On the beach, Ben stripped off his black shirt, rolled his cell phone into the folds then tucked it beside her clothes. The sunshine bathed his chest and tanned pecs. Then he slid his denim shorts down and exposed slim black swim trunks. It looked like he’d changed his mind and decided to come swimming with her after all. Nice.
He ran into the water then swam out toward her, his strokes powerful and fluid. With a splash, he stopped and treaded water. “I didn’t think you’d head this far out.”
“There’s a coral reef on this side of the island, so we’re fairly protected.”
“Sharks can still swim in over by the wharf. If The Idle Dream can sail in, so can the dangerous marine life.”
“What are you trying to say?” She drifted closer toward him on her back. “That I’d make a tasty meal?”
“You’d be a treat no shark could turn down.” He swept his hand under her back and tugged her up against him. His gaze remained glued to hers, so heart-pounding precious. “Your eyes are the richest, darkest shade of brown. I love it when you look at me.”
“And yours are the same pale blue as the sky, the most soothing color I’ve ever seen.”
“I hate my eyes. They’re the same as my father’s. I even have his blond hair.”
“No, don’t go there. You’re nothing like him, even if you share some of the same physical characteristics.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and he took her full weight in the water. “Lydia and I are identical and share all of the same physical attributes. Have you ever felt she’s me?”
“Hell, no. She’s nothing like you.” His gaze narrowed and he snorted. “I can see where you’re heading with this.”
“You weren’t even raised by him, yet emotionally he’s had a huge influence over you. It’s time for you to let that go. Stop allowing a dead man to dictate what you can and can’t do, now and in the future.”
“I made a vow to remain alone and I intend to honor it.”
“I love that you honor your vows, but I’d rather you be more selective in the ones you make. Being alone surely isn’t as much fun as spending time with those you’re closest to.” She played her fingers through his wet locks. “Make another vow to me. I want to strike a new deal. Let’s extend our time together. Wouldn’t you like a little more fun?”
“No.” He smoothed over her bottom and brought her up against his hard shaft. “Feel that? I’m more like my father than you can imagine. I want to take you right here, right now, even though there are people just along the beach.”
“Then we’ve got a problem, because I want that too.” She stroked his broad shoulders. “Does that make me like your father as well?”
“You wouldn’t even have considered what I said until I mentioned it.”
“Maybe, but my thoughts were heading in that direction. Trust me. I wouldn’t have been far behind.” She traced along his lower lip. “I’ve missed your mouth on mine, and I’m desperate for it back.”
“Saria.” He jerked away and dropped her.
She sank under the water and came back up spluttering. She shoved her hair out of her face and splashed him. “That wasn’t funny.”
“You needed a cool off, and after the call I just took from Agent Gilchrist, I really should be focused on getting you back to the ship and ensuring your safety. Let’s go. I’ll explain the call once we’re there.” He stroked slowly toward the shore, making certain she was close.
The only kind of call that would cause him to worry would be if it related to hers and Lydia’s case. Except their case was solved. Gilchrist had charged all those involved and ensured they were behind bars. At hip-depth, she stood and waded out. She flapped the sand from her skirt and wriggled it on over her damp skin “Tell me about the call.”
“It’s not news I expected to hear.” He hauled his clothes on, slid his sunglasses into his top pocket then picked up her cream tank top and held it out. “Arms up.”
“What’s got you so worried?” She lifted her hands.
He slipped her shirt over her head and tugged it down. “Mia Taita’s high-powered lawyer has managed to get her out of jail. There should have been enough evidence to hold her until Gilchrist could form a more solid case, but apparently not.” He steered her along the beach toward the wharf, his shoes and her sandals swinging in his hand.
Oh, not good. Mia Taita’s brother had been killed in a hit-and-run, and Lydia had witnessed it. The woman was the sole heir to Taita Software, one of the nation’s most lucrative businesses, and speculation was Mia had contracted the killer to take her brother out. “What’s Gilchrist going to do?”
“He’s not going to rest until he gets Mia Taita back behind bars. She’s the instigator, even though it was Kern Hyena who did the job. We just need more than the current circumstantial evidence to get a full conviction.” A seagull squawked and took flight from the wharf’s corner post as they stepped past it. “Gilchrist and his team are back on the case. They intend to pin her down, and fast.”