Page 59 of Love on the Line

“That’s okay, you already got me a shell today.”

He snorted. “Real quality piece of work.”

“Well, I like it.”

“Then that’s all that matters.”

They walked a few more beach blocks and then turned back. Being with Wyatt away from the crowds was heaven. He seemed like any normal person when they were alone. She could relax around him and be herself. But out in public? She’d rather moderate standardized tests than deal with the paparazzi.

When they reached their blanket, Wyatt waved to the ocean. “You managed to stay on the sand, but we can’t get this close without putting our feet in.”

Before she could answer, he tugged her closer to the ocean, stopping at the edge.

She wasn’t excited about freezing, but she didn’t want to dampen the huge grin on his face.

They both took a step in.

“No. This is crazy cold.” Arctic water froze her toes. He dropped her hand and laughed as he plunged ahead to knee-deep.

“Wimp. Come on.”

She scampered backwards until her feet were clear of the surf. “Not in a blue moon.”

“Ha, you wanna see a blue moon? I’ll give you one.” He sprinted out of the waves toward her.

“Oh, no. Don’t you dare!” She took off at a run. No way was she going to be one of those girls that got tossed into the surf by her boyfriend.

He grabbed her by the arms, hoisted her, and faked a move to the ocean. When she squealed in protest, he whirled around and carried her back to the blanket, dropping her gently down.

“I may be a Neanderthal, but I ain’t stupid.” He lowered his head and kissed her.

Sensations flooded her. His mouth hot, his legs cool and damp against hers. Both their hearts pounding from the jaunt back. The umbrella shaded their heads while the heat of the sun warmed their bodies. The kiss was salty, breathless, and tasted like the sea.

Liquid fire speared through her body. He skimmed his hand over her bikini top, teasing her nipple through the thin fabric. She moaned when he dragged his mouth away and seared her neck with hot kisses. His hand slid from her breast, to her stomach.

The sputter and hum of one of those low-flying airplanes dragging an advertisement sign grew louder.

Wyatt drew his head back. “Damn, I forgot where we were.”

She gazed up at him. His jade eyes were shades darker with desire, and her breath stalled. He slid his hand from her stomach and eased to his side.

The sun disappeared behind clouds, and the wind kicked up. She glanced at the incoming front. Foreboding. A sliver of anxiety stole air from her lungs.

“Looks like we might get some rain.” He eyed the sky.

Her heart continued to thump hard. Decision time was coming.

“We should get going.” He rested a hand on her arm.

“Yeah, we should pack up.”

But neither of them moved.

He blew out a breath and lightly stroked her skin. “This day didn’t turn out anything like I had planned. I mean, the race, the fans…now the rain.”

“You can’t control Mother Nature.” Her voice came out higher than usual in her effort to sound casual.

Wyatt shook his head. “I know, and I can’t change any of it, so here we are.” He met her gaze. “I meant what I said earlier today. No pressure.”

She swallowed, uncertainty swirling in her head.

With a resigned sigh, Wyatt eased back, giving her space. “So, do you want to stay or go home?”

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