Secret Fantasy

CHAPTER TWO

AFTER A SHORT NAP and quick unpacking, Juliette changed and headed for the beach, stopping on the way to take in the view. Straight ahead, she glimpsed white sand and endless miles of blue water that stretched to the horizon, meeting an azure sky accented by puffy, white clouds. To her left, she found lush floral gardens and, to her right, a huge free-form pool with a cascading waterfall in its center.

“A veritable Garden of Eden,” she murmured.

“Makes you think man was a fool for ever leaving.”

The deep, masculine voice rumbled in her ear and she knew instinctively who stood beside her. Her heartbeat tripled and excitement churned her insides. “If I remember correctly, man didn’t go by choice. He was banished.”

“For tasting the forbidden fruit.” At his words, a shiver of awareness took hold. She had to look.

And if he’d been sexy from afar, up close he was devastating. Without sunglasses, his eyes were a dynamic shade of blue, his features ruggedly handsome. Unlike her ex-fiancé’s fair, all-American looks, this man was a rogue-from his dark hair, tanned skin and razor stubble, down to his baggy yet still sexy swim trunks.

Her fantasy come to life. In her dreams, this was the kind of man who came to her in the dead of night. The one who’d sweep her off her feet and make her the center of his world. No other agenda in sight.

He extended his hand. “Doug. And you are?”

“Pleased to meet you,” she said with a hesitant smile. Being bold didn’t come easily. “I’m Juliette.” No last name attached, just as he hadn’t offered his.

She placed her hand in his warm palm. The flare of heat was instant and intense. From the flicker of awareness in his eyes, he felt it too.

Startled by the strength of the attraction, she tried to withdraw but he held on tight. “Nice to meet you, Juliette.”

His thumb brushed the pulse point on her wrist briefly before he let go. A rush of pleasure took hold, wrapping around her heart and warming her in ways she hadn’t experienced in too long, if ever.

But she liked what she was feeling. Each tingling sensation in her body, every shimmer of awareness in her brain, she enjoyed. After the pain and heartache of the last few weeks, she realized she desperately needed to feel sexy and desirable. She craved the lavish attention that would assure her she wasn’t second best. This man could provide that proof and be her much-needed diversion.

But one real and nagging fear remained. Although she’d escaped to this island, Juliette couldn’t be certain she’d left the press behind. The last thing she wanted was to bring more scandal down on her father now.

Senator’s Daughter’s Secret Fantasy would be even worse than the Runaway Bride headlines. Thanks to his stellar reputation, the senator had weathered that gossip well and denied he’d been publicly embarrassed or cared about anything more than his daughter’s well-being. But Juliette had no desire to shine more negative publicity on him during the last months of his tenure. The revelation about Stuart would be awful enough and she’d yet to figure out how to handle that.

But she was here, Juliette thought, and she deserved some private time. Looking into Doug’s eyes, she felt his sincerity. The attraction was real, his attention singular and genuine. Unless she wanted to lose this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she had no choice but to put her fears aside and trust.

Unlike Stuart, Doug gazed at her as if she were special and, with everything inside her, Juliette wanted to grab onto what her sister had so generously given her. Juliette didn’t wonder how Gillian had known what she needed. As twins they shared a bond stronger than anything tangible or understood.

“Where are you off to?” Doug asked, startling her out of her private thoughts.

“I was thinking of hitting the beach.” She gestured towards the umbrellas dotting the sand below.

“And I was thinking of hitting on you.” His lips turned upward in a hesitant grin. “That is if you don’t mind the company.”

She met and held his gaze. When she’d decided to remain on Secret Fantasy, she’d decided to trust. She also had to let go of any inhibitions she normally felt. Upon unpacking, she’d discovered her sister had ransacked her suitcase and replaced the sensible items with impractical things and the conservative ones with sexy substitutes. Juliette was outwardly freed from constraint.

Her attitude had to follow. Easier said than done, and definitely easier to accomplish if she didn’t look down at the cleavage her skimpy bathing suit exposed.

