Unseen Messages(62)

“I can see that.” My gaze leapt to the sleigh-like contraption by our belongings. Not only had they succeeded in something wondrous, but they’d also carted back items that would extend our likelihood of survival.

I wasn’t besotted; I was infatuated, intoxicated, completely and utterly blown away by how incredible this island-wrecked woman was.

My heart pumped like an out-of-control locomotive complete with coal smoke. I couldn’t take my eyes off her as Estelle tossed the burning plant into the fire and wiped the back of her hand on her cheek, spreading soot over her skin. “You’re back. We were worried.”

Conner bounced up and down. “Fire. Fire. Fire!”

I fought my smile. I didn’t know why. I was just as excited as he was. But somehow, I felt excluded. Like I’d never be worthy of Estelle because she had no need for me when I had desperate need for her.

Stop being such an idiot.

Estelle made her way to me, pulling something from her pocket. The tanning skin of her arms and face clutched me around the throat.

Hell, she’s beautiful.

And smart. And brave. And strong. And so goddamn selfless.

“Here, I found something that belongs to you.”

“Oh?”

She took my hand. My skin charred beneath hers, zinging with attraction and desire. She sucked in a breath but didn’t look up, avoiding the sudden intensity between us. Uncurling my fingers, she placed half of my glasses into my palm.

There goes my ability to see clearly on this island.

I chuckled to hide my disappointment. “They didn’t survive the crash too well.”

She cringed. “I’m sorry. They’re not useful to you anymore, but they’re by far our most precious item.”

I looked over her head at the crackling, cheery blaze. “You used them to make that.”

“Yep.” A smile stretched her face. “It took a few goes but Conner helped. The sun truly is a wondrous thing.”

I had no response. Just awe. Awe and lust and amazement and...I could go on and bloody on.

Her gaze fell to my bag. “What did you guys get up to?” She glanced over her shoulder. “And why is Pippa soaking wet?”

“Uh, I have a good reason for that.” Unhooking the bag from my shoulder, I passed it to her. “It so happens your fire attempt couldn’t have come at the more perfect time.” My heart warmed as she took the weight of the heavy bag with surprise. “Otherwise, we would’ve been eating these raw, and I can’t imagine that would be nice.”

Her mouth fell open as she lifted the flap. “Oh, my God.” Without warning, tears burst from her eyes and she dropped the bag. Leaping toward me, her arms slung over my shoulders and her lips graced my stubbled cheek. “Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Shit.

My arms snapped around her. My balance teetered in her sudden embrace but nothing would make me let go of her. I buried my face in her hair, inhaling the faint scent of salt and sunshine and castaway. There was no hint of shampoo or perfumed products anymore.

I was glad about that.

This way, I got to smell the real Estelle, and she smelled goddamn gorgeous.

My arms banded tighter.

She gasped as my nuzzling turned to kissing. I knew I shouldn’t but she’d just thanked me as if I’d changed her life. She’d made me feel so damn good when she was the one who’d created a miracle. The fact that she didn’t resent me. That she accepted me, limp and all. That she didn’t try to pry into my unsavoury background. That she liked me for me even in our imperfect circumstances.

I could never repay her for that.

That kindness.

That generosity.

That faith.

I kissed her collarbone, breathing softly with restrained need. “You’re amazing.”

She shuddered as I licked her ear lobe. Salt exploded on my tongue, snarling my stomach for more, confusing itself on food it could eat and passion it could only torment with.

It took a lot of effort but I managed to let her go. My cock had thickened and I subtly placed my free hand in front of my board-shorts. “What do you say we cook these babies and eat?”

Her smile was pure bliss. “I say that’s the best plan I’ve ever heard.”

“I’ve got a better plan—after food, of course.”

Her eyes hooded. “Oh?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Why not?”

“Because my plan isn’t exactly approved by you.” Mindful of being watched by Pippa and Conner, I murmured, “It includes finishing what we started. The last time we kissed, I didn’t want to stop, and you had no intention of letting me continue.”

Her breath picked up. “You want to kiss me?”

My stomach clenched. “More than anything.”

“More than clams for dinner and fresh water from your invention?”

“More than lobster tails dripping in butter.”

She moaned dramatically. “Well, I don’t know. That’s a hard choice. I do really love lobster.”

I growled, playing along. Knowing we could finally have a decent feed put all of us in a happier mood. “What if I promised you’d like me better than lobster?”

“That’s a big boast to make.”

“I never break my promises.”