Page 27 of Deadly Waves

“Oh, sugar, don’t be like that,” Grady whined, following her as she stormed toward the hallway that led to their room. “It was an accident.”

“Well, he’s going to be begging for a bit,” Ally said dryly, a small smile playing at the corner of her mouth as she watched them go.

“Why does that make you happy?” James asked.

“I’m happy whenever Grady makes a fool of himself.”

“But they’re fighting,” James said. “That shouldn’t make you happy.”

“It’s not a big fight and they’ll be fine,” Ally said. “In fact, they’ll be peachy after they yell and rip each other’s clothes off. I have a sense for these things. I’ve got twenty bucks that says they’re naked within twenty minutes.”

“I’d rather not bet on Grady’s sex life,” James said, his eyes roaming back to Mandy’s empty chair. “Where is my wife?”

“Oh, I’m proud you waited five minutes to ask the obvious question instead of shaking the answer out of me the moment you appeared,” Ally teased, her brown eyes flashing. “That’s growth. Grady didn’t think it was possible, but I was right on that one, too.”

“Ally, I’m not kidding,” James said, his stomach tensing. “Where’s Mandy?”

Ally must’ve read the worry on his features because she took pity on him. “She said she was going back to the room to go to the bathroom, but I have another twenty bucks that says she’s glued to that window in the floor.”

Things clicked into place for James. “I’m not taking you up on that bet,” he said. “That’s exactly where she is. Son of a … I warned her about this.”

“Go get her,” Ally said, reaching for her book as she leaned back on the lounger. “Get me a drink before you go. I’m too tired to walk to the bar myself.”

“SUGAR,don’t be angry,” Grady said, using his hand to brush away their suite door as Sophie tried slamming it in his face. “I didn’t mean it. It just came out.”

“It just came out?” Sophie was incredulous. “Grady, you’re here for business. Stuff like that cannot just come out of your mouth.”

Grady pursed his lips as he brushed a strand of her wild dark hair away from her face. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on – real life or television – and the fact that she was his still blew him away even after all of this time.

He loved everything about her. She was fiery, sweet, cuddly, smart, and altogether sexy. He was a lucky man. He knew exactly who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and he had no intention of letting her go.

Sophie snapped her fingers in Grady’s face to get his attention. “Where did your mind just go?”

“To a happy place,” Grady replied, recovering. “I was just thinking how beautiful you are when you’re angry.”

Sophie’s expression softened, although only marginally. “That’s not going to work this time. You embarrassed me. I am not your property … and besides, he wasn’t doing anything but entertaining us.”

“He was flirting and you know it,” Grady argued, extending a finger. “Don’t bother denying that. It demeans us both.”

“Fine,” Sophie conceded. “He was flirting a little. It’s not the end of the world, though.”

“No, but I wanted him to know that you’re my world,” Grady said. “My whole world. He doesn’t need to be flirty with my world. There are a lot of other worlds out there.”

Sophie fought the urge to smile and then gave up. She was angry, but the feeling ebbed quickly. She could never hold on to her fury when he was around. He had a certain gift that she couldn’t explain. Some people might call it charm. To her it was magical.

“Grady, I’m not your property,” she repeated, her tone softer. “I love you, but this is a partnership. You need to remember that.”

“I could never forget that, sugar,” Grady said, reaching for her. “In fact, that’s exactly what I was hoping to talk to you about now that we’re alone.” He pressed his lips to her mouth before she could muster an argument. The kiss was soft at first and then it turned fervent.

When they broke apart a few moments later, Sophie was breathless. “Shut the door,” she said. “I’m going to show you what it means to be in a true partnership.”

“And here comes the highlight of my day,” Grady said, grinning. “Come and get me, partner.”

JAMES was quiet when he opened his suite door, making sure to step lightly as he looked toward the center of the room. Mandy’s profile was visible as she sat in her bikini and stared through the window. She was so enthralled he almost thought twice about interrupting her. Then he remembered the promise he made her swear and cleared his throat.

Mandy jumped at the sound of his voice and James instantly regretted jolting her. She was still nervous at times, loud noises causing a brief moment of panic until she remembered she was safe with her husband.

“What are you doing here?” she blurted out.