Looking down on her from the top of the cabin, he said, “Hey, sleepyhead, you’d better sit down. I’m come down to bring the boom around. I wouldn’t want you to go swimming without me.”
Captivated, China could do nothing but stare at him. With the sun at his back, his hair tousled by the wind and his white smile for her only, she had to remind herself to breathe. It was beyond her wildest dreams that she could be off sailing with such a gorgeous man.
He lithely made his way along the narrow companionway between the side of the boat and the cabin to join her. “China, you okay?”
She blinked and sucked in a breath. “Yeah, why?”
“I’ve been talking to you, and you’ve been ignoring me.”
The problem was she hadn’t been ignoring him, she’d been fixated. “What did you say?”
He took her elbow and led her to the bench. “I’m going to let you handle the rudder while I take care of the boom. We need to tack soon so I can show you my favorite new spot.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know anything about the rudder.” China was afraid her apprehension was showing again.
“You don’t have to. It’s easy and I’m going to show you how.” He took her hand and pulled her toward the seat again. “Sit down.”
She took the same spot she been in earlier.
“This...” Payton put his hand on the shiny, well cared-for wooden handle that was just behind the seat “...moves the rudder.” He demonstrated by pushing it back and forth. The boat shifted to the right and then to the left as he moved the handle. “Now you put your hand right here.”
China put her hand where he indicated and Payton placed his palm over it. “Now, all I want you to do it hold it steady.”
“I don’t think—”
“No thinking required. You’ll be fine. Relax and enjoy. I’m letting go now.”
Her heart hung in her throat as his fingers left hers.
“See that point of land straight ahead?”
She nodded.
“Keep us headed in that direction. We aren’t going to leave the bay so there shouldn’t be much more wind than this. I’m going to get the line to the boom.” Payton moved to leave her.
“Don’t go.”
“I’ll be right back. You just adjust the rudder back and forth and keep us headed for that point.”
Payton disappeared from sight. She looked at her hand to find that the knuckles were turning white. She eased her grip on the wood and took a slow deep breath. Payton wouldn’t have left her with his pride and joy if he didn’t trust that she could handle it. Finding the point of land again, she moved the rudder and brought the boat in line again. A sense of pride washed through her. She was controlling this huge sailboat. She’d felt out of control so much of her life that it was invigorating to feel some power.
She smiled up at Payton when he returned.
“You’re starting to enjoy yourself, aren’t you?”
She lifted her chin and let the wind blow in her face. “I have to admit, I’m having fun.”
Holding a rope in his hand, Payton came to sit down beside her. “I was hoping you would.”
The earnest look he gave her said that it had really mattered to him that she enjoyed sailing. Why?
“Okay, here’s the important part and the dangerous one if you don’t pay attention and listen. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Suddenly the confidence she’d felt ebbed away.
“When I bring the jib around you have to duck. If you don’t, the boom with hit you in the head. So when I yell ‘Duck’, you’d better do it.”
Her poise returned. Surely she could do that without any problem.
“You ready?”
“I’m ready.”
“Okay, here we go.”
* * *
Payton couldn’t help but grin at the determination in China’s voice. She approached sailing just as she did her nursing and gardening: head on. He found it refreshing. Found her extremely desirable. Would that passion be just as intense in her lovemaking? With every fiber of his being he wanted to find out. To see her come alive beneath him. Why had he ever agreed to make this a friendly trip?
He pulled the rope and the boom began to swing toward them. It gained momentum during the movement. When it was almost parallel with the boat, Payton yelled, “Duck.”
They both leaned over, bringing their heads close together. After the boom passed by them, he positioned it and the jib sail caught the wind. The boat jerked and moved swiftly across the water.
He looked at China. She wore a smile from ear to ear. A surge of delight filled him, like none he’d felt since being told he was in remission. China was bewitching him. We’re just friends, he had to keep reminding himself. “You’re having fun?”
She glanced at him. “This is amazing. I’m so glad you insisted I come.”
“I’m glad I did, too. You’re beautiful.”
She stared at him with questioning eyes and parted lips. The desire to kiss her made his chest ache, but he’d promised it would be a sociable day, no pressure. Instead, he laid his hand over hers and adjusted the rudder. “Don’t forget we have to head toward that point.”
China pulled her hand out from under his and pushed his off the rudder handle. “I’ve got this.”
“Aye, aye, Captain Bligh.”
* * *
China’s laughed intertwined with Payton’s. The sound made her chest constrict. She liked sharing something simple as a laugh with him. What would it be like to have that in her life all the time? She was still smiling half an hour later as she ducked on Payton’s command as they tacked their way across the bay. She couldn’t remember when she’d had more fun.
“Okay, we’re going to anchor here. I need a swim.” Payton handed her the rope.
“What am going to do with this?”
