That meant just three and a half hours before the ship docked. After that, their future together was uncertain. He breathed deeply, gathering her lovely scent into his lungs, wanting to memorize every second of the rest of their limited time together.
Last night had been even more amazing than their first night together, which—make no mistake—had been pretty spectacular. How would he ever live without her?
The worst-case scenario plan slid into his head and he spent a few moments thinking about how he might fake her death, hide her at the cabin and claim ignorance as to her whereabouts. His brothers would take one look at him and know exactly what he was doing. They would probably all lie for him, but when they got caught—and they would—they’dallget into serious trouble. He couldn’t have that.
Ria stirred, breaking up the vision of his unwise daydream. He watched her, wanting to see her wake up and realize where she was.
She lifted her head up from his shoulder, but her eyes remained closed. She couldn’t be more adorable if she tried. Slowly, one eye opened halfway, and then the other. She turned her head toward the light and both eyes opened wide. She sucked in a deep breath. “Oh, the view,” she breathed, her voice husky with sleep and sexy as hell. Awe and delight wreathed her face. So beautiful.
“The lake. The tall trees. Stunning. I love it.” She turned to him and pointed out the window. “Did you see?”
Cam kept his gaze on her. “I did, but you are much more beautiful.” He tucked a strand of loose hair behind one ear.
She cocked her head. “What’s that noise?”
“Just a boat motor.”
She turned to stare at him. He was grinning.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing. I just love watching you wake up to see the lake view.”
“It’s more beautiful than I imagined.” She sighed. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
“My pleasure.” Oh, yes. There had been a lot of pleasure last night and into this morning.
She grinned back before asking, “How much time do we have?”
“Plenty.”
“Time enough to sit outside and watch the water before we leave?”
“Of course.”
Ten minutes later, they were dressed. He took her hand and they walked to the lake’s edge by way of the dock.
She sat cross-legged on the wooden boards and he sat beside her. “After you look your fill at the lake, I thought we’d go back to my house in town. We can shower and have a nice breakfast before…” He didn’t bother finishing the sentence. They both knew what happened next.
“Okay.”
Out on the lake, the boat that had woken him curved around and headed back in their direction. Cam could see fishing equipment and a cooler aboard between an older couple. He and Ria both waved. The couple waved back. All around them, birds tweeted and called to each other, and the wind rustled the leaves in the trees as the scent of wildflowers filled the air. Cam kissed Ria, taking in all the details he could in this perfect place while they shared it one last time.
It couldn’t be put off any longer. They returned to the cabin. Silently, as though following a long-established routine, they tidied up. Too soon, they were back on the bike, headed away from the lake property.
There was no wild revving of the bike’s engine, no racing along the highway at speeds that made Ria squeal and laugh and hold him tight. Cam drove the bike slowly back to his house so they could get ready for the inevitable.
Once inside, Ria behaved like this wasn’t the last they’d ever see of each other. They made breakfast together. While she stirred the beaten chicken eggs in a flat pan, Cam made the toast and bacon. She was a quick study. They ate in companionable silence, staring at each other, lingering over the last of their coffee.
They cleaned everything up and then he couldn’t resist taking her in his arms, and just holding her. She burrowed against his chest like she belonged there.
Finally, when their time was up—and not a second sooner—Cam and Ria entered the basement facility in time to see theRoyal Caldera Fortedocking. The posted schedule noted the ship would depart tomorrow at midnight. A day and a half left.
Cam squeezed her hand. She grinned, the look on her face full of confidence. He wasn’t foolish enough to expect her mother to change her mind, but smiled anyway because she was so beautiful.
Director Patmore led the way as passengers poured from of all three of the ship’s exits. He looked at Ria as though surprised to see her.
Ria kissed Cam goodbye.
