Page 2 of Spring Break with a Treasure Hunter
I needed some air. I wandered between the affluent guests, made small talk, and kept my eye on the artifacts. I was worried about the security system, still not fully operational, and I dreaded the thought of a break-in.
I’d traveled to a good many places in the world. Visited many museums. I was worldly. Luke passed by again and I grabbed another glass. I know I shouldn’t have another one, but all was going well, and the night would draw to a close soon.
I leaned against the wall beside the open French door to the patio, my blood warmed from the fizz of the champagne. I fidgeted on my heels and pushed the straps of my lacy linendress off my shoulders, hoping to cool myself. The sultry sea breeze whispered around me in a seductive caress across my skin, and I drew in a deep breath. I felt flushed thanks to the champagne, and I pushed my hair off my forehead and wished I’d tied it up rather than let it hang loose.
I took another sip and, rather than quench my thirst, it made me hotter and hungry. But not for food. I hadn’t had male attention in far too long and the damn champagne was working its typical magic on me. Probably because I didn’t get champagne often.
“Oh, lordy,” I whispered and rolled my back around the corner of the door to escape onto the patio with a view of the bay. I stood in front of the railing, put the flute down, and tipped my head to look up at the stars, I shivered a little when my hair tickled my back. The sky was brilliant.
I breathed deeply and enjoyed the rare sensation of contentment. But then why wouldn’t I be content? I was home and doing what I loved, where I loved to live. Father’s inheritance was to be released to me on my twenty-seventh birthday in only a few more months. It wasn’t much longer, but would give me some breathing room and I could start renovations on the family home that sat on the edge of a gorgeous lagoon. It was still months from being habitable. The island had reclaimed the house, covering it in foliage after years of abandonment. I’d pecked away at minor projects now and then, and was eager to begin in earnest. It was time to claim it back from nature.
I set the flute down and slipped my hands under my hair and lifted it off my neck, gathering it in a bunch. It was such a lovely breeze. I filled my lungs with night air and let out a soft sound. Dropping my hair, I let my hands graze my breasts as I reached for the fluted glass.
“Mmm,” I murmured.
A sound made me pause and a faint smell of cigar smoke and a subtle spicier scent drifted on the night air. I wondered where it was coming from when a deep male voice reached me through the shadows. “Does your little show cost extra?”
“What?” I let out a little yelp and spun around too quickly. I nearly lost my balance, but grabbed the patio chair next to keep my footing.
“Ah, now you dance for me? Come a little closer and I’d be happy to show my appreciation.” I heard the humour in his tone and looked toward his voice.
The glow of his cigar pierced the inky dark.
“What do you mean, show your appreciation? It’s impolite not to make yourself known. And just who the hell are you?”I demanded.
2
“Just a man in the dark with a glass of whiskey and a good Cuban.” His voice was deep, sexy and goosebumps rose along my flesh. Not because I was cold either.
He still hadn’t answered me. “Where did you come from?” I challenged, feeling rather embarrassed remembering how I’d just touched myself and glad for the dark; it wouldn’t show my blush. Which pissed me off because I never blushed.
The red ember rose and I followed its movement until a man materialized from the shadows. I gasped when I could finally see him. He was everything I’d ever imagined a seductive, dangerous, mysterious, and deliciously sexy man would be. Had I conjured him up somehow? I wobbled on my way too high heels. His arm snaked out and grabbed my elbow, steadying me.
“I don’t need any help.” I snapped, perhaps a bit too harshly, but I didn’t pull from his grip. Heat spread up my arm from where he touched me. It was electric and keeping my frosty attitude was a challenge. However, I had a feeling this man would be very good at melting glaciers. A flurry of excitement grew deep inside me. He was so much taller than me; even onthese killer heels that would bring me to about 5’10”, I still had to tip my head back. My hair tickled my back again, and I shivered.
He smiled, and I nearly died. He thought I was shivering for him!
Well, maybe in a way I was.
The man towered over me. The beam of light from inside seemed to spotlight us so I could see him better. He was jaw-dropping gorgeous. Sun-streaked shoulder length hair with wild waves and brilliant blue eyes in a deeply tanned face. My legs wobbled and I reached to steady myself, my fingers curling around his powerful forearm. The fine fabric of his suit was light, suitable for the Caribbean heat, yet I felt its lushness. He was one of the well-heeled guests and I hoped he had contributed to the cause.
His hand slid around to my back, grazing across my bare flesh, exposed in the low-backed gown I was wearing. His fingers were firm, hot, and promising as I felt them press into me. I wanted him in my bed.
Boom, just like that I had to have him. Even if only for a night before we both moved on to our own lives. I steadied myself and slid my fingers up to his bicep as his arm went around me. I didn’t want to uncurl my fingers from him and allowed myself the pleasure of his nearness for a few moments until regretfully, I stepped away and grabbed for the chair back...you know, just in case my knees wobbled again.
I swallowed, positive I’d asked him a question which I could no longer remember. He raised the cigar and puffed on it, keeping his gaze pinned on me. It was all I could do not to melt into a puddle at his feet.
“I’ve been here all along.” He had an accent...English? Irish? It was very mild and I couldn’t quite place it. Which was odd actually, because I was usually good with accents. Whatever itwas, it was goddamned sexy, and I wanted to hear him speak more.
I licked my lips and realized I’d had way too much champagne. “Umm, all along? But I didn’t see you.” I willed my brain to work and not disconnect from my mouth and make me sound like a complete idiot.
“Then you weren’t looking very hard because I definitely saw you.” He leaned lower toward me and my heart jumped into high gear as I stared up into his eyes. “You have a way with your hands.”
“W-what?” I shook my head and then with crashing realization knew what he meant. “I, ah, was hot and needed to cool myself in the breeze.”
He chuckled and its low timbre reached right down deep inside me and had me twisted up in a knot. “It certainly raised my temperature. Truthfully, I enjoyed seeing you all hot and bothered.” His words were icing on the cake.
“Oh my,” I whispered and held my breath when heat flamed not only my cheeks but fired between my legs.
