Page 68 of Knot Your Sunshine
"This is heaven," she murmurs, voice thick with relaxation.
"Good." I trace my finger along her thigh, feeling her shiver. "You deserve it."
Noa's phone chooses this moment to vibrate. He picks it up, frowning at the screen, then his expression smooths into something carefully neutral.
Mia must catch the shift in energy because her body tenses slightly. "What is it?"
"News from the first day of the test." Noa sits up, crossing his legs.
The change is instant. Mia looks suddenly alert, and the masseuse steps back respectfully as Mia turns to face Noa.
"And?" Her fingers find mine, squeezing.
"The initial results are excellent." Noa's voice carries that smooth confidence he used to use in boardrooms. "Chadwick is impressed. Strong revenue across all pilot locations."
"Which locations are performing best?" She grins, the competitive fire I love sparking in her eyes. "His or mine?"
Noa's mouth quirks. "Chadwick mentions they can't differentiate yet. The data attribution system per location is experiencing delays. But the overall numbers exceed projections significantly."
"Can't differentiate." She rolls the words around like she's tasting them, then her whole body melts back into the chair. "Well, I guess good news is good news."
I offer another piece of mango and she takes it from my fingers, teeth grazing my thumb. My brain whites out for a second.
"So, Noa." Her voice drops to something playful as she turns back to him. "After the last two dates, I'm curious what you have planned for tomorrow. You have some impressive acts to follow. Just saying…"
A grin spreads across my face and Josh sits up straighter, chest puffing out slightly.
Damn right, we set the bar high.
Noa's mouth curves into something that's not quite a smile but promises trouble. "I enjoy a challenge."
"So what do you have planned?" she asks, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
He chuckles, the sound rumbling from deep in his chest. "You'll have to check the note under your door..."
"Still using the same playbook." She sighs dramatically but she's fighting a smile.
“Why mess with a winning strategy?” He smirks. "But I promise, you'll like what you read…"
Mia stretches in the fading light, a lazy smile tugging at her lips. “Well, that’s one reason to eventually drag myself to my room…” She turns back toward the ocean, and the masseuse takes the hint to resume her work. “But right now, I could stay here forever.”
Right there with you, Sunshine…
Chapter twenty-seven
Mia
I see Noa waiting on the dock beside a sleek boat with a dark blue hull. He extends his hand to help me aboard, and the linen shirt stretches across his shoulders, revealing strong muscles underneath.
"Captain," I say, placing my hand in his. My teeth catch my lower lip without thinking.
"Ms. Everly." His mouth curves in that slow smile that makes my stomach flip.
The boat rocks gently as I step aboard, my hand still in his for balance. Polished teak decks gleam in the sun, white cushions looking inviting against the console.
"Nice ride," I say, running my hand along the smooth rail.
"She'll do." He winks, then shifts into an exaggerated British accent. "Ready for adventure, m'lady?"
