged in a doorway, a cigarette dangling from his lower lip. As they climbed out of the Jeep, he ground it out and slipped it into the cuff of his jeans. “Hey, boss, Miss Abbott. Both boys have been throwing up and Seb’s been rambling on ‘bout lot of nonsense but he’s okay now. He’s gonna have one hell of a headache—pardon me, miss—tomorrow.”
She stopped in front of the bunkhouse door and looked up at the big Hawaiian. “Thank you for phoning. I was quite worried about him. May I see him, please?”
“Sure thing, Miss Abbott. This way.” Samuel led her into a dorm fitted with half a dozen bunks, a large table, and benches.
Luc grabbed her arm before she could cross to where Seb lay moaning on one of the lower bunks, an arm flung over his eyes. “Telling him off won’t be any use tonight. Save it until his hangover has worn off.”
She drew a deep breath and nodded. “Thanks.”
He moved over to check on Moe in another of the bunks. The boy sprawled in a tangle of sheets, sound asleep and snoring like a buzz-cutter.
Gingerly, she sat on the edge of the bunk and touched Seb’s cheek. “It’s Evie. I’m going to take you home.”
He groaned. His speech slurred as he squinted up at her. “Don’t be mad. Didn’t mean to get frunk. Showed Ben the diary. Him and me’ll dig for emeralds to
morrow. Promise.” He grabbed his stomach. “Gonna throw up.”
Samuel thrust a bucket in between them. “’Scuse me, miss.”
Eva jumped out of the way and muttered, “Why would he do that?”
Luc pulled her further away. “It’s the drink talking. I wouldn’t worry. Look, how about you leave him here for the night? We’ll keep an eye on him for you.”
“I can’t impose like that.”
“Someone will have to sit up with Moe anyway. It’s as easy to keep an eye on two as one. You can stay up at the house, or I’ll run you home if you prefer, but Seb will be better off not having to take another car ride tonight.”
Her shoulders drooped.
Luc curled his hands into fists to keep from reaching for her. The boy would have some explaining to do to him as well. And he had a few choice words to say about doing the right thing by his aunt. One way or another, Seb wasn’t going to have a pleasant day tomorrow.
Seb groaned again and Samuel grinned and turned to her. “Don’t worry ‘bout him, Miss. I’ll keep an eye on him for you.”
“Thank you, Samuel. I’ll leave him in your tender care. Goodnight.”
Luc followed her out of the bunkhouse to the far side of the Jeep. She leaned against the side and rested her head on her arms. “What am I doing wrong? Tell me, what more can I do?”
“Let him come back here to work. He needs company his own age and he needs stability.”
“But he should be on our plantation. And it isn’t right to keep imposing on you.”
Unable to refrain from touching her, he tipped her chin up and smoothed her hair back from her brow. “I don’t want his inheritance. I want you. Stay here tonight, no strings.”
“After what you said earlier? Do you think it wise?” She gave him a smile that wobbled as she tried to hold it in place.
He grinned ruefully and released her. “I doubt it’s wise, and I’m not saying the thought hasn’t crossed my mind—a lot—but you look exhausted. I’ve a guest room you can use.”
“Not tonight. If you don’t mind me borrowing your car, I’ll bring it back in the morning and save you the trip.”
“No, I’ll drive you home now. I’m sure I’m going to regret it though. Tell you what, how about I take you out for a joy flight tomorrow, after we’ve sorted out our two miscreants? I can show you some of the coastline.”
Her face lit up at his offer. “Joy flight? You can fly?”
“Yep. We can head down past Diamond Head and have a picnic on a quiet little beach I know, and be back in plenty of time for your meeting. You might even enjoy yourself.”
Her gaze flicked away and she caught her lip in her teeth.
“Don’t over think it, Eva. Just say yes.”
“Yes.”
Chapter Thirteen
Luc piloted the Bell 47 helicopter along the cliffs, flying low and slower than the cruising speed they’d maintained for the first hour. Leaning over to look through her glass door, Eva could see everything. Surf crashed against the cliff base in a spray of white spume and a little way offshore, a pod of dolphins broke through the waves. She touched the microphone to her lip as he’d shown her. “It’s wonderful. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
His voice crackled through her headset. “Hang on tight. We’re going in to land.” He navigated close to the dark grey wall of rock, skimming just above the tree line. Suddenly an opening appeared on her side of the helicopter. Framed by large boulders stepping down to the sea, the entrance to the small lagoon was invisible until they were on top of it. Fringed in white sand and lush tropical bushes, the lagoon was protected and calm.
Luc set down gently on the only wide section of beach and turned off the rotors. They slowed with a thump-thump. When they stopped whirring, she removed her headset and ran her fingers through her hair. He jumped out and came around to open her door. Hands warm through the material of her sarong, he lifted her out.
“Wow! That was some ride.”
“You handled it like a trooper.”
“And this is beautiful.” She turned in a slow, sweeping circle.
“Welcome to paradise. Choose a place to set up. It’s a tidal lagoon so not too close to the water.” He grinned. “Unless you want to eat in the water?”
