Page 54 of To Steal a Heart
“Dang it, you’re right.” He snapped his fingers. “My flippers.”
She sniggered. “No, goofball. Your phone.”
A boyish grin slipped over his lips as he reached into his pocket and threw it down on this coat. “Thank you. While I’m at it,” he drawled, “I guess I should take off the rest.” His hands went to the button on his pants.
“What’re you doing?” she croaked. “You know I’m not that kind of girl.”
“I know, and I love you for it,” he uttered softly.
The moment slowed as their eyes caught and held. Then, a second later, his playful nature took over. Teasing laughter flowed from his lips as his fingers formed a gun and pointed it at her. “Gotcha.”
Her hands went to her hips. “Touché.”
He licked the tip of his index finger and motioned in the air like he was putting a point on a chalkboard.
She arched an eyebrow. “I didn’t think we were keeping score.”
“Always.” Throwing her a wicked grin, he rushed at her. She squealed as he picked her up by the waist and twirled her around. Then he set her down and slid his hands up the sides of her cheeks before his fingers threaded into her hair. His gaze moved over her with an intensity that sent her heart into a wild spin. When his mouth came down on hers, she let herself get lost in the rapture of his demanding lips.
A few minutes later, her chest rose up and down in rapid succession as she fought to get her breath. The next second, she giggled at the thought that circled through her head.
Semi-amusement lit his eyes. “What?”
She couldn’t stop the large smile that broke over her face. “You sure are giving me some great writing material. It is all about the romance, after all.”
Amused laughter rolled from his throat. “Anything I can do to help the cause.” He quirked a cocky grin. “Do I get paid royalties?”
“You bet,” she chuckled. “Let’s see … how about I pay you in kissing lessons?”
He adopted a wounded expression. “Ouch!” He trailed his finger along the outline of her lips, circling delicious sensations down her spine. “I thought I did a moderately decent job,” he murmured.
Tantalizing tingles spritzed through her body. “You did okay,” she said neutrally.
“I see how you are.” He pumped his eyebrows. “So … Miss New York Times Bestseller, how about giving me some swim lessons? That would be something to add to your next book.”
Her eyes flew open as she glanced at the water. “You wouldn’t dare.”
He scooped her up with such ease that she might’ve weighed less than a feather. She marveled at how secure and thrilling it was to be held in his strong arms. “Oh, I would,” he promised as he carried her toward the ocean. She held tight to his neck and averted her face, assuming he would charge right into the waves. However, he stopped just shy of where the water touched the sand.
“I forgot something.” He put her down.
“Don’t tell me,” she joked. “Your nose plug.”
An amused smile tipped his lips as he let out a dry, “Ha ha.” He pulled something out of his pocket. “This.” His voice held an air of significance.
It took her a second to realize that he was holding a gold bracelet. His expression grew sincere as he held it out for inspection. “This is for you.” She felt his vulnerability in a deep and personal way and sensed that this moment was momentous.
“A charm bracelet,” she murmured in delight. “Ooh, it looks expensive.”
He quirked a wicked grin. “It was,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone, “but you’re worth every penny. If you don’t like it, I kept the receipt.”
She giggled. “Save your receipt. I love it.” A smile tipped her lips. “As for the smooth Casanova charm, you can save that for Grandmother.”
He didn’t skip a beat. “No offense to Josette, but you’re the only one I care anything about charming.”
Energy fired through her veins as their gazes locked.
“Speaking of charms, did you notice what they were?”