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Kiersten giggled, and it was an incongruous sound from his poised and polished sister. “I can see that. I never thought there’d be a woman who would get Sawyer to settle down for more than five minutes. How long have you been together?”
Panic invaded her features, and it was clear she was floundering for an answer. Smoothly, he said, “Officially, we haven’t been dating very long, but I think she’s had my heart since the moment she stepped aboard the yacht three years ago.”
Her eyes twitched, and it was obvious she was having a difficult time not rolling them in response to his cheesy answer. His lips twitched too, and he wanted to laugh along with her, though he had a feeling he wasn’t completely snowing his family. If he’d realized just what she had under those regulation uniforms, there was no way he would have been able to hold out for three years in his pursuit of her.
Of course, his heart was a completely separate part of his anatomy, and not the predominant part that was interested in her. He wouldn’t have fallen for her, as he had no intention of ever falling in love with anyone, but he certainly would have tumbled her more than once.
It was for the best though, because she had been a good skipper, and the timing had aligned perfectly for this little charade. It was only when she started to pull her hand from his that he realized he was still holding it. With a little dart of reluctance, he forced his hand open and released so she could return hers to her lap.
He was disconcerted by the jolt that shot through him at the separation, and for the first time, Sawyer wondered if he was in dangerous territory. He rarely spent a week with any woman, and especially not in close quarters under the guise of being romantically involved. If he wasn’t careful, he might end up feeling more than desire for his pretend-girlfriend.
Chapter Four
Nadia’s hand still burned from where he’d held it, not to mention the tingles his lips had inspired when brushing against her skin. As she made conversation with his family, which proved not to be too difficult, considering how friendly they were, her mind was mulling over the shocking realization at which she’d arrived.
She was attracted to Sawyer Sinclair.
Physically, it wasn’t a surprise, as he was a perfect specimen of manhood, but his negative traits should have been more than enough to discourage any sort of attraction from blossoming. Instead, her body was tingling and highly aware of his proximity. She nibbled on her lower lip as she considered the ramifications of desiring him. They were going to be in close quarters for the next week, and it could be dangerous to her self-control.
She shook her head subtly, stopping the motion as she realized she was doing it. No, she wasn’t foolish enough to allow herself to fall victim to his charms. Nadia could appreciate his male beauty without wanting to get close to it…touch it…kiss it.
Nadia cleared her throat as she realized his grandfather was speaking to her, and her thoughts had slipped somewhere she didn’t want them to venture. “I’m sorry, but what did you say, Mr. Sinclair?”
“I just asked what your future plans are, young lady.”
He was stern on the outside, but there was something about the older man that reminded her of her father. Perhaps it was the softness in his eyes, or the clear kindness beneath the gruff exterior. Whatever it was, she was predisposed to like the older man, though she had expected him to be entirely different. “My dream is to race in the America’s Cup, just like my father.”
He arched his bushy brows. “That’s an ambitious dream for a woman.”
“Dad.” Caitlin tutted her tongue at him.
“Grandfather,” said Kiersten a half-second behind her mother. “Don’t be such a chauvinistic pig.”
Harold scowled at his granddaughter. “It’s not chauvinism. She is a woman. She isn’t as strong as a man.”
While his daughter and granddaughter sputtered at him, Nadia observed him, and her lips twitched. How could they miss the glint of amusement in his eyes? It was clear to her he was simply testing her, or attempting to get a rise from her. “I’m just a woman, but I have my dreams. I’m sure I’ll make them happen someday, as long as I get permission from my man.” She delivered the words sweetly, with a healthy dose of saccharin underneath.
Harold regarded her for a moment before he chuckled. “I can see what he likes about you, Nadia. I was just kidding with all that nonsense. You look like a determined person, the type to keep my reprobate grandson on-track. I have no doubt we’ll know you as the world’s champion in no time.”
“Because the winner of America’s Cup is certainly a household name,” said Nadia with a dash of self-deprecation. It certainly was in some circles, especially social circles like these, but she’d never be on the front of “Sports Illustrated” for racing in the America’s Cup, even if she won. Fortunately, that wasn’t her dream. All she wanted to do was win and make her father proud, though he had been gone all these years.
The older man turned his sharp gaze on his grandson. “And what about you, Sawyer? Are you ready to take on more responsibility and settle down now that you’ve got a good woman at your side?”
Nadia felt a little mean for enjoying the way Sawyer squirmed at her side, and she hid her amusement in the glass of the white wine. She didn’t know the vintage or the type, but it was pleasantly fruity with a dry taste she enjoyed.
He cleared his throat. “That’s between us, Grandfather.”
Harold scowled, and this time it was clear all amusement had fled. “You’re almost thirty years old, and it’s time to take some responsibility, to step up—”
“Dad,” said Caitlin with a hint of warning. “You promised.”
After issuing an audible harrumph, the old man fell silent and returned to eating his meal. Caitlin smoothed over the moment of conflict, and they were soon in easy conversation again.
As the meal drew to a close, with Kiersten bringing in dishes of chocolate mousse for everyone, Nadia was surprised to learn his mother and sister had plans for her. “I’m not sure—” she started to say.
They wanted to take her to the spa tomorrow for a day of bonding. While she had originally planned to spend some time doing all the girly things, including a hair treatment, she wasn’t certain if she was ready to venture out with his mother and sister without Sawyer nearby. What if she said something he didn’t want her to say? Perhaps she could discuss that with him after dinner, when they were back in his room.
That made her stomach dip again as she realized it was another problem they had to sort out tonight. Who was going to sleep where? Since she was technically his employee, there was no question she wouldn’t be taking the bed, but didn’t recall seeing much more furniture than the loveseat. Apparently, she was in for a week of poor sleep.
