Mike collapsed on the step next to her. “You forgot to tell me this painting stuff is hard work.”
“Especially when you aren’t used to physical labor?”
“Hey, I still work out.” She laughed at the scowl he sent her way.
Reaching over, he tapped her nose. She tried to see what he’d done and swiped a finger over her nose. Her finger came back white. “What—?”
Mike grinned. “Couldn’t resist. You look cute.”
“And you’re wasting paint!”
“What a dab?”
She swiped her paint brush over his forearm. “That’s how to do it.”
“Really?”
Jumping up, she headed inside. “I need a shower.”
“How about a swim instead?” Glancing back, she saw Mike standing on the porch, the streak of white still on his arm. “I mean, here we are in paradise. There’s the ocean—blue and beautiful. Come on—let’s grab some beach time.”
Shaking her head, she said, “We’ve got work.”
“That can wait for a couple of hours. Come on. What’s the good of living here if you don’t enjoy it?”
“Okay, I’ll get my suit.”
Running up the steps, he grabbed her hand. “Forget the suits. Let’s go.” Dragging her with him, he headed for the beach. She had time enough to drop her paint brush by the paint cans and to protest about needing to clean up and put things away.
“Later,” Mike told her.
“Pushy men,” she muttered.
“Yeah, like you’re not pushy at all.” He grinned at her.
She found it hard to resist that grin. On the beach, he let go and started to strip. And she found it even harder to resist him. All that tan skin and firm muscle and… and that hard erection now jutting up.
Chapter Fourteen
He glanced down at himself and spread his hands. “Can I help it if you do this to me?”
The breath caught in her chest and throat. All she could do was nod as he stood there, naked and beautiful, like some water god come to life.
He held out a hand to her.
Muttering under her breath, she toed off her sandals, dragged off her shirt, her bra, and then slipped her shorts and panties down and off. Damn if she’d let him undress her. “Last one in pays for dinner,” she yelled. With a war whoop, she plunged into the surf.
She heard Mike’s laugh and then a splash. And then his arm wrapped around her waist. He pulled her against him—cool water lapped around her, but Mike seemed all heat. She wrapped her legs around him. They bobbed together in the water for a moment, the surf pushing her up against him.
Brushing her hair from her face, he kissed her
, slipping his tongue inside her mouth. She angled her hips and he slipped inside of her with one, slow push. Tightening her grip on him, she moaned. She loved this feeling—she felt sheltered in his arms. She knew that was an illusion. This was just sex—great, mind-blowing sex. But that’s all they could ever have.
She’d enjoy this moment—she’d try to make it last. But then it would be over, and he’d be gone.
“Come for me,” he whispered. “I love to watch your face.”
With a shudder, she fell apart. He grabbed her ass and held her pressed close, rocking her against him just as the water rocked their bodies. With a shiver, he came as well, his body flushing hot. She pulled out and away—no way was she risking getting pregnant by a stranger.