Pirateless in the Caribbean
Page 2
She reached the shallow end of the pool and stood up. Rick's mouth went dry as he watched the water pour down her sleek form. She climbed the steps out of the pool, all long legs, lush curves and golden skin.
He'd watched for her arrival the previous day, and then quietly set his staff into action to ensure her every wish was anticipated and executed as unobtrusively as possible. She'd strode into the lobby, carrying herself with the tense alertness that characterized her profession. She'd lose that in a couple of days. Everyone did.
He'd hung back, standing to one side behind the reception desk. She'd looked tired in that worn-thin kind of way, dark circles under her beautiful blue eyes. He'd planned to introduce himself after she'd had a chance to relax a little and get her bearings. The next evening's Beach Blanket Bingo party would be the perfect opportunity for them to spend a little time getting to know each other. He didn't think she'd recognize him. She had no reason to. They hadn't so much as spoken at that long ago party.
He understood why Brett had gone to the length of sending her on a forced break. Taking a breath and forgetting about worries, schedules and commitments for a few days would do her a world of good. He was just the man to make sure that she did it.
She didn't look like she had started relaxing yet, that was for sure. She'd returned to her padded lounge and was now digging impatiently for something in her bag. "Ha!" came her triumphant exclamation, as she clutched the object in her hand, scooped up a floppy hat and a paperback book from the cushions and stood to sweep the pool deck with an imperious gaze. She caught his eye, and he cursed inwardly at being caught staring like a star-struck school boy.
Then she was making a beeline for him.
He had a brief moment to wonder if she ever walked with anything but a determined stalk while running through the list of explanations he'd prepared in case she realized he was her boss's watchdog before he'd had a chance to introduce himself to her.
His worry was for nothing.
She gave him no time to speak before she thrust the thing in her hand at him. "Take a picture of me, will you?"
He took the bright green, cardboard disposable camera and grinned. "Didn't know they still made these things."
She scowled. "Yeah, tell me about it." She nodded toward the pool. "How about over there?"
She strode away with her all-business gait without waiting for his reply, and turned to pose near the edge of the water. "That's good." She put on the hat and smoothed her hair out of her face. "Don't come any closer." Fisting one hand on her hip and holding up the book in front of her with the other, she turned half her body at an angle and thrust her chin in the air. And still managed to take his breath away.
Rick's heart raced a little as he centered her in the view- finder. He wondered if she knew how beautiful she was. Judging by the way she moved, she wasn't a woman who consciously used her looks. Her confidence had nothing to do with the outside and everything to do with what was inside.
He spun the little thumbwheel, advancing the old-fashioned film. "How many do you want?"
Her scowl deepened. "I guess one more to be safe."
Rick aimed again, letting the camera hide his face as he fought the smile that tugged at his lips. "I know it's none of my business, but you don't look like you're having a very good time. In fact you look kinda mad." He internally ducked from the kick he guessed she would have aimed his way if he'd been close enough.
"Really?" She arched a brow. Then she shrugged. "I suppose you've got a point. Okay, fine." She pulled her lips back and bared her teeth in a rigid grimace. "How's that look?"
"Honestly? Like I'm glad I'm out of striking distance."
To his surprise, she burst out laughing.
He snapped the picture, capturing the delight that lit her face from within, her wide and genuine smile.
He smiled back as she came to take the camera.
"Thanks." Laughter still danced in her eyes.
Rick fell a little deeper under her spell. He pulled himself back to the moment when he realized she was saying something.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"I said, would you mind dragging that umbrella over there a little closer to my chair? This sun is killing me."
If he had his way, he would do everything in his power to put that smile in her eyes every day of her life, but for now, he would settle for being the pool boy. "Sure."
* * * *
"Oh, my God," Stephanie groaned, closing her eyes in bliss. "Oh yeah, that's the spot, right there." She couldn't move if she'd wanted to. "This is better than sex."
