He gave her a wry smile. “I guess we could do better, but we do love and look out for each other. It’s killed me not to be with Matt, and if he needs me to come home, I will. Tell me what to do.”
“What the hell!”
They both turned to find Matt at the open doors. Sun shone on his face, the backdrop was blue sky and wheeling gulls, but he wasn’t paying any attention to the beauty outside as he glared at the two of them.
Evan stood, looking defiant. “You won’t talk to me, what am I going to do?”
“What you’re not going to do is this.” Matt’s hand swung between Aimee and Evan.
“I had no choice.”
“The way I see it, you had plenty, including minding your own damn business.”
Evan took a few steps closer to Matt. “If I had a boating accident and I was in a hospital somewhere, where would you be?”
“What?”
“You heard.”
Aimee’s gaze swung between the carbon copies who glared at each other, and she wanted to laugh. And cry. They might be men, but they were also brothers, and more importantly, friends.
“You know I’d be there, but I wouldn’t be forcing myself into your business, or pumping your nurse for information.”
“Liar.”
Matt closed the gap and he poked Evan in the chest. “I am not a liar.”
Evan shrugged, as he pushed the finger away. “We both know that you would be trying to find a reason I had the accident and how soon I’d be well. That’s all I’m doing.”
“How many times do I have to say that I was overtired. I made a bad mistake that night. It won’t happen again.”
“Maybe not that particular mistake, but there are others you could make.”
Matt’s hands had bunched into fists. “Did Ben put you up to this? You sound just like him.”
Evan’s eyes widened. “I had no idea Ben talked to you, but that just shows how concerned he is. We’re all worried, and if Aimee can’t make you see sense then we’ll have to find someone who will.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Nah, it’s more like a promise.” Evan put his hands on Matt’s shoulders. “I intend to have my twin around for the rest of my life.”
Matt gulped. “Is Macy making you soft? I’ve never seen you like this.”
“Macy can make me anything she likes, because I love her and she’s perfect.”
Aimee couldn’t believe it when the twins hugged each other. After all their harsh words, it didn’t make sense. She felt like she’d missed something, some secret interchange, and maybe she had.
Evan coughed as they released each other. He headed to the door. “I need to get down to the marina. Macy’s boat is free if you’d like to take her out.”
He didn’t look back, but Aimee saw his hand wipe his eyes, and Matt did the same as he sat beside her in the seat that Evan had so recently vacated. It felt like deja vu.
“Well?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I can’t think of a thing to add.”
“That surprises me.”
It was good, in a weird way, to hear his sarcasm, because he was at least talking about the taboo subject in a round-about way. “Have you ever spoken to someone about your feelings?”
He snorted. “We don’t do that.”
“It’s not about ‘we’. This is only about you. Something is driving you to do those things. I’ve read up on adrenaline junkies, and you have those characteristics, but there must be more to it.”
Matt leaned forward. “We all know that you’ve been hired to babysit me, but if you can find the reason, maybe I could be…”
“Be what?”
But Matt’s face had closed.
Aimee gathered her things together. “Will you be out on the boat long?”
“I’m not going.”
“I could the idea excites you, so why won’t you go?”
“Because apparently I can’t be trusted.”
“I trust you.”
His face softened. “Will you come with me? There are life vests and I wouldn’t take you beyond the bay.”
She froze. “I can’t.”
“Then I shouldn’t go. You know? Just in case I do something crazy.”
Aimee knew he was messing with her, but the idea that he would miss out on something he loved because she was chicken was hard to take. “I guess if I can fly, I can go out on a boat.”
His face lit up like a Christmas tree, and that made Aimee happy despite her nerves. “There’ll be water and sunscreen on the boat. Is there anything else you’d like to take?”
“I can’t think of anything.”
“Come on then.” He held out his hand and she took it without thinking. Together they almost ran down the path to the marina.
Evan was in the small kiosk that also served as an office. He came out and showed them to a cute boat, smiling at her as if she’d exceeded his expectations.
“Serenity is all serviced, and Macy put some towels and snacks on board, just in case. There’s also some bait and a couple of rods. Have a great time.”
The closer they got, the more anxious Aimee became. The truth was she remembered little about the flight, and now here she was, barely a few hours later, doing another thing she thought she’d never do.
Matt took her sweaty hand to help her aboard. “Are you okay? We don’t have to do this.”
“I know. Just go, before I change my mind.”
He gave Evan a thumbs-up, and the rope was dropped inside the boat. Matt had started the motor and at the first movement forward, Aimee shifted closer to him. Very gently, Matt eased the boat out of the berth and then the marina. So far, so good. He slowly pushed the throttle open and the boat leapt up out of the water and surged forward.
“Do you have to go so fast?” Her voice shook a little.
“I’m barely at the speed limit.” Matt frowned as he slowed. “How’s this?”
“Manageable.”
They followed the bay, first one way then the other. Finally, Matt stopped the motor and dropped the anchor.
“We’re stopping? Out here?” She could see land, but there was an awful lot of water between that and their boat.
“I thought we might have a drink and a snack.”