She cleared her throat. “As a matter of fact, I’d love company.” She faltered, then reminded herself this man didn’t know her. She could be anyone she wanted to be, act in new and exciting ways.

She held out her hand. He slid his warmer, larger palm against hers, curling his fingers around her skin. His touch was hot and electric, and like two pieces of a puzzle, they fit together.

Juliette didn’t know if this was the man Merrilee had chosen for her fantasy, but after her lukewarm relationship with Stuart, she did know better than to ignore an attraction this strong and consuming. More than just sizzling chemistry differentiated him from her ex-fiancé. Where Stuart presented a civilized front, too civilized, she realized now, this man exuded a raw power and wilder persona. All of which tempted Juliette on a deeper, more sensual level.

She’d never felt like this before and probably never would again. Why wait for another man to approach her, one who couldn’t compete with Doug? Juliette didn’t want some man that Merrilee had chosen for her. She wanted this man and she intended to put in a specific request of her own. She shivered beneath his potent gaze. Whatever this week had in store, no doubt she was in for a treat.

Doug held Juliette’s hand as they walked toward the beach. Questions assailed him from all sides. Who was this woman who’d blindsided him on first sight? Research, photographs and even distant glimpses when she’d accompanied her fiancé to political functions hadn’t prepared him for reality. For the vibrant, seductive woman with just the right hint of naïveté to charm even a jaded reporter.

But he wasn’t yet free to begin his quest. He was still on probation in Merrilee’s eyes and knew she was concerned about his interest in her client. She’d given him twenty-four hours so she could observe and decide. He respected her reluctance and admired her business sense. If the situation were reversed, he might not be trusting himself right now.

In the meantime he had precious few hours to convince both women he was the only man for the job. Persuading them wouldn’t be a problem. Doug had had plenty of experience charming women to get what he needed.

“Where are you from?” Juliette asked.

The warmth and depth in her tone took him by surprise. He’d expected her voice to be more cultured and aloof, less gentle and kind. He suspected her personality would be soft to match. None of which boded well for Doug. Keeping an emotional distance would have been easier if she’d been like the icy politician’s wives and the women in his past he’d grown used to dealing with.

“I’m from Michigan,” he told her. Which he was, technically. Detroit born and raised until he was three months old. Then his father had split and his mother had moved them to Chicago.

But he couldn’t place himself in Chicago because she might become wary and back off. Nor could he give her details like a last name in case she recognized him from his articles in the Tribune. So he’d skirt the outer boundaries of truth as best he could. The more honest he was, less chance of slipping up. The less of that damned guilt he hoped to feel.

She nodded. “I’m a Chicago native myself.”

They strode down a set of wooden stairs and found themselves on soft white sand, facing the ocean. “This is unreal.” She gestured toward the expanse of blue in front of them.

He turned toward her, took in her revealing swimsuit, a navy two-piece number that exposed generous cleavage, a flat stomach and incredibly long legs. He would have swallowed but his mouth had grown dry. “Yes, it is.”

A warm blush burned her cheeks and Doug realized he’d made a mistake. Too forward, too soon.

He needed information, not sex. Well, hell. He shook his head. He was a man, wasn’t he? If he was honest with himself he needed sex, too. But no matter how tempting he found her, how appealing, sex wasn’t on his agenda. He was here to make her fantasy come true-to romance her and make her feel cherished while getting close enough for her to trust and confide in him about her ex-fiancé. Though her effect on him was powerful and strong, sex would be taking things between them too far, using her unfairly for selfish gains. He couldn’t go that route again.

The notion surprised him. The Doug Houston he knew would go as far as he had to in order to get a story. Why should Juliette make things any different?

Because she was different. He didn’t know why, but Juliette and her charming naïveté gave him a glimpse into himself and his less than stellar past. A past he’d be smart to learn from. Not only had he caused Erin immense pain by leading her on, but her vengeance was something he’d never forget. It was the reason he was on this damn island to begin with. But looking back, Doug couldn’t wholly blame Erin. She’d had no reason to suspect he didn’t want forever, if only because he’d never revealed himself. He’d slept with her because he’d been interested, stayed, he realized now, because she’d become convenient, both personally and professionally. But he hadn’t loved her.

