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“Film festival and Zane aside, we work with other athletes and events, and we’d be more than happy to recommend you and your company.” Danny’s sincere smile hit her square in the cerebral cortex, and just like that, she knew she’d accept their offer. These men were providing her with a chance to further her career. Added toZane’s admission he was anxious, too, and the whole thing seemed doable.
“Thank you,” she said.
“That means you’re in.” Zane’s confident tone twisted her stomach in a knot. He probably made commands all the time. The thought made her breathless.Take off your dress. Leave the pumps on. Lie down with your hands above your head. Don’t move.
“Sophie?”
Oh, sweet sugar snaps.He’s just a man, she reminded herself. Who wouldn’t for a second think anything inappropriate abouther.She blinked and swallowed and forbade herself from looking in Zane’s direction. “Sorry. Yes?”
Bryce narrowed his eyes. “Yes, you’re in?”
Her heart beat the living daylights out of her chest. “Y-yes, I’m in. Let me know what Zane’s schedule is like and I’ll arrange a few small gatherings. I’ll be sure to let the local press know what we’re planning. And if there’s anything else you think I should know, I can be reached at the White Strand Inn or by cell.” She pulled out a business card and stood. “Thank you for the drink.”
“You’re welcome. Thankyou.”
She returned Bryce’s warm smile and turned to go. She’d made it halfway through the restaurant when Zane took her by surprise and grabbed her hand to lead her back toward the sand.
“What are you doing?” she asked.Ignore the returning zings of pleasure.
“Thought I’d walk you to your hotel.”
“My hotel is that way.” She jutted her chin over her shoulder, since she held her messenger bag in her free hand.
“Actually, it’s a nice walk along the beach. Come on.” He wove them through the narrow gap between tables. Once they passed tiki torches glowing a wonderful red and orange, she pulled him to a stop.
“I’ll sink if I don’t take these off.” Sand was made for bare feet. Plus, that way she didn’t have a free hand, her shoes now dangling where Zane’s fingers had been intertwined with hers.
“You know, this really isn’t necessary,” she added.
“Can’t a guy just be nice?” He dazzled her with his white teeth, and was that a dimple in his left cheek?
She had a thing for single dimples that went back to ninth grade and her crush on the star tennis player. “Bryce and Danny told you to get your butt off the chair, didn’t they?” She prided herself on being pretty good at reading people, but Zane was so charming she had no idea what was real and what was an act.
“Yeah.”
At least he didn’t deny it. He wasn’t even remotely attracted to her, which was nothing new. And which really didn’t bother her.
Liar.
They walked down the palm tree-lined beach in silence, Zane’s focus on the ocean. He seemed drawn to it even now, when the surf quietly met the shore and it was difficult to separate sea from sky. She inhaled the fresh air, the quiet darkness. Lovely Spanish-style houses and small shops sat along the boardwalk to her right.
“So…why the sudden need for a new reputation?” She knew very little about the surfing world beyond what she’d studied on the plane trip. Honor had delivered everything she’d need for the film festival earlier in the evening, but nothing gave further insight into the walking sex on the beach beside her.
She quietly cracked up, pleased with herself for making a joke that referenced Honor’s drink from earlier. And okay, chuckling on the inside also cooled her jets because heavens, the sexiest man on the planet was walking next to her.
Drop your panties. Roll onto your stomach. Don’t hold back. I want to hear you.
“Sophie?”
Her feet got tangled in the sand and she lost her balance. Zane caught her before she embarrassed herself a second time. His arms wrapped around her waist, and he held tight until she’d righted her glasses. “Sorry, got lost in thought there. I’m good now.” She wiggled free of his hold before she did mortify herself by doing something foolish. Like sniff him. “You must think I’m the biggest klutz.”
“No. That would be my sister. She’s walked into more walls, closed her fingers in more doors, and spilled more beverages than I’m betting you have.” He spoke with fondness and warmth, and Sophie started walking again. Only faster. She didn’t want to know anything too personal about him to make her crush harder.
“Did I miss your answer about your reputation when I zoned out?”
He chuckled, and it was deep and throaty, and warmth got comfortable inside her again. “You did. Is this how it’s going to be when we see each other?”
“What do you mean?”
