His stare lingered and she sensed his reluctance to drop the discussion. But he pushed back his chair and stood, offering his hand for her to accept. “I thought we’d try some of the activities the resort offers.”
“Safety in numbers?” she asked wryly.
He laughed but didn’t look her in the eye. “Anyone ever tell you you’re too perceptive for your own good?”
“Not recently.” Nor would the events in her life back up his claim.
“Well, don’t let other people’s opinions make you sell yourself short.”
Talk about perceptive, she thought. She’d been measuring herself by Stuart’s standards for too long. “I need to shower and change.”
“And I have some things to take care of with Merrilee.”
Regarding his fantasy or just his stay on the island? Juliette narrowed her eyes, dying to ask. But she remained silent, knowing that if she respected the parameters of his fantasy, he’d do the same for hers. They never had to discuss her failings or the reason for her trip here—unless she wanted to confide in him. A shocking possibility.
“Let me walk you out.”
He shook his head. “You relax. I’ll head around the side of the cottage and meet up with you later.”
She smiled. “I hope so.”
He rose from his seat. “Count on it.” He treated her to a wink that sent tremors of heated awareness straight to the pit of her stomach.
She watched him leave, his cut-off denim shorts molding to his firm backside and his ragged short-sleeve sweatshirt revealing tanned, muscular arms. Good Lord, the man was sexy.
His character and strength had her stomach twisting in conflicting knots. Safe or not, stupid or not, she wanted all he had to offer. She wanted to attain her deepest desire. And for the moment, her needs were simple.
She wanted to be held in his arms. She wanted him to make her feel, not just desired, but also secure, something she had a hunch he’d do with ease. And she wanted to admit the pain in her life and let him help her heal.
He was the perfect man for the job, considering he knew about sharing and confiding. He’d given her a glimpse inside his soul, something Stuart had never done. In all their time together he’d never once looked at her so intently or discussed anything emotional. Except his campaign, she thought wryly.
Doug was different. He couldn’t possibly be faking the warmth in his eyes or caring in his expression. Although he was here to make her fantasy come true, she sensed she was learning about him as well. And her instincts screamed for her to trust him, stronger and more passionately than her gut instinct had ever believed in Stuart.
Having made a huge mistake last time, Juliette wasn’t planning on rushing into anything now. She had time to learn about Doug and relearn to trust herself as well. She could, and would, test her feminine wiles and her ability to tease and arouse, both Doug as well as herself. And when she finally made love with him—and oh, how she wanted to—the experience would be the answer to her dreams.
In the meantime, anticipation was half the fun, something Doug obviously understood well. He was building their romance slowly, with deep, drugging kisses and intimate gestures like flowers and breakfast.
And she was hoping for much, much more.
DOUG NEEDED a breather. He made his way to the beach and kicked back in a lounge chair, letting the ocean waves and the cooler morning breeze soothe his nerves and his conscience. After leaving Juliette, he’d called home to check on his father.
The older man hadn’t been released from the hospital; in fact, the doctor was running more tests. His mother insisted Doug stay on assignment because his father’s mood had greatly improved since Doug’s departure and promise to return with good news. And, besides, nothing more could be done until the tests came back and they decided whether to treat with medication or surgery. So, for now, his father was resting comfortably. But Doug wasn’t.
Doug had seen Juliette’s eyes light up when she found him on her doorstep, breakfast and flowers in hand. And his own heart had taken a huge leap upon seeing her again after only one short night apart. All real, not part of the fantasy.
“Good morning, Mr. Houston.” Merrilee’s voice sounded from behind him, then she walked around and pulled
an upright chair beside his. “Enjoying the peace and quiet?” she asked.
“I’m enjoying everything about this place.”
“Thank you.” Pride infused her voice. “I’m sure you’ve been wondering what my decision is.”
“I trust your judgment. I’m hoping you can bring yourself to trust me.” He wanted to grin, to charm her with a smile, but he couldn’t muster the false sentiment. Damned if he could understand what was overcoming him this trip.
She crossed one leg over the other and rested her weight on one side, facing Doug. “Interesting you should be so astute as to pick up on the fact that trust has to go both ways. I’m counting on you to remember that when you’re with Juliette.”
Doug thought about his discussion with Juliette earlier. “She’s smart. Smart enough to get information out of me without me questioning her in return.” Ever been married before? she’d asked. Ever come close?