“Towel,” she said, stopping before him.
His gaze was a physical weight as it trailed up her body oh so slowly. Only once he reached her face did he step forward.
Instead of handing her the towel, he wrapped it around her, encasing her in his arms.
Avery tried not to think of his naked chest pressing against her. So little clothing separated them it was impossible not to picture all the things they could do without the flimsy barrier of her towel. If they were alone, she could let it drop to their feet before turning fully into his arms. She’d run her hands over the hard planes of his chest before following the path with her lips. Lapping her tongue over that bronzed flesh would ignite her own pulsing need. She’d want to play, to touch and taste.
“Stop it,” he murmured.
“Stop what?” she replied. Was that her voice, so soft and breathy?
“Stop thinking of what you’re thinking of.” He leaned down till his mouth was a tantalizing breath from hers. “You have sex in your eyes.”
Instead of withdrawing, she said, “So do you.”
The tip of his nose brushed against her cheekbone before his lips grazed her temple. “Always, when it comes to you.”
“You should let me go,” she breathed.
“What a terrible idea.”
“I don’t generally start my days trying to scandalize children,” she said. “We’re in public.”
“I know how to fix that problem.”
A smile touched her lips. “I bet you do. Let go of my towel.”
He did, but not before dipping his head to brush his lips along her jaw.
Wrapping the towel more firmly around herself, she stooped to grab her sandals and turned toward the hotel.
Hayden fell into step by her side.
“Are morning swims in the ocean going to become a staple in your schedule?” he asked. “Because if so, I’ll need to start running in my swim trunks.”
She shook her head. “I think I’ll stick to morning showers from now on.”
“Shame,” he said. “Unless, of course, I’m invited.”
“Sure. In other news, I heard hell just got a snowstorm.”
“Are you this cruel to all your clients?”
“I’d say you’re a special level of annoying, but knowing you, you’d take it as a compliment.”
“I’ve always been one of a kind. Better snap me up while you’ve got the chance.”
She rolled her eyes. “I need to learn more languages to say no in. Maybe one of them will stick.”
“Admit it,” he said, his fingertips grazing down her arm. “You’d miss me if I were gone.”
You’re right, I probably would.
But she’d miss him for a few weeks. Maybe a month or two. Not a lifetime.
And she worried if she fell into his bed he’d become a presence in her heart that she’d never be able to shake.
“What is your schedule like today?” he asked to fill the silence she’d allowed to stretch.
“I’ll be meeting with some former employees in forty-five minutes. The rest is open for the time being. I was going to get some research in.”
“Come for a drive with me instead.”
Yes. Anywhere you want.
Mentally, she shook her head, reminding herself why she needed to avoid the temptation that walked around in a tall, blond, billionaire package.
“I should work,” she said. “That’s why I’m here, right?”
He shrugged. “Consider this research. I’m going to head upcountry to see the sights. A well-prepared hotel knows all the best attractions to promote to its guests. What if we’re missing something our competitors are offering? If our guests want a service we aren’t delivering, it could explain the lowering occupancy rates.”
His logic wasn’t that far off, she had to admit. One of the goals on her to-do list was to investigate new partnership opportunities for his brand. Increasing the hotel’s tour offerings was a good starting place.
You know you want to go, her inner voice taunted.
“Just a drive,” she clarified.
“Perhaps a crust of bread for lunch if you’re lucky, but that’s it.”
“I could make the time,” she said, thinking over her plans for the day.
They reached the steps up to the hotel, and he stopped. “I’ll meet you out front at eleven.”
Do it. Do it. Have fun for a change.
Before she could think better of it, she nodded.
At her capitulation, he took her hand in his and brushed his lips over her knuckles. “Until then,” he said with a lazy grin.
Tossing her a wink, he jogged off down the path back to the water.
Avery shook out her hand with a sigh. She was playing with fire, spending more time with him.