He glanced at his companion. Juliette Stanton was too beautiful, too much. Doug had a hunch if he got involved that way, he’d be the one on the receiving end of the kick in the stomach this time. Something he had no intention of experiencing.

He helped Juliette set up a chair and laid a towel across the slatted plastic straps. “Can I get you a drink?”

She shook her head. “I think I’ll just take in the beauty surrounding me.”

His gaze dipped from her flushed cheeks to the cleavage pushed upward by the sexy bathing suit. White mounds of flesh rose enticingly above the navy material. “I’d love to do the same.” But he tamped down the urge to settle in beside her.

He’d made an impression. Enough for her first day. Hell, enough for his.

“Merrilee mentioned there’s a beach party tonight.”

At the sound of Juliette’s excited voice, he turned. “Please don’t tell me you’re entering the wet T-shirt contest.” His heart couldn’t stand the strain.

“I think that would have the men begging Merrilee for a refund.” A grin lifted the corners of her mouth but more than a hint of seriousness filled her gaze.

He shook his head and refrained from glancing downward, to where her full breasts nearly spilled over the triangular covering of her bathing suit. “I think you’re underestimating your impact on the opposite sex.”

“Oh, I think I’m pretty well aware of my impact on men.” Her eyelashes fluttered closed, blocking her feelings and locking them away where he couldn’t reach or see.

Doug eased himself onto the edge of the chair and sat beside her. “I’m not sure you do.” He’d figured her run from the altar was painful, but her complete shutdown now gave him the distinct impression she’d seen or heard something from Stuart Barnes that left her doubting her allure.

Something that would bring her to this island in quest of a fantasy. He remembered everything in her file, but one thing most of all. She wanted to feel desirable. And he wanted to make her feel that way. He wanted to erase the doubt and shadows from her eyes and, for the first time in his jaded life, his motives weren’t purely selfish.

He splayed one hand over her thigh, covering her flesh with his palm. “Why do I think you’re being influenced by someone else’s views?”

“Because you’ve been in the sun too long?” Wide, green eyes met his, genuine laughter in her voice.

Her playful side was back but he wasn’t through with his mission. “I haven’t been in the sun long enough to be delirious. On the other hand, I’ve been around you long enough to know how you affect me.” His thumb brushed against her soft skin.

She sucked in a deep breath. “It’s hot out here.”

“Yeah, it is.” And if he didn’t move his hand, they’d both be getting hotter.

“I, uh, think you made your point.” Her tongue darted out to coat her lips with moisture and he stifled a groan.

“I’m glad. Because I don’t know you well but I can assure you, you’d affect any normal, living breathing guy.”

She grinned. “That’s good to hear. And as for not knowing me, we can remedy that.” She shook her head, obviously embarrassed, causing long reddish-brown curls to cascade over one shoulder and settle above her breast.

“Are you inviting me?” he asked.

She blushed as she nodded. “I believe I am. To the beach party and to get to know me better.” She averted her gaze. “Unless I’m being presumptuous.”

That telling comment cemented his earlier hunch. Her provocative overtures didn’t come easily. He realized how badly her pride and confidence had been battered. Although she’d walked out on the groom, she’d just reinforced his gut feeling that her hand had been forced and she’d taken an emotional beating in the process.

Moving his hand from the warmth of her thigh, he lifted her hand and enclosed it in his. “Well, Juliette, I most certainly do want your company tonight and I gratefully accept your invitation.” He treated her to a slow, provocative grin meant to tease and tantalize. To draw her into the same vortex of interest and anticipation swirling inside him. To make her feel desired.

“Thank you.” Her pink tongue darted across her lower lip once more, an intriguing combination of sensuality and innocence. Her forced daring was admirable, her hesitancy charming.

“Should I pick you up or meet you there?”

She curled her knees upward. “I have some things to take care of first. I’ll meet you there, okay?”

