by Debra Webb
He’d accept it as good news for the moment, knowing it would be better for Terri if she didn’t have to watch another awkward conflict between brother and boyfriend.
Boyfriend. The word echoed in his head. He buttoned his suit coat as he walked to the door, waiting for the expected jolt of shock over the concept. It didn’t happen. As he pressed the doorbell, he realized he was okay with the idea.
Not because it was an undercover role, but because he liked Terri. She was definitely as pretty as the dates his sisters had sent him on. Prettier. But she appealed to him on a deeper level. Her sense of humor, her energy and her loyalty all made the outside appearance lovelier.
She opened the door and his thought process stalled. She looked... “You...” His voice, the traitor, failed him.
He vaguely recalled his sisters and mother rambling now and then about the perfection of a little black dress. Terri had elevated the term to an art form. Cut low in front, the dress wrapped around her curves, nipped in at her narrow waist and flared out again, the fabric swirling softly just above her knees.
“Wow,” he said, trying again.
“Is it too much?” She did a quick, full turn. “You said dress up and... Why are you staring?”
He caught her hands and tugged her close, silencing her with a soft kiss. “You look stunning,” he said. “Better than stunning.” He liked the happy glow in her eyes.
“What’s better than stunning?”
“You.” He hadn’t realized he needed this respite as much as she did. Knowing what was in store, eager to see her reactions, he was going to enjoy every minute of the evening ahead.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she said, her gaze cruising over him. “This is a good look on you.”
“Thanks.” Suddenly all the intel he’d reviewed today crashed in on him. As they had peeled back the layers on Keller’s connections and operations, it seemed the threats went deeper, winding into areas that made Casey nervous. The facts were bad enough, but the potential for numerous disasters right here in Charleston? That had David wound too tight.
With an effort, he pushed those thoughts of danger and risk out of his mind, focusing on Terri. Tonight was for her. “Right this way,” he said, offering his arm after she’d locked the door.
“How gallant,” she said with a little laugh. “Can I ask where we’re going?”
He liked the way her hand curled around his arm. “You can ask.” Her fragrance wafted around him, and he thought he could be content right here. “It doesn’t mean I’ll answer.”
“Hmm, mysterious.” Her smile made him feel as if he’d won the lottery. “I’ll wait and be surprised.”
He hoped she would be. Pleasantly. He opened the car door for her, appreciating the view of her toned legs as she sank into the seat. He’d pulled things together pretty quickly, but he thought he nailed it. They’d know soon enough. She was quiet on the drive out to the marina where he kept his boat docked. “Still thinking about the patient?”
“No. I left work at work. Thanks to you.”
“What did I do?”
“You listened,” she said. “And then you kissed me in front of everyone.”
“Everyone?” He snorted. “Hardly. A few strangers and one guy on the valet team—”
“Suzette’s brother saw us.”
He slid a glance her way, caught her smiling. “So that’s how word got around before I got back to my desk.”
“Seriously?” There was a note of delight in her voice.
“Pretty much,” he said. “Did it bother you?”
“That depends,” she said. “Why’d you do it?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He reached out and caught her hand. “I like you.” He wished it would stay that simple. “I like kissing you.”
“Sound reasoning,” she said after a minute.
“Were you expecting another one?” He caught the movement as she shook her head. Then it hit him. “Your brother said something.”
“Not about the kiss at the hospital,” she clarified. “He wanted to hang out tonight, but I told him we had plans.”
David felt a rush of gratitude for Dr. Palmer’s patient who’d put her in that strange bittersweet mood that inspired her to take him up on his offer to go out tonight. He should probably say something about not wanting to interfere with her relationship with her brother, but they hadn’t exactly hit it off and she’d know he was lying. Whether or not she called him on it, it would make her question other things about him, and that wasn’t a risk he could take.
“You don’t like my brother much,” she said as he parked at the marina.
Maybe they were on the same wavelength. He cut the engine and swiveled in the seat, earning her full attention. “I’ve been your friend only for a few weeks, so I don’t have much right to say anything.”
“But you want to.”
“Oh, yeah.” He sucked in a breath. “It’ll wait for another night. Let’s keep tonight about you. Us,” he added, emphasizing the word, hoping she’d agree.
“Just as soon as we step out of this car, it will be. Right now just say it,” she said. “I don’t want it hanging over me like a storm cloud tonight.”
“Terri—”
“Come on, it can’t be any worse than what I think you want to say.”
He immediately dialed back the rant. “No one’s perfect and I understand as well as anyone what it’s like to be a little brother. My sisters don’t take enough credit for teaching me how to fight dirty.”
“Disclaimer noted.” A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Go on.”
He wanted to kiss her, right there. If he gave in to that urge, they wouldn’t make it to the boat.
“I don’t like the way he treats you. You give and give, and from where I’m standing he takes it all for granted. Not just the money you worked so hard to earn to get him into school, but the effort and love, too. You deserve better.”
She nodded, her eyes sad.
He could spit nails for letting Trey horn in on this evening. “Look, I should say something noble about family ties and give you a rain check on our date.” He tipped up her chin so he could look into her eyes. “I can’t give you the words, but I will drive you back home if that’s what you want.”
