Read Online Going Down by Vonna Harper - Free Book Online Page B

Standing next to him while he maneuvered against the incoming tide both relaxed and sexually charged her. The temperature gave no sign of dropping below a comfortable level, but that had only a little to do with why she was imagining doing this until untapped energy became more than she could handle. Bottom line, the company was responsible for the heat between her legs.
    â€œI’m going to put things into neutral and secure the wheel,” Reeve said. “Eventually the tide will bring us back to shore, and since we’re the only ones around, we’re not in danger of running into anyone.”
    They were alone, truly alone. Thanks to the newly emerged nearly full moon and countless stars, she had no trouble determining that. “You don’t have to keep on entertaining me. Anytime you’re ready to take me back to land’s fine.”
    â€œI’m not in any hurry.” Although he no longer needed to, he kept his hands on the wheel. His eyes were on the horizon.
    She thought he’d ask about her schedule, but he didn’t. She’d made her peace with his extended silences while they were moving through the water, telling herself he needed to concentrate on what he was doing. That excuse no longer carried any weight.
    â€œWhy are you doing this?” she asked. Perhaps three feet separated them. At the same time it wasn’t nearly enough and a vast distance. “You haven’t said that much; I’ve done most of the talking. You haven’t told me much about yourself, nothing that would make me think you wanted me to get to know you.” When he made no indication he’d heard her let alone had a reaction, she went on. “Are you always like this? You use silence to force people to open up about themselves?”
    â€œIs that what you think I’m doing?”
    â€œDon’t. Don’t answer a question with another one.”
    â€œI’ll try not to. As for my motives, I thought I’d already made it clear that I wanted to fix you dinner.”
    â€œAnd that’s all, a meal? If that’s the case, why haven’t we called it a night?”
    For the first time since taking the boat out, he looked over at her. The moon did amazing things to him, painting his dark hair with silver highlights and casting his features in shadow and light so she could barely make out the real man. His body seemed as one with the ocean, flowing with it. He’d changed into something he called seaworthy before they took off, and his faded, loose-fitting T-shirt proclaimed his loyalty to the L.A. Dodgers. The breeze occasionally caused the garment to hug his body. Every time that happened, she was struck anew by how physically toned he appeared. His simple brown shorts covered maybe half of his thighs, giving her a clear view of taut legs and a right knee that had felt a surgeon’s knife.
    This wasn’t a businessman’s body, damn it!
    Then who was he?
    Belatedly remembering that he hadn’t answered her question, she took a backward step. She might have taken another if not for the heat in his eyes and her body’s humming. “What do you want from me?” she demanded.
    More than you’ll ever understand.
    Telling herself he couldn’t possibly have said or thought that, she concentrated on bringing air into her lungs. “Am I going to regret saying yes to your invitation?”
    â€œI can’t answer that for you, only you can.”
    A response with layers of meaning, damn it. “At least give me a hint so I can make that decision.”
    He was still studying her, and although she’d been looked at by countless men, this felt different. Certainly he was aware of her physical form; that was a given. But he was also looking beneath the surface, maybe as deep as her soul. The question she had to answer was whether she wanted him to.
    Yes, her body fairly shouted. Hell yes!
    Maybe not, her heart whispered.
    â€œI’d