Corey stood. The man ran a curious gaze over Mackenzie, then turned to pump her companion’s hand.
“You going down for the St. Mark’s briefing?”
“You think I’d miss the beach?”
The man chuckled.
“Great. We’ll hit a few. You bring your racket?”
“And a fresh can of balls.”
“Good. We’ll do it, then.”
Again, the man’s gaze swept her.
“So… Arlene and the kids are doing okay?”
“Fine… Just fine. Kids are growing like weeds.”
“Great… Great… They’ll keep you hopping. See you down there.”
With that, the man moved up the aisle. Mackenzie st
Wyatt blinked at the sunlight reflecting off the blue-green water and white sand. Even through his dark glasses, the beach dazzled. He drew in a breath of salt air and searched the area for Mackenzie. The little minx had nearly lost him in the airport. He’d hung back, though, following her to the resort. The sun glinted off his watch as Wyatt checked the time. She’d been in her room for fifteen minutes. If his hunch proved right, she’d head straight for the beach. He passed a group of college kids playing volleyball and moved toward a vacant chair beside a far umbrella. He’d have a good view of the beach from here, but wouldn’t be too noticeable. Mackenzie emerged as Wyatt settled into the canvas seat. He sat forward, his throat tightening as she sashayed to a spot near the volleyball players. A bright blue bikini top cupped her lovely breasts, while a flowered sarong hugged her hips. Ignoring the umbrellas, she spread a multi-colored towel on t
Wyatt clung to the balcony railing and glanced down at his feet dangling four stories above the ground.“Christ, how did I get myself into this?” The whole situation was funny, really. Maybe later he’d be able to laugh about sprinting after Mackenzie and her young fling, then nearly breaking his leg trying to save her from making the biggest mistake of her life. But, for now, though, Wyatt wasn’t laughing. At least he’d escaped in time to overhear the kid’s floor number as he raced for the elevator. After jogging up the stairs, he’d burst onto the floor as the chummy pair disappeared into a room at the far end of the hall. Luck had it that a maid’s cart stood outside the room next door. In all haste, he’d snuck through the open door, past the maid bent over the tub, then out onto the balcony. In one swift and senseless move, Wyatt found himself clinging to the neighboring balcony. With an effort, he swung one leg up and over the railing, then hau
Mackenzie ran her finger along the salt-coated rim of her glass.“I think adventure might be exactly what I want.” Matthew let loose a small sound of excitement.“I have been searching for such an adventurous woman since I arrived here. I have been searching for someone who dares to leave the beaten path, who makes her own rules, regardless of what society dictates. I have been searching for a free, untamed spirit…” She laughed.“Believe me, I have definitely not traveled the beaten path.” He and Deborah shared a knowing look. Mackenzie straightened, feeling a little self-conscious. Had they guessed she referred to her long stint as a virgin? A waitress, a young woman with a deep tan and sun-bleached hair, approached their table. While she took Deborah’s drink order, Matthew leaned in closer to Mackenzie. He held her hand and rubbed his thumb along her palm.“And this urge to take the unbeaten path, does it apply to all areas
He’d come for her… Mackenzie couldn’t believe her eyes. She smiled and shifted closer to Wyatt as the crowded elevator carried them up and away from the poolside bar. She inhaled his arousing scent, trying to remember how to breathe. The elevator stopped, emptying most of its occupants onto one of the floors. A wonderful exhilaration filled her. Why hadn’t she seen it? Wyatt cared for her. He had to. Why else would he have followed her on this trip, arriving like a knight in shining armor to save her from that mortifying situation she’d just gotten into? This chivalry of his explained everything. Fool that she was, she’d let him think she wasn’t interested. Mackenzie hadn’t dreamed the wonder in his eyes as they’d made love. He’d felt it too. She wanted Wyatt. She wanted to explore every gorgeous, magnificent, divine inch of him, to touch, taste and feast on him. She wanted to know again the feel of him filling h
Something bright against her eyelids dragged Mackenzie from her slumber. Yawning, she slowly stretched. Sunlight flickered in through the open curtains. A weight across her middle and warmth at her back brought memory flooding in. Heat crept up her cheeks as she rolled carefully to her other side. Wyatt mumbled something in his sleep and tightened his hold. His half-erection pressed against her thigh. She smiled, in spite of herself. Her lover just kept going and going. Seems he was going again in his dreams. She closed her eyes as details from the previous night spun through her mind. Embarrassment filled her. How was it she could act so brazenly, so unlike her around him? It was as though he was some mind-altering drug that had her doing and saying things she dared only dream of in her normal world. Now, here in the morning light, her actions played out for her. She’d lost her virginity to her brother’s best friend, a known
She beamed in delight, then preceded him across the wooden walkway to the beach. Wyatt averted his eyes from the sight of her hips’ supple sway and started thinking about future businesses he needed to attend to once he'd got back home until the tightness in his groin eased. The sun beat down on them. Sand crunched underfoot. He whipped off the jacket, tugged his shirt over his head, then slid off his shoes, dropping the items in a pile on the beach. He glanced longingly at the water. “This day is so lovely…” Mackenzie kicked off her sandals, untied her sarong, then spread it on the sand. After digging in her bag, she extracted a small wallet. “Can you carry this for me? I don’t have any pockets.” Wyatt swept his gaze over her scant attire… A few scraps of fabric held together with string. No, she didn’t have any pockets. But she had a lot of things he wanted… His pulse raced but he held out his hand. “Sure.” She placed the wa
“How about that one? Don’t you think it looks like a looks mouse chased by a cat?” Wyatt pointed to a puffy cloud above them. They’d made it back to the spot where they’d left their belongings. Mackenzie lay stretched out on her sarong, while Wyatt used his jacket to protect his head and back from the sand. As considerate as he’d been all day, Mackenzie couldn’t seem to shake a feeling of melancholy. Her enthusiasm just dimmed. She cocked her head. The wind shifted the clouds.“Well, I think it looks like the cat being chased by a dog... That one is too big to be a mouse, don’t you think so?” she replied smiling lightly.“Ah… it could be… Yeah…” Casting him a sideways glance, Mackenzie pointed to an indiscriminate puff.“And that one looks like a unicorn… See there? The head and the horn...”“Yes, I see it too.” Turning to her side, Mackenzie faced him. She had to get out of this slump. It wasn’t fair to Wyatt. He was trying so hard to pamper h
Wyatt winced as he pricked himself again with the razor. He blew out a breath, concentrating as he guided the blade around his jaw.“You’re just going to keep her company, dude, cheer her up, that’s all… This is not a date. And you’re definitely not having a fling.” He frowned at his reflection. The truth was, he didn’t trust himself alone with Mackenzie, not with the memory of her sweet body haunting him. Wyatt gritted his teeth and forced away the vision. Mackenzie wasn’t sure if she wanted him, and whether or not she’d admit it, she didn’t really want a fling. Mackenzie wanted what he couldn’t give her… a happy ending. Wyatt rinsed the razor, then set it aside, mopping his face with a towel. She’d been so down today. Somehow, meeting Bloom and her baby brother had extinguished the light in her eyes. He’d felt odd himself, standing beside Mackenzie and peering at that baby. He hadn’t really noticed babies before. The little rascal ha