“Just hold it for a minute. I’m going to unfurl the sails and drop anchor.” He climbed around the cabin. Soon the jib sail was coming down and next the mainsail collapsed. The boat began to drift. A few minutes later Payton returned.
“You can let go of the rudder and the rope now,” he said in a voice full of mischief.
She placed her hands in her lap. “Are you making fun of me?”
“I would never do that.”
“I should hope not.” She used her most indignant voice.
Payton reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it up. “You can change in the cabin if you wish.”
“I don’t think I’m going to swim.”
He stopped midway through removing his shirt and gave her a pointed look. “You do swim, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“Then why not?”
China could think of any number of answers to that question. I’ve not swum in years. I don’t want you to see me in a bathing suit. I might jump your bones if I see you in yours. “I’ll just wait for you here,” she finally murmured.
He let his shirt drop back into place. “If you don’t swim I’m going to throw you in clothes and all.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” She glared at him.
“Do you really want to try me?”
Payton stood above her with his feet braced against the gentle roll of the boat and a determined look on his face. “Well, I guess I’ll change.”
“Good choice.”
Dipping her head to enter the cabin without hitting her head, she stepped into a narrow space with a bunk filling one side with cabinets above and below it. On the other side was a counter with a mini-sink and equally small refrigerator below. At the end of the aisle was a door that must lead to the bath.
The sound of water splashing drifted in. Payton must be in the water. Taking a deep breath, China pulled the far-too-tiny pink pieces
of her bikini out of the beach bag. Why hadn’t she gone out and bought a one-piece? She didn’t wear a bathing suit often. Her two-piece was years old. She liked to sunbathe sometimes so she’d chosen a bikini for that reason, with no intention of wearing it in front of someone like Payton.
Someone like Payton? Someone she was attracted to.
Groaning, she slipped into the suit and was grateful there was no mirror for her to review how she looked. It was best she just get into the water as soon as possible. She braced herself with another deep breath and gathered her towel. Stepping into the sunshine again, she looked out across the expanse of water. She had to admit it was wonderful to be so far away from all responsibilities. There were a few other boats around but they were just dots in the distance. She and Payton were alone.
“Hey, slowpoke. Come on in,” Payton called from below her.
She moved to the side so she could see him.
A wolf whistle rent the air. She didn’t have to look in the mirror to know that she was as pink as her suit after that sound of appreciation. China glared at him. “Stop.” She had to get in the water soon. “Is there a ladder I can use?”
“Just jump. It’s plenty deep here.”
She dropped her towel and hesitated a moment before she leapt through the air. Seconds later, she came up, sputtering salt water.
“You’re supposed to close your mouth before you hit the water,” Payton remarked from where he had his hands wrapped across a plastic float.
“I know that,” she barked, as she pushed her hair out of her face and kicked her legs at the same time.
“Come here and share my float. You’ll get tired, treading water.”
Payton’s smile was large and inviting. His damp shoulders glistened in the sunlight. The urge to run her hand over the contracted muscles almost got the better of her. The man was making her crazy. She wasn’t sure it was a good idea to get close to Payton when he was fully dressed but barely clothed and wet was clearly a bad idea.
Did she have a choice? She couldn’t tread water forever. Slowly, she paddled toward him. He didn’t move, making no effort to meet her halfway. When she was close enough to touch the float he shifted to the other end so she had plenty of space and they were in no danger of coming into contact. At least he was keeping his promise not to touch her, kiss her.
She wanted him to. Every fiber of her being screamed for him to do so. If she let go, gave in, what would happen?
Hot sex, a few days, weeks, maybe months of good times, but it would end. It always did. Her family had been fun to be a part of at one time. A family together, and then it had been over. Her family dynamics had taught her that if you messed up you were out. She wasn’t going to set herself up for that kind of hurt. She’d do something wrong and Payton wouldn’t want her anymore.
A few minutes went by with neither of them saying anything as they drifted along next to the boat. She glanced at Payton and he was looking off toward the shore as if he had no idea she was around. Here she was, half-dressed, and he acted as if she didn’t exist. She was so aware of him her body hummed.
What would it be like to touch his water-slick body? Feel those muscles. Be held against him? She needed to get a grip. She couldn’t stand the tension that was building like a rogue wave. She had to ease it or she would be swept away.
“I think I’ll swim out a little.” She didn’t wait for Payton’s response.
With nice smooth strokes remembered from childhood swimming lessons, she moved away and parallel to the boat. She’d not gone far before she saw Payton keeping up with her stroke for stroke.
She continued on and he did also. When she’d gone as far as she could without resting she stopped. He did, too.
“Are you following me?” she asked in a playful tone.
“Yes.”
She started back toward the mattress left floating in the water. Payton joined her but remained just out of touching distance. She stopped again.
“Stop following me.” She cupped a hand and pushed water toward him. It splashed him in the face.
“So that’s the way you want it to be.” Payton returned a handful of water.
