“Wow,” he said and swallowed.
“I have to keep this,” she confessed, laughing. “It looks too nice on me.”
“It looks amazing.” He took her hands as she reached the bottom, holding them out from her sides.
“Thank you,” she said. “You did a thoughtful thing.”
“You didn’t mind too much?”
“No. It reminded me I used to look forward to buying clothes. My mother loved taking me each fall before she got sick. She could pinch a penny, but she was into it. She’d pour over Seventeen before we went. She called it our girls day out.”
He dragged his eyes up to hers, simply staring at her. He seemed to understand she’d revealed something personal. “I, um— Wow. I’m having trouble remembering what I meant to say. Our picnic boxes are in the fridge. I told the captain we could cast off soon. We’ll eat on the aft deck, if you like.”
“We have a captain?” She was startled by this idea.
“We do. I can operate the yacht but, generally speaking, drinking and boating isn’t a good idea. I wanted to share a glass of wine with you and watch the sunset.”
Her fingers were tangling with his, their thumbs stroking together with a suggestiveness that made her knees tremble. “What time is sunset?”
A smile spread across Zane’s sensual mouth. “Not for hours yet.”
“We could maybe work up an appetite before we go admire it.”
Rather than speak, he scooped her into his arms. He carried her up the narrow stairs without clutching the railing or tumbling them to their deaths—a testament to his athleticism that she was grateful for.
He didn’t miss that she’d taken a tighter grip on him.
“You’re safe now,” he teased as they reached the top landing.
“It’s simple neurotic reflex,” she assured him. “I knew you had me.”
“Not yet.” He carried her to a new bedroom at the top of the quiet hall. “I’m hoping to have that privilege soon.”
The master cabin was bigger than the one where she’d tried on clothes. Decorated in brown and gold, its bed was custom-carved and king size. Zane laid her gently on the gold coverlet. He didn’t follow her down, but started unbuttoning his silk shirt.
“Please.” Rebecca rolled onto her knees. “Let me help you with that.”
Zane stopped working on the buttons. “Thank you,” he said—almost seriously.
Rebecca grinned and took over the task for him. She loved being this close to him. Smelling him, feeling his heart beat hard and strong under her fingers. The center of his chest appeared, its furring of golden hair narrowing to a line that dove into his trousers. His erection reshaped the front admirably.
“I remember this belt,” she said, releasing its buckle and pulling. “But I don’t think you’ll need it tonight.”
“Want your hands free?” he suggested.
Rebecca opened his waist catch and pulled his shirttails free. He helped her get the garment off his powerful arms, at which point she truly had to caress him.
As she did, a low sound of pleasure broke in his throat.
“You’re a fine looking man,” she said, palms and fingers exploring his rib cage. “Only a foolish woman wouldn’t want her hands on you.”
Zane was breathing harder, his big chest going up and down. He didn’t interfere with her petting by trying to touch her. “Have I mentioned how much I like you, Rebecca?”
“Only the once.” Amused, she bent to brush her lips across his peaked left nipple. “You could say it again any time you want.”
He caught her face in his hands, straightening her, looking into her eyes. His expression hovered between a smile and something more intense, something that might have been wonder. “I like you,” he repeated. “You’re smart and funny and so damn sexy my cock is crying.”
He kissed her before she could answer, deep and hard, his long-fingered hands holding her in place. The slide and draw of his tongue, so like the motions of lovemaking, caused her body to react.
“Oh,” she gasped, breaking free. “I need to take off this dress before I get it wet.”
Zane’s handsome face darkened, muscles in his cheeks tightening with lust. “Rebecca,” he growled.
“It’s silk,” she said, though she didn’t think he was arguing. “I don’t want to ruin it.”
He released her so she could pull it off, hands curling at his sides as he watched. She crawled off the massive bed, draped the pretty silver dress on a chair, and then turned to him.
“There,” she said, completely naked and only a little shy. “Now I’m ready for anything.”