“It’s a good thing this resort doesn’t allow children. This isn’t something I’d want my kids seeing as they cavorted in the pool.”
“Moreno and his friend are the only ones in the pool area right now,” he said as his mouth slid along her cheek, his nose nuzzling in her hair. “Another reason I didn’t want to go there. We’d stick out like a sore thumb. Plenty of people on the balconies though.”
“Are they all making out in broad daylight, too?” she snapped.
He eyed the area but didn’t actually care what anyone else was doing. Looking at her he wanted to drag her back inside and throw her on the bed. He wouldn’t let himself think any further than that.
“There are a few who are enjoying more than the sun and fresh air. I think we’ll be okay.”
He snapped a few more pictures then lowered his head capturing her mouth. Mint, yeah, she’d also brushed her teeth. He opened his mouth to play with hers. She must not have been expecting it and released her grip for a second. Holding her firmly against him, he continued to arouse her senses with his lips and hands. After he slipped his phone back in his pocket, he slid his free hand into her hair, holding her face close. His other hand snuck under her top to caress her soft skin.
His tongue skimmed her lips and he grew hard hearing her soft whimpers. He should stop this. Really. Stop. He’d gotten what he needed. Hadn’t he? Well, noteverythinghe needed. But sex wasn’t on the menu today.
Another groan erupted, him this time or still her? He pulled her even closer lifting her into his arms.
“You wanted to be back in bed, you’ve got it, babe.” Her arms and legs held on tight as he maneuvered through the sliding door into the suite. He got as far as the couch then dropped her unceremoniously onto the cushioned surface. She let go with a deep sigh as she raised her arms above her head staring up at him. Her swollen lips looked thoroughly kissed, her soft eyes gazed at him with smoldering desire, and her breath was shaky.
Her top was askew, riding up, exposing her curves and his own breath grew ragged. Man, he wanted her. Desire licked inside and he swallowed hard. This was a case. She was an informant. Nothing could happen here. Nothing real anyway. He couldn’t let it. It would only end badly.
A nerve ticked in his jaw as he attempted to smile. “I’m going to jump in the shower. I’ll make you some breakfast when I come out.” He strode toward the bedroom, leaving her looking perplexed.
He hadn’t meant to get her all worked up then douse her with ice. She’d started it though. But he’d told her to. It was his own damn fault. He had to keep this thing under control. Keep it in his pants. Or everything would go wrong, in too many ways.
As he shut the bathroom door he heard her get up and run the water. Then the refrigerator door opened. Food, yeah, he was glad she could think of food when his pants were too tight. She’d only been playing her part. And she’d played it well. He needed to do the same. Reaching for the shower controls, he turned the water to cold. Hopefully that would work.
* * * *
“Katie seems much happier these last few days.”
Dave looked up from mixing a drink as Tina dropped her tray on the counter. He smiled her way then handed the drink to a customer, accepting their money and tip.
“Katie’s gonna be fine, gorgeous. Don’t you worry about her. Keep your mind on your customers and getting big tips. You’re getting close to what you need for school, right?”
Tina’s smile lit up her face, warming the cold place that had been in his heart since he’d started undercover here so long ago. She was one of the truly bright spots in this lonely assignment.
“Almost there. Maybe another few months, though I should try for a little longer to make sure I have enough to cover all my expenses and any unexpected ones that come along.”
Dave patted her hand, loving the feel of her soft skin under his rough fingertips. He’d try and get her more tips over the next few months. Throw in some extra of his own and say they were hers. She’d never know.
“Let me get your order so you can go earn more of those tips. What do you need?”
Tina rattled off a list and he started mixing. When he placed them on her tray, she reached over and grabbed his arm.
“Don’t think I didn’t realize what you did there. Got me off the topic of Katie. She’s my friend, Dave, and I care about her.”
He squeezed her hand, keeping it on his arm, loving the contact, even if it was short lived. “You just said she seemed happier. What’s to worry about?”
She narrowed her eyes. “I know Mr. Martin told me he wouldn’t hurt her but did you talk to him too? What did he say?”
He rubbed his thumb over her hand. “He likes her. He feels bad about her situation and wants to help her if he can. For now he’s giving her a better place to live without her paying rent. And he feeds her. I put aside some orange slices and cherries today for her and she told me she was too full.”
Tina’s eyebrow rose. “Too full? That’s great. She never eats enough. Never had money to buy food. I worry about her.”
He leaned in closer. “You worry about everyone, gorgeous. Why I like you so much. Stop worrying about Katie. She’s got herself someone who’ll keep an eye out for her and actually make sure she eats. Let her have a little bit of fun. Lord knows that hasn’t been part of her life since she’s been here.”
He looked over to where Katie was dealing with an amorous customer. Putting him in his place and making him like it. She was good at that. Tina followed his gaze.
“You’re right. Maybe this guy can help her. Katie would be an easy one to fall in love with. If he cares enough about her, he could pay off Moreno. Get her out of here and take her away from all this. Thanks.” She leaned in close again like she was telling him a secret. “And so you know…I like you too.”