He nodded. Walking away was more difficult than it should have been since he’d be seeing her again in a few hours. He’d never expected conservative Juliette Stanton to make the first move, especially after her initial withdrawal, but he couldn’t deny she’d put him a step closer to his goal.

She’d given him entry into her week here on Secret Fantasy. She’d given him the chance to get his story. To find out what Juliette knew about her ex-fiancé’s dirty business dealings. To discover whether Barnes was involved with the Mob and Haywood’s money laundering scheme. To uncover the information to prove his earlier story was fact, not fiction.

Juliette had provided the opportunity. The rest was up to him.

MERRILEE SAT at her desk, staring at the large bouquet of red roses surrounded by baby’s breath and greenery, specially delivered to her at Secret Fantasy. Apropos considering the card hadn’t been signed, its sender anonymous, secret.

A knock sounded lightly on the closed wooden door to her office. “Come in.”

The door swung open and Juliette Stanton walked inside, dressed as if she’d just come from the beach. “Hello. I’m sorry to disturb you but I was wondering if you had a minute-Oh, what lovely flowers!” She walked forward until she stood in front of the large floral bouquet.

“Thank you.” Merrilee smiled. “I thought so too, though I do wish I knew who sent them,” she murmured.

Juliette bent forward and inhaled the fragrant scent. “A secret admirer? How romantic!”

Merrilee inclined her head. “More like mysterious.”

“Was there a card?” Juliette asked, then immediately waved her hand in the air. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.”

“Actually I’ve always felt once a person divulged their fantasies to me, a bond is created. I don’t mind answering. There was a note.” Merrilee lifted the standard-looking white card that had come attached to the flowers and read the inscription. “Roses, red as rubies. Because they’re your favorite.”

Juliette lowered herself into the armchair across from the desk. “And are they your favorite?”

Merrilee nodded. Because red rubies reminded her of Charlie, she thought, glancing down at her ring. But Charlie was long gone, as she knew too well. Getting sentimental and wistful over an intriguing gesture wouldn’t bring him back. And though she wondered who knew her secrets, now wasn’t the time to figure it out.

She pulled a tissue from the box on her desk and blotted beneath her eyes. “So what can I do for you?” she asked Juliette.

The younger woman’s eyes filled with concern. “Maybe this isn’t the best time. I can come back later.”

Merrilee waved away her misgiving. “It’s fine. I’m fine.” She’d learned to be, of necessity. “Go on, please.”

Juliette twisted her hands in her lap. “Well, I’m not familiar with how this fantasy stuff works but I have a request that may be…unorthodox.”

Merrilee smiled to put her guest at ease. “Trust me, there’s little I haven’t seen or heard as the person in charge of making fantasies come true.”

“Okay then.” Juliette drew a deep breath. “I want Doug-I’m sorry I don’t know his last name-but I want him as my fantasy man.”

Doug. Merrilee knew Juliette meant Doug Houston and realized he’d chosen anonymity as a cover. After Doug’s departure a week earlier, Merrilee had done some research of her own and was quite familiar with the behind-the-scenes story of this particular fantasy. She’d discovered, before agreeing to let him stay upon his second arrival, that he had told her the truth. One point in his favor but he was still on probation.

Merrilee understood now that if Juliette knew she’d chosen the man who’d printed the article on her ex-fiancé’s business partner, she’d bolt. Maybe. But maybe attraction and desire were stronger than fear.

“The man from the lobby earlier?” she asked, just to be certain.

Juliette nodded. “Yes. I know you said I’d be seeing more of him and I want to. I want to make sure he’s the man you’ve chosen for me. Unless he’s already taken?” Juliette’s eyes were wide as she waited for an answer.

“Obviously there’s a strong attraction between you two.”

Juliette blushed and averted her gaze. “I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this way before.” She laughed uncomfortably. “Kind of like it hits you between the eyes and you’re not certain what to do next.”

“Except not let him get away?” Merrilee asked, both amused and pleased Juliette was responding so strongly to Doug.

She grinned. “Exactly.”

