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Warm breezes ruffled her hair and sweat beaded her forehead as the sun climbed high overhead. She loved being outdoors. Much of her time in the States was spent indoors at art exhibits, galleries or simply poring over books and surfing the internet. She took a full breath of Alma air and vowed not to let disappointment ruin their day.
They’d packed a lunch and had a blanket. That was all they would need.
Juan Carlos braked the Jeep several yards from the water’s edge. There were no shade trees so they used the vehicle to provide a bit of cover. From Luis. They were always being watched, but Portia was starting to get used to the idea and it wasn’t as creepy as she’d once thought. Juan Carlos jumped down first as she gathered up the blanket. Then he reached for her and helped her down, crushing her body against his and taking her in a long, slow, deliberate kiss.
When he released her, her breathing sped up, coming in short clips. The blanket between them was her only salvation from being ravaged on the spot. She clung to it and backed away. “I should spread this out.”
He backed off, too. “You do that,” he said, his voice tight. “I’ll get the cooler.”
Once everything was in place, they sat down facing the water, their backs propped against the side of the Jeep. “The kitchen minions make great sandwiches,” she said, taking a bite of chicken salad.
“I’ll remember to thank them.”
At some point during the day, either Luis or Eduardo would fill the refrigerator and cupboards with food, much of it readymade. She wasn’t entirely sure it didn’t come from the palace itself. The King of Montoro had a wonderful cook staff. But she decided the mystery was exciting and she didn’t want to know how it magically appeared. She liked that it just did.
“What do we do now?” she asked, taking another bite.
Juan Carlos’s throat worked, as he tipped a water bottle back and took a sip. He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth and turned to her, his eyes dark and searching. “I don’t know. I think we’ve exhausted all possibilities. Where else is there to look?”
She had to agree. They’d searched the entire grounds—the prairies, the hills, the outer buildings—and found nothing. “The art could be anywhere and we’d never know it. There are no clues and sadly those secrets have been buried along with your family members.”
He nodded. “At least the artwork didn’t fall into the hands of the dictator, which was their main intent. I can’t say I’m not disappointed. I thought we’d find something, a clue, some hint that would lead us to it. I can only hope it is found one day.”
“I’m sorry, Juan Carlos.” She set her sandwich down and brought her lips to his mouth. It was a chaste kiss, one of commiseration.
Instantly, his arms wound around her shoulders and he tugged, pulling her practically on top of him, deepening the kiss. “You’re the only woman who can make me feel better,” he murmured.
A pulse throbbed in her neck. She loved hearing his sweet words, even though they might be some of the last she’d hear from him. Soon, when the search was finally concluded, she’d have to say goodbye to him and all that they’d meant to each other in this short span of time. Yet, right now, she wanted to make him feel better—but she couldn’t do it here. Out in the open. “We should go,” she said. “Luis is watching.”
He kissed her again, and then lifted himself up, pulling his phone out of his pocket. He spent a few seconds texting someone and then returned to her. “He’s not watching anymore.”
“Juan Carlos! What did you say to him?”
His lips twitched. “I told him to retreat one hundred yards and turn his head away from the Jeep for twenty minutes.”
“You didn’t!” Her face instantly burned. Her pride was stung. “He’s going to know.”
Juan Carlos touched her face gently, his fingertips on her cheeks, calming her. “Sweetheart, any man who sees how I look at you knows. Luis won’t say a word.”
“But I’ll know he knows.”
“It’s beautiful here, Portia. And I need you. Do you not need me, too?”
His words worked magic on her. Yes, she needed him, too. She nodded. “But—”
He kissed away her doubts and then lowered her onto the blanket. His mouth was brutally tender, claiming her with each stroke of the tongue as soul-wrenching groans escaped his throat.
Thrills ran up and down her body as he exposed her to the sun’s rays. The scent of fresh water and clear skies combined made her forget her inhibitions. She’d never made love outdoors and she only wanted to experience it with this one exciting man.
