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“Definitely,” she agreed. “Over time, they expanded, adding community events and running advertising to make it a desired destination. The management company is really good and cooperates with the Brookwell board. Together they’ve managed to grow the building and meet tourist expectations without hurting the easygoing vibe on the island.”
“Remarkable.”
“You’re right. I guess like most of the locals, I just take it for granted.”
“Something I won’t be doing tonight.” He handed his keys to the parking attendant and hustled around to join Lila. Hand in hand, they all but ran for the elevators.
In the elevator, they were alone and he had to kiss her again. “This isn’t sudden,” he admitted between kisses. “Not for me.Not new.” His breath sawed in and out. “I’ve been wishing for you for months.”
Her eyes went wide as she stared at him. “You’re making that up.”
“I’m not.” He was sure she didn’t mean to offend his honor. “Why would you say that?”
Her gaze narrowed and then the elevator doors parted on their floor. She hurried into the hallway, dragging him along by the hand. “You mean it?”
“Honesty should be my middle name.”
“Right.” She reached into her purse for the room key, but he already had his out. “Because we’re being so honest here.”
Damn. Another misstep. Lying to her grandmother was tearing her apart. “Between you and me, yes.” He pulled her to a stop in front of her door. “Nothing but the truth for us. I’m attracted to you. Have been for months.” He watched the rosy color flood her cheeks, the immediate heat come into her green eyes. Her lips were still full from their earlier kisses. “But we were working in very close proximity.” He leaned close, his thighs pressing lightly into hers. “Then you were all about leaving the yacht. I was staying. And…” He brushed his mouth over hers, nibbled at her lower lip.
“And?” She gripped his biceps, then slid her hands up to his shoulders.
He wanted to feel those hands on his bare skin, wanted to feel her skin against his. She’d be supple and soft and he was ready to devote his full attention to learning what gave her pleasure.
Anticipation was a steady tension in his muscles. This was the closest he’d been to a relationship. Ridiculous since his tie to Lila was fake. Well, it had started out as an act, but it was real now. He’d watched over her for months as part of Juliet’s staff. Longed for what couldn’t be due to their different career trajectories.
She was ready for home and his home was the job.
If they could have tonight… Well, it wouldn’t be enough, but it would ease that ache that had plagued him. And it wasn’t like they’d caught the thief yet. Maybe he and Lila could have tonight, could agree to enjoy the time together, until they reeled in the culprit for the insurance company.
For her safety.
“Travis?” Her fingertips skated along his jaw, reminding him he owed her an answer.
“Figured I missed my chance.” He twirled her curling hair around his finger. She was silk and light and he celebrated that his chance was now. And he’d make the most of every minute she gave him. Pouring on the charm and all those little displays of affection had taken their toll on him. He’d thought a cold shower would be the highlight of the evening. He’d never been happier to be wrong.
“Huh.”
That wasn’t the response he’d expected. “Care to elaborate?”
Her eyes sparkled and lust shot through his system. “Not in the hallway.”
“Your wish, my command.” He tapped the keycard and she turned to open the door. Right on her heels, he nearly knocked her forward when she stopped short.
Peering around her, seeing the catastrophic mess, he surged in front of her.
Someone had ransacked the suite, torn it apart in what appeared to be fury. Travis knew better. He recognized the signs of a violent, thorough search.
“If I say run you do it,” he instructed in a low whisper.
“Where? Where would I go?” she demanded, her voice barely audible.
He wasn’t up for a challenge to his orders. “You promised to cooperate,” he reminded her.
Unwilling to debate it further, he pulled his gun and moved into the room. He did a swift and thorough search of the suite and within minutes, he was confident they were alone.
“Call the police,” he told her as he dialed Connor.
