AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She’d joined her local gym in an attempt to get healthier, but she’d tripped over the elliptical before she could even get on the darn thing. Jenna had taken that as a sign and never gone back.
“I’d say this surprise trumps that one,” he agreed with a laugh. “Let’s explore.”
Mac held out his hand and as she placed her palm against his, she couldn’t help but smile. The day was gorgeous, Mac was fighting to keep this relationship right where it should be. This is what they were. They were smiles and good times. They were surprises and last-minute planning. Well, he was last-minute; she preferred a spreadsheet.
“I can’t believe you did this for me,” she muttered as they walked toward the rushing sound of the waterfall.
“You needed a break. I wanted to take you somewhere where we could be ourselves, we didn’t have to worry about pretending or cell phones or work.”
“This is perfect.”
Jenna’s foot caught on a thick root, sending her tumbling against Mac. He caught her with his firm grip and held her tight. With her face right against his chest, she inhaled that familiar woodsy cologne and tried not to moan or close her eyes at the fact that just the smell of him turned her on. That’s not what they were here for. He may have taken his flirty advances into another territory, but then he’d backed off. He’d wised up or given up, one of the two, and pushed her away.
So, whatever chance she may have had with her best friend, it was gone, and if she wanted to salvage the greatest friendship she’d ever had, she needed to cool it.
“Okay?” he asked, tipping her chin up.
With a nod, Jenna eased away. “I’m good. Just need to watch where I step.”
He kept his hand in hers as he led her around the island. They discussed plants, flowers and he actually told her a few things she didn’t know. Apparently the mysterious Mac O’Shea had done some homework before taking her out on this little excursion.
When he bent down to pluck a bright yellow flower, she halted her steps. He slid the blossom behind her ear, shoving her hair away, smoothing it on down past her shoulders. A shiver crept over her at the slightest touch and the way he seemed to be seducing her without even trying. Was he even aware of the effect he had on her?
“Don’t look at me like that,” he murmured, his fingertips trailing along her jawline before tapering off.
Jenna blinked and started walking ahead. Any response would only add fuel to the desire or start an argument, and at this point, they couldn’t afford either.
The sound of the rushing water seemed to echo. Jenna walked on a few more steps then froze. She was at ground level with nature’s pool, watching as the cascades fell over the edge of the cliff. The crystal water seemed so inviting, so refreshing. She’d worked up a slight sweat walking around, but she didn’t mind one bit.
Slipping free of her flip-flops, Jenna tiptoed down to the water’s edge. The coolness washed over her feet. She reached to the modest hem of her dress, and held it up as she waded in just a bit further.
Behind her, she heard Mac stepping in, as well. “This is perfect,” he stated.
Keeping her back to him, she stopped when the water reached her knees. “I could stay here forever.”
Only the sounds of a random bird chirping and the rushing of the waterfall enveloped them. Besides the beauty of their surroundings, there was nothing here that demanded their time or attention. Mac, Jenna and their own private island were all that existed in this world.
Jenna glanced over her shoulder and nearly gasped. Mac had taken his shirt off, those tanned muscles glistening in the sunshine. His board shorts were wet as he stepped in even further.
“If you want to take your dress off, there’s no one else here,” he told her.
Swallowing, Jenna kept her grip on the material bunched in her hand. “No, I’m...”
Mac stood only a few feet away, but he eased closer. “It’s just me, Jenna. Don’t be embarrassed.”
“I only have on a bra and panties.”
Mac quirked a brow. “And how is that different from a swimsuit?”
“I don’t like wearing a suit, either.”
“I know.” He took her hand and opened her fingers, releasing the material. “You’re beautifully made, no matter what you think or what you’ve been told. I’m not pressuring you, but if you want to swim in this once-in-a-lifetime place, then do it. Don’t let insecurities rob you of this moment.”
Why did he have to be so right? Why did he have to get inside her head and drive out all of the doubts? She’d justified each and every insecurity and felt she had a right to them. But when Mac talked to her, when he used that voice of reason, she listened. If she let her low self-esteem run her life, she’d miss out on some amazing things.
