"Eight years ago. You will love it." Charlie leaned back in his chair, the window behind him showing the rolling waves of the ocean. "There's nothing like the Sydney quay and the Nations Row houses in Canberra. I'd love to see your face when you see them."
She sighed. So much for a romantic vacation with him. He meant friendly conversation. It was all for the best really. They'd both seen how rumors regarding coworkers being more than coworkers affected the professional atmosphere. "This has been a dream of mine, especially with Maddy begging me for ages to visit."
"I understand." Of course he did. She'd mentioned the trip several times. Charlie even helped her make the flight arrangements to finally visit her best friend. "No one deserves it more. The last three years have been horrible for you."
"I do need this vacation." So why did it feel so empty to be going alone?
"Don't forget to have fun." He winked. "I could give you some ideas on fun."
Geez, he had to be aware how his wink affected women. Every female in ten miles went all fluttery in the knees. Did he have to use it on her? "Stop flirting with me. You don't need practice. It comes as natural to you as breathing."
"Who says I'm flirting? Your plane flies right over Honolulu. Stop by and see me in person. We could have dinner, see the sunset, and play on the beach. I'll drool over you in a bikini while you feast your gaze on me in a Speedo."
She laughed even as the idea almost took root. Charlie in a Speedo, wet, glistening in the sun with nothing but a few scraps of tiny material between them. Oh heck no. "Like I'm ever going to put a bikini on in front of you? You've had chances to stop here on the east coast and see me. Yet you didn't."
He lost the smile and the teasing light in his face faded. "I did when you needed me most."
She swallowed, wishing she could take back the thoughtless words. "I remember. So much I've forgotten or blocked, but I recall your face and voice. You held me and made me feel safe. Why haven't you visited since?"
"Because I'm obviously a fool." Charlie tapped his long fingers together against his chin.
She felt her gaze widen. He couldn't be serious. But damn, he seemed so intense, leaning forward, navy gaze all but drilling into her. She swallowed again. Maddy always told her to be bold. She could push a bit, flirt back then lick her rejection wounds during the fifteen hour flight to the other side of the world. "I always have your favorite brand of scotch on hand."
"Do you?"
She shrugged, crossed her legs, and tried to appear nonchalant. Maddy would be proud. "Your favorite scotch, favorite foods, nice cleans sheets on the bed, and a jogging trail all waiting for you here."
One finger stroked his full bottom lip then slid down his chin. She'd love to trace the same path with her mouth. "You believe you're so well acquainted with my wants and desires?"
"We've shared years of video conferences, emails, phone calls, and messenger notes." She mimicked his movement, drawing one finger from her bottom lip down her chin and throat then back again.
He stroked his hand over his chin, gripped it and let go. "One day you can prove just how much more you're willing to learn about me and what I want."
She twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "You'll find I'm no wallflower when I teach you a few things, Mr. Jergens."
His deep laugh felt like a sensual caress waking her from sleep after a night of lovemaking. "A vixen hides under your cool demeanor, doesn't she?"
"Maybe." Hell no, but she could be a great actress.
"A woman, who is confident in what she wants and how to get it?" His whisper feathered over her skin even through the distance between them, making goose bumps rise on her skin.
"Aren't independent, strong, confident women vogue now?" Her daughter Anna had said so after sending some article in some magazine about men and how to attract their attention.
"Ah, Christine, it depends on the woman." His lips lifted at one corner, utterly kissable.
She leaned forward a bit. "I'd say it depends on the man. Confident, sexy, and independent is your preference, isn't it?"
"Is it?"
She faltered a second. He'd dated models and movie stars; he could be a model or movie star. Of course he wanted a match to his strong independence. "Isn't it?
He stroked his cheek. Had he just shaved? His skin appeared smooth, ready for her to cup and caress. How could any one man be so darned sexy talking about mundane figures and hypothetic situations? "Perhaps cool appearing honey blondes with huge brown eyes and sexy southern accents are more my preference."
Damn. Friendly teasing again. Christine sighed and placed her hand on her forehead. "Darn. You described me until the 'sexy accent' part. Le sigh, le moan, le massive disappointment."
"Have you taken a lunch break yet?"
She shook her head a bit startled at the abrupt change of subject. "No. Why?"