“A bonus?” She smiled as she shook her head. “I never got a bonus like this.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, he gave me only the GPS coordinates. Made me find the place by myself.”
“Sounds like something he’d do.” She sipped the lemonade. “What did the note say?”
“Thank you.”
“That’s all?”
“Yeah…’thank you’.” Mitch figured he’d said more than enough. At least more than he’d ever told anyone before. Hopefully, the explanation had satisfied her doubt.
The two of them leaned back against their chaise lounges and sat in silence. She seemed okay with what he’d said. That was good. He wished he could say the same for himself, because that assignment, that day, that note, dug a hole in his gut.
Liz moved to the side of her seat then stood. Before she could walk away, he grabbed her hand as he sat up, placing his legs on opposite sides of the chaise. Maybe she was right after all—what if tomorrow never came?
He lifted his eyes to hers and slowly tugged her hand toward his chest. Her gaze brightened, and she eased in his direction.
Would she stay? Did she understand his move? Being with a woman wasn’t new to him. But being with Liz was like a new chapter. He’d come this far, and now, all he wanted was for her to understand. To know he wanted her to stay.
Releasing his hand, she slowly lowered herself to his chaise, turning her back toward him then leaning against his chest. Her hair smelled like apricots, soft against his skin. She felt warm and luxurious. He brushed his hands down her arms as he kissed the silky curve between her shoulder and neck. She made a tiny sound of approval as she arched her neck, giving him a better angle, then rested her palms on his thighs, her fingers stroking his skin.
There was no way they could have a forever future, but he’d never felt so close to anyone in his life as he did to her.
“The note was printed in crayon,” he said, his voice husky with remembrance.
She stilled but didn’t tense.
“Some of the letters were backward. All different sizes.” He sucked in a breath, trying to shove his emotions back in their safe. “And there were two stick figures drawn on the page. One tall. One short. Holding hands. Each with a little heart drawn inside their body.”
His chest felt like it was on fire, like it might explode, but he’d gotten the story out. That alone had been the hardest thing he’d ever done in his life.
She turned and knelt on the cushion, her knees brushing against his inner thighs as she slid forward. Then, as she leaned toward his mouth, she slipped her legs over his until she rested against his body the same as when they’d been on the Q40 out in the Gulf. Her tongue slipped around his lips, moist and gentle. He might not deserve her, but then again, maybe he did. At least for a little while.
“You know I can’t stay when this is over.” He tugged her against his groin. “There’s no forever here for either one of us.”
“You think too much.” She stroked his jawline with the edge of her fingernails.
“Listen to me, Liz.” He grabbed her hand, letting it rest against his cheek. “There’s no forever here for either of us. Tell me you understand what I’m saying.”
Slipping her fingers to the edge of his mouth, her pinkie caressed the corner of his lips. He sucked her finger in, his tongue moistening the tip before pushing it out. She tasted so good. So damn good.
“Tell me you’re okay with this. That you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, get up and go in the other room…now.” His heart was racing, his breathing coming in gasps, and his core had long passed control.
“Do you want me to go?” The movement of her throat as she swallowed belied her calm.
“No. I want you to stay.” He’d never wanted anything so much in all his life. “But if you do…I can’t guarantee I’ll stop.”
“I know the rules. When this assignment’s done, you’ll go your way. I’ll go mine.” Leaning forward, her breasts brushed his chest as she nipped his ear with her teeth. “No promises. No commitment. No obligations.”
Damn, when had her voice become so sultry? And when she moved back, her eyes had taken on a half-sleepy look, her lips open and pouty. He had his answer.
As he stood, he slipped his hands beneath her bottom and lifted her then headed for the pool. “Maybe it’s time for a follow-up swim lesson.”
She tensed, jerking her head to the side as she glanced at the water with apprehension. There was no sign of half-sleepy eyes anymore. “That’s not exactly what I had in mind.”
“Really? And here I thought you’d mastered all the strokes.”
She blinked rapidly, and a flash of nerves skittered across her expression. She glanced at his lips then back into his eyes, her expression softening. “I may not be all that good with the strokes.”
