A Proposal to Remember

Anna smiled helpfully. ‘Save someone from drowning?’

Polly ignored her and looked at Sam. ‘I thought the two of you could have a conversation about it—you know, something natural but informative.’

He nodded, instantly professional. ‘Sure, Polly. Let’s just ad lib and see what we get.’ He dropped the towel and turned to Anna, water still clinging to his lashes, like some sort of god who had just emerged from the sea. ‘Of course, there have been some extraordinary examples of survival after long periods of submersion in ice-cold water—’

‘We could experiment if you like.’ Anna tilted her head to one side and smiled at him, her wet hair sliding over her bare shoulders. ‘I could hold you under ice-cold water and we could see what happens.’

There was a snort of laughter from the sound man.

‘Cut!’ Polly shook her head and laughed. ‘That wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, Anna!’

Anna’s gaze was locked on Sam’s.

Something dangerous gleamed in his eyes. ‘On reflection, holding me under ice-cold water isn’t a bad idea,’ he muttered, taking a step towards her. ‘It might be the only solution if we carry on with your plan.’

Aware that the crew was listening, Anna felt her cheeks heat and backed away from him.

‘OK, let’s try this thoroughly staged and unnatural conversation you want,’ she said quickly, suddenly wanting to distract Sam from coming towards her. Had he forgotten that they were being filmed, for goodness’ sake? ‘Dr McKenna…’ She kept her voice brisk and professional. ‘It’s important to remember that cold can protect lives as well as endanger them.’

This time she played it straight, as they’d requested, talking with Sam about the management of near drowning, using terms that a layman would understand.

Finally Polly was satisfied. ‘Fantastic. You two are going to be our star turn. And, Anna, I love your swimming costume.’

Anna stared down at herself in amazement. ‘It’s just a costume.’

‘It looks great.’ The sound man scratched the side of his nose and gave her a cheeky grin. ‘I think we can guarantee a male audience for this particular series.’

Anna’s mouth fell open. ‘You’re saying that people are going to watch this because they like my swimming costume?’

‘No, although that helps. They’ll watch because you’re beautiful and full of guts,’ Polly said bluntly, ‘and because there’s enough spark between the two of you to start a forest fire.’

‘Oh, not that again,’ Anna snapped, scooping her damp hair over one shoulder and deciding that enough was enough. ‘If we’ve finished here, I’m off. I need to warm up after my impromptu dip.’

She sprinted back along the sand towards the house, trying to outrun her feelings. It didn’t work.

She slowed to a walk and gave a groan.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop thinking about Sam. And it was getting worse by the minute.

Damn.

She took the steps that led from the beach to the deck of the house and padded round to the hot tub.

She flicked the switch, slid into the bubbling water with a moan of pleasure and closed her eyes. This was one of her favourite places. She waited for the tension to seep out of her, but this time she couldn’t relax. Couldn’t get him out of her mind. And when she heard footsteps on the deck, she knew it was him.

Her eyes flew open and she moved in the water. ‘I was just getting out.’

‘You only just got in.’ He was still dressed in his surf shorts and nothing else. He had an amazing body, strong, powerfully built and immensely fit, and he stood there, legs planted firmly apart, totally unselfconscious.

She, on the other hand, was aware of every male inch of him.

Her throat dried. ‘I just wanted to warm up.’

‘And how warm are you?’ He sat down, swung his legs over the side and slid in next to her, his gaze meshing with hers as he moved in close. ‘How warm are you, Riggs?’

She swallowed, trapped by his gaze. ‘I’m warming up fast.’

His blue eyes flickered to her mouth. ‘Need any help?’