Page 48 of Unexpected Union

WhenMitch pedaledfaster,the craft went in circles. Audra laughed and tried to keep up, tomake her paddle go as fast to straighten out theirdirection.

The daywas perfect, she thought as they began to work in tandem. Shelaughed at Mitch’s nonsense, and secretly enjoyedthe feel of his body againsthers, his arm across her shoulders, his leg bumping hers as theypedaled, sometimes furiously, sometimes languidly.

“Thomasand Tessa missed a great vacation,” she said as they turned andbegan to head for the dock some time later.

“Noyearnings for Europe?”

“No, this ismore fun. I speak the language, understand the money and don’t haveto be packing my bags and moving on every other day. I wish I hadeven more time. It seems as if the days are flying by.”

“Westill have a fewdaysleft.”

Shenodded. The one cloud onthe horizon was knowing this would all come to an endsoon.

Wouldshe ever see Mitch once they parted? Would he truly be interestedin seeing her and their baby or would they each become caught up intheir own lives andnever find the time?

It made hersad to think of it.

“Are you allright?” he asked.

“Sure.” Sheshook off her mood and smiled. “This is so much fun. I knew itwould be.”

When he didn’trespond, she turned at looked at him. His gaze was fixed onher.

“Areyou havingfun?” she asked softly.

“Yes, Audra,I’m having fun.”

Slowlyhe leaned closer, his arm tightening on her shoulders. When hislips touched hers, she closed her eyes to better relish theenchanting sensations. They stopped pedaling, and the kisswent on and on.

Audraknew shenever wanted it to stop.

Mitchpulled back, his eyesopening, then closing.

“Either youare extraordinary at kicking my senses crazy or I’m having anotherone of those dammed dizzy attacks.”

Hegingerly sat back, holding onto Audra like a lifeline.

“I’dlove to take credit but I don’t think so,” she said. “Do you have any medicine onyou?”

“No, I haven’thad a problem in a couple of days. I thought I was finally overthem.”

“Can youpedal? We have to get back to the dock.”

Grittinghis teeth, heopened hiseyes a slit and nodded. Slowly they pedaled the boat. As they drewcloser, she could see the strain in his face. Reaching the dockwouldn’t solve all their problems, they still had to walk to thecabin.

“We’realmost there. Are yougoing to be able to get out? Should I run up to get Mr. Carmichaelto help?” she asked as they drew near the dock.

“I don’t needhelp.”

Typicalmale reaction, she thought. But if she didn’t think he could cope,she’d ignore his reaction and go for help anyway.

Mitchproved he could manage,stepping from the boat while she held it steady. In two seconds shetied it up and stood on the dock beside him.

Taking hisarm, she slowly pointed him in the direction of the path.

“I canmanage,” he said.

“Iknow, I’m just here incase you need me.”

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