At least she didn’t hate it.
“Why don’t we just ride out until you’re ready to turn around and go home? All you have to do is tap me on the chest.”
“Okay.” This time, instead of sounding petrified, there was a hint of excitement in her tone. Her arms slid back around him, giving him her complete trust, and he swelled with pride.
He started the bike and drove a few more miles with no chest-tapping from his passenger. Then she adjusted her grip, maneuvering her head where she could see around him. Five more miles, and they came to their first curve. As he leaned the bike into it, she tensed up behind him. Still, she didn’t tap on his chest. When they went around the next curve, she responded with a quick squeeze, which he interpreted as elation.
On they went, passing two oncoming cars, and she never signaled to turn back. Her grip was more relaxed, and once, he thought he heard her laughing. As they went over a tall hill, she let go with one hand to point to the gorgeous view of the beach. Twenty minutes out, they reached the end of the road, and he pulled to a stop in the turn-around area.
“How do you like it?” he asked, as he put down the kickstand and helped her step off the bike,
She lifted her helmet off, revealing her face, flushed and smiling. “It’s so much fun, even though it’s dangerous.”
“It’s a rush, isn’t it?” He took her helmet and set it on the seat, beside his.
Her grin went crooked. “I feel like a teenager doing something sneaky behind my father’s back.”
“I guess that makes me the bad boy your parents forbid you to date,” he teased, as he smoothed a lock of hair behind her right ear.
“I’ve always liked reading books about bad boys.” She leaned her face into his hand, her eyes closing halfway. “But this is the first time I’ve ever been with one.”
“Then you’re in for a treat.” He drew her against him, so she had to tilt her head up to look at him. “We bad boys have a lot of hidden talents, besides the usual motorcycle riding and tattoos.”
Her eyes went as round as saucers. “You have a tattoo?”
As he lowered his lips to her ear, he whispered, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” He was rewarded with a shiver and a soft sigh.
“Gary, are you sure this is a good idea?”
“Riding a motorcycle?” he asked, innocently.
“Not that.” A furrow appeared between her brows. “I’m talking about—”
He smothered her words with his lips, surprised at the fervor of her response. She answered his kiss with passion, as if someone had opened floodgates that had been closed tight her entire life. Heart racing, he tightened his embrace, relishing the way she felt in his arms. When he finally tore his mouth away, he was as winded as if he’d run a marathon. Still holding her close, he breathed in the fresh scent of her hair.
What was it about her that made him lose control? The physical attraction was strong, more intense than he’d felt with any woman. But there was more… something that made him reconsider his vow to remain single. Something that made him wonder, after two serious relationships had failed, if he could make it work with Katie.
He had no doubt she felt the same magnetic physical attraction. Yet she was as committed to remaining single as he was, perhaps even m
ore. As far as he knew, she hadn’t dated at all since Joseph called off the engagement. Gary was flattered that she even agreed to their vacation fling. But he still wondered if she wasn’t secretly attracted to Steven, comparing every other man to him. If so, Gary didn’t stand a chance. He could only offer uncertainty, when what she needed was security.
As his hands roamed up and down her back, she melted into him, nuzzling against his chest. Something warm flowed through every vein in his body. Unable to stop himself, he kissed her again, his blood pulsing so hard he could hear it in his ears. He deepened the kiss, and she answered with a hunger as forceful as his own.
Mine. She’s mine. The thought resounded inside his head.
He was more confused than ever. Only one thing was certain… he didn’t want their relationship to end when they flew home from Indigo Bay on Saturday.
14
Friday morning, Katie was up before dawn, making overseas calls to arrange Steven’s meeting. By eleven o’clock, she’d arranged for the hotel and meeting room and acquired verbal confirmation from all but three of the parties involved. As she pressed send on the last email, Nicole called on her cell phone. After a great deal of wheedling, Katie recounted her entire afternoon with Gary, though she was careful to leave out any mention of those decadent kisses.
“Then he took me on a motorcycle ride,” said Katie.
“Who are you and what have you done with my roommate?” Nicole’s tinkling laughter filtered through the phone.
“He was very careful, and it was fun,” Katie said, as if that explained everything. “And afterwards, we went to an art place called High Tide Gallery and spent about an hour there. I didn’t realize how much I like art.”
“You’re falling for him, aren’t you?” As usual, Nicole didn’t wait for an answer. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy you’re finally dating again. But I don’t think you should have to change to please a man, and it seems like you are.”