Learning Curves(20)

“Yeah,” she whispered on an exhale. “I know.”

They stayed like that for a moment longer, both working on regulating their breathing and coming back down from their explosive lovemaking. The smell of smoke reached his nose.

“Shit, the frying pan is on fire.”

He pulled out of her, not nearly ready for the sex to be over—or for this weekend to be over—and grabbed the handle and tossed the pan into the sink. She was laughing when he shut the burner off and stepped back into her. She pointed an accusing finger at him.

“You’re the one who was in too much of a hurry to let me turn the burner off.”

“Oh, and you weren’t,” he shot back.

She grinned. “Maybe a little.”

He put his hand on her face, and ran his thumb over her flushed cheek. “How about we go into town. I know this great place that does breakfast.” He shot a glance to the clock on the wall. “Or rather brunch.” He pressed a kiss to her lips, and there was such a warm glow on her face, he wanted to forget about food and spend the day in bed. But she needed substance, so he planned to feed her. “Let’s get cleaned up and head out.” He helped her from the counter and put his hand on her back to guide her to the shower. “Is there anything special you’d like to do today?”

She bit her bottom lip. “Last night you did mention something about the boat.” She pointed to the double deck doors as they walked toward the hall. “I think I also remember something about bending me over that rail.”

He laughed. “Holy Christ, I’ve created a sex maniac.”

“You could be right. I might be an addict.”

A surge of possessiveness rose in him as he visualized her in bed with another man—some random asshole touching her body the way he had, and bringing her to orgasm over and over again.

Oh, fuck, no.





Chapter Five

Dressed in a bathing suit and a knitted bikini cover up dress that they’d picked up in town earlier that morning, Lauren stretched out in her seat on the boat and turned her face to the early afternoon sun. She exhaled, never having been so content. After a wonderful breakfast and a tour around the Keys, they’d made their way to the marina. She angled her head sideways and took in Linc’s strong profile and bare chest as he carefully steered the boat around the reefs. It was easy to tell how much he enjoyed being on the water. He saw her watching him and grinned.

She shook her head. “You’re like a big kid.”

He put his palm on her leg and squeezed. “What can I say? I’m having a hell of a weekend.”

She closed her hand over his and held it. “I can see why this is your escape. I love it here.” She relaxed beneath his touch, a new comfort between them. In fact, she’d never felt such an easy intimacy with anyone before. But dammit, she wasn’t supposed to feel things for him, things that made her want to extend this weekend, to grow what she felt blossoming inside her.

Stop it.

His eyes moved to her mouth, and as the blue of them deepened, her body came alive. “I’m glad I brought you here. The Keys have been good for you.”

You have been good for me.

She mentally kicked herself again. He offered her a weekend of sex, and tomorrow it was back to the real world.

But she had this weekend, and it was one she would never forget. Her ex was an asshole. Linc had proven over and over again that she was responsive, and had made her feel sexy, wanted and important. His touch, his kisses, his lovemaking…they had cemented the fact that she’d been with the wrong man. So, who was the right man? Her stomach squeezed, because she suspected the right man was the one sitting beside her, his gaze moving over her face, assessing her.

Don’t even go there. This is a one-time gig. You know how he is. Lose the hearts and flowers hope. Appreciate him for what he’s giving you.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Not wanting to spoil the mood or bring reality into this crazy fantasy just yet, she shook her head. “Nothing.”

“No lies, Lauren.” He slowed the boat and turned to her. “What’s on your mind?”

From the command in his voice she knew he wasn’t going to let it go. “If you must know, I have that engagement party next week.”

“You don’t want to go?” A boat sped past them, and Linc waved then turned his attention back to her.

She crinkled her nose, a knot in her stomach at the thought of sitting at the singles table while Matthew rubbed it in. She could hear him now. What, no Linc? Guess your boringness got to him. What the hell was the matter with him? They were done. He was the one who’d left her. There was no unfinished business between them, so she had no idea why he didn’t just leave her the hell alone.