Dawn brought with it an even blacker mood.
Overnight, the storm whirled out into the interior of the Caribbean to wreak havoc with Cuba and Grand Cayman. The resort hadn’t lost power, which Regent executives would be quite pleased to note since Keith had insisted on installing top-of-the-line generators and storm-proof wiring.
But the pool resembled tree limb soup with a generous garnish of dirt and leaves. The permanent wedding gazebo was gone—the storm had even ripped away the concrete moorings, then filled the holes with sand. A new one would have to be ordered and reanchored, but obviously better and differently.
The door to the sports equipment shed hung drunkenly from one hinge and the floor sat underneath two inches of water. Fortunately, the kayaks, surfboards and other gear seemed no worse for wear. They were supposed to get wet, after all.
The outdoor bar was weatherproof, or it was supposed to be. Scrapes marred the surface as if the wind had dragged tree limbs across it. The bar would have to be refinished, and the list went on and on. Alice scurried after him as he barked out orders and observations. Eventually, they organized resources and the challenges began to look a little more doable.
Sometime around midmorning, Keith holed up in his office to respond to email. Coffee and a solid plan had improved his mood. When Cara knocked on the open door, he even managed a smile.
“Got a minute?” she asked and leaned on the doorjamb.
He nodded and let the image of Cara’s naked body astride his flash through his mind because he wanted to and because it was still powerful. What had started out as a method to make sure she had an amazing experience had somehow morphed into the best sex of his life.
“What’s up?” He cleared his throat, though it was pretty useless since the huskiness in his voice was due to the raging erection he’d just given himself with a simple memory.
“I was curious about the expo. What are the plans?”
Dry Cara wasn’t any less sexy and alluring than a wet Cara. She appeared well rested, as if sleep had come easily to her, and today’s dress hugged the curves he’d eagerly reacquainted himself with last night.
“The airport is scheduled to reopen tomorrow morning. So we’ll go on, albeit late.” He sat back in his chair and wished they could have had this conversation over breakfast. Because she’d stayed with him overnight. Pathetic. Why was he torturing himself with fanciful scenarios? “I’m sending out the revised schedule to all the expo guests and vendors now. You’re on the email distribution list.”
“The resort doesn’t seem too worse for wear. Have you got a good handle on the cleanup?”
He shrugged. “Elena’s got it. She’s corralling the groundskeepers as we speak and we’ll have to adjust a few of the events. But we’ve got a promising start.”
“That’s good to hear.” Cara flowed across the threshold and shut the door behind her with a wicked gleam in her eye. “Hope you’ll pardon the interruption then.”
Before he could get a word in edgewise, she rounded the desk and climbed into his lap.
Hungrily, she fused her lips to his and kissed him openmouthed, tongue sliding against his. Rough and wild, she savored him and he groaned under her commanding offensive.
His body instantly responded, spreading heat and fire outward from his already primed erection to encompass every organ. Her fingers worked his buttons clumsily until she apparently gave up and ripped the fabric wide to slide her hands along his torso, around the sides and up his back. Everything she touched leaped under her palms, crackling with energy.
Then she dipped into his pants to curve his shaft into her fisted hand. He pulsed and nearly lost complete control.
“Wait,” he bit out. “I...wasn’t expecting you and—”
“It’s okay.” She pulled a wrapped condom from inside her bra. “A gift from Meredith.”
Breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding whooshed out. Thankfully, Cara got the necessity of being careful. No ties this time. “I really, really like your sister.”
Cara grinned. “I’ll tell her you said so. Later. I want you to take me right here on your desk. Now,” she commanded.
Sweeter words had never been spoken. Quickly, he stood with Cara in his arms and situated her on the desk, thighs spread wide. He stepped between them and yanked her dress and bra down in one motion. Her gorgeous breasts spilled free and he shoved one between his teeth.
She thrust against his mouth, moaning, and he shut his eyes at the perfection of her taste.