Sandcastle Kisses (The Kisses 5)

Part of the reason I loved my blue dress was that it didn't wrinkle. Wrinkle-free clothes make the “walk of shame” that much easier. I slid it over my head, feeling muscles stretch that I hadn't used in a while. I was sore in the most delightful of places, and the thought made me smile. Noah made me smile.

I grabbed my phone and stepped out to the back porch to check my messages and call my boss. Dr. Algos would be wondering where I was since it was past my usual check-in time.

The wood was cool under my feet as it was shaded from the morning sun, but the ocean was alive with sunlight. Every wave sparkled like it was made of diamonds as it danced ever closer to the shore, finally spilling onto the sand to reveal it’s starry soul.

“Hey, Doc,” I said after Dr. Algos picked up on the second ring.

“Did you have a nice time?” I could hear him walking along the dock toward the boats, a smile evident in his voice.

“Of course I did,” I replied, trying to keep my voice innocent.

“When do we get to meet him?”

I groaned. “So Devon and Lucas can tease me about falling for another tourist? Not a chance.”

Dr. Algos laughed gently. I didn't feel hurt when he teased me about my love life. I liked that he was interested enough to care, and yet he never said anything about my choices. He was the “cool dad” who let me make my own mistakes, but who was always there to help pick me up when I fell.

“I don't have much for you to do today. Since we're waiting on officially getting the Grove, I don't want to start anything new,” Dr. Algos said. I could hear him putting something in the boat.

“Are you going on a dive later?” I asked.

“Yes. You and your new friend are welcome to join us, but I have a feeling you are going to turn me down.” I could see his smile in my head. “If you could stop by later, though, and check the shark pups, then you can have the morning off.”

“I will happily take the shark pups this afternoon.” I grinned at the phone, even though I knew he couldn't see me. “Any update on the Grove?”

“Just the same goobelty-gook from the lawyers as last time. They keep telling me the sale should go through any day now. Don't worry about that today, though. Go enjoy your tourist.”

I frowned slightly, but I knew he was right. Worrying about the Grove wasn't going to help anything. The sale would go through, and I could continue my research by next week. It would give me something to keep my mind off of Noah leaving.

As if thinking of Noah called him, I heard the thump of feet in the bedroom and the creak of a door.

“All right. I'll check the pups and see you later. Have fun on your dive,” I said into the phone as a tousled and very sexy man opened the porch door. “Bye, Doc.”

I clicked off the phone and Noah stepped onto the porch. He was wearing nothing but a pair of boxers. It was difficult not to stare.

“Good morning, sleepy head,” I said with a smile. He stretched his hands overhead and the muscles in his chest and arms rippled under the morning sun. I swore my temperature went up five degrees just looking at him.

“Good morning, gorgeous,” he murmured, leaning in to kiss my cheek before stretching again. It was a simple act of caring that made me feel a warm, pleasant glow all the way to my toes. He liked me. I had no idea why it was so important to me that he did, but I loved that he liked me.

“Did I wake you up?” I asked, holding up the phone. He shook his head.

“Nope. I'm usually up at the crack of dawn. This is the equivalent of me sleeping until noon. I haven't slept that well in ages.”

“Must be the tropical air,” I said coyly. He came to the balcony, putting a muscled arm on either side of me and leaning in close. My heart started beating faster, my body aching to feel him again.

“Must be.” He pulled back, leaving me wanting more. “Can you play tourist with me today?”

“I would be happy to show you around the island,” I started, but he shook his head, coming in close again. His legs pressed against mine, pushing me against the balcony.

“No. Pretend you're a tourist and come play with me.”

“Okay.” It was hard to think with him that close, with his body against mine. Coherent thoughts on scheduling the day were the last thing on my mind, but I managed to do it. “I just have to check on the pups this afternoon. You can come if you want.”

“If it means I get to spend more time with you, then I'll go grocery shopping with you,” he said, his voice low and masculine. I giggled at the idea of him walking behind me as I picked out eggs for the entire research team.

“Can I take you snorkeling?” I asked, looking up into his clear-blue eyes. I could play tourist. I would just play a very well-informed tourist.