“This is cool.” She cracked a smile for the first time all day.
Several minutes passed and she felt the tug on the line as they were pulled in.
“We have to hold on to the passenger bar now,” Nicholas said as his hands reached overhead.
She followed suit, and breathed through the action of being reeled in closer to the boat.
They landed—because that was really the only word to describe it—back on the boat. Adrenaline coursed through her veins.
After the life jackets were off, she looked up at Nicholas and swung her arms around his neck. “I did it. I can’t believe I did it. That was so exciting. The most exciting thing I’ve ever done.”
He chuckled in her hair, holding her close.
She loved the feel of his arms wrapped around her. She pecked his cheek.
“I’m glad you liked it,” he whispered.
She grinned the whole rest of the boat ride.
They had nothing else planned for the remainder of the day. They could just lounge around, nap, make love, whatever they wanted. And that sounded just perfect to Cat. She had no problem spending her free time with Nicholas.
After they docked, she mustered the strength to invite Nicholas back to her room, and then asked him if he wanted to shower with her. Somehow her newfound gumption was growing and taking her places.
They lounged by the pool after lunch, then made love again before dinner.
Cat almost felt like Nicholas just couldn’t get enough of her. She’d never dated a man who was like that. Not that they were dating. But the day was simply wonderful. She had one week left and the way things were going, those days would be spectacular.
Nic sat across from Cat, watching her laugh as the juice from a cherry tomato dribbled down her chin.
She dabbed with a napkin. “So how many times have you been parasailing?”
He still felt so full of pride that Cat was able to trust him enough to go on their excursion. “Only about three or four times.”
She nodded. “Do you do other things like that?”
She was too adorable in her innocence, considering parasailing adventurous. What would she think if she knew just how adventurous he was?
He set down his fork. “Yes. You might call me a risk-taker. I’ve gone hang gliding, swam with sharks, bungee jumped, and parachuted out of an airplane.”
Her mouth hung open. “Holy cow.”
He grinned and took a bite of his salad.
“Have you always been this way?”
He didn’t often talk about Dillon, but just as she could step out of her comfort zone, so could he. “A few years ago, I lost my best friend in a freak accident.”
“Ohmigosh. I’m so sorry.”
Nic inhaled. “He worked for a manufacturing company. He went to the plant early one morning for an inspection when a propylene tank exploded. Thankfully no one else had arrived yet. Dillon always lived life to the fullest.” A small smile spread across his lips. “Making the most of every day.” It was almost like he knew his life would be cut short. “And that’s what I learned from him.”
“Wow. What a story.” She reached across the table to squeeze his hand.
He could read sincerity in her eyes, and he loved how she cared. Then a glint sparked. “So, you’re pretty much a daredevil.”
“That works. I’m a bit competitive too.” He undoubtedly had Lisa and Samuel to thank for that. “I like to think that life’s too short to have regrets.”
She nodded and looped a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
The waitress arrived with their entrees.
Perfect time to change the subject. “So, besides drawing, what were you planning on doing this vacation? Did you book any excursions?”
The corners of her lips rose. “I didn’t plan too much. I’ll go paddle boarding and snorkeling this week.”
He sipped from his wine glass.
“What? That sounds really ‘safe’ to you, doesn’t it?”
Now it was his turn to reach for her hand. “It does. But Cat, I’m really proud of you for taking a chance and parasailing with me today. And you should be proud of yourself.”
She pushed her shoulders back. “I am. I’m surprised how much I liked it.”
He couldn’t stop the smile at her own delight.
They chatted nonstop over dinner. He simply couldn’t believe how much of his free time he was spending with her. Not that he regretted it. They’d formed an easy friendship—friends with benefits.
After dinner, he walked her back to her room and didn’t leave for two hours.
She wore a sexy, matching pink bra and panties under her dress that night, saying they were a bridesmaid’s present.
He had only one reply. “Those bra and panties look amazing on you. I wonder how they’ll look on the floor.”
She giggled as he unclasped her bra and ravaged her body.
Cat was good and caring and innocent in many ways. The ideas were already swirling around in his head of all the wonderful things he could show her. Take it easy, he reminded himself.
Cat toweled off the last of the water drops from her shower and squeezed the excess from her hair. She stared at her reflection as she combed her locks smooth, reminiscing about the fabulous weekend she’d had. What a difference a few days could make. She didn’t know where this fling with Nicholas was going; likely not very far. But she’d learn to live with that. She had a fresh perspective on life and love, and frankly lust.
It might have been rough the prior week, but Jack had done her a huge favor by cheating. It was a blessing that she’d found Jack, that he hadn’t replied to her texts that fateful night. She’d almost married the wrong man because no way in hell would he not cheat on her when they were married.
She would be eternally thankful to Nicholas for showing her another side of life.
As she swept some coconut-scented lotion over her legs a knock sounded at the door.
She glanced at her phone. Nearly nine o’clock.
Looking through the peephole, she saw Nicholas freshly shaven and wearing a pale green logoed shirt and khaki pants.
Her heart skipped a beat. She tightened the sash on her robe and pulled open the door. “Hi, stranger.”
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said with a wide smile.
She stepped back to let him in. “I wasn’t expecting to see you until tonight.”
He snaked an arm around her waist and leaned forward to kiss her cheek. “I know. I’m sorry but I need to cancel dinner tonight. One of my appointments got moved from this morning, so I thought I’d take you to breakfast instead.”
“Wow, okay. Let me get some clothes on.”
His gaze traveled the length of her. “Are you very hungry right now?”
Oh my. She licked her lips. Clearing her throat, she replied, “No.”
His hands stroked up her arms over her soft cotton robe, leaving a trail of warmth on her skin. He lowered his head to her lips, testing. She opened for him, savoring the feel of his minty tongue sliding against hers.
He pulled her flush to his body, his heat radiating across her entire front. His fingertips grazed up her neck, and his head tipped to deepen the kiss.
Clasping his upper arms, she pressed her body against his, loving the feel of his erection digging into her. Her breasts grew heavy, aching for his touch.