“Don’t they have a cozy sauna waiting for them after?”
“Fair enough. Give me two minutes and I’ll have this fire roaring again.” Her teeth worried her lower lip, and guilt swept through him. “Never mind. I’ll scratch it out—”
“Wait.” Her hand settled on his, and he froze, her soft, cool fingers making his lower stomach muscles clench. “You’re right. When else will I have the opportunity?”
“That’s what I was thinking. And I’ll serve as witness. Otherwise, who would believe it?”
Her laugh was throaty, sending a bolt of desire through him. “And it would be a disaster if no one believed me.”
“It would indeed. Everyone should know what an adventurer you are.”
This time, it was he who held his breath. In one smooth movement, she rose to her feet and pulled him up beside her. Her fingers traced the lapel of his jacket, and she looked him dead in the eye.
“You first.”
“Oh no, you don’t. This is your list.”
“You said and I quote, ‘We’ll do them together.’”
He groaned. “The water’s chilly. It’s not good for my manly parts.”
“It can be no worse for my womanly parts, and youjustconvinced me it’s good for our health.” She prodded him toward the waves. “Go ahead. I’ll join you in the water.”
As much as he resisted, there was no way in hell he would lose an opportunity to swim with Winnie in a secluded location away from prying eyes. It was a wet dream come true. He quickly brought the fire back to life and then shucked his pants, shirt, and suspenders. Clad only in his Union suit, he plunged into the shallows.
CHAPTER15
Winnie giggled uncontrollably at Mack’s yelp as he splashed into the water. She ducked into her makeshift changing room from before, shrugged out of Mack’s coat, and draped it over a log.
“Too cold?”
“Come in and see for yourself.”
“Give me a minute.”
“Hurry up, Bobcat.” More splashes followed.
She peeked over the driftwood as she removed her clothing. Mack stood thigh-deep in the waves. Cupping his hands, he sent pockets of water shooting toward the shore. His boyish behavior brought on another fit of giggles.
When only her drawers and chemise remained, she took a calming breath. If someone had asked her what events would take place on Whidbey Island, this wouldn’t have occurred to her in a million years. But Mack was right. When would she be provided with a similar opportunity to test her wings? Of course, she wouldnevertell a soul what happened today, not even her good friends at the Society. The behavior was utterly scandalous and made her shiver. Rather than deter her, it had the opposite effect.
“I’m coming,” she called. “Turn your back.”
She waited for his confirmation, counted to three, and then emerged from behind the driftwood. Quickly, she took their coats and spread them before the fire to prepare for their return. Finally, she hustled toward the water, avoiding driftwood and shells. She didn’t look up until the waves tickled her toes.
Mack stared straight at her, his mouth parted in surprise and his eyes focused much lower than her face.
She shrieked, her hands flying up to cover her cleavage that was already halfway spilling out of her chemise. “Cover your eyes! I told you to turn around!”
Mack clamped his palms over his eyes. “Ididturn my back. I thought you were over there.” He pointed with one hand before covering his eye again.
Before she could change her mind, she charged into the water, squealing at the cold slap of water that immediately raised goosebumps all over her body.
Mack protested her splashing. “You’re getting me all wet.”
She dropped to her knees, submerging her body to the shoulders and gritting her teeth against the cold. “How could I possibly make you more wet than anactualbody of water?”
“It’s the principal of the matter.”
