“I can't do this with a tall, leggy blonde,” he informed me, stepping close and draping his arm over my shoulder. Goosebumps and want skittered across my skin. I could barely believe that this handsome, funny, man was holding me on a moonlit beach. It seemed too good to be true.
The sand was soft and warm under my feet. The travel guides hadn't been kidding when they raved about Caribbean sand. The moon was rising slowly and casting pale, silver light on every wave. Everything had a magical glow that made anything seem possible.
“You said you have a brother,” I said as we walked. I wanted to know everything about Aiden. “Any other siblings?”
“Just Logan,” he replied. “You?”
“A younger sister.” I smiled thinking of her. “Are you and your brother close?”
“We work together, so kind of. We were really close when we were little, but when I left for college we grew apart.” He pulled me closer to him, as if he were searching for my warmth in the dark.
“You said your brother's name is Logan?”
“Yeah.” He paused and looked at me. “Why?”
“You're going to laugh, but I thought Ben was your brother.”
“Because we look so much alike, right?” Aiden puffed out his chest and tried to make himself bigger. All he managed to do was make himself look ridiculous.
“Yeah, I should have thought of that,” I agreed, giggling as he ape walked down the beach. Ben was just an overbearing boss, not a concerned brother. “You just said you worked with your brother, and I assumed.”
“I do work with my brother. He works for Travel, Inc. as well.” He grinned at me. “You might even call it a family business.”
“I would love to work at the same company as my sister,” I said honestly.
“Working with family isn't all it's cracked up to be.” The easy laughter was gone, replaced by a bitter humor. “It makes it hard to fire anyone, even if they do a terrible job.”
“What about your mom?” I asked quietly, curiosity getting the better of me.
“She died when I was twelve. Dad wasn't exactly good with kids.” He shrugged as if it didn't bother him, but the slight tension in his voice belied the truth.
“I'm sorry.” I wasn't sure what else to say. I wanted to hold him close and take away all the pain that was edging into his voice.
“It was a long time ago,” he assured me, his eyes still distant.
“I'm still sorry,” I said quietly. I wrapped my arm around his waist and pulled him closer to me. His arm tightened, and didn't let go. I wished I could carry some of the pain that obviously weighed heavy on his shoulders. I tried to think of something I could say or do to make him smile again.
We walked in silence for a moment until I tripped on yet another rock. Aiden caught me easily, preventing me from falling to the sand. Wrapped in his arms and dizzy with want from having him this close, my heart beat raced out of control. He was so damn handsome. The moonlight highlighted his strong jawline and striking features, while his eyes seemed to capture the pale light of the moon and reflect only beauty.
“You and those rocks just don't seem to get along,” he murmured quietly, smiling down at me in his arms.
“It's a good thing you're here to rescue me then,” I whispered, staring at his mouth. It was sensuous and made for kissing. Every fiber of my being wanted to taste him. I half expected Ben to pop out of nowhere and ruin the moment for a third time.
Aiden tipped his head and slowly lowered his lips to mine. My world spun in a kaleidoscope of color as we finally connected. His lips were soft and receptive. He tasted like sunshine and wine. I honestly couldn't get enough of him, and used my tongue to draw him in further. I wanted to stay wrapped up in moonlight and his arms, tasting his mouth on mine and loving every second of it.
“Wow,” I whispered when we finally had to break apart or suffocate.
“Wow, indeed,” he agreed, his voice rough and shaky. His eyes sparkled with delight. Apparently he had enjoyed kissing me as much as I did him.
“Would you like a drink at my place? It's just over there,” I offered. I wasn't really interested in a drink, but it was the perfect excuse to get him to stay with me. Maybe even kiss me again. Heat surged through my veins at the thought of him kissing me again.
He didn't even look up at the direction I indicated.“I'd love one,” he said, his voice husky and eyes hungry.
He released me enough to let me lead the way to the glass doors of my hotel suite. I dropped my shoes on the porch and slid the keycard in. I was really, really glad that I didn't leave my laundry out on the bed. I usually left my clothing scattered across the bed when I traveled, but I didn't want to clutter the beautiful room this time. I patted past-me on the head. She had done a good thing.
“Leave it open,” Aiden commanded once we were inside. I dropped my hand from the door as I looked out at the moonlit waves. A cool breeze ruffled the filmy curtains, filling the room with the scent of water and night flowers. I nodded and was suddenly back in Aiden's arms.
His hands went to my hips, bringing him to me like a dance partner. I stopped to take in his strong cheekbones, his wind-ruffled hair, and the column of his throat leading down to a perfectly sculpted chest. I almost couldn't believe this was happening. This was too good to be true.
I cautiously unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, watching his face. If this was all in my head, this was the point I would wake up. My dreams never let me get past this point and get to the good stuff. If I was going to wake up from this dream, it was now.
The button slid free and the corner of Aiden's mouth rose in a cocky, sexy-as-hell smirk. He knew how much I wanted him. He knew it and was enjoying it. I undid the next button down and his hands tightened on my waist. He pulled my hips to his, his eyes darkening with want as our bodies touched. I could now feel the proof of just how much want pressing into my stomach. It made my knees go to jelly.
He leaned forward and kissed the corner of my mouth, then glided his tongue to the center of my lips. I trembled, opening my mouth to give him access and quickly finishing the buttons. He shrugged out of his shirt and let it fall to the floor. His tank-top undershirt was in the way of me touching his skin, so I pulled it up over his head. My hands caressed perfect abs and sculpted pecs in the process. I moaned without realizing it.
He was all heat and muscle. Strong lines of sinew and strength under smooth skin that were built for my fingers to trace. I could feel his heart pounding under my fingertips, as I touched his chest. It was steady and strong, but obviously as excited as I was.