Page 71 of Places I've Never Been

Did he notwantto kiss her? From the look in his eyes she thought he probably did. Why was he still holding back? Didn’t he realize when she’d agreed to the picnic that she was saying yes to so much more?

He shook his head. “I think I’ll go use the shower in the hut. It probably has hot water.”

He took a step back but didn’t look away.

Mattie put her hands on her hips. “You know, I thought for sure you’d make a move by now but you’ve barely touched me since we got here. What’s up with that? Why haven’t you kissed me again?”

“You told me not to. Have you changed your mind?” He looked cautiously optimistic.

Shehadtold him that.

He’d tried hard to do exactly as she’d asked, and it warmed her heart so much that all the reasons why she shouldn’t give in to temptation evaporated.

“Yes.” Mattie grabbed his hand and pulled him into the waterfall.

Adam yelped as the cold water splashed down on his head, then laughed. “That’s really cold!”

“Maybe I can warm you up.” Mattie wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to hers. There was nothing timid or hesitant about the kiss. She wanted him to know that shewantedhim.

Adam’s lips softened against hers, then his arms went around her and he pulled her even tighter against him. Cold water buffeted her back while his body warmed her front. She shivered and opened her mouth to deepen the kiss. He tasted of sea and salt and sun.

Their bodies melted into each other. Her hands drifted to his shoulders, arms, then back up to his neck. His hand tangled in her hair and gripped it, while the other hand pushed the small of her back until there was no space between them. His heat wrapped around her, delicious and hungry. She lost herself in the sensation of wanting and being wanted in return.

When they finally broke the connection,Adam pressed his forehead to hers. “Are you sure, Mattie? I don’t want to pressure you. We can go back now. Your call.”

Mattie tilted her head as if considering his suggestion. “We can’t do that. You’re covered in salt.”

She spun him around until the water slapped him in the face.

“Oh you little—” He tugged her under the stream with him and held her there until they were both shivering but salt free.

They stumbled away from the waterfall laughing. Adam grabbed her hand and spun her around to face him.

The look of concern on his face made her stop. “What’s wrong?”

Adam pulled her closer, but not so close she couldn’t step away if she wanted. “I’m serious. I know what this looks like. Cooper obviously had something in mind when he set this picnic up, but that doesn’t mean we have to run with it. We can go back right now. No pressure.”

His gaze was steady and resolute. His grip on her arms was gentle, and easily broken. They stood near the path through the rocks that led to the golf cart that waited to carry them back to the villas.

She could go. Sheshouldgo.

She lifted her face to his, and he kissed her, long and slow, until she was forced to come up for air. The ghost of his touch lingered on her lips.

She didn’twantto go.

“Are you sure?” he asked again.

“You owe me a massage.” She touched the Delusions of Glory tattoo with her fingertips. His chest muscles flinched.

Adam groaned as she traced the tattoo. “Mattie…” He put his hand on hers and pressed down. “If you keep this up I won’t be able to stop touching you. It’s damn near impossible to keep my hands to myself as it is.”

She shifted her hand, laced her fingers with his, and led him toward the cabana. “Good. We aren’t leaving until you pay up.”

He said something under his breath, but she couldn’t hear it over the crash of the waves.

When they reached the cabana, Adam gestured to the bed. “Have a seat. I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?” Mattie called after him.

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