Page 123 of Ship Outta Luck

I clench my teeth, waiting for the blow.

“It’s beautiful.”

The sun sets behind the hotel, casting oranges and pinks across the sky. The glass exterior seems lit from within by the golden pink light.

“Do you want an adjoining room?” I can hardly breathe with wanting her, but her comfort comes first. “I don’t want to,” I clear my throat, “take advantage of your adrenaline.”

June drags her eyes away from the golden hotel. Her lazy smile has heat rushing through me. The light catches her dark hair, making it shine, and I shift against the seatbelt.

“Hmmm. I seem to remember you made me a promise.”

I hardly dare look at her as I park the car as close to the hotel as I can.

“I did?”

“Mmhmmm.” Her fingers trail along my jawline. “Something about screaming?”

“June, I… I don’t want to push you, if you’re worried about the, you know, theSpeedthing.” I cut my eyes to the packages in the back again, feeling idiotic.

A throaty laugh causes me to look back to her. “That’s what’s stuck with you? My one comment about Sandra Bullock and adrenaline?”

“I’m trying to be a gentleman here.” I am, goddamnit, but she’s undoing me at every turn.

She unclips the seatbelt and leans in close. She’s dangerous, a firecracker, and I’m ready to light the fuse.

Her eyes sparkle in the dusky light. “Maybe I don’t want a gentleman right now.”

“Good.” My control breaks, and I grab her, pulling her onto my lap. She squeals as my hands wind around her waist, the ample curve of her breast. For a moment, our breath mingles, and then she pulls back, leaving me raw. Wanting.

“I definitely don’t want a gentleman. But I do want a hot shower.” Her stomach grumbles. “And maybe an entire cow.”

“As you wish.” I smile, running a hand through her hair.

She crawls back over to her seat, making a surprised noise as she catches sight of the bags in the back. “What’s all that?”

“You can’t wear that to dinner.” I nod at her ripped jeans and tight graphic tee.

She flutters her eyelashes. “What, you don’t think divers can go down?” Her eyes dip to my crotch, and she licks her lips.

In one swift move, I capture her mouth, my hand against the base of her throat. Thumb massaging the smooth column of her neck, she gasps as I press against her mouth. Taking advantage of her surprise, I suck her bottom lip until she gasps again.

“I think I’m ready to find out,” I murmur, tracing her swollen mouth with my finger.

“Oh.”

“Shower first. Then dinner. Then…” I trail off, mind flashing on the fantasy of her beneath me, wondering what it will sound like when she cries my name.

“Then bed,” June finishes. “Rest is important.”

She opens her door, and I slide out of the driver’s seat, adjusting my pants before grabbing the bags from the back.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-FOUR

JUNE

The lobby is beautiful.Full floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting the ocean view. Modern wire chairs hang from twenty-foot ceilings, laden with thick, creamy cushions. Long, elegant lights drip down to us. I can’t help but fidget. My crappy t-shirt and ripped jeans are totally out of place here.

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