Eva stepped out of her sandals and dropped them inside the helicopter. Slipping an arm under her hair she lifted it off her neck, thanking her lucky stars for the latest fashion in bathing suits. The high-backed halter neck was fashionable and hid her scars. Tightening the knot of her sarong about her waist, she slipped her sunglasses on and set off up the beach.
Heat warmed the soles of her feet as she wandered along the fringe of pure white sand. After the break in and the fire and her struggles with Seb, it was heavenly to put aside her responsibilities for one day. Luc came up behind her carrying a wicker picnic hamper with a tartan blanket balanced on top. “Where do you want to eat?”
“How about over beside that little waterfall? It’s shady but far enough away from the coconut trees that I won’t lose my pilot to a falling nut.”
“Good thinking.” He deposited the hamper on the sand, picked up the blanket, and shook it open. “So, food first or swim?”
“I’m pretty hot after that flight. How about a swim? I took your advice.”
“Wow, there’s a first time for everything.” Hands on hips, he grinned at her. “And which piece of advice would that be?”
Ignoring his jibe, she kneeled in front of the picnic hamper and unbuckled the leather straps. She took out a flask of water, poured two cups, and offered him one. “I’m already wearing my swimsuit. If we swim before we eat, we’ll dry off by the time we leave.”
He raised his cup in a silent toast.
Until now, she hadn’t considered how exposed she would feel in the form-fitting, fine wool swimwear. Slowly, she untied the knot on her sarong. Luc’s gaze followed her movements as the long ties fell open and she grabbed at the material, clasping it to her waist. Conscious of his amused expression, she fiddled with the neck of her new bathing suit and tugged the neck line higher.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the thought of revealing so much more of her body. It wasn’t that he undressed her with his eyes, exactly, but more like he saw through whatever armor she wrapped herself in.
She raised an eyebrow in query. “Well, what do you prefer?”
“Your reasoning is flawless. Swim it is.” He hauled off his shirt and dropped it on the blanket.
Eva stared, unable to tear her gaze from his body. Bronzed and bare-chested, Luc in swimming trunks surpassed Charles Atlas—in every way. Muscles rippled beneath golden-tanned skin. Broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist and a line of dark hair arrowed down from his stomach and was lost beneath his trunks.
It didn’t matter what he wore—or didn’t—he was the most mouth-watering male she’d ever seen.
Hands on hips, his dark eyes challenged her. “You might want to lose the sarong and leave your sunglasses on the beach.”
She licked her lips. “Yes, of course. My glasses.” She turned her back and dropped the sarong then the glasses on top of it. All she had to do was walk nonchalantly into the water and stroke out a little way. She adjusted the fashionably wide faux belt of her swimsuit—impractical but pretty—and smoothed her palms over her hips.
Breathe and walk. She managed three steps toward the lagoon.
Without warning, Luc scooped her into his arms and ran into the water, splashing her with cold droplets that sizzled on her heated skin. The sandy bottom fell away and they plunged off a ledge into cool, blue depths. She squealed, the sound cut off as water closed over her head. Instinctively, she grabbed at his shoulders.
Streams of silver bubbles rose around their heads and burst where they caught in tumbles of auburn hair. Light rippled in waves across his face and chest. They rolled in a half turn, like lazy seals in the North Sea. Sunlight blinded her. In the watery brightness Luc’s arm clamped around
her waist and their legs tangled.
He pushed off the sandy bottom and they burst through the surface.
She wrapped one arm around his neck as she brushed curls off her face and gulped in air. Luc grinned, and her pulse quickened at the gleam in his eyes. She pushed away from his chest, flipped around and sent a wave of water at him. Caught by surprise, he spluttered and shook his head. Droplets of water arced into the air around him, shimmering with trapped sunlight before they splattered back.
“Payback for the dunking,” she called and quickly stroked towards the waterfall.
For the first time since forever, a sense of lightness and freedom filled Eva and laughter bubbled from her lips. She floated onto a ledge under the waterfall, flung her arms wide, and tipped her head back. Eyes closed, she let the water pour over her face and body.
The rush of water was broken by Luc’s deep laughter as he pulled her off her perch into deeper water. She draped her arms loosely about his neck. Hard and inviting, his erection rose between them, pressing into her stomach. Each breath she inhaled rubbed her breasts against his chest and her nipples pebbled with awareness.
Their gazes meshed and his dark eyes deepened, blazing with desire. Slowly, he sculled back until they reached waist-deep water. He turned so she was standing in the shallows. A droplet rolled down the side of his face and she leaned in, caught it on her tongue and retraced its path up his cheek. He drew a sharp breath and buried his face in her shoulder. His lips traced their own path up her neck and along her jaw to the corner of her mouth.
Just a fraction of an inch away lay paradise. She flung both arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. Positioned over his straining erection, heat bloomed between her thighs, intense and inevitable.
Eva turned her head and pressed her mouth to his.
Hands cupping her bottom, Luc carried her out of the water to the blanket and kneeled at the edge. Perched in his lap, she wriggled closer. He slipped his fingers into the tangled mass of her wet hair, his thumbs stroking her cheeks as his tongue invaded her mouth. His hands moved round her head and his fingers brushed the buttons on her halter neck. He slipped the first undone.
Winning the Heiress' Heart Page 11