The thought pops into my head like a wayward cork.
And why does the prospect make me feel murderous?
‘Did you see the resort’s excursions list? I expected the usual helicopter rides and private catamaran tours, but they’re also offering a bespoke cigar rolling excursion.’ She throws her hands up in the air and shrugs. My eyes fall to her bare shoulders, they’re sun kissed and shimmering beneath the low lighting.
‘Have you done it before?’ I blurt.
‘Cigar rolling?’ She laughs. ‘No. I’m categorically not interested in that. My brother, Ri–’, she catches herself then, and clamps her lips shut.
‘I’m not talking about cigar rolling. I’m talking about picking strange men up on holiday.’
Those big, beautiful brown eyes stare at me for a long beat; a serious expression etches onto her face. Then a boutof low, throaty laughter bursts from her lips. It takes her a full three minutes to compose herself, and even then, her amusement lingers, creasing the corners of her eyes.
‘You picked me up, Mr I Want To Touch You, I Want To Taste You, and I Want To Fuck You. I mean it took several attempts, but your persistence paid off—or it probably will…’
‘There’s no probably about it,’ I growl. ‘I’m going to fuck you so good, I’ll ruin you for anyone who comes after me.’
An animalistic rumble sounds from the back of my throat. The thought of her with another man sets a stupid surge of jealously snaking through my stomach.
What the fuck has gotten into me?
I blame the heat.
I reach for my glass and take a mouthful of champagne while I recompose myself. ‘Cocky, aren’t you?’ She arches a pristinely shaped eyebrow.
‘Confident,’ I assure her with a small smile.
‘Would it matter if Ihavedone this before? Haven’t you ever picked up strange women? Indulged in… carnal things.’
‘I don’t pick women up. Especially not strange ones…I don’t have to. They usually throw themselves at me.’
She snorts and slaps her manicured hand on the table. ‘Yeah, yeah, big guy. I’m the only woman you’ve ever chased. I believe you.’
‘It’s true.’ I catch her foot with mine beneath the table. She’d get it if she had any idea who I am, but funnily enough, she doesn’t want to know. It’s fucking ironic. ‘The second I saw you in the pool yesterday, I wanted you—more than I’ve wanted anyone before.’
‘Flattery will get you everywhere with me, California.’ She slips her foot out of her sandal and traces it up the back of my calf. ‘And for the record, no, I haven’t done this before. I don’t make a habit of going on holiday to pick up men.’
Relief courses through my bloodstream.
She smirks then. ‘But after what happened in the sea today, maybe I should…’ She winks.
‘Careful, Irish.’ I lean over the table ‘Or I’ll punish you with my tongue.’
‘You wouldn’t dare.’ Her expression darkens with desire—oh, she likes that idea.
‘Don’t try me. And don’t think your bodyguard will save you. When I get started with you, sweetheart, the entire army won’t be able to intervene.’
‘Promises promises.’ She wets her lips. ‘You talk a good talk; let’s see if you can follow through.’
‘Like this morning, you mean?’ Getting her off in the sea while a beach full of people sunbathed languidly ten metres away was the highlight of my year. It’s a good job I had online meetings to attend or I would have dragged her straight to my suite like a fucking caveman.
A tiny blush colours her cheeks. ‘Let’s order so we can get to dessert.’
‘Great idea.’ I should have booked a private table on the beach, that way, I’d already have this stunning beauty best side up on the table with my tongue buried between her legs.
There’s always tomorrow night.
A waiter arrives to take our order.