This time China dared to get closer then sent water flying his way. He returned it. Not to be outdone, she charged him, placing her hands on his shoulders in an effort to push him under.
When she made a move to retreat, Payton captured her wrist and pulled her to him.
“I thought you were going to keep your hands to yourself.”
“You touched first. All’s fair now.”
The heat of his desire pressed firm and erect against her stomach. He hadn’t been as immune to her as she’d believed. A hot longing filled her. Payton’s hand skimmed more than stroked her as it followed the curvature of her hip over her waist to stop just under her arm. A tiny part of her brain registered that he must be standing on a sand bar. His other hand cupped her behind and held her securely against his length. The thumb of his other hand pushed against the material covering her breast, finding its way underneath. She moaned. Payton’s fingers moved out from under her suit to the back and pulled at the strings holding it secure, leaving her top to float around her neck.
“Wrap your legs around my waist.”
In a haze of need China did as he requested, bringing herself into a position where his length teased her center.
His voice was husky and low as he demanded, “Hold on to my shoulders and lean back. I want to see you, touch you, taste you.”
She came out of the passion-filled daze long enough to say, “I don’t think—”
“Sweetheart, it’s only you and me for miles. Look at me.”
Her gaze came up to lock with his. His eyes were dark with need, and looked like the stormclouds they’d watched roll in days earlier.
China’s heart skipped a beat. It was a heady feeling to know she’d put that look in his eyes. She did as he asked. Titillated, excitement flowed through her veins. Hypersensitive to every movement of Payton’s hands across her belly, over her ribs until they cupped her breast, she shivered.
His dark head slowly descended. She held her breath as his tongue flicked her straining nipple. China moaned. Her core tightened as heat coiled in her. She shifted against him. Payton made a throaty sound of passion. She’d never before felt such blistering, intense need. Allowing her no time to adsorb what was happening, he brought his lips down to her breast again and sucked. Her hips flexed, pushing her core against him.
Payton groaned as if in pain but his focus didn’t leave her breast. His wet tongue circled her nipple and China moved forward again. His mouth released her and he mumbled between fleeting kisses across her chest, “Sweetheart, you’re killing me,” before his mouth captured her other nipple.
China’s fingers bored into his shoulders, clinging for dear life in the middle of the emotional storm Payton was creating within her.
She wanted, wanted... She wanted Payton. Forget all her “should nots.” She had to have him.
His hand slid along her back and between her shoulders to cup the back of her head. He brought her mouth forward to meet his lips.
The kiss was one of reassurance. Deep, slow and searing.
The heat in her exploded into a raging fire.
His other hand lowered, his finger found the edge of her bikini bottom and pushed beneath. China’s heart tapped out of control. Instinctively, she loosened her grip on his shoulders, giving his prying hand better access.
He didn’t hesitate to take her offering. His fingers circled her thigh until they reached the jointure of her legs. Pushing aside the narrow scrap of material, he teased her center.
The throbbing built until she squirmed. She had to have his touch. Begged for it. He had to stop the ragging need that clawed for release. China flexed her hips in invitation.
Payton softly chuckled as his mouth brushed over her jaw. “Not yet, sweetheart.” His dipped his finger into her center but just enough to find the wet warmth that was her and not the Gulf.
When she whimpered in complaint, he reentered as far as he could. With a sigh of rapture, China squeezed her legs around Payton’s waist, arched her back and let the sensation of pure, perfect, pleasure overtake her.
CHAPTER EIGHT
PAYTON HAD NEVER seen anything more stunning. He’d traveled all over Europe. Studied the most famous of paintings, visited the Alps in the winter, but noting came close to preparing him for what China looked like with her breasts raised to the sun and coming apart in his arms. He gave thanks that he’d lived to see it. China in her glory was the essence of what being alive meant.
He’d stepped over the line. There was no turning back now. He wanted more. All.
China had touched him and that had been all it had taken to send him over the edge. He’d tried to keep things friendly. Had given her space on the float. Had swum far enough away they wouldn’t accidentally brush against each other. Then she’d come after him. He wanted that fire, that passion.
Payton pulled her to him and held her close. He waited until her breathing evened and her legs were no longer circling his waist and dangled in the water. Holding her around the waist, he let her stand. He took her hand. “Can you swim to the boat?”
She didn’t answer.
“China, please look at me, sweetheart.” She finally lifted her gaze to meet his. “Thank you.”
“Why? You didn’t...”
“No I didn’t. But you were the most wondrous thing I’ve ever seen. Now, if you think you can swim, I’d like to go back to the boat and spend some more time in private exploring you.”
“I can swim.”
“Turn around and let me tie your top.”
She presented him her back. After he’d fixed her top in place he stepped close enough to let her know that his desire hadn’t diminished. He placed a kiss on the ridge of her shoulder.
The Doctor Who Made Her Love Again Page 11