Page 213 of Wicked Fantasies

“Really?” Pierre asked politely, his face showing his surprise that Rob was being so forthright with him.

“She’s a special education teacher from Virginia,” Rob added, unsure why he was sharing anything. He could tell Pierre to mind his own business and the man would take no offense.

“Quite an admirable profession.”

“She still doesn’t know who I am.” Rob was surprised by his confession, aware that Pierre had overheard his false introduction.

“I see,” Pierre answered with a bit of disgust in his voice.

“At the time, it seemed like a harmless enough lie,” Rob replied. “But now--”

“I do see,” Pierre repeated softly and looking into his face Rob could see he did.

“The first night we met, we talked. It was nice, normal, friendly. When I realized she didn’t know who I was, I found myself leery to give up the--” he stumbled.

“Nice, normal, friendly part. You know, Rob,” Pierre’s voice was gentle. “No good comes from a lie.”

“You think I’m a fool.”

“Not at all, sir. However, given the fact you seem to be quite taken with this special education teacher who has never seen the ocean, perhaps it would behoove you to tell her your true identity now.”

“I think it may already be a little too late.”

“Why?” Pierre asked.

“Because I think she’s fallen in love with me,” Rob answered, before adding, “and I know I’ve fallen in love with her.”

Sunday,February 14 dawned bright and beautiful and Meg was amazed by the sight of the sun rising over the ocean. She’d seen the ocean all weekend, but the dark clouds and misting rain had obscured her viewing the true breathtaking beauty of it. Today, the bright blue sky seemed dim and dull in contrast to the crystal clear azure water. Excited beyond words, Meg ran back to the bed and jumped on top of her new lover.

“Hey,” he grumpily protested when she pulled the covers off his delectably naked body. Drooling at the sight, Meg tried to still her heated thoughts by picking up her pillow and pummeling Rob awake.

She laughed giddily. “The sun is out. No more rain. Let’s go swim in the ocean.”

Joining in her obvious delight, he grabbed up his own pillow holding it in front of him like a shield.

“The ocean is overrated,” he joked. “Let’s stay in bed.” With that, he pulled her beneath him, straddling her thighs with his own.

“Rob,” she whined as he lowered his lips to hers. He kissed her until she forgot all about the ocean and the sunshine. Hell, she was struggling to recall her own name.

“Now that is a much better way to wake up,” he declared several minutes later.

“With all our practice, I bet we’d be shoo-ins at the kissing contest.” She was struggling to gather her wits about her. His kiss should be registered as a lethal weapon.

“Mmm,” he murmured, “but I find that only a few minutes with your lips and I’m powerless to stop myself from stripping all the clothes from your body. How do you feel about public nudity?”

Blushing, she swatted at his shoulder. “I suppose we’ll have to limit our kisses to private places.”

“That’s my girl,” he answered with his typical charming grin. “I’m incredibly jealous, you know. I want your scrumptious curves all to myself.”

“Scrumptious, huh?” she asked with a laugh. “Are you sure you aren’t a bit farsighted, Mr. Mason?”

She watched a strange look cross his face before he shuttered the emotion away. “Well then.” He surprised her by pulling away and rising from the bed. “I believe I promised my girl a swim in the ocean. Why don’t you put on your swimsuit and we’ll head out?”

Slapping her head, she swallowed back a curse. “My swimsuit is in my luggage, which I don’t have. Damn it!”

Rob grinned at her mild expletive, marveling at her mastery of four letter words. “Actually, my love,” he said, causing her heart to turn over in her chest, “your luggage arrived very early this morning. It’s in your bedroom.”

She squealed with delight dashing across the living room toward her room. “I won’t be a minute.”

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