“Can’t we do that back on land?”
“We can, but how about you take a look at where we are.”
“We’re out miles from land in a boat.”
“Hardly miles. Look around you. You’re in Heaven Bay, and there’s a reason, I’m picking, for that name.”
Curious, Aimee looked over her shoulder, back at the marina. It was far away, and yet it shone like a beacon. Opposite the cabin, a huge building sat on a hill with wall-to-wall glass along its front and curving into the sides. The cabin looked tiny from here, as did the boats, but the picture they created was amazing. It was like a postcard or a flyer for a vacation. Wait—she was on vacation. Here.
On less shaky legs, she stood and went to the other side. The boat bobbed continuously, but it wasn’t so bad. This view was out to sea. A couple of islands were in the distance. Vibrantly green, they met the sparkling, blue water in a surge of color that was beautiful.
She sighed. “It looks inviting.”
“Care to venture further? It would take us ten minutes to get there, and we can turn back whenever you say.”
“Will it be like this?” She pointed at the calm sea.
“It will be a bit bumpier, but not too rough.”
“We could try.” For some reason, the exotic-looking island called to her, and she was impressed by the fact that she wasn’t seasick or as scared as she thought she would be.
True to his word, Matt pulled into a small inlet at the island and put the anchor down. “I can’t get any closer, but it looks quite shallow a few feet away.”
“You’re not suggesting I get in the water?”
“We have no dinghy, so it’s the only way to get there.”
“I�
��ll stay here. You go explore.”
“No. I’m fine sitting here.” Matt opened a small fridge below and brought up sandwiches, water, and soda. “Macy sure knows how to look after her guests.”
The sea air had apparently made her hungry and Aimee’s sandwiches soon disappeared.
“Would you like to try your hand at fishing?”
“Sure, if I don’t have to touch a worm.”
Matt laughed and pulled out the two rods, baiting both. They carried them to the back of the boat and Matt showed her how to cast. It took several goes, but she was happy with the outcome.
They sat in compatible silence, until Matt swore.
“What’s wrong?”
“I forgot the sunscreen. Won’t be a minute.”
He came back with a giant-sized bottle and handed it to her.
“You’re already a bit pink. I can’t believe I forgot. Guess I haven’t been out on a boat for a while.”
She began to put it on, careful to cover her face. “Why’s that?”
“It doesn’t feel the same without Evan and Dad. You have some not rubbed in. Here let me.”
Ethan put his thumbs on either cheek and rubbed the cream in. The touch of his hands as they cupped her head made her want more and something in her eyes must have told him so. He leaned forward and kissed her. It was sublime. Everything a kiss should be. Soft and sweet, then hot and demanding. She melted into it, her arms going around his neck.
“Aimee,” he whispered against her lips. “I’ve wanted to do that for so long.”
Chapter Fourteen
Her eyes were closed, and she was ready for more. He kissed her passionately, with everything he had and her eyes flicked open when he stopped. He pulled her to her feet.
“I want you Aimee.”
“We can’t.”
“Says who?”
“It’s not professional.”
“Look at it as if it’s therapy for both of us.”
Aimee was breathing heavily, and Matt began to lift her top. The skin was unbelievably soft as he ran his hands over her ribs. His thumbs teased her nipples which were already peaked.
Covering her moan with his mouth, he felt her hands caress him over his shorts. It was excruciating, yet he didn’t want her to stop. “Will you come below with me,” he whispered against her lips.
She nodded, as if she didn’t trust herself to speak. He took her hand and led her to the small cabin and the smaller bed. He pulled off his shirt and she touched his scars from years gone by. Her lips followed her fingers and he was a mess.
Taking the hem of her top in his fist, he pulled it over her head. The dainty bra barely covered her spectacular breasts. She slipped out of her shorts and he did the same. Bit by bit, they undressed and she looked as turned on by the quiet seduction as he was.
He’d already found a condom in his wallet and they settled on the bed to look and touch each other. He smiled at her concentration, until the things she did and the feelings she aroused took everything out of his head, aside from returning the pleasure.
As they came down from the lofty heights of their passion, Aimee satisfied look turned to dismay and she closed her eyes tightly.
He cupped her face. “Don’t do that.”
She put her hands over his and opened eyes filled with misery. “This was wrong.”
“It didn’t feel wrong.”
“No, not while we were…but now it does.”
He rubbed his lips against hers. “Then perhaps we should do it again?”
“It’s not funny, Matt.”
She was frowning, but her lips had softened.
“You feel the connection, don’t you? It was amazing, or was that just me and wishful thinking?”
She blushed. “It was amazing. That doesn’t make it right.” She pulled his hands away, slid down to the bottom of the bed and dressed quickly. “I don’t know how long you intend to stay in Heaven Bay, but I’d like to get back to Knight Stables as soon as possible.”
“And, what? We simply forget that this ever happened?”
“I think that’s best.”
Matt was angry. How could she negate what just happened? Was he such a bad lover that it was easy to put what they’d done down to a horrible mistake? It hadn’t felt that way and as he dressed he wondered if she’d pretended to orgasm. She would have had to be one hell of an actor.