The young woman had made Merrilee’s decision that much simpler. Bound by confidentiality and ethics, she wasn’t at liberty to reveal Doug Houston’s background or relation to Juliette’s recent past. That was for the two of them to work out, if and when the time came. But she’d studied Doug all afternoon and watched him around Juliette.

He might not be all he seemed, but Merrilee didn’t believe he was looking to hurt Juliette. “Well, I don’t see any problem. Whatever Doug’s fantasy, and you understand I can’t reveal that, it doesn’t involve another woman.”

Relief washed over Juliette. She hadn’t realized how nervous she’d been that she’d lose Doug before she ever had him. “So he’s…”

“Available.”

She laughed. “I was going to say mine.”

Merrilee leaned back in her seat. “Something tells me the man won’t know what hit him.”

Juliette grinned. “They say turnaround is fair play. As long as I’m giving in to the idea of this fantasy, I figured, why not try for the man who interests me most?”

“And I take it he’s fulfilling your fantasy needs?”

“Making me feel like no one or nothing else is more important than me?” She nodded. “He’s extremely good at that.” And so much more. His intensity was incredible. A woman could go her whole life without being the sole focus of a man’s attention. “I guess I owe my sister a thank-you for giving me this one week to enjoy and escape the problems back home.”

Merrilee nodded. “My hope is that my guests leave here with a whole new perspective on life.”

Juliette met Merrilee’s understanding gaze. “I’m hoping to leave here with a whole new perspective on a lot of things.”

“Well, if there’s anything I can do, please stop by again.”

She nodded. “Thank you. For everything. And until you find out who your secret admirer is, I hope you enjoy the attention.”

Just as Juliette would enjoy Doug’s.

Merrilee smiled, then stood, bracing her arms on the desk. “So, enjoy your stay at the resort, and let your fantasy begin.”

“I certainly will.” Juliette nodded, letting herself out of the office.

Her hand still on the cool doorknob, she recalled her time with Doug. For a split second this afternoon, she’d taken one look at such a good-looking man and nearly laughed at herself for thinking he’d be interested in her. Then she’d felt his hot hand against her thigh and his strong words of reassurance. She’d realized it was Stuart speaking inside her, making her doubt herself, stifling the confident woman she ought to be.

She’d allowed Doug to bring her confidence back because he cared enough to try. And caring was something she’d obviously missed out on-along with sexual tension and amazing chemistry. She thought about the upcoming week. Doug was a man who’d distract her from the dilemma over how and when to reveal her ex-fiancé’s deceit. A man with whom she could cast away the safety net she’d hidden behind all her life and discover the sensual side of herself she’d believed was missing or nonexistent. A man she’d never see again after their time together.

And most important, a man who wasn’t using her for her social or political connections.

JULIETTE STEPPED out of her cottage and into the humid night air. The floral scent she’d come to associate with the island hung heavy but, after the stifling isolation of home, she welcomed the fresh air and fragrant smells. She followed the narrow path that led from the isolated set of cottages to the beach where tonight’s festivities awaited her. Where Doug awaited her, she hoped.

Torches lined the sandy shore and the orange glow of flames stood out in stark contrast to the inky night sky. She stepped down the rickety wooden stairs and paused. A bonfire burned on one section of the beach and a band playing Beach Boys type music rocked on a makeshift stage. People mingled, some in pairs, others in groups, a few individuals wandered alone. She wasn’t in the mood to socialize with complete strangers, except maybe one in particular. She narrowed her gaze and searched through the crowd.

“Looking for someone?” His voice sounded from behind her.

Her heartbeat immediately doubled. “Just taking in the sights.”

“If you say so.” He laughed.

The deep, masculine sound caused ripples of warmth to ooze through her veins.

“But I know I was looking for you.” His voice held a gentle heat, but it was his word choice that warmed her.

“You found me. I was just about to take a look around.”

“Sounds good to me.” He gestured with a sweep of his hand, indicating she should go first.

