Rescue Me(13)
His eyes darkened even more if that was possible, and the muscle in his jaw twitched. What was that about? He was mad? Her anger from earlier came flooding back. He had some nerve. He opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off, not wanting to hear what he had to say. "Let's just get this over with."
She turned toward the boat in doubt, unsure how she was supposed to climb aboard. Cole vaulted himself over the side as if it were nothing. Did he expect her to do that? Just as she was gathering up her courage, he walked further down the length of the boat and opened a little door she'd not noticed.
"Welcome aboard," he said, holding a hand out for her as she approached the door.
Ignoring him, she stepped over the small gap between the pier and the deck and breezed past him.
"Meredith. I think we need to talk."
"There's nothing to say." She couldn't look at him.
"You're obviously angry. Why did you leave this morning?"
"Why did I—?” She broke off, laughing incredulously. This guy was a piece of work. "Like I said, let's just get this over with. I don't want to talk about last night."
He stepped closer and searched her face with concern as her mind and body warred. She didn't know whether to slap him or throw herself into his arms. Her mind won out. He took a step in her direction and she held her palms out toward him. "Let's forget it ever happened and just get through this day to appease my brother. Then we can say it didn't work out and we don't have to see each other again."
Something passed over his face, but it was gone before Meredith had time to figure out what it meant. He stalked past her and began fiddling with some of the instruments on the helm that looked entirely too complicated to her. She watched as he expertly flipped switches and made adjustments.
"Have a seat," he clipped out.
Not knowing what else to do with herself, she sat in a plush leather chair as far away from him as she could get, and tucked her feet under her. She angled her head, pretending to watch the beach as it became more crowded and activity started to pick up, but behind her glasses her eyes kept darting back to him. Why did he have to be so damn sexy? She wanted to give him a piece of her mind and let him know just what a jerk she thought he was, but she was afraid to get too close. He'd made her feel things that she hadn't felt in a long time, and despite the fact that he had taken advantage of her, a small part of her wanted to remember what it felt like to have the hardness of his body pressing against her. Over her. Moving within her.
She tensed at the thought, and liquid heat pooled between her thighs. Cole chose that exact moment to approach her. She looked up at his muscled frame hovering over her, and her tongue darted out nervously to moisten her suddenly dry lips.
"You ready?"
Judging by the way her body was betraying her, she was very ready. Ready to jump his bones.
She took a steadying breath, trying to regain control. Ignoring his hand once again, she pushed herself up from the chair and nodded. Keep your distance. Forget it ever happened.
Fat chance.
"Okay, let me give you a rundown of the basics." She listened halfheartedly as he explained some simple boating terminology. She already knew the difference between bow and stern, starboard and port, but as he began telling her about the specifics of sailing, she found herself intrigued, asking questions and wanting to know more. Maybe the day wouldn't be a complete waste.
After half an hour of what could have been a boring lecture, but was made exciting by Cole's obvious enthusiasm, they were ready to move out of the slip.
Meredith followed him back to the helm, pushing her glasses up on her head and leaning in to get a clearer look. Their shoulders brushed, and an electric charge ran down her arm causing her to shiver. Cole glanced down at her and lifted the corner of his mouth as their eyes locked.
"Interested after all?"
She pursed her lips and studied his face. It was a loaded question, but she couldn't stop a small grin from spreading across her face. He was cocky. And damn it all if she didn't find that irresistible. She must be mental.
"The verdict is still out. Let's see how you can maneuver first."
"Baby, my moves would blow your mind."
"Prove it."
He let out a low laugh that had her wishing he would.
What was she thinking, engaging in sexual banter with him? But as he skillfully guided the boat out of the slip and into open water, she couldn't help but wonder how that strength and agility translated in the bedroom. You'd know if you hadn't blacked out. She didn't know what she regretted more, the fact that he'd been enough of an ass to take advantage of her, or that she'd never know what it had been like. Knowing how screwed up that must make her, she moved away to the railing and resolved again to keep her distance.
*
Pulling the boat back into the slip several hours later, Cole had no clue what was going on with Meredith, but he was determined to find out. He'd yet to find a way to broach the subject of the night before that wouldn't have her shutting him out. Again. Why had she run out this morning? And why was she so distant now?
He knew he should be relieved that she didn't want to discuss it. She wanted to pretend their time together had never happened. Normally that would be perfect. No strings, no expectations. But something about her had him wanting to know what she was thinking. He also wanted to finish what they had started. It didn't appear that was going to happen.