Then he thought of the conversation they’d had at the restaurant. She hadn’t always been truthful. Why had she made love with him, if all he was to her was a damaged patient?
When they returned to the marina, it was as if they were polite strangers. How could that be after all this time? After all they’d been through? After what they knew about each other?
Dinner turned out to be an awkward meal with Evan and Macy doing all the talking. Naturally they could tell that something had happened, and didn’t seem at all surprised by their decision to leave the next day.
Awkwardly, they all stood outside the marina waiting for the car to take them to the airport. Macy made a fuss of Aimee, while Matt turned to Evan.
“Sorry it’s been such a short visit, but I need to get back home and back to work.”
“Is your grounding finished altogether?” Evan teased.
“I think after this trip, I can find a way to make Mom rethink things.”
“Good luck with that, brother. Good luck with everything.” He looked pointedly at Aimee.
They hugged each other tightly. He missed Evan so much, even when his brother could see right through him.
Chapter Fifteen
Back at Knight Stables, Aimee had a sense that things were coming to an end. She’d done the right thing by backing off. Hadn’t she? If only she weren’t so attracted to him.
Sarah was visiting again today, and as if she could feel the tension in the air, she was chatting a lot more than she usually did. Unless it was about William. The little fellow was sitting up now and as pleased as punch to be doing so. Even Matthew wasn’t immune.
“You’re one clever kid, aren’t you?” he crooned. William gave him a still toothless grin and Matt laughed for the first time since the trip to Heaven Bay.
“Aimee, I’d like to show you my new foal. Can you watch the baby, Matt?”
“Ah, sure. If you think I’m capable?”
Aimee was surprised. Sarah’s was very protective of William, and Matt had no experience of babysitting that she knew of. She was also surprised by Matt. He’d looked ridiculously pleased to be asked to mind his nephew, and her stomach did a flip. Why did he have to be so handsome and so darn cute at the same time. It wasn’t fair to her heart.
The women walked out into the bright sunshine and down to the stables.
“I hope you don’t mind, Aimee, but I wanted to talk to you alone.” Sarah opened up the stall and gave the small horse a hug.
“I’m always happy to see the horses, especially daisy.”
“Matt’s getting better isn’t he?” Sarah said, with no preamble.
Aimee sighed. “I wish I had a dollar for every time someone’s asked me that. Some days he seems to be and then lately…I just don’t know.”
“Has something happened?”
“Yes. No. We had a bit of an argument while we were away.”
“I see. Anything I should know about?”
“It was personal.”
“Okay.”
She didn’t sound okay, and Aimee felt for her. Loving someone was hard. Especially someone who had problems. The guilt of how she’d allowed the flirtation to get to where it had weighed heavily upon her. Matt was her patient and she’d crossed a line by making love with him. No matter wonderful it had been.
“Matt’s developed a typical attraction to his caregiver. That’s all.”
Sarah stopped, not looking as shocked as Aimee thought she might to such an admission.
“And, it’s definitely a one-way thing?”
Aimee hid the blush that crept over her cheeks in her
favorite mare’s mane. “I’m not interested in taking it further.”
“Fair enough.”
“I think I should leave. I’m really no more use to you all.”
Sarah began to saddle Daisy. “We’d miss you. Matt would miss you most.”
Hearing that the other Knights would miss her was hard to accept, and yet it gave her a warm feeling, despite knowing she’d had a terrible lapse in judgement. “Maybe. Maybe not. We’re hardly talking as it is.”
“I’d hoped you’d stay the whole six months, but I hate to see you unhappy. I’d like to give you a gift. Daisy’s a gentle creature, and I can see that you love her. you’ve improved so much as a rider and it would be a shame to give it up.”
“I can’t accept. She should be ridden often, and while it’s a lovely idea, I don’t have anywhere to keep a horse,” Aimee burbled.
Sarah laughed. “That’s why I’m going to keep her here. You can come by anytime and ride her. Our stable man will look after her the rest of the time, and I’ll always visit Daisy when I’m here.”
“It might be too awkward. You know, with Matt around?”
“I daresay once you’re gone he’ll be back at work in a flash.”
“That just makes me feel worse.”
“Don’t. You’ve given him the tools, now it’s time for Matt to put it in to practice, with no propping up.” Sarah put her cupped hands out to her.
“I’ve been thinking that too.” Aimee nodded, as she got on the horse.
Sarah led them out of the stable and into the fenced paddock and watched from the railing as Aimee moved through the practices that Sarah had taught her. When she’d finished she came back to Sarah with a grin. She’d never so much as had a dog or a cat growing up and here she was, riding a horse. Her horse.
“Well done. You know, Matt should have taught you how to ride He’s the best rider out of all of us. He won so many ribbons as a child. We thought he was destined for the Olympics.”
“What the hell are you doing? You’ve no right to be on that horse. Get down now!”
Matt’s yell spooked Daisy into the rail and Aimee slid off the other side landing on her backside. William—who was on his Uncle’s hip—let out a wail.
Reckless Billionaire (Billionaire Knights) Page 8