Two strides and she reached the sand where waiters, dressed in baggy shorts and colored T-shirts, stood ready to serve. Juliette continued forward, but Doug grabbed her hand, pulling her aside. “One thing before we check things out.”

She inclined her head. “What’s that?”

He braced his hands on her shoulders, pulling her gently toward him. Razor stubble covered his cheeks, thick and alluring, while his eyes, as blue as the ocean, stared into hers. “Thank you for inviting me to spend the night with you.”

“Now who’s being presumptuous?” she asked.

His eyes opened wide, as he apparently realized what he’d just said and Juliette laughed.

Laugh lines wrinkled around his eyes. “Something tells me not to touch that statement.”

“Not yet, but there’s time.” She laughed nervously, wanting to give him a green light but uncertain of how to proceed. Yet his intensity and obvious interest made her brave when she might have withdrawn.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

And neither was she. The irony wasn’t lost on her though. She was a woman who’d learned from early childhood not to reveal too much about herself and to maintain proper decorum at all times lest the press print vile, ugly stories. Yet here she was at the most difficult crossroads of her life opening up enough to trade sexual innuendo with a gorgeous stranger-and not caring a bit.

Juliette drew a calming breath but she inhaled his masculine scent and realized little could still the emotions rampaging inside her, the increased beat of her heart and the building crescendo of excitement.

“Cocktail?” A waiter paused, a variety of multicolored drinks on his tray.

“Piña Colada? Tequila Sunrise?” Doug narrowed his gaze and assessed the assortment. “Or would you like me to go over to the bar and get something else?”

“You choose.”

He took two tall glasses off the tray, handing her a cream-colored drink, and taking one for himself. The waiter moved on, leaving them alone. “Piña Colada.”

She accepted the cool glass and tasted the frothy drink. “Mmm. It’s sweet,” she said, surprised, then licked at her flavored lips with her tongue.

He laughed. “I figured I’d start you off slow.”

“What gave me away?”

“Your huge, curious eyes for one thing. You eyed that tray like you’d never seen anything like it before.”

She ducked her head, embarrassed at her less than worldly ways. “I’m more familiar with wines and champagne.” Fun drinks were a novelty she’d never experienced.

“Something tells me you’ve lived a very sheltered life.”

She shrugged. “More like an ultraconservative one. But my twin-she’s experienced it all.” Juliette changed the subject to Gillian, finding it easier to talk about her sister than let her own lack of experience intrude on the fantasy.

“Well, after this week, you’ll be able to claim the same.”

A grin edged the corners of her mouth. “I’m happy to say we’re on the same wavelength. I’m here to experience it all.” Everything he had to offer. “So what else are you going to introduce me to?”

A tremor wracked Doug’s body. No way did she really want to know what new and enlightening experiences he’d like to share with her. Experiences that would never, could never, pass the bounds of fantasy. No sex, he reminded himself.

But damn, he needed something to distract him from the come-hither looks she covertly sent his way. Despite her provocative comeback, the tremor in her voice and her huge eyes gave her true nature away. As a senator’s daughter, she’d grown up in front of the camera and had learned how to maintain polish and poise. But here on the island, faced with real desire, she radiated a naïveté he hadn’t expected. He didn’t think she could possibly be aware of her hungry gaze or the effect it was having on him.

But he knew. And every time he took in the outfit she’d chosen, his mouth grew dry. The sarong-style skirt tied at one hip revealed an expanse of long, bare leg while the bikini-like top exposed her flat, untanned stomach and accentuated her full, rounded breasts. No different than the clothing worn by most women on the beach tonight, but most women weren’t Juliette. And none of them affected him in the same beguiling way.

The woman was more of a feast than the one prepared by Merrilee’s staff. “Let’s check out the bamboo huts.” He pointed to where makeshift food stations had been set up beneath the thatched roofs, smorgasbord style. “Nothing like choices. What do you want? Hamburgers, hot dogs or do you want to try the Floridian specialty, conch fish?”

Juliette inhaled the assorted smells, wrinkling her nose when the distinct odor of fish came through loud and clear. “I think I’ll stick with your basic burger.”