“I’d rather be with you.”
Why did that simple declaration make him feel as if he’d found a shipwreck filled with treasure? “Good.” He hurried out of the car and came around to open her door. Her smile was almost back to full power.
He kept her hand in his as he escorted her out to his boat. “Careful of your heels,” he said, glancing at the sexy, strappy sandals. They gave her enough of a boost that her lush lips were within easy reach. As if to prove it to himself, he stopped short and pulled her close, his hands resting lightly at her waist when his lips found hers. “I’m glad,” he said, leaning back, “you’re here with me.”
She licked her lips. “Me, too.”
He stepped into the boat first, then helped her aboard and kissed her again.
Her smile was priceless, dreamy as her fingers traced the lapels of his sport coat. “Do you greet all your passengers this way?”
“Not a chance. This is my first date on my boat.”
“You’re joking.”
He gave her a wounded expression. “I am not. Until now, I might as well have put up a No Girls Allowed sign.” He laced his fingers with hers and led her to the wheelhouse. “Come on.”
He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when he started the engine.
Holding her hand, he turned the key, ridiculously proud of himself when her eyes went wide and she clapped her hands over her mouth.
Yeah, he’d nailed it. He led her around the console and onto the bow. Under the strings of sparkling white lights, with another bouquet of flowers and a thick picnic blanket spread across the deck, the boat looked less like a dive launch and more suited to romance. He had a bottle of wine, a small feast ready to go and a bundle
of nerves in his gut. When had this become so much more than a thoughtful gesture?
He liked her. She liked him. They were friends. If he had any decent sense of timing, that would be enough. Yet the more time he spent with her, the more he wanted.
She gave his hand a squeeze and carefully stepped forward, admiring all the details. “David, this is fabulous. I don’t... No one’s ever...” She fanned her face with her hands. “Don’t mind me. It’s fabulous,” she said again. “You packed a picnic?”
He nodded. “We can eat here or...” His voice trailed off, his words forgotten as the lights danced in her hair and set her skin glowing. He lost his train of thought, mesmerized by her.
“Or...” she prompted, watching him curiously.
He cleared his throat. “I had a different spot in mind,” he said, thinking of the inlets behind the nearby plantations that had been turned into tourist attractions. “If you’re willing to picnic on the water.”
Her eager smile gave him her answer before the words left her mouth. “Yes. Let’s go!”
“Have a seat, then. Do you want a glass of wine before we go?”
“No, thanks. I’m too excited. Can I help?”
He gave her heels a dubious look, but they were so sexy he was reluctant to ask her to take them off. “Sure. Can you get the bowline?”
He stifled the groan as she moved forward, the soft fabric of her dress clinging to her backside as she bent low to cast off.
With the picnic basket and cushions secured, he cast off the stern line and eased away from the dock. She surprised him, choosing to sit beside him in the wheelhouse rather than relax in the space he’d created for her.
He saw her shiver as the first chilly breeze came over the bow. “Cold?”
“Only a bit.”
“There’s a blanket behind your seat.”
She twisted around, found it and wrapped it over her shoulders. “You thought of everything.”
He laughed. “I tried.” As they cleared the no-wake zone, he pushed the throttle just enough for a smooth ride across the water. He didn’t want her to feel battered by the evening; he wanted her to enjoy herself. He wanted her to enjoy being with him.
He shook off the errant thought. Whatever happened in the days to come, tonight was about showing her she had significant value beyond her career and thankless job as a compassionate sister.
The first evening stars were dotting the sky as he motored up the Ashley River to a secluded spot with a superb view of Charleston. He cut the motor and dropped the anchor, leaving the lights on for safety. And mood, he thought, gazing at her lovely face.
“Ready for dinner?” he asked, helping her to her feet.
She nodded, following him without saying a word.
They settled on the cushions, the soft scent of lilies and roses mingling with the rich aroma of the wine when he poured for both of them. He unpacked the picnic, relishing her enthusiasm for the Brie and crackers, and the fruit and pasta salad. Her laughter bubbled over when she saw the box of barbecue sliders.
“This is absolutely wonderful,” she said, her legs stretched out and her full plate balanced on her lap. “I can’t remember a better evening.”
Neither could he.
“How’d you find this place?” she asked, popping a bite of pasta salad into her mouth.
“I’ve been exploring ever since I moved here.” He pointed to the bend in the river. “Magnolia Gardens is just up that way.”
She turned to look, the loose waves of her hair sliding over her shoulder. “Impressive. I had this image of you scuba diving in every spare minute.”
How had she learned to read him so well? “There’s plenty to discover above the waterline.” Like this woman working her way deeper into every part of him with each passing moment. They ate in a companionable silence for several more minutes.
“Tell me a secret about you,” he said, his gaze on the sky. It was too early to see any familiar constellations.
She gave a nervous laugh. “I don’t have any.”
“We all do,” he countered, undeterred.
“Then you go first.”
He shook his head. “I asked first. Come on,” he urged, scooting close and putting his arm around her shoulders. “What happens on the boat stays on the boat.”
