“The forest is less menacing now, with you," she told him with the first step toward the woods.
"If you say so." He kept a brisk pace, though she could guess he didn’t want to go. It was how stiff his legs were, but he didn’t complain. "There are lots of places someone or some animal lost from shore can hide. The human travelers in the hospitable months have left their pets. One winter here tends to turn them wild if we don't find them early."
She stared at his profile. "You have animals here right now?"
"No. This year, you appeared, and not someone's lost dog. My life hasn't been the same since."
She breathed out a small laugh. "I'm flattered. I had no idea I had was like a lost puppy."
He shook his head. "In another life, I'd have flirted with you more."
She turned to block his path. "You don't flirt now. Is that what you're saying?"
He hitched the backpack over his shoulder "Yeah. Women are a bad combination in my life."
She turned around again and resumed their pace. He followed. "In my previous life, I ditched at the first sign of seriousness. But now you have me trapped."
"No serious relationships for you, then?"
The question had her stop in her tracks. If she intended to be reckless, now was her opportunity. She twirled around, reached up, and traced his jaw line. "I stopped trusting my judgment with men. I’ve lived off the grid for a long time, and being myself with anyone nearby terrifies me. I don’t know if I can anymore.”
"Can what anymore?" he asked.
Good question. She was making this up as she went. She was a horrible flirt. She kept a smile plastered on her face. "Travel, have fun, experience life to the fullest." She turned toward the forest and beyond. "And to find out everything I can about everywhere I go."
Okay, she'd not try to be so bold again. Flirting seemed so easy for other people. What was wrong with her? Her heart raced too much near Raphael, and the unusual reaction had her out of her element.
He returned to the brisk pace. "Yet you hide behind your computer and write instead."
"Blogging is connecting with people. I want to transform it to something about being Zen and peaceful if I can."
They reached the beach, right next to the crash site. He dropped his bag in the sand and reached down to take off his pants. She stared at his hard, muscular leg, and her mouth fell open. The man had muscles. He looked better without clothes.
Without a glance in her direction, he removed his shirt next. Was she panting? She clenched hands inside her pocket. She had to control how electrified she was near this man. Months alone with him meant she'd do nothing but desire him. She should never flirt with him.
Her temperature soared, and he changed like nothing was wrong.
He straightened up and winked at her.
She met his sexy gaze. "Turn around and shake it."
His dimples showed, but then he turned around and shook his bare butt.
She covered her face to stop her laugh.
His cheeks grew red, and he finished tugging on the tight dive suit. She glanced down, and his erection stood between them.
His gaze stayed on the ground, and he found his oxygen tank and goggles. "I'll board the plane and check the cockpit one more time. Wait here and nod if I find what you saw."
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
He stumbled back a step, then turned, and walked into the water.
She hugged her waist and stared at him. Her lips tingled from the salty taste of his skin. She pressed her mouth together. She'd been so close to another full kiss.
He delved under the water, and for once her temperature stopped steaming.
The ocean air helped clear the heat in her brain. Her legs were jumpy still, so she walked over to a large stone and sat.