He laughed. “I guess conservative girls don’t appreciate the art of catching, scaling and gutting a fish.”

She sniffed as if offended, but the smile on her gloss-covered lips gave her away. “I didn’t say I was conservative, I said I lived a conservative life. Big difference. As for you, you’re so relaxed, I don’t see an ounce of conventionality in you or your upbringing. Am I right?”

“Quite right.” And perhaps if he revealed some of his own past, she’d be more comfortable revealing hers. “I was adopted and neither set of parents were what you’d call conservative.”

“I’d say not, especially if you inherited either of their style of dress.” She reached out and fingered the bottom of his long, Hawaiian-print shorts before raising her gaze to his clashing but equally tropical button-down, short-sleeve shirt.

“Offensive?” he asked.

“Different,” she said with a grin. She twirled one of her long curls around her finger.

He wondered if the strands were silky smooth to the touch and when he’d be able to find out. “Different how?”

“Where I come from, men wear power suits and ties or polo shirts and slacks.”

Bingo, he thought. Some insight. Small as it may be, he appreciated any inroad. “Well, if anyone in my family does the suit-and-tie thing I’ve never seen it.”

Ted Houston never wore a suit, not even when he’d won an Associated Press award. Good thing his father’s byline hadn’t been in politics. Doug, on the other hand, knew how to dress up with the best of them, but on the island he’d chosen to let his rebel side dominate. To throw Juliette off his proverbial scent. Disgusted with the reminder and unsure why, when his pursuit of a story had never bothered him before, Doug pushed the thought away-easy to do when surrounded by her beauty.

He smiled, then lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “My adoptive father is color-blind. I guess I inherited the gift.”

She laughed at his joke.

He shut his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to enjoy the light, carefree sound. Just being around her helped him relax for the first time, not just since the paper fiasco, but since his father’s heart attack. He hadn’t realized how much he needed the release until she’d provided it.

“Hey, don’t get me wrong, your style is a welcome change.”

At the sound of her soft voice, he opened his eyes.

“You’re a welcome change,” she said.

And damned if he didn’t believe her.

She paused for another sip of her drink. The waiter had forgotten the straws or Doug hadn’t seen them on the tray. Either way, he didn’t care. It gave him a chance to touch her. He reached out and brushed the foam off her upper lip with the pad of his thumb.

She stilled, those wide, green eyes meeting his, shock evident in her gaze. He recognized the emotion since he felt it, too. His mind told him to use the surprising electric connection that sizzled between them to his advantage since, except for her one vague reference, she’d adeptly avoided any personal replies to his light queries. She had even managed to turn the tables and question him instead. But his heart pounded loud in his chest, urging him merely to enjoy.

He drew back and as she watched, he licked the sweet-tasting froth off his finger. She exhaled, a slow, breathy sound that resembled a sigh of pleasure and his body tensed in response.

Just then, dinner was announced over the sound system, directing people to the buffet and jarring him back to his senses. He’d missed a perfect opportunity to push for information under the guise of getting to know her better. Not only didn’t he understand why, but he was completely off balance. “Saved by the bell,” he muttered.

“Excuse me?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. How about we get something to eat?”

She nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

A good one because he needed distance. And how much trouble could he get into over the course of one meal?

Half an hour later he had his answer. Too much damn trouble. With food loaded on their plates, they walked by the long picnic tables set up for guests and, at Juliette’s suggestion, headed farther down the beach. She picked a secluded area and requested he pull two lounge chairs together for their private picnic.

Doug was coming to realize he couldn’t deny her anything when she got that excited gleam in her eye. In one short outing, he’d learned to recognize the sparkle that told him she was experiencing something for the first time-from a simple drink to a picnic dinner. He’d grown up quickly, first on the street experiencing deprivation, then at Ted Houston’s side, learning the journalistic ropes from a pro. He’d discovered how to charm the devil himself for information or to gain access to private files or events. From the streets to formal banquets and affairs, Doug had seen it all.

