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“If we can’t find one, we can always jog back to the hotel,” he said seriously.
“With a name like Walker, you expect me to run?”
“What’s the matter with running? I thought you’d be into physical fitness.”
She laughed softly. “I swim, and that’s the entire repertoire of my athletic abilities.”
“You mean you weren’t in track? With those long legs of yours, I’d think you’d be a natural.”
“So did my high school coach—until the first practice. He had to time me with a calendar. Running’s out.”
“Walking?” Philip suggested.
“Good grief, if we can’t find a carriage, what’s the matter with those golf-cart things that we’ve been taking lately?”
“You mean the pulmonías?” His gray eyes were dancing with amusement, and Carla struggled not to succumb to the invitation in their smoky depths.
“Whatever,” she replied, pleased with herself now for agreeing to this crazy relationship. She honestly enjoyed this quirky man.
“If you insist,” Philip said blandly, and flagged down a passing taxi when it became obvious that finding a cabriolet would take longer than they were willing to wait.
Back at the hotel, Carla mentally chastised herself for being so easily swayed by Philip’s direct approach. She really ought to have played harder to get.
“There’s a band playing at the—”
“I love to dance,” she interrupted enthusiastically. “My feet are itching already.”
Philip smoothed the hair at the side of his head. “Tell me, why was I expecting an argument?” He was regarding her with a look of amused surprise.
“I don’t know.” Carla laughed gaily, happiness bubbling over.
“If you’re not into sports, what kinds of things do you like to do?” With his hand at her elbow, he escorted her toward the lively sounds of the mariachi band.
“Play checkers,” Carla responded immediately. “I’ve won the King County Parks and Recreation Checker Championship three years running. It’s a nice, friendly game, and I’ve got a terrific coach I’ll tell you about sometime.”
Carla felt relaxed and happy as they stood in line outside the lounge. They seemed to be waiting in a lot of lines tonight, not that she minded.
Philip studied her intently; his eyes narrowed slightly, as if he had trouble believing the fact that she was nonathletic.
“No sports, you say?”
“Just checkers.” Carla’s gleaming eyes didn’t leave his. “Knowing that I’m a champion, Philip, would you have any trouble jumping me?” She was teasing, but the responding look in Philip’s eyes was serious.
“I’d consider it,” he murmured, “but I think I’d probably wait until after the game.”
Three
Golden moonbeams softly lit a path along the beach. The gentle whisper of the ocean breeze was broken only by the sound of the waves crashing against the smooth white shore.
Philip slipped his arm around Carla’s shoulders, and she brought her hand up so that they could lace their fingers together.
“Why didn’t you tell me you could dance like that?” he murmured against her hair. “I’ve seen card sharps with slower moves.”
Enjoying his surprise, Carla smiled softly to herself. “All I do is swing my hips a little.”
“Yes, but I felt the least I could do was try to keep up with you. I’m dead.”
“And I thought you police officers had to be in top physical condition.” Not for a minute would she admit that she was as exhausted as Philip was.
