Page 102 of The Sandbar saga

The brisk breeze washed over every surface of her skin. She shivered as if Race had lightly trailed his finger down her spine.

But, he was inside. Once again, shutting her down when she was ready to take a step toward him.

"Chilled?" Race stepped up beside her. "Let me give you my coat."

She shook her head. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him to take her home. She'd had enough disappointment and sadness in her life, losing Race again would be too much.

"What were you trying to tell me inside?" he asked, leaning his forearms on the railing to look at her better.

Instead of answering his question, she said, "Do you know how many times I've imagined standing out on the sandbar? The tide would come in, just like it is right now."

"Katie." He straightened and brought her closer, pulling her into the V of his legs.

"But you always showed up to rescue me," she whispered. "Every single time. It was always you."

His gaze intensified. He cupped the back of her head and captured her lips.

Every pent-up frustration and every insatiable need came roaring out of her. She kissed him back with as much passion as he gave. Clinging to him, she tilted her head, needing more.

Her legs shook, wanting to wrap around him. There wasn't enough of her body feeling him.

She needed his weight on her, his arms around her tighter, his hands touching every inch of her.

He pressed against her hard enough, her body bent to his will. The railing at her back, she couldn't go anywhere but toward him.

Race broke the kiss and buried his face against the sensitive part of her neck, breathing heavily. His hands sprawled, holding more of her.

She wrapped her arms around his head, not letting him push her away, walk away, deny their love.

The lack of bright light on the patio, the low whoosh of the water, and the privacy away from the others helped push away her inhibitions when out in public. Her heart raced, and the blood pounded in her head, tottering on the edge of consciousness.

Against her neck, he said, "There are a hundred reasons why I should walk away from you, and none of that matters. I don't give a damn what society says about our relationship or the ethics board. I love you, Katie. You're mine. You've always been mine."

"Promise me." She clung to him tighter. "Don't take it back. Don't turn me away."

"I'll get down on my knees to make you stay." He cradled her head in his hand. "I can't live without you again. I'm tired of fighting what was right in front of me. I love you more than any book or medical study can explain, Katie."

He lifted her head and kissed her hard. Her heart hammered against him. She sobbed into his mouth. Her hands desperately trying to feel every inch of him.

"I love you." She sobbed, peppering him with kisses. "I need you."

"Let's get out of here," he mumbled against her mouth. "I want my family with me. I want you with me."

"Yes." She panted, finding herself standing on her own, and reaching for him again.

Race took off his jacket and put it around her shoulders. Then, he tucked her against his side and walked toward the other end of the patio.

"First thing Monday morning, we'll make this legal." He held her tight. "Nobody and nothing can stop me."

Barely making out the steps through her tears, she hugged his side. The need to go home and continue what they'd started moved her forward.

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