He wrapped his arms around her stomach, holding her naked softness to his body and kissed the crook of her neck. Her supple warmth, smooth skin and the subtle scent of her shampoo brought back memories of their lovemaking. He wanted her all over again.
“Tell me about Alaska,” she said, relaxing against him.
“It’s cold.”
“How incredibly informative.”
“Lots of snow, mountains, wildlife. The people are amazing. There’s no road access to Juneau, so there’s a very close-knit sense of community.”
“You have no roads?”
“We have roads in the city, of course. But the only way to get there from the mainland is by ferry, boat or airplane. Good for business at Aviation 58.”
“Is there much there? Can you shop?”
“We have stores, groceries, clothes, hardware, even car dealerships, certainly everything you need for day-to-day life. There are over thirty thousand people living in Juneau.”
“That’s less than a football game.”
“That’s why we have such a great sense of community.”
“What do you do up there?”
“Mostly, I run a business and fly airplanes.”
“And for fun?”
“Ski, snowmobile, mountain climb, swim, soccer. There’s plenty of outdoor recreation, but we also have plays, music, restaurants, movie theatres, even fashion shows.”
“Just like a regular city.”
“Exactly like a regular city. But with more snow and more bears.”
“I’d be terrified of bears.”
“They’re not exactly walking down the main drag in Juneau.” He paused. “Well, not often.”
“Are you serious? Or are you messing with me again?”
“It’s rare. But it can happen. You should come and check it out.”
As soon as the words were out, he felt the shift in atmosphere. He could have kicked himself. He and Amber were, right this moment, a tiny oasis in the midst of their bizarre situation.
“I’m sorry,” he offered.
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not. I didn’t mean to hint we were going somewhere as a couple. That’s just insincere and misleading, even manipulative.”
Her tone went cool. “Don’t worry, Cole. I won’t be dropping in on you in Alaska.”
“That’s not what I meant, either. I’d love to have you come to Alaska.”
Her body was growing stiffer by the second. “Isn’t this where we came into this conversation?”
“I’m so sorry.”
He smoothed back her hair. He couldn’t help himself, he kissed her dewy neck. When she didn’t rebuff him, he kissed her jawline. Then he tipped back her head and kissed her mouth.