He pulled off his apron and left without waiting for her agreement. Kyra stood there, perplexed, even more so when she looked down and saw a box with enough buns to feed a small country. She glanced in the direction he’d gone, but he’d blended into the dark. Odd.
The wind kicked up, sending a firestorm of sparks shooting up into the air. Past the bonfire, Merrilee and Danielle were making their way toward the grill. Kyra waved to them.
“Did we put you on the payroll?” Merrilee joked. “Why aren’t you out dancing with the other guests?”
“Oh. I…um…” Kyra frowned. “I’m just watching itfor a sec. Dog?” She stabbed a hot dog with the serving fork and held it out.
“Thanks,” Danielle said, grabbing a bun. “Who’re you taking over for?”
“C.J.,” Kyra said, hoping she wasn’t getting the pilot in trouble. “He…uh…had to go get something.”
Merrilee sighed. “I keep missing that man.”
“Pardon?”
The older woman smiled. “It’s nothing important. He’s just our newest employee, and every time I make a point to meet him, we manage somehow to completely miss each other.” She laughed, but the sound didn’t quite reach her eyes.
After a moment, she smiled at Kyra. “At any rate, I’m glad you’re here. I was hoping we could chat a bit about how you’re enjoying your stay so far. Danielle said you were looking for me earlier.”
“Yes, I was.”
“Danielle, do you mind?” Merrilee looked pointedly at the grill.
“Not at all.” The girl took the serving fork from Kyra and donned the apron C.J. had left behind.
Kyra and Merrilee headed toward the water, walking just shy of the breaking waves. “So, what did you want to see me about?”
Kyra kicked at the sand with her toes. “Nothing important. Not anymore.”
“The problem resolved itself?”
“You could say that.” She drew in a breath, gatheringher courage. “I chickened out. I didn’t seize it…him…my fantasy.” She pressed her lips together, wondering if she’d disappointed the older woman. “But now I’ve bucked up my courage.” She stooped to pick up an intricate shell, then traced her finger along the spiraling pattern. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry? Nonsense.” Merrilee took her hand, gave it a gentle squeeze. “You needed time. There’s no shame in that.”
“I just hope I see him again. That I didn’t ruin everything by not taking the fantasy when it was offered.” She searched Merrilee’s face, but found no clues. Blinking, she tried to bolster her courage. “At any rate, I’ve had a long time to think about it, and I’m ready now.”
“Bravo, Kyra. It sounds like the island is working its magic on you.”
“Magic?”
“Certainly. I like to think that none of my guests leaves one of the Fantasies resorts without a new perspective on life. And isn’t that a bit like magic?”
Kyra had to agree. If anyone could spin a little magic, Merrilee could.
“Danielle and I just arrived back on the island, and we need to go get ready for tomorrow. You have fun at the party.” She moved away, heading back up the beach toward the lights from the bonfire. After a moment, she stopped and turned again. “Oh, and Kyra? I wouldn’t worry if I were you. I imagine that you’ll see Michael again tonight.”
Waves of relief washed over her, and she stood there like a fool with a big, goofy smile as Merrilee faded into the night. “When I find you, Michael,” she whispered happily, “you’re mine for the week.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
She jumped and yelped, then whirled around to face him. “You scared me to death.” Her heart pounded furiously in her chest, but whether from fear or desire, she wasn’t sure.
“Sorry.” He moved closer, his one vivid green eye fixed on her, a lock of roguish black hair curling across his forehead from under his cap. His chin and jawline were covered with a thick evening beard. Like her father, he seemed the type who needed to shave at least twice a day, and the dark shadow made him seem more rugged, more sexy.
She inhaled, her breath shaky.
He combed his fingers through her loose hair, the pressure of his hand on the back of her head pulling her to him until she was close enough that she could smell his scent. It was familiar, something she’d smelled recently, and she frowned for a moment before placing it. Obsession for Men.
