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‘I thought that you might like a change of scenery. For your photographs. To show your mother.’

‘Sorry?’

‘I have a yacht.’

‘You have a yacht.’

‘The view from out at sea is quite spectacular. Your photographs would be…taken from a different angle.’

‘What on earth are you talking about?’

‘My yacht is securely stored down on the grounds. I have it maintained by crew from the nearby marina. It’s small but efficient.’

‘You have a small, efficient yacht…here?’

‘We could spend an hour or so sailing on it. I haven’t taken it out in ages although it’s been used in the last couple of months when the house was occupied. Are you okay on open water? I promise you that you’ll be able to take as many convincing shots as you want.’

‘Javier, you don’t have to supervise me because I’m doing this.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Being in your territory doesn’t mean that you have to take me under your wing because somehow you feel guilty that you’ve managed to coerce me into being here. You haven’t. Don’t forget you’re paying me. It’s a business transaction. Isn’t that what you called it?’

‘I don’t take people under my wing. I’m very good when it comes to making sure I don’t play at being the Good Samaritan. I’m here and I suddenly thought that it might be fun to do a little sailing. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed. If you feel uncomfortable taking me up on my offer, that’s fine. I thought I’d extend it anyway.’

He wanted her to come with him. He enjoyed her company. He liked the way she didn’t care whether she offended him or not. It was refreshing. He’d become accustomed to a diet of awe and respect from people who never wanted to get on the wrong side of him.

He no longer thought of her as simply a means to an end he hoped would be satisfactory. She was no longer his brother’s friend who could be the person he needed to smooth things out between himself and Carlos.

She was…her own person and it was a person who had managed to get under his skin like a burr.

He lowered his eyes, waiting for her response.

‘I suppose adding a few different shots to my portfolio if my mother decides to get a little nosy wouldn’t be a bad thing. If you’re sure it won’t be a bother.’

‘I’m going out in the yacht whether you come or not.’

‘Spoken like a true gentleman.’

He threw back his head and laughed. His dark eyes were appreciative when they came back to rest on her. ‘I’m going to gather all your stuff together and you’re going to let me.’

‘Fine.’

‘There’s a path that leads to the boathouse. It’ll only take us a few minutes to get there.’

He began scooping her things up, taking his time with her equipment. She was determined not to give in to the urge to snatch everything off him and do what her pride was telling her to do, to bristle and tell him she could do it all herself.

Oddly, she found herself relaxing as she slowly got to her feet and shook the sand from the towel so that she could roll it up. She looked at him from under her lashes and shivered, liking the sight of this big, strong man helping her.

Liking the feeling of not having to do it all herself…

‘Now that we’re asking each other all sorts of questions…’ she began, following him and appreciating the way he slowed and turned around every couple of seconds to make sure she was okay.

‘Were we?’

‘Maybe that was just you asking me questions,’ she amended thoughtfully.

‘Feel free to answer none of them if you don’t want to.’