Page 8 of Hidden Resolution

Utterly delicious.

Then he turned and met her gaze across the distance.

A slow smile curled his mouth before transforming into an all-out, knee-weakening, wicked grin. Startled, Shonda immediately glanced down to make sure she hadn’t forgotten an essential article of clothing and exhaled a relieved sigh. Everything was accounted for.When she looked up, Mason was striding in the opposite direction.

“So much for holding him enthralled, you silly woman,” she muttered.

With a shake of her head at her foolishness, she pushed away from the railing. Her stomach gave a not-so-subtle grumble, reminding her to get food fast. The tropical breeze kicked up, suggesting a walk on the beach after dinner would be a perfect way to end the evening. Followed, of course, by another cold shower to cool her overactive hormones.

Her debate was between room service and the resort’s main dining room. It boiled down to the question, did she want solitude or a little pampering after the long-ass day?

Prickling started along her skin, creeping up her spine. Her body’s early warning system.

Someone was watching her.

With a seemingly casual eye and a slight smile, Shonda surveyed her surroundings, pretending to appreciate the view. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary, and she mentally shrugged off her unease. She slipped inside and locked the glass slider, an old habit after a scary experience she’d never forget.

The sharp rap on her door surprised her, making her muffle a scream. Crikey, she was getting jumpy. And as she debated answering, another knock sounded, more impatient this time.She was approaching the peephole when Mason’s voice called out.Her relief felt over the top, and she put it down to fatigue.

“You looked lonely,” he said as she swung the door wide.

Warmth curled low in her belly. Three little words. How the hell did he manage to make her a puddle at his feet with so simple a sentence? She inhaled to steady her nerves and smiled wryly. No way was she letting him know he affected her this much.

With a tilt of her head and a raised brow, she aimed for casual. “Did I?”

Studying her, he didn’t answer straight away. And it was like he could see through her faux expression and read every thought in her head. All of them still revolved around her shower fantasies.

Wordlessly, and with a boldness only seen in movies, he stepped closer and slid an arm around her waist. With his free hand, he unclipped her updo, sending waves tumbling over her shoulders and down her back. He raked his finger through her hair as if memorizing its texture, fascinated by the play of gold.

When his eyes met hers, the intensity stole the air from her lungs.

“Yes, you absolutely fucking did.”

Then he kissed her. Their second one of the day. It was hotter, deeper, and a helluva lot more dangerous than anything she’d ever experienced.

Dear God, she was a goner!

3

One kiss, and Mason was toast. What the hell was that about?

Shonda’s soft, supple mouth so willing to open to him. Her slender waist, seemingly made for his hands. The subtle, fruity scent clinging to her silky skin. Sure, all of it was a turn-on, but another sensation, more tangible, tugged at him. The pull wasn’t anything he could explain. It was primal and possessive, leaving him feeling as if his soul wanted to stake a claim on hers.

What the fuck was wrong with him?

The dangerous urge cooled his reactor real quick.

He set her away, but his eyes refused to obey and lingered on her mesmerizing face. Flushed, dazed, her lips swollen and glistening, she was a vision.

Her lashes fluttered open, as if waking from a dream. “Um, wow,” she muttered, voice all husky and sex-kitten soft.

Apparently, a purr came out when she was turned on.

Great. Just great.

Lust was going to wreck him. She had him by the short hairs, and she didn’t even know it.

“Dinner,” he bit out. It was sharper than intended, and she blinked her surprise. Trying to soften the blow, he said, “Let’s head down, get a bite.”