Baddest Bad Boys(83)

She found him downstairs, on the patio, talking on his cell phone. He disconnected as soon as she walked out, but still she frowned. Out of nowhere came a feeling of possessiveness. This was her week, damn it. Or was it?

She paused, realizing she thought in terms of 24/7. Had she misunderstood the terms? Perhaps Max thought only the nights were for them?

“Do you need to work this morning?” she began.

He climbed to his feet and held out a chair for her. “Yes and no. I’m trying to keep the interruptions to a minimum, but a couple emergencies have popped up. I’ll need to keep my cell within reach.”

“Emergencies—plural? Sounds serious.”

“Urgent. Actually, my staff is handling most of it, which gives me a new appreciation for their capabilities. Coffee? How did you sleep?”

“Fine. And yes to coffee.” The way he morphed from talk of business to personal matters amazed her. Or did he view his time with her as just another business transaction? A deal? Was zipping from the bedroom to the boardroom part of his everyday routine?

“I noticed you’re not limping this morning,” he said. “Is the foot better?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

He had picked up a carafe and filled her cup. “There are pastries in the basket. Or, if you prefer, I’ll whip up an omelet.”

“I usually skip breakfast, though an omelet sounds great for lunch.”

He refilled his own coffee, then settled opposite her again. “Seeing as it’s one o’clock, anything you eat qualifies as lunch.”

“I never sleep this late.” Of course, she never stayed up half the night making love, either.

Max winked. “I haven’t been up that long myself.” He grabbed a croissant, slathered it with butter. “By the way, I spoke with Gerard. The door at the beach house was repaired this morning. He hired a private security firm to look after the place until you get back and can review the new alarm system he’s recommending.”

“Private security? Does he think the guy will return there?”

“I won’t take that chance. The intruder was able to override your alarm and its backup system with ease.”

Ellie sipped her drink. “I wonder if I’ll ever feel secure there again.”

“Yes, you will, eventually. You do have to start taking security more seriously. Even after this bastard is caught.”

“And do you think the police will catch him?”

“Yes. Allowing them to access your e-mail account will help. Speaking of which, if you send e-mail, or make calls from here, it’s important that you don’t give your location or mention that we’re together. I’m working to keep news of the break-in out of the press, too.”

For security reasons? she wanted to ask. Or general publicity? Was Max worried about what others would think of their deal?

She pushed her cup away.

“If you’re done,” Max said, “I’d like to show you the island.”

As it turned out, Ellie only saw half of the island.

“The guest houses are the only things on the far end,” Max said.

They were in the golf cart again. He turned off the beach and drove along a neat path that twisted beneath the canopy of trees. He stopped at a small clearing. “This is what I wanted you to see. What do you think?”

Her eyes widened, trying to take it all in. At first glance, the small lagoon looked ethereal. The water was a brilliant aqua green, and a slight waterfall gurgled melodically at the far end. She half expected fairies to fly by. She spotted the pots of orchids. The area’s natural beauty had been enhanced with several types of flowering plants and trees.

“It’s phenomenal,” she said. “Someone on the island has a green thumb.”

“Tyler.” Max helped her out of the cart.

She followed Max to the water’s edge and watched as he spread a blanket in the shade. They hadn’t brought a basket, so the blanket wasn’t for a picnic. At least not one that involved food.

Was sex all she thought about? She turned toward the water to divert her thoughts. The pool was crystal clear and looked shallow. “Is it warm enough to swim?”

“Let’s find out.” Max peeled off his trunks, freeing his erection.

Ellie found it impossible not to stare. Maybe she wasn’t the only one with a thinking problem.

He moved close and tugged at the string ties of her swimsuit top. “You saw the sign: No suits allowed.”

Her top fell, baring her breasts.

“What sign?”

He tugged her bottoms free. “The one that’s going up tomorrow. Come here.”

She stepped closer, taking pleasure in the desire etched in his expression. The man was like a drug, and she was an addict. He picked her up and waded into the water. The center of the pool was deeper than she had guessed, nearly to Max’s chest. They swam the length twice, the first time in a race. The second time in a chase.

Max caught her near the waterfall and kissed her. Excitement and anticipation swelled inside her chest. They were both panting now, and not just from swimming. Her arms were looped around his neck. Under water, she pressed her pelvis against his erection. The question wasn’t if they’d make love. It was when. Where.

Max coaxed her toward the shallow water beside the waterfall. He lifted her, sitting her on the bank, while he remained in the water. He pressed his hands to her knees, opened her.