A Perfect Compromise. Anna Sugden

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      More groans signaled the third contestant had failed. One more to go. If the last man succeeded, it would delay the end of the contest and extend her time with J.B. On the other hand, she’d have to step back out into the spotlight and do more limbo. A devil’s choice.

      Raucous cheers told her which path had been chosen for her.

      “Down, down,” the crowd chanted as the DJ made a show of lowering the bar another notch.

      “You can take that guy. No problem,” J.B. murmured in her ear.

      The feather touch of his breath against the sensitive skin of her neck made her shiver deliciously.

      As she gently disengaged herself, he pulled her back, then tilted her face up to his. “A kiss for luck.”

      Her knees went weak. Who knew that could really happen?

      Good grief—it was the slightest brush of his firm, warm lips against hers. What would happen if he kissed her properly?

      Issy managed what she hoped was a casual smile before heading over to stand beside the remaining contender.

      “Bella and Kent, are you ready for ‘winner takes all’?” the DJ roared.

      Hell, no.

      “Ladies first,” Kent said with an exaggerated bow and a cocky grin.

      “Age before beauty,” she retorted to the delight of the crowd.

      Where had that come from? She never made that kind of snappy comeback.

      Clearly it had shocked Kent, too, because his gaze narrowed, assessing. He waved his arms to pump up the audience then strutted over to the limbo bar. The music started. With a flourish, Kent bent his knees and leaned back.

      He almost made it. But his arrogance did him in at the last second. He raised his head to gloat before he was fully clear of the bar and knocked it to the ground. He acknowledged her victory with a rueful smile and another bow.

      J.B.’s laughter made her grin. But she blushed when she read the dark, delicious and definitely dangerous promise in his eyes. Now she had to win.

      It didn’t help that Sapphie was in her line of sight, standing with Taylor behind her, his arms around her waist. Envy twinged.

      “Go, Bella!” the crowd chanted.

      Issy swallowed her nerves and positioned herself behind the bar.

      Hot, hot, hot. Clearly her theme song tonight.

      Whether it was the incentive or practice, this time she cleared the bar without trouble.

      The crowd went wild, congratulating her and patting her on the back. Even Kent gave her a grudging “well done.” Sapphie couldn’t stop jumping up and down and hugging her.

      Issy’s heart thudded heavily as she waited for J.B. to make his way through the mass of people. What would he do?

      She didn’t get a chance to find out as the emcee called her over. Swallowing her disappointment, she joined the DJ on the stone promenade and accepted the necklace gratefully, thanking him and the resort.

      Back on the sand she presented it to Sapphie. “Happy birthday.”

      “You’re kidding?” Her friend’s eyes welled with tears. “You’ve earned this.”

      “So have you, my dearest friend.” Issy hugged her, then helped her put it on.

      Taylor and J.B. dutifully admired the necklace, as around them the party kicked up another gear. The DJ raised the volume of the music and people started dancing.

      J.B. gave her a one-armed hug. “Great job. You made it look easy.”

      Not exactly the celebration she’d been anticipating. What had happened to the promise she’d seen in his eyes? “Thanks. It was fun.”

      Behind her she heard Taylor say softly to Sapphie, “I can’t wait to see you model this Marilyn-Monroe-style, only without the radio.”

      “I don’t get it,” Sapphie replied then laughed huskily. “But let’s find somewhere private, so I can channel my inner Marilyn.” She raised her voice. “Issy, I’ll see you later. Okay?”

      Suddenly, being alone and reading didn’t appeal quite so much.

      Damn it. Why couldn’t she be as casual about a holiday fling as Sapphie?

      Issy smiled brightly at her friend. “Have fun.”

      As the pair walked arm-in-arm down the beach, Issy turned back to J.B., who was watching her, his expression thoughtful. Issy wished she had more experience with men so she’d know how to read him. And know what to do next.

      She blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Let’s get some champagne.”

      “I thought you didn’t drink.”

      She wasn’t a teetotaler, but her family’s weakness had made her cautious. “I only drink on special occasions and I think this qualifies, don’t you?”

      “Okay. Let’s get you some bubbly.”

      His ready acceptance lifted her spirits. They soared when he rested his hand in the small of her back as they walked to the bar.

      Once he ordered their drinks he said, “Giving Sapphie the necklace was nice.”

      “She liked it more than I did.” Issy shrugged.

      “Still, that’s a generous gift.”

      “An expensive necklace is nothing compared to what she’s done for me.”

      “Sounds like a fascinating story.” He handed her a champagne flute.

      Issy didn’t want to spoil the evening by talking about her past. She wanted to enjoy the moment. And, if she could pluck up the nerve, live a little dangerously.

      She sipped her drink. The bubbles went straight into her blood, giving her the courage she wanted. “Another time, maybe. Right now, I want to dance.”

      “Then let’s dance.” He linked fingers with her as they walked through the palm trees toward the makeshift dance floor.

      When they put their glasses on their table, J.B. said, “I hope I don’t embarrass you. My moves won’t match up to yours.”

      Issy laughed. “I’m afraid you’ve already seen the best of my moves.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Sapphie and I used to limbo when we were kids. Except it was usually under a barbed-wire fence and the prize was apples from the farmer’s orchard.”

      He grinned. “I bet Kent wouldn’t be happy to hear he was beaten by a ringer.”

      She leaned forward and pressed her finger against his lips. “Shh. It’s a secret.”

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