Her laughter drifted up into the night sky. “I don’t know about that. I want to tell everyone about this amazing date.”
“Can I talk you out of that?” he asked. “I don’t know if my rep can take that kind of abuse.”
“Oh, please. Your rep is safe with me.” She snuggled closer to him, but her voice was somber. She sipped her wine. “A secret, huh?”
He nodded, brushing his cheek across her hair as he did so.
“Being with you makes me happy.”
“That’s a secret?”
She looked up at him, her eyes full of emotions he couldn’t label. “People think I’m happy, that I found a way to move on, but it was mostly an act.”
“Really?” He knew she missed her parents, had a tough road with Trey, but even he’d thought she was a generally happy person.
She brushed her fingertips along his chin. “Really. Life was okay, I was figuring out how to be content on my own. And then you became my friend. Spending time with you has reminded me what real happiness feels like.”
He didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t sure he knew what to do. Something broke loose in his chest. “Terri—”
“And there I go, spoiling the mood.” She started to shift away. “I swear I’m not trying to pressure you.”
“Pressure isn’t the right word,” he said, holding her close. He felt weightless. “And I owe you a secret.”
A shy smile curved her lips. “Do tell.”
The words got caught somewhere between his brain and his mouth. There were so many things he could say, and all of them would scare her away. He took her hand and placed it over his heart. “When you smile, my heart races.”
Her lips parted on a gasp and he kissed her, his tongue stroking hers. She tasted of wine and sweet berries and the night air surrounding them. He lost his breath, his pulse pounding as she kissed him back. The boat swayed gently beneath them as he pulled her across his outstretched legs, her skirt riding high on her thighs.
She broke away, her fingers gripping his shoulders as he smoothed his hands along her bared legs, higher over the curve of her hips. He’d never forget this moment, never forget how stunning she was under the canopy of soft white light and distant stars. “God, you’re amazing.”
He didn’t care that it wasn’t supposed to happen this way. He was done fighting the waves of attraction and need whenever he looked at her.
“You, too,” she whispered, her lips tender and warm on his.
She made him weak, a strange sensation when he thought he could conquer anything that tried to hurt her. He surged up, wrapping her tight in his arms and easing her down to the blanket.
She gasped, her legs tangling with his as she worked open the buttons of his shirt. He pushed her hair back, nuzzling her neck and running kisses along the gentle slope of her shoulder. More. It was his only thought, as he found the pulse point at the hollow of her throat.
More. He tugged aside the fabric of her dress, seeking better access to her luscious body. The lace of her bra lit a fire in his veins, and he followed the gentle scallops with his tongue. He teased the hard peak of her nipple through the fabric. She arched up, a little moan of pleasure ending on his name.
He wanted all of her right now, right here. The boat swayed, reminding him where they were and why. He leaned back, pulling her dress back into place. Better to wait, though it might kill him. “Terri, wait.” David struggled for control, for rational thought as need and longing pounded through his blood. Her body, warm and pliant under his hands, was too inviting, too much temptation for any sane man. “We—we shouldn’t do this here.”
“We should do it somewhere,” she said on a heavy sigh.
The boat rocked a little as she sat up and pushed at her hair. He laughed, surprised he could under the circumstances. “I agree.”
“Then why stop?”
He closed his eyes, leaning into the caress as she stroked her fingers through his hair, careful to avoid his stitches. He couldn’t remember the appeal of a military cut anymore.
“This isn’t the right place.” And she’d hate him if she ever learned why he’d befriended her.
She looked at him, her bewildered expression making him ache. He couldn’t resist, pausing to kiss her again. “Our first time shouldn’t be impulsive.” He found the blanket and pulled it around her shoulders. Hiding her would never be enough distraction, not after he’d tasted her sweet skin. “Or outside in December. It should be special.”
“David.” She waved a hand to encompass the picnic. “This is special. No one’s ever done anything like this for me.”
“It’s a dive boat, Terri.”
“And?”
And it was damn hard to think of the right excuses and explanations when his body sided with her. “Someone could interrupt us any minute.”
She glanced around. “I suppose.”
“Not to mention we have to work tomorrow.”
“Sure.”
“Hey,” he said, and tilted her face toward his. “I want you.” Too much. “I don’t want you ending up with regrets or second thoughts.”
“I was enjoying not having any thoughts beyond you,” she admitted.
“Me, too.” He pushed her hair behind her ears. “You can help me drive us back.”
She agreed with a tight nod. When he had things secured, he turned off the white lights and brought her body between his and the wheel at the console. It was the best sort of torture as he wrapped his arms around her, his hands guiding hers on the controls as they returned to the marina.
* * *
TERRI ENJOYED THE driving lesson surrounded by the warmth of David’s tough body. If this was as close as she could get to him she’d take it. For now.
She wanted more, was sure he did, too. She was less confident about how hard she could push him. He had a valid point. Their first time should be special. Obviously, her brain was still a little scrambled after those mind-blowing kisses and the feel of his hot, powerful hands. Was she deluding herself? Was she infusing their brief friendship with more emotion than really existed?