Page 55 of Fire and Ice

Brett, on the other hand, was relishing the situation. "So Maia, how did my brother entice you into his bed where I have failed?"

"Brett, really," Frances exclaimed. "Stop flirting with your brother's girlfriend."

Jack scowled at his brother, but he was clearly deep in discussion with Taylor and the bodyguard huddle which now included Robert. His dad was obviously greatly concerned with the safety of his wife and son.

"I think you should join them and discuss security measures," Maia nodded to the group.

"I have a better idea," Brett said. "Let me take care of the ladies while the other guys take care of business. Mom? Let's step outside."

While his mother followed, Brett grabbed Maia by the upper arm and guided her to the balcony. He bent low and murmured into her ears, "I think I feel safer with you anyway."

CHAPTER EIGHT

TheAnnabelcruised lazily in the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The 34-foot sloop's sails flapped steadily, catching the downwind of an unusually warm November day. An Indian summer was always welcome for the residents of the Outer Banks as it meant another day of pleasurable water activities.

Brett was at the wheel. Jack was in deep conversation with his dad discussing some new business venture, while Maia, despite the slight chill in the breeze, decided to sunbathe. Because of her fair porcelain skin she did not tan easily; instead her skin just acquired a healthy pinkish glow. She had on a very skimpy white string bikini that allowed for minimum tan lines; thank goodness she had waxed recently! Frances was sitting beside her fully-clothed in white linen and a wide-brim hat.

"You could give those Victoria Secret models a run for their money," Jack's mom commented as she put the cap back on the sunblock. She had offered to apply it on Maia's back who was, right now, lying prone on a towel with the strings to her bikini top undone.

"I'm too short. My butt and breasts are too big," Maia said, laughing.

"Oh nonsense, you've got great legs. You're toned all over but soft in the right places," Frances winked, and then leaned in closely. "I can see why Jack's crazy about you."

Maia flushed pink, and it wasn't because of the sun. Jack's mom was definitely desperate to see her son settled down, which made this charade harder to carry off. Guilt was starting to gnaw at her, so she turned her head to look briefly at Jack. His eyes were fixed on her—heated and intense. She glanced away quickly.

"We've only just started seeing each other, Frances," Maia felt the words grate through her throat. "I'm sure 'like' is a more appropriate word."

"I see the way my son looks at you, Maia," his mother replied. "I've never seen him look that way at any of his girlfriends before."

"What look?"

"Possessive, like he wants to own you body and soul," Frances whispered.

A nervous giggle escaped Maia's mouth.

"I don't think you can tell that by a look."

"Oh, I've seen that look before in Robert," Frances said dreamily. "McCord men love deeply. I'm seeing the signs in Jack, right now."

"Mom," Jack's voice interrupted them. He had finished his powwow with his Dad and made his way to the bow. "Are you trying to scare Maia off?"

"I'm just telling her the truth, you should keep her," his mother replied.

Maia felt herself turn from pink to red.

"Frances, sweetheart come over here and give the kids some time alone," Robert said from near the companionway.

Jack's mother got up and gave the two of them an indulgent smile before heading to the rear of the sloop.

Maia suddenly felt Jack's fingers trace the ladder of her spine, resting to play lightly on the edges of her bikini bottom.

"You're lucky we're not alone," Jack murmured near her ear. "The things I wanna do to you."

"I really hate this deception," Maia whispered.

Jack ignored her and continued, "You blush beautifully, I want to kiss every inch of your pink skin."

"Can you please tie my top back up," she asked, suddenly feeling vulnerable. Maia was uncomfortably turned on.

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