The Alaskan Rescue. Dominique Burton

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СКАЧАТЬ studied at the Joffrey Ballet School.”

      There was enough light for Sashi to see Cole’s tall frame. He must be at least six-two or -three, with the body of an athlete. She started to imagine what it would be like to be held in arms like those.

      “I don’t know much about dance,” he said. “Could you tell me more about the school?”

      She sighed, then said, “It’s one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the country.”

      “You look like a dancer,” he said.

      “And you’re an expert on the subject?” Sashi couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of her voice.

      Cole took a step closer. “To be honest, speaking from a doctor’s point of view, you look like you’ve been working out for years. Even serving drinks in jeans and a windbreaker, you hold yourself with poise and grace.”

      Sashi chuckled. “How many dancers do you know? I think you’re just teasing me.”

      A big smile appeared. “So what’s a prima ballerina doing out here at a fisherman’s paradise?” His voice was deep.

      Sashi took a few steps onto the bridge so she could lean over and look into the water rushing below. “I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.’” She turned to face him.

      “I have,” he replied.

      “I’m going to let you in on a little secret.” She lowered her voice. “I want to open my own dance studio. I love working with children.”

      Sashi wondered how many women this doctor had known in his life. He was a natural flirt. Suddenly she decided it didn’t matter. It wouldn’t hurt her to flirt back for once in her life, especially when she knew it could go nowhere.

      Cole raked a hand through his thick hair. “I’m still trying to understand how you’re going to teach ballet up here.”

      Sashi stood up straight. “I’m not going to teach here. I plan on opening a studio in Virginia. But I need money to get it started.”

      “Ah. So you came here to Alaska to earn the big bucks.”

      “We call it the gold mine down in the plant. Yet the experience of traveling to the last frontier has been life-changing.” She smiled at him.

      “You work in the packaging plant?” Cole’s voice had an edge to it.

      She chuckled. “You have a problem with that?”

      Cole rubbed his chin. “No... I have great respect for you. Damn. I worked in a cannery one summer and it was tough work.”

      “Tough work that pays very well,” Sashi countered. “Now it’s my turn.”

      “For what?”

      “To ask questions.” Sashi walked closer to him. “How does an Alaskan bush doctor know the term ‘prima ballerina’? Have you even been to a ballet?”

      “That’s a little harsh. Not all Alaskans are rednecks. And yes, I’ve gone to ballets.” Cole stood up straight.

      “Really. Which one is your favorite?”

      Cole reached her in two quick strides. The heat of his body mixed with the tangy spice of his cologne began to break down her walls. He lifted his hand to tilt her face up to him. “My favorite is The Sleeping Beauty.”

      Sashi stared into his face and gulped. Those eyes were intoxicating. Their color seemed to change constantly. Out here on the bridge it was like honey. At this point she knew she was in way over her head, but at the moment she didn’t care. His lips were full and his jaw had a five o’clock shadow she longed to touch.

      Was this love at first sight? Or just pure lust? She knew she was beyond any coherent thought at the moment. Having had such little experience with men, she wished she knew what was going on. She had to go on instinct alone.

      * * *

      THIS INTENSE ATTRACTION caught Cole off guard. He’d heard his friends talk of love at first sight and he’d never believed them. But as he reached out and pulled her into his arms, it seemed the most natural thing in the world to do. “Have you ever danced in that particular ballet?”

      “Yes,” she answered in a whisper, “but never as the prima ballerina.”

      Cole bent his head down until their mouths met. At first their kisses were soft and gentle, and Sashi touched her fingers to his jaw. As passion filled his veins, Cole deepened the kiss and pulled her closer, releasing her magnificent hair.

      Sashi’s body trembled as Cole kissed her with a new intensity. Every touch was more erotic as his lips and tongue slanted deeply, seeking a closeness only full sexual union could satisfy. He wanted to take her to his bungalow now and make love to her.

      Show some control, Cole, he told himself. You can’t just ravage the woman. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on hers. He was sure she could hear his heart pounding.

      “Sashi,” he said, panting, “I’m a man who is usually in control of himself. But I’m losing the battle. What would you like to do? I’ll respect your decision.”

      He looked into her glowing emerald eyes, awaiting her reply.

      Chapter Two

      “I...I don’t know,” she said. “I’ve never felt this way before.”

      Sashi trembled from pure excitement. She tightened her arms around Cole’s neck and kissed him deeply. He seemed to lose the control he’d been trying so hard to keep. He groaned and pinned her body against the bridge railing, returning her kiss.

      Over the years Sashi had heard her friends talk about moments like this. She hadn’t believed they’d actually let a man they didn’t know near them. But now she understood. Tonight out here, she couldn’t imagine not letting him touch her. She never wanted to let him go.

      They stayed on the bridge, kissing and caressing, unable to get enough of each other, for the next thirty minutes, until at last Sashi gently pushed him away, saying she had a long day tomorrow. As promised, he accepted her decision.

      After leaving him, Sashi could hear music blaring from her bunkhouse before she walked into the bare, A-frame cabin. Kendra must have alerted the four other girls she was absent. They shared the same bunk room.

      Damn.

      They must all be waiting for her. She touched her fingers to her lips. They felt swollen from all the kissing. Her time with Cole had been so intense, she’d lost track of time.

      Reaching for the doorknob, she took a deep breath and walked into the room to face the women she’d come to know over the summer.

      “Sashi? Where have you been?” Kendra threw a pillow at her. “Do you know how worried I was?”

      Sashi easily evaded the pillow, diverting it to Natalie’s bed. СКАЧАТЬ