One Wild Night: Magnate's Mistress...Accidentally Pregnant! / Hot Boss, Boardroom Mistress / The Good, the Bad and the Wild. Heidi Rice

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СКАЧАТЬ new foods, let the spa spread mud all over me, and now I’ve been on a boat for the first time. I’d say I’m off to a good start.”

      He was still reeling at the mental image of Ally nude while mud was painted sensuously across her breasts. He cleared his throat. “You’re quite the adventurer.”

      She beamed, her brown eyes lighting up. “I wouldn’t go that far. But I am taking baby steps.” Ally closed her eyes and leaned back to enjoy the sun. It was an artlessly erotic pose—back arched, breasts thrust temptingly toward him, the gentle curve of her neck exposed. “This is wonderful. The wind and the water are very relaxing.”

      He was anything but relaxed. “Would you like to go out?” he blurted.

      Ally sat up and opened her eyes, the shock readily apparent. “I’m sorry, what?”

      Well, that hadn’t been his smoothest move. He cleared his throat. “Sailing. Would you like to go out sailing tomorrow?”

      “Oh, I don’t know…”

      “Come on. It’ll be fun.”

      “I’ve never—”

      “I thought you were being adventurous on your vacation.”

      Ally shifted uncomfortably. “There’s adventurous and then there’s the fact that I’m not a very good swimmer.”

      “The chances of you going overboard are pretty slim unless you jump.”

      Ally looked over the mess he’d made of the Circe, a wary look in her eye. “But—”

      He followed her gaze and laughed. “Not on the Circe. She’s not up for company yet. I’ll borrow a little cat or something. Start slow.”

      Confusion furrowed Ally’s forehead. “A cat?”

      “Catamaran. Like the ones you see on the beach down there.”

      She looked to where he was pointing and nodded. “It’s kinda big, don’t you think, for my first time? Maybe something smaller, like those over there?” She pointed to some dinghies tied up at the dock.

      “Ah, Ally, you don’t want to start too small. You want to get the full experience.” He dropped his voice and teased, “Bigger really is better, you know. It’s not the same sensation at all.”

      She caught her lip in her teeth, the picture of indecision. “Um…”

      “We’ll take it really slow and give you some time to get comfortable. We won’t go very far until you’re sure you’re ready. Just nice and easy.” He stroked her arm and gooseflesh rose under his fingers. “We won’t go too fast, I promise—unless you decide you want to, of course. And I think you will once you get into it. Otherwise, you can relax and let me do all the work while you just enjoy yourself.”

      Ally’s eyes were wide and dark as she exhaled gently. “Are we still talking about sailing?”

      Who cares about sailing? He stopped and gave himself a strong mental shake. “Of course. Well? Are you game?” He could see the indecision in her eyes. She wanted to go, but something was holding her back. “Are you afraid? Of the water?”

      She hesitated as she looked away. “No. Not afraid, just not any good—I mean, I’m not a good swimmer.”

      “Do you trust me?”

      One eyebrow went up. “I’ve known you for less than an hour. No, I don’t trust you.”

      Ally was a breath of fresh air—and honest to a fault. “I’m hurt,” he teased.

      Looking sideways at him, she amended her statement. “But I don’t distrust you, either.”

      That easy smile was really starting to work on him. “It’s a start.”

      “And you did save me from Fred.”

      “Very true. Surely that merits something.”

      “If you were a Boy Scout, maybe a badge of some sort.” She bit her lip again, sending a jolt through him. “But I don’t think you’re a Boy Scout.”

      “You do know how to wound a man. I may not be a Boy Scout, but I am a good sailor. You needn’t have any worries about surviving the experience. I’ll bet you’ll even enjoy it, despite your reservations.”

      She didn’t pick up the gauntlet, but she was coming around. “How about the medium-size one? I can work my way up from there.”

      “How about dinner instead? If you still want to start small after that, then I’ll get the dinghy. But I think you’ll come to see the benefits of not setting your sights too low.”

      Confusion crinkled her forehead, and it took all he had not to reach for her and drag her below, but there was nothing below but a couple of narrow bunks, completely useless for what he had in mind. “Dinner?” she asked.

      He feigned shock. “Of course. You don’t expect me to go sailing with a woman I barely know, do you?”

      Ally laughed and nudged him with an elbow. “I don’t know what to expect from you.”

      “Just a good time, that much I can assure you.” For us both.

      “Then it’s a deal.” Ally stuck out her hand, but instead of shaking it, he squeezed it gently.

      Slightly flustered, she stood and brushed at her dress with her free hand. “Should I, um, go change?”

      “You look amazing.” She blushed at the simple compliment, and something primal and protective stirred in his stomach. It was an odd feeling. “I, on the other hand, need to shower. You can’t be seen in public with an unwashed swabbie.”

      Ally squeezed his hand back as she apologized. “Fred’s a jerk. That comment was uncalled for.”

      “I’ve been called worse by better.”

      “But still…”

      She seemed so earnest in her apology and need to console. “Forget it, Ally.You’re not responsible for the actions of others.”

      A shrug was her only response.

      “Where are you staying? I’ll come get you around seven.”

      “The Cordova Inn. How about I meet you in the lobby?”

      He nodded, and steadied her as she stepped onto the dock. The Circe bobbed as she did, and the boat felt a bit empty once she’d left. He was admiring the gentle sway of her hips when she turned and gave a small wave. Another moment and she was around the building and out of sight.

      Well, this was an expected turn of events. He’d come to Tortola to get the Circe and found the delicious Ally, as well. His father had called the Circe a lucky boat, and now he had proof. Not that he was ever one to question his luck—he’d learned early on to take advantage of whatever winds came his way.

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