“Did you hear what I said?” She rose up onto one elbow so her shadow covered his face. “Look at me.”
“I heard you.” He lifted his hand and his blue gaze speared on hers. “I’ll never want a wife, children, and all the trappings a family brings. We’re the exact opposite. You love caring for others. For heaven’s sakes, you’re a trained nurse. You don’t want to just care for those who you’re closest to, but anyone and everyone in your vicinity.”
“Wait up. I wasn’t asking for all the trappings, but stating a fact. I simply wanted you to know how much I’ve loved spending this time with you. And you care for others as much as I do. Putting your life on the line counts, and far more than anything I’ve ever done does.”
“As long as we understand each other.” He hauled the neckline of her white dress up, gripped the trailing ties and made a bow around her neck. Smoothly, he eased her hemline down and brushed the sand from her arms and legs.
“I understand.” No meant no, and he’d stated his preference loud and clear. “Thank you for the past day. It was incredibly special.”
“For me too.” He zipped his pants, straightened his shirt collar then pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get back to the ship. You have a trip scheduled to the mainland today.”
“And you’re going fishing.” She walked beside him along the shoreline. The frothy tipped waves rolled in and lapped her feet. The water both soothed and stung the odd scratch on her feet from her mad dash last night.
“Yeah, after I move my things into Brigs’s cabin. I’ll bunk down with him for the remainder of the trip.” His blue shirttails flapped free in the fresh sea breeze. “You’ll continue on with your life, and I’ll do the same with mine.”
“Ben, you’ve made your point loud and clear.” Heart heavy, she trekked out of the surf toward the tree line where the resort lay not far beyond. Right now, she didn’t care to hear how he wanted to distance himself from her. “I wanted to make an appointment with the doctor yesterday but got sidetracked. I should do that now. Could you let Lydia know I’m okay and I’ll get back to the ship as soon as I can?”
“I’m not leaving you alone in the middle of the jungle.” He lugged his cell phone from his pocket and made a call. “Tyler, it’s Ben. We’re on our way back, or we will be after a quick detour to the resort.” His gruff voice rumbled over her from close behind as she walked. “What time’s the flight?” A pause. “I’ll have her back by then. Talk to you again soon.”
Continuing on, she weaved through the trees.
“Tyler said the chopper leaves at nine sharp, and you and your sister have to check in every two hours.” He passed her then lifted a low branch blocking her way.
“Thanks for calling him.” She ducked underneath.
“Why the rush to see the doctor?”
“I need to get the hormone injection—ouch.” She grabbed her foot. She’d stood right on top of a spiky twig poking through the bracken.
“Here, I’ll carry you. I don’t know how you ran through here last night and didn’t get hurt.” He tossed her over his shoulder and her belly thumped into his rock hard shoulder.
“Ben,” she growled. “I’m sure there’s a better way to carry me than this.”
“Not when I need one hand free to move the branches.” He patted her backside. “Or to ensure you don’t slip out of my hold. You have the sweetest looking bottom by the way.”
“Yours is pretty hot too.” With a hand on each of his cheeks, she stroked his tight butt in slow circles. “More than hot.”
“Stop it.”
“You started it.”
“I’m not in the right state of mind. You’re without panties, and I haven’t forgotten. Let’s talk about something else.” He kept one hand firm around the back of her knees as he walked. “After the wedding, what do you intend to do?”
“That would be sailing back to Auckland. Are you catching a flight or coming with us?”
“Catching a flight. Work calls. What about after you return home?”
“Do you mean where am I going to live?”
“Exactly.”
“I’ve got a bit saved so I’ll find somewhere to rent, and look at you getting all worried about me. You need to snap out of that.” She gripped his back and eased herself up enough to loop her arms around his neck. The move made him lose his firefighter’s hold, and she slid down his chest and into his arms. “That’s better. A girl can get dizzy swinging around like that. Your penthouse apartment is right above your offices, isn’t it?” He’d mentioned it a couple of times.
“Yeah.”
“Your place must have a ton of space. Care for a roomie?”
“I live alone. Always have and always will.”
“Mmm, yet you’ve been living with me for a year.”
“There are times when I go where the jobs are, as in your case. We’re here.” He stepped out of the jungle and into the meadow. Sunshine bathed the tranquil spot. Gently, he set her on her feet.