But he’d never lived Juliette’s existence, never realized living a sheltered life could cause a person to miss out on so much. To his surprise, he was grateful he was giving her good memories to replace the more recent painful ones. Ones he’d inadvertently caused. He just wished watching her wasn’t so difficult.

Arousingly difficult. She licked her fingers delicately before turning to the napkin in her lap and wiping her hands. She set the napkin aside and yawned, then said, “It’s not the company, I swear.”

“It’s the travel. I’m surprised you’ve made it this late. Did you want to watch the pathetic rendition of the Beach Boys or call it a night?” He didn’t know which he hoped she’d choose but a night to rethink his strategy wouldn’t be a bad thing.

She sighed. “Much as I hate to say this, I think turning in would be best.”

Disappointment warred with relief. “I understand.”

After they collected and deposited their paper goods and garbage, she turned toward him. “I really enjoyed tonight.”

“Me too. But until I walk you to your door, it’s not over.” He wasn’t ready to let her go yet and hoping for a glimmer of information wasn’t the only reason.

“You don’t need to do that. But I’d like it if you would.”

And he’d like to take a jump into the cool ocean water. Walking her to her secluded cottage door, he felt more like a kid on his first date than an experienced reporter out to get a story. But Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither would he get what he needed tonight.

“Well, we’re here.” She turned around, her back against the door, palms braced behind her.

From the gleam in her eye he wouldn’t get a fast escape and a quick good-night. From his body’s response to this woman, he didn’t want one.

Her fantasy, he reminded himself. He’d worked damned hard to discover it-for his own selfish purposes, he admitted to himself. But now when the time came to make her feel both desired and cherished, his reasons for doing so were no longer cut and dried. He enjoyed giving her the attention and reveled in knowing he put that sexy gleam in her eyes.

Doug stepped forward and stroked her cheek with his hand. She sighed and, on impulse, he twirled one long curl around his finger. Her hair was as silky smooth as he’d thought but her skin was softer.

He tugged gently, bringing her closer, her lips within kissing distance. Would they feel as supple and delicate as her flesh? Or would the brief good-night kiss he intended blaze out of control, treating him to a firmer, more powerful touch of her mouth against his? He’d promised himself to keep his distance and still swore sex would never come into play-not if he was using her as a means to uncover information.

But kissing her now had nothing to do with his story and everything to do with his need-for her. He leaned in until his mouth covered hers. And then he knew. Her lips were soft but determined. They carried a sweetness from their last shared Piña Colada and a gentleness he’d expected. But she greeted his overture with a lack of hesitancy and an eagerness which shouldn’t have taken him off guard. But it did.

She did. All his strength went into maintaining a seductive kiss that left her wanting more. Hell, he knew how badly he wanted more. As if she read his mind, her lips parted in invitation. His tongue slipped inside her warm, moist mouth, a sigh of pure pleasure reverberated in her throat and his body shook in reaction. He moved forward without thought, locking her between him and the cottage door. Her hands moved to cup his waist, her nails digging into him despite the barrier of clothing.

For a brief moment, he let her body mold to his. For a brief moment, he allowed her to feel what she did to him. And then, in what had to be the most difficult move of his life, he stepped back and broke the kiss first. But he wasn’t ready to break the connection between them. He rested his forehead against hers and listened to her labored breathing, a perfect match for his rapidly beating heart.

“You’re good,” she murmured.

Doug couldn’t help it-he laughed. “You’re not so bad yourself.” He raised his head and met her soft, hazy stare.

Reaching out, she swiped at his damp lips with one finger. A tremor of awareness lodged in his throat.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said.

“I meant it as one.” His lips tingled from her touch and his mind filled with conflicting thoughts. “You should get some sleep.” And he should back off and regroup.

He withdrew the room key from her hand and pushed open the door. But he remained outside as she passed by him and whispered a soft good-night in his ear.

Doug actually trembled as she shut the door behind her. “Damn.” He needed a new strategy and he needed one fast.

Otherwise he was in danger of losing himself in Juliette Stanton and ignoring the burning need for information. A need she too easily made him forget.