So, what was I doing? I wasn’t sure, but something told me if I didn’t pursue whatever this was, I’d regret it. He’d called our meeting fate and the allure of that was too good to resist.I’d wanted a romantic weekend and what could be more romantic than meeting an attractive sexy man on an island?
I opened the suitcase I hadn’t unpacked yet and pulled out shorts, a tank top, and my sneakers. I brushed my hair, pulling it into a ponytail. I emptied my bookbag of my kindle and tablet and filled it with granola bars and bottled water.
When I stepped back onto the porch, Ryker held out his hand for my bag. “I’ll carry it.”
I made a promise to myself as I handed it over without an argument—I’d enjoy this man for the day. I deserved something good in my life—even if it was fleeting.
A satisfied smile covered his face as he hitched it over his shoulders. “Ready?”
Feeling lighter than I had in a long time, I placed my hand in his. “Yes.”
He pulled a map out of his back pocket and handed it to me. “The brochure says there are trails all over the island. Did you want to pick a particular path or did you want to explore?” His light blue eyes held a challenge—to take a risk not only with this hike but with him.
I tucked the map into my pocket as my heart rate picked up in anticipation. “Let’s explore.” For the first time in forever, I’d enjoy whatever this was without a plan of action. I’d go wherever the path took us.
There was no better feeling than the breeze in my hair, the sun on my face, and the sight of palm trees and tropical flowers. It was beautiful. “I’m so glad my friends insisted I come.”
He squeezed my hand. “Me too.”
The path was a combination of dirt, sand, and the occasional seashell. It was unlike any hiking I’d done before. It wasn’t challenging physically, but everything I’d done on the island was pushing my limits emotionally. We walked in silence for a half-hour or so, enjoying the sights and quiet.
“You hear that?”
I tilted my head, stilling my breath, to hear a trickling creek. “There’s water?”
“Yeah, there’s a tidal creek that flows through the island.”
We walked a little farther before the path opened up to the narrow creek. Soft light filtered through the trees overhead and mangroves bordered the water. The air was cooler here.
“So beautiful,” I said softly, afraid to speak too loudly and ruin the beauty of the moment. Ryker guided me over to a rock and pulled me to sit next to him.
I grabbed the water bottle from my bag, twisted off the cap, the water glided down my parched throat.
“Thank you for a perfect day.” I tilted my head back slightly to enjoy the feel of the warm sun on my face.
“It’s not over yet.” His eyes held a promise.
A promise of what, I didn’t know, but I sure as hell wanted to find out.
He reached out to take my water bottle, placing it back in the pocket of my bag. He shifted on the rock so we faced each other, his knees on the outside of mine. His hand cupped my cheek and my breath caught in my throat. I knew he was going to kiss me and I wasn’t going to stop him.
Chapter Four
RYKER
I couldn’t believe I was sitting on a rock in the middle of an island about to kiss the woman of my dreams. My hand cupped the soft skin of her cheek as I drew her in close, enjoying the anticipation. Her eyes were soft and her lips parted. My eyes drifted shut and I touched her lips lightly—the sound of my heart thudding in my ears overpowering the trickling creek.
When she didn’t stop me, I brushed over her lips again, tilting my head to get a better angle before slipping my tongue inside her mouth. My tongue tangled with hers as my skin heated. I wanted to push her back onto the rock and feel her body pressed against mine. I wanted to pick her up and straddle her across my lap. It was too much but not enough. I groaned, pulling back slightly to find her hooded eyes filled with the same lust that I felt.
“What was that?” she asked softly.
My thumb traced her lips. “A long time coming.” It was a thank you for that moment in high school when she’d protected me. It was a taste of the man I was now. It was a promise of more to come.
I saw guilt cloud her face.
We were in different places. While I hadn’t dated anyone in six months, she was fresh from a relationship. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know if I should be doing this. I just broke up with my boyfriend.”
“No,” my voice came out harsher than I intended. “He betrayed you. You are free to see whoever you want without guilt.”
“Isn’t there a mourning period for a relationship?”she asked, but her voice was tentative and uncertain.
I knew she wanted me as much as I wanted her. “Not when he cheated on you. Do you feel this pull to me? Do you feel our chemistry?” How could she not? One kiss and I was ready to see how it could be between us.
She swallowed. “Yes.”
“Then give us a chance. Please.” This started out as a high school crush, but seeing her again today, I knew this could be the start of something big.
She closed her eyes briefly and when she opened them determination shone through. “Okay.”
She might think our kiss was impulsive but I wanted more—much more. I had no intention of leaving things at today.
I handed her the water bottle and shifted so that we were facing the water again. “Did you want to continue walking?”
“Sure. I have nowhere to be. This is vacation, after all.” Her expression was open again and relaxed.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t vacation for me. I didn’t want to mention that our time was limited but I had no choice. “I have to get back to the boat by three P.M.”
She stood, holding her hand out. “Then let’s not waste any time.”
I took her hand, walking on the path next to the creek. After a few minutes enjoying the silence, she said, “I love how the island is virtually untouched.”
I did too. The island didn’t have any roads or cars. It made this moment with this woman so much more special. We didn’t run into anyone since most visitors were only day-trippers eating lunching at the restaurant. It was like we were the only people around. I didn’t want the moment to end but the knowledge I had to leave to catch the boat weighed on me.
Ally laughed and shook her head. “Do you know when I told my mom I was planning this trip, she thought I was crazy. She told me to go to Cayo Costa with its beautiful beaches and seashells.”
“Your mother’s right. It’s beautiful there. Cayo Costa has beaches and Cabbage Key has none.” If she’d chosen that trip I wouldn’t have run into her. And now that I had, I needed to make an impression so she couldn’t walk away—at least not easily.
“It is, but there was just something about coming to an island with limited lodging. The day-trippers depart in the afternoon, leaving only a few people on the island. It seemed so romantic—so secluded. There’s no TV, no distractions.”
“It is romantic.” I was experiencing that with her.
“How many people can say they were one of only a few people on an island?”