"Don't be makin' that mistake, girl." Ruby spoke with a musical island accent.
Stephanie could hear the clink of the masseuse's ornate gold loop earrings as she shook her head.
"I'm good, sure. But I'm not no way that good. If you can't be tellin' the difference, you been shakin' the wrong trees for coconuts."
In spite of herself, Stephanie smiled against the cushions of the massage table. The scent of the jasmine massage oil Ruby used was like a drug, filling her senses, leaving no room for thoughts and worries.
The resort's spa was first class all the way, she had been delighted to discover. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently, putting her at ease. Every detail showed the thought and planning put into creating the perfect relaxing environment, from creamy marbled floors to plush white towels to the coordinated theme of simple elegance of every accessory used in every room.
She smothered another groan as strong fingers kneaded deeper into the knot just above her right shoulder blade. "I don't know about coconuts," she said when she could draw a steady breath. "But I can't say I've been all that impressed with the trees I've met. I'd take an hour of this over a quick orgasm any day."
"And who'd be sayin' anything about quick?" Ruby chuckled, working her magic on tense places where Stephanie didn't know she had places. "A man who knows what he's doin' ain't in no hurry to be done with it, that's for sure. It ain't just about the bein' in paradise, it's the gettin' there."
"Who has time for that?" Stephanie muttered into the cushion. Everything in her life, including the occasional sexual encounter, worked on a schedule, one she didn't deviate from. The few hit-and-run hookups she'd indulged in had ultimately left her dissatisfied, so she'd channeled all her focus into her career. She'd worry about all that other stuff someday in the future. The far, far off future.
Ruby snorted. "If you had made the time, you wouldn't be askin'. A man who knows what he doin' gonna make sure you know he want you, that you are beautiful and desirable. Gonna make sure you be back for more."
Stephanie couldn't say she'd ever experienced anything like what Ruby described with any of the guys she'd been with. "I'll make sure and send my next boyfriend to you for lessons."
Behind her closed eyelids, she suddenly saw herself lying naked beside a man, face to face with him as he ran his hands languorously over every inch of her body. His shoulder length dark gold hair fell over his cheek. His close-cut beard lent him a pirate- dangerous air, as did his gold earring that gleamed in candlelight. The hunger in his gaze as he watched her react to his touch made her hot all over.
Wow, where did that come from? Stephanie pushed down the image of the resort's hot pool-boy.
"Sound like you're the one needin' lessons." Ruby was now working her way down all the electric little touch-points along her spine. "When was the last time you had yourself a man?"
"I don't remember. Two years? Three? Ohhhhh, God, please don't stop."
"T'ree years? Lords girl, no wonder you're so tense! You got to find you a man to take some good care of you. That fix you right up."
"I don't need a man to take care of me, and I don't have time for a relationship."
"Oh, honey, who said anythin' about a relationship?" said Ruby with a chuckle. "I be talking about the kind of takin' care that makes for a nice coupla days maybe. Not the kind that ties you down and makes you cook dinner every night."
"I have
n't really thought about that either." Stephanie closed her eyes, bringing back the image of the man from the pool, his green eyes darkened with desire as he leaned closer to kiss her... She wondered why her imagination had latched onto this particular man.
Maybe an island vacation fling wasn't a bad idea. She probably had some room in her schedule.
"You take Ruby's advice and get you some good lovin'. Beautiful woman like you should have no problem findin' a little of the right kind of trouble if you're lookin'."
"Hmmm." Stephanie tried and failed to come up with a coherent objection to this plan as Ruby poured a line of warm scented oil like liquid valium down her back, and rubbed it in with strong sure strokes. She was never getting up again. "You could be right."
"Of course I'm right. You listen to Ruby and everything'll be just fine."
Chapter 2
Stephanie wrapped the red silk sarong she'd splurged on today around her hips. The sun was on its way down for the night, slanting bars of warm gold light tinged with pink through the windows of her suite. She ought to make it to the beach in plenty of time for sunset.
