Page 47 of Nothing to Do

“I never want to hang out with him. To say we tolerate him is generous.”

“You did it for Struan, that’s what Roxie said.”

“A cousin I actually like,” he said, easing her away from the wall. “There’s time for a drink before the others show up.”

She resisted. “Oh, I don’t know. I’ve been having Sex on the Beach with Roxie all day.” His lips quirked and she laughed. “You know what I mean.”

“I’m jealous.”

“She’s very spoken for.” When he walked, she went with him, pinned to his side with his arm holding her there. “She saysthe drink is a tribute to Lilya, us drinking the cocktail lets her live vicariously.”

“Lilya’s expecting with Kintyre. They’re getting married in a few weeks.” They crossed into the house. “I’ll need a date.”

“Plenty of women on the island who’d jump at the chance to escort you.”

“Only one I’m asking.”

She smiled up at him expecting to join Roxie and Zairn wherever they were. Instead of going further into the house, he went toward the front door only to lead her up the stairs.

“Where are we going?”

“There’s a better view.”

“Better?”

“You like to take it all in, I’ve noticed.” How could he not when she went dashing around the beach and wading into the water any chance she got? “I think you’ll like this.”

From the second floor, they went into an enclosed staircase that curved upward too. And she couldn’t deny being intrigued. Light from above lured them. Zane pressed something on the wall and a whirr from above signaled a glass panel sliding aside.

They went up, at the top, Zane held a hand out for hers, which she gave as she emerged and…

“Oh my God,” she whispered, her breath stolen.

On the roof, she could turn any way, all around, and the world was laid out for her. The island, the sea, she could see it all, three-hundred and sixty degrees, back over the island toward the resort, the canopy of trees and…

“What do you think?”

Her heart raced. “I think it’s amazing.” Letting go of his hand, she went closer to the water, except… every way got her closer. She laughed. “Zane, this is incredible.”

“Yeah, it still gets me too.” Loungers, a couple of couches, a firepit, this wasn’t just a walk on the roof, they could really hang out there. “Cam’s good at utilizing space. Making the most of the artificial in a natural environment.”

“It’s impressive.”

“Now you want to meet him too?”

When she whirled around, still beaming, exhilaration heated her more than the sun. “You live an amazing life.”

He sauntered over. “I’m with an incredible woman. Do you want a drink?” She shook her head, sliding her hands up his body when he wrapped her in his arms. “We’ve got some time before dinner.”

And she didn’t want to waste it sipping drinks politely, making small talk. Not that small talk with him was ever…

“I feel like I’m on top of the world.” Literally and figuratively. “Like we’re the only two people left in existence.”

“Then we’ve got nothing but time.”

“Still…” she murmured. Her hands ascended until her fingers met his jaw. “We shouldn’t waste it.”

Drawing him down, her eyes sank shut and she breathed as his mouth touched hers. A kiss. One that was more profound than any that had come before. Was it possible to convey, to talk, to breathe, to kiss, to express how deep her need for him went?

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