Page 47 of Just One Kiss

She ran her tongue over her bottom lip, tasting the salt from the ocean. “How did you find me?”

He reached out and grasped her palm in his larger one. “Come on. Let’s walk.”

She curled her fingers around his hand and let him lead the way. He turned and they strode back toward her lounge chair, keeping their feet close enough to feel the waves pool around them.

To her surprise, he didn’t ask questions. They reached her chair, to find Corey had already brought out a lounge for Knox. It was warm and she didn’t think he could stay outside much longer in his jeans, but they remained for another hour. He asked her what she was reading, and they talked about the romances she surprisingly enjoyed. Despite no longer believing in happily-ever-afters for herself, she loved reading about them for the heroines of books.

“What do you like to read?” she asked him.

“Nonfiction. Anything from sports biographies, which I know makes sense, given I own a team, to Mafia history.” He shrugged.

She found his interests fascinating. She found him fascinating. He’d flown down here to see her, but he wasn’t pushing her for answers as to why she’d left. She’d tell him soon.

She looked over to where he rested in the chair beside her, sweat beading on his forehead. “Let’s go inside. We can shower and you can have a drink before dinner.”

If he caught on to her wording, you can have a drink, he didn’t say.

She packed up her sunscreen and earbuds and other things, putting them in her beach bag, then strode back to the house. They walked up the steps, onto the veranda, and he opened the door for them to step inside. “Did Maggie give you a room?” she asked of the woman who ran the estate.

“She did.”

Was that a smile hovering around those sexy lips? She shrugged and they headed up the stairs to the second floor, where all the bedrooms except the master were located. “We can meet up after we shower,” she said when she reached the top of the landing.

He remained silent, so she strode down the hall to her room, stopping at the closed door. She felt his heat behind her and glanced over her shoulder. “What are you doing? Which room is yours?”

He reached around her, turned the handle, and opened her door. “Right here.” He pushed open the door, and she saw his suitcase sitting on the open folding luggage rack.

Her stomach fluttered and she spun around. “What did you do?”

“I told Maggie we’re staying together.” He stepped past her and walked to his unzipped suitcase.

And now Jade knew why he’d been so easy on her down by the beach. The man obviously had a plan, and that included making sure she couldn’t escape from him again.

***

Knox was aman who was known for his patience. As a team owner, he recognized talent and knew the virtue of allowing time to cultivate a player until his abilities shone through. True, sometimes he had to cut his losses, but he and the head coach had the same philosophy. And he was using that philosophy with Jade right now.

On the flight down, he’d debated on how to handle her when they finally came face-to-face. One part of him wanted to toss her over his shoulder, carry her back to the room, and fuck her fear out of her. But the more rational man inside him knew that approach would never work. Jade needed time and understanding.

But that didn’t mean he intended to let her out of his sight again.

Her gaze moved from his suitcase to his face, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled for words. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“I disagree. Now do you want to shower first, or should I?” He waited for her to react.

If she really didn’t want him here, she could storm out and demand Maggie remove his things or she could take another room for herself. He might be pushing, but the choice was still all hers.

She let out an adorable little growl, walked past him, and pulled clothing out of her drawers before storming off to the bathroom. He’d already memorized the peak of her nipples in the thin red fabric of the bikini. Now she treated him to her lush ass in the sexy bottoms before the door slammed behind her.

He grinned. One game down. But it wasn’t the playoffs and it wasn’t the Super Bowl. He had more work to do before he took home the overall prize. And though he didn’t consider Jade a trophy to be won, he was a competitor at heart. And it was her heart he wanted to win.

He did a quick job of unpacking, then stretched out on the bed while she no doubt stewed and took her time in the bathroom. He heard the sound of the blow dryer, and more time passed before she walked out in a flirty short floral skirt and a tight tank top. Without speaking to him, she strode out and headed downstairs.

He knew her well enough to know she wasn’t going to leave him on the island, and they would have their much-needed conversation. He rose, grabbed his change of clothing, showered, then made his way downstairs as well.

Maggie met him at the foot of the stairs and asked what he’d like to drink. Wanting something light, he asked for a beer. She nodded and led him toward a room that was probably the library. Books lined floor-to-ceiling shelves, and a rolling wooden ladder leaned against one wall.

Jade, her long blond hair falling in waves down her back, stood staring out a window at the lush greenery beyond. His heart beat heavier in his chest. For all his lightness earlier, he understood what was at stake.

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