Kelly blew out a sigh when Luke left her alone. When he’d stepped outside, she nearly had a heart attack at how sexy he was. She’d known he was built, but she’d never seen him like this.
All that dark, taut skin with those black snug shorts—even the red lips right smack in the center didn’t take away from his potent sex appeal. If anything, those shorts were damn hot on him, and she thought they were perfectly fitting for what she wanted to do.
The closer she got to trying to seduce him and make the biggest risk of her life, the more her nerves jumbled all together and her common sense told her not to take this chance.
But she had to. It was now or never. So no matter her fears, she had to push them aside and go after what she wanted.
As much as Kelly wanted to admire Luke even more, it was probably best that he went down to the beach alone right now. She hadn’t missed the way his eyes had traveled over her body—the man really should wear some sunglasses to hide the fact he was giving her a visual lick.
She also didn’t miss the obvious attraction he had to her. Those skimpy shorts hid nothing. Hmm...maybe getting him into bed wouldn’t be as difficult as she thought.
Kelly smiled as she flipped the page in her book. Good to know this new bikini was working like a charm, just like she intended. Men were simply primal creatures...even men married to their jobs. They still had basic needs and still craved bare skin and a little temptation.
A fling wouldn’t hurt, would it? They were adults and they could keep this separate from the office. She wasn’t looking for a ring on her finger or any promise of commitment. The only relationship Luke wanted was his career...a situation she knew all too well because of her father. She’d seen the struggle her mother had gone through trying to get any attention from her husband. Kelly never wanted a life like that, and she knew she deserved better.
So, a little fun in the sun had to be the theme for this trip.
A bit later, the doorbell rang again. Luke was still not back, so she got up and went to answer.
“Aloha, ma’am.” The concierge wheeled a cart of food and drinks inside. “Where shall I set up this dinner for you?”
Kelly glanced around and really wasn’t sure. “How about you leave it here and we will take care of it?”
He nodded. “Please let us know if you require any further service this evening.”
Kelly thanked him and showed him out. She went to the cart and lifted the domed lids. Surf and turf with grilled asparagus and a cauliflower rice. Wine, beers, and a particular bottle of bourbon that she’d requested.
There was also a white-and-gold card advertising their nightly resort entertainment. She was still tired from the trip and not really in the mood to be around a bunch of people, so she wasn’t going to mention that to Luke.
Kelly figured the sun would start to set soon, so she carried the plates out to the patio area and set everything up. She poured herself a glass of wine and got Luke a beer, then put the alcohol in the fridge, save for the bourbon that she left on the counter.
Luke still wasn’t back so Kelly went to her bedroom and changed into a pair of shorts and a tank. She took her hair down and brushed it, then put it back up into a top knot. The movement had her shoulders feeling tight, and she glanced in the mirror to see she’d gotten a little pink today. She’d have to be more liberal with the sunscreen tomorrow. Apparently she’d gotten so sidetracked with her Luke fantasies and then her book, she’d lost track of time and hadn’t reapplied.
As Kelly stepped out of her room, Luke was coming up the steps by their pool. Water droplets ran over his broad chest and beaded all over his close-cropped hair and beard. He carried a towel and stopped by the pool to dry off. Since he hadn’t spotted her yet, she felt a little voyeuristic standing here watching him rub his towel all over his very fine body.
Kelly cleared her throat and headed out to the patio.
“You’re just in time,” she told him. “I hope you’re ready for dinner.”
“I’ll get changed and be right out.”
He walked by her without glancing her way and Kelly ignored that twinge of disappointment. He seemed upset about something, but she had no clue what. He didn’t have his cell to check emails or take calls, so what could have bothered him on a secluded beach?
Perhaps he was irritated at his attraction toward her. Luke wouldn’t like that he was losing control over anything, especially his feelings. She’d never known him to mix business and pleasure. Even when he’d been engaged, he’d put his career first.
Kelly didn’t want more than this right here. She wanted these few days alone with Luke to prove to him she was more than his assistant. Two adults in a romantic resort indulging in a heated fling that would stay just between them was all she was asking for. With the possibility of him finding her attractive, Kelly had a burst of hope that layered over all those nerves.
Kelly didn’t mind one bit helping him take his mind off Wingate and everything they’d left back in Royal. She just hoped Luke was ready for all she had in mind.
By the time Luke came back out, he was still scowling, and she couldn’t help but laugh when she saw his outfit.
“I swear, I didn’t ask them to send all of these tacky things,” she defended. “I just gave them your sizes and said I needed trunks, shorts, and shirts. I asked for a pair of sandals and sunglasses, too.”
“Oh, I got everything you asked for. But this was the best outfit out of the eccentric variety.”
Kelly couldn’t help but laugh at the green-and-white plaid shorts and the white T-shirt that read EYE CANDY in bold, black letters.
“I seriously considered putting a suit on,” he grumbled as he took a seat at the table. “And I mean the kind of suits I brought.”