While running a brush through her hair, she mentally ticked off what she had done so far and the evidence collected.
ߦ Read a book.
Check. Oh, and she'd got a picture of herself by the pool, and would take back the floppy straw hat she'd posed in.
ߦ Get a massage.
Check. She'd taken a selfie with Ruby of the magic hands, and the hair wrap she'd kept as a souvenir. Bam! Take that!
Tonight she planned to cross two more items off her must- do list: the sunset drink on the beach and the party. That would leave only the day-tour to Paradise Island, and she was already booked for that tomorrow, bright and early at 7:00 am.
Then, just one more day and she could finally escape this island prison, get on that jet and head home to Seattle where she belonged. She couldn't wait to hit the office with her evidence and claim her prize. Partner had a nice ring to it, even in her mind.
Ten minutes later, she slid the glass door closed behind her and crossed her private patio to the stone footpath. All roads led to the beach here.
She followed the walkway in the fading light, brushing against the tall hibiscus bushes bursting with red and yellow blooms. Steel drum music bounced gently on the warm breeze, with the soft whoosh of the waves a rhythmic backdrop. The intoxicating scent of night-blooming jasmine swirled around her and she could see why people would think this was paradise. It was pretty much textbook.
Tonight's party had a Beach Blanket Bingo theme, with a live band and probably lots of booze. If she timed it right, she would have her drink on the beach at sunset and go to a party.
She emerged onto the lovely flagstone patio, which was filling with people sporting Hawaiian shirts and bathing suits. The party was already getting started. She stood for a moment, sizing up the situation and her next move.
The nearby bamboo-dressed bar with a thatched canopy was doing a brisk business, while four or five worker-bees buzzed among the guests gathered at small tables and groupings of comfy cushioned couches. A steel-drum band played a cheerful tune from a small stage at the far end of the space. A drum set and electric guitars propped on stands behind them clearly waited for their moment. Flaming torches danced in the breeze, lending a wild light to the evening. Over a short stretch of sand to her right, low waves teased the shoreline.
Heading for the closest bar, Stephanie eyed the orange ball of the sun hovering over the ocean, not quite kissing the watery horizon. She'd better get a move on if she was going to get her sunset drink picture.
Elbowing between a couple of Hawaiian-shirted guys parked on close-set stools, Stephanie leaned on the bar counter and considered what to order. The bartender turned to face her, a damp bar-towel in one hand, and a bowl of lemon wedges in the other.
"What'll it be?" He slid the bowl under the bar and used the towel to wipe away a beer-bottle ring on the varnished wood surface before her.
A jolt of electricity rocked her as she met his familiar green gaze. Stephanie mentally shook herself. Wow. "Oh, hi! You really get around, don't you?" She smiled, hoping she sounded a lot more unaffected than she felt. Imagining him naked wasn't helping.
"Just helping out wherever they need me." He smiled, that same slow, "I'm watching you" smile he'd worn in her dream. His teeth gleamed white in his tanned face, the close-cut beard making him look more than a little pirate-like. His gold hair was pulled back into a ponytail, emphasizing his high cheekbones. He actually was wearing a gold earring. He really was kinda...hot.
Her skin felt suddenly heated and tingly, and a subtle, high- frequency buzz raced across her senses. She could swear she heard the zap of static electricity where the lace of her bathing suit draped across her belly.
"So what'll it be?"
She opened her mouth to reply, then drew a total blank. She had no idea what the "in" drinks were these days. She glanced at the chalkboard sign on the end of the bar. "Why don't you give me the drink of the day, please."
"One 'Caribbean Crusher' coming right up," he said with a smile. He began artfully pouring what seemed like a bit of everything into a blender on the shelf behind him. "The name's Rick, by the way," he said, over his shoulder. "Wouldn't want you to get me confused with the other pool boys around here." He smiled as he handed her the glass. "Here you go."
