CHAPTER SEVEN
MAXSHOOKOUThis hair, water spraying off him like a shaggy dog as they headed up the beach.
“Now that was fun,” he said. “And we didn’t even get undressed.”
Her smile widened. Okay,thiswas the Max she knew. She’d caught a glimpse of who he was under all that charm in the water, and the pure pleasure while exploring the reef was a new side of him. But he was still Max. Of course he was thinking about sex. “Do we still have time for that, too?” she asked.
He stretched his hands over his head, his arm muscles flexing. “Not sure. But I am definitely up for giving it a try.”
He gave her body a slow, appreciative perusal, his gaze lingering on her breasts, which were currently being squeezed and flattened by her wet suit. But he didn’t seem to be picky in this area.
“I didn’t see any mating,” he said conversationally. “Now I’m curious. How do they do it?”
She waved off his question with her hand. “It’s really not very sexy. But I’m sure you can find videos.”
“Hmm...videos.” He grinned. “Thanks for the tour,” he said, more seriously. “I loved it.”
“You’re welcome.” She met his gaze, and the electric pull between them sizzled.
“What do you want to do next?” His voice came out lower, softer, leaving no question about what kind of plans he’d like to make.
A slow smile spread across her lips. “Go back to the cabin. Take off my wet suit. Get into the shower.”
“You want any help with any of that?” he asked with mock seriousness. “Since I helped you zip up, I figured it only fair that I offer unzipping services, too.”
She chuckled. “Very generous of you.”
He took a step closer, and her laughter faded. Another step and her breath was a quick, sharp inhale. The sun sparkled through the drops of water on his eyelashes. Like he was magic.
Max leaned into her, his mouth close to her ear. “I’ll start by carrying your gear.”
Natasha bit her lip, but she couldn’t hold back her smile. She had meant to get in the water for a bit, to enjoy the reef while no one else was splashing around. The cloudless days were perfect for diving, and she had lost track of time...until Max joined her. It felt good sharing her time in the water with him. Refreshing, actually.
Now, miracle of all miracles, fish were no longer the first thing on her mind. If she wanted to get this sexploration started, this was her window of opportunity. The heavy heat in Max’s gaze, the way he leaned in, his mouth grazing her skin, suggested he was thinking exactly the same thing.
His hair was wet against her cheek as he nuzzled her neck. He smelled the ocean, of adventure, of temptation. Of Max. Natasha let out a soft sigh. Finally.
Though his hands were occupied with her gear, hers were free to explore, so she rested them on the hard muscles of his arms, exploring the planes and bulges with her fingers. There was so much she wanted to discover about him. She moved her hands higher, over his shoulders. Water dripped from his hair and ran down his neck. She traced one of the trails, first with her finger, and then with her mouth. His husky breaths came quicker in her ear. Just this little taste was getting her hot really, really fast.
Max lifted his head and met her gaze, his eyes heavy with desire.
God, he was breathtaking. If she were to select a match solely on baser characteristics like strength or sexual appeal, Max would be at the top of her list. Golden-blond hair hanging over his tanned forehead. Pronounced cheekbones, chiseled jaw. Her gear wasn’t heavy, but his biceps flexed under the weight. She flashed to the image of those biceps flexing as he held himself over her.
“Back to the cabin?” she asked, her voice breathless.
“Definitely.”
He gave her a soft kiss on her forehead and headed for the path, away from the beach. Natasha swallowed, her heart pounding, as she watched him.
Thank God Social Darwinism had long been debunked. Survival of the fittest didn’t apply to everyday situations, and there was more to life than finding someone to get her pregnant and protect their offspring. She knew better than to choose a man based on physical prowess alone, and in case she was temporarily stunned by Max’s blinding appeal, lured in by the promise of virility, birth control would save her from the pitfalls of sex with such an obvious winner.
But for now, none of that mattered. Time to put her analytical mind on pause and concentrate on her senses. Starting with touch.
Max took a few steps up the beach and then turned back toward her. He tipped his head to the side a bit. “You coming?”
Right. She had slowed to a stop and was just staring at him. Probably drooling.
“Just ogling you,” she said, flashing him a smile.
