Page 22 of The Man with the Knot

The moonlit terrace is the perfect place for a romantic evening cocktail. The champagne is the perfect temperature. My slinky silk sundress is the perfect outfit choice with its thin spaghetti straps and sexy sweetheart neckline. In fact, it’s the perfect outfit for Valentine’s, seeing that it’s a flattering shade of pink.

So why am I so nervous?

I know I’m attracted to Brax—it’s nearly impossible not to be.

I observe the alpha male as he sits across from me, his eyes scanning the sea and the horizon beyond it.

His ocean blue shirt makes his eyes pop even more against his bronzed skin. His hair is swept back in an effortless manner, like he’s just gone for a swim, and the salty water adds a sexy tousle that’s relaxed and casual. His body ripples with every move, emphasizing that powerful musculature.

Yeah, he’s hot.

But that still doesn’t fully explain my nerves.

If I’m being honest with myself, I know that I like Brax for more than his physical attributes.

He’s wolfish and assertive, but at the same time, he’s gentle with me. It’s a heady combination, and I’m not sure I’m ready for the slew of emotions that are already building up in my chest.

And after our miscommunication last night, I spent most of the day poolside, worrying that I might already be in over my head. The idea that Brax was rejecting me sent me into a tizzy, so why did I even agree to this date, knowing that my heart might suffer harm?

I shake my head. I’m crazy. That’s the only answer. But am I crazy by sticking myself out there, or am I going crazy falling for this guy? A tiny sigh escapes my lips.

“What is it?” Brax asks, leaning across the table toward me. He takes my hand in his and I practically swoon.

“It’s a bit embarrassing,” I admit, not sure if I want to let him into the strange innerworkings of my mind.

Brax gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “Come on, Morgan. Tell me. That’s the whole point of tonight, to learn a little more about one another.”

I sigh and then offer him a slight smile. “I can’t believe I met you.”

He chuckles but doesn’t let go of my hand. “Is that good or bad?”

I laugh, the atmosphere growing light.

“Good, of course!”

He grins and then goes serious.

“I feel the same. It’s unexpected.”

“Oh? You mean you’ve never met a random woman on your beach before?” I ask teasingly. At the same time, I’m suddenly worried that Brax might make a game of wooing lonely female tourists. Is that a thing? Is this an elaborate scam?

After all, I’m sure Brax has had dozens of lovers—he’s handsome, skilled, and impossible for the female gender to resist. But I hope against hope that he doesn’t toy with every tourist he crosses paths with, because I’m not sure if I could take that kind of heartbreak.

But Brax just chuckles and shakes his head. “No. In fact, I don’t even see many people from my own community on that particular beach. The lagoon is kind of my own private spot. Which made you quite the surprise visitor.”

I smile at the memory and barely control my sigh of relief. “It’s peaceful there.”

Brax nods in agreement. “I like to fish in the lagoon, but I mostly just like to be in the water.”

“Nakedin the water,” I add saucily.

He snorts. “I always prefer to be naked.” He tugs at his shirt, like he’s about to take it off.

“Wait, what are you doing?” I gasp, looking around. “Are you going shirtlessnow?”

He grins.

“Why, would that turn you on?”

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