His fingers brushed hers as she took the drink from his hand and she could have sworn a spark jumped from the point of contact. If that wasn't enough, the look in his clear green eyes went up a couple of hundred degrees in heat level. Shaken, she lowered her gaze to break the contact, barely registering the trite pink paper umbrella rising from the glass at a jaunty angle. She found the straw and drank deeply.
Coconut, pineapple and something else tropical filled her mouth, but the alcohol fumes tickled her nose and her throat seized up. She coughed and her eyes watered. She wasn't sure exactly what kind alcohol was in it, but there was a generous amount of whatever it was. Most likely rum, in this part of the world. As long as it isn't tequila. That one time in college had been enough to convince her never to go near the stuff again. Well, she wasn't planning on doing anything crazy.
Rick was looking at her with a concerned tilt to his head.
"Everything okay?"
"This is great, thanks." She offered a bright smile, trying the I-meant-to-do-that recovery tactic. God, the way he was looking at her made her feel like a high-schooler at her first dance. She didn't know what it was about him, but she really didn't have time for this attraction sort of thing. Not now, not for a long time if ever. She had a mission to accomplish and a partnership to nail down.
She took another, more judicious sip of her drink and eyed an older couple to her right. She had to find someone to take her picture on the beach with her drink, and they would do.
"You sure you're okay?" Rick asked, leaning close enough for her to see the amazing length of his dark lashes. What would his firm lips would feel like on hers?
Oh my God! What was happening to her? She hadn't had thoughts like these since, well, she couldn't really remember.
Maybe she did need to get laid.
Nah, she didn't have the time or the room in her head to waste thoughts on what she couldn't have. Only what she wanted to have. And she wanted that partnership. More than that, she needed it. She wanted to see the look in her brothers' eyes when she gave them the news.
Pull it together, Stephanie. "Yup. I'm fine." She slid off the stool, pulling ineffectually at the edge of her sarong that insisted on slipping off and baring the entire length of her leg. Grrr. She really wasn't used to showing this much skin. She raised her glass in last acknowledgement, relieved to break eye contact as she moved away. "Gotta go."
The gray-haired older couple looked to be somewhere in late middle-age. Nice, middle-America sort. Probably been married thirty years. The kind of people who wouldn't mind doing a favor for a stranger on vacation.
She paused, uncertain. Behind her, the sun was seriously sinking. Time and daylight was running out. Who else was around she could ask? Then the couple broke apart, grinning at each other like goofy teenagers.
She cleared her throat. Loudly. "Excuse me, I wondered if I could ask a favor?"
They both turned to look at her. "Sure, sweetie," the woman said. "What do you need?" With her long graying hair caught back in a braid, and her simple white tunic sundress, she might be middle- aged, but she still exuded a girl-next-store wholesomeness. Stephanie noticed the man kept his hand on her thigh, as they both offered friendly smiles.
Simple was best, Stephanie decided. "I promised I'd take some pictures of myself for them while I'm on vacation." She held out the disposable camera a little apologetically.
"Of course. Happy to help." The woman took the camera. Both of them stood, linked hands and followed Stephanie onto the still sun-warmed sand. "I'm Natalie," the woman said as they slogged through the soft stuff. "And this is my husband Herb. We're celebrating our anniversary. So, are you here by yourself or with someone?"
"Oh, by myself," Stephanie said, grateful to reach the damp sand where walking was a little easier. "Just here for a quick getaway." She smiled at them over her shoulder. "I'm Stephanie." She picked her way past a pair of beach lounges, stopped and turned to face them. "This is good, I think." She handed Natalie the camera. "How many years have you been married?"
"Two." Natalie smiled up at her husband who bent for another quick lip-lock.
Stephanie almost dropped her drink. She hoped her smile covered her surprise. "Oh! Well. Congrats." Did not see that one coming.
"You just say when you're ready." Natalie backed up a little, and then put the camera up to her eye.