Page 44 of Storm Warning
Damn it, she needed Callie again. Glancing at the clock, she winced. 7:12. Callie was two hours behind Florida—she would kill her if she called this early.
And now she was wide awake. Falling back asleep would be impossible. Might as well get to work.
With a sigh, she rolled out of bed. If she couldn’t quiet her heart and mind, she could at least put her hands to work.
The sun glistenedoff the pool water like scattered diamonds. Kate plopped down into a seat at an umbrella table, kicking her feet up onto another, and powered up her tablet. The scent of jasmine drifted on the warm breeze. Time to work.
Her pen flew across the screen, the words spilling out in a rush. An idea for a new story ignited within her: a character transforming into an alien. Elation bubbled up at the thought of delving into sci-fi—it had been ages since she had written one. The concept was a breath of fresh air, something new and exhilarating.
She added a new page, still grinning at the thrill of new possibilities
“Good morning.”
Kate shrieked, and her heart pounded as if it might burst from her chest. Nick. As soon as she placed his voice, she whirled to glare at him. Irritation flared as he bent over laughing like a lunatic.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I just walked up; I wasn’t sneaking! You must have been really focused.”
Ugh. Nick's infectious laugh chipped away at her annoyance, even as she registered something that sent her thoughts tumbling.
No. Shirt.
How had she missed that? The sight of him—his chest bronzed and defined, a dusting of dark hair trailing down his abdomen—made her pulse quicken again, but this time for a different reason. It was so unfair. How did a guy like him, a CEO no less, look like this? He was supposed to be a desk jockey!
Slowly, her heartbeat steadied, and she smiled sheepishly. “I was in the zone. What time is it, anyway?” She glanced up at the sky; the sun hung higher than she expected, a glowing reminder that she had lost track of time.
“It’s almost ten,” Nick replied, that effortless smile still playing on his lips. “I just got off a long video call, so I needed a break. I figured I’d do a few laps and found you here. Any chance I can persuade you to join me in the pool?”
A thrill shot through her. The thought of splashing around with him, of carefree laughter and glances exchanged in the water, immediately tempted her.
Pool. Water. The image of water droplets gliding down his chest slammed into her mind.Yes, please.
“Actually, that sounds wonderful. Let me put a suit on and I’ll be back,” she said, her voice tinged with anticipation.
Her heart still racing, she ducked into her suite to change, hoping he didn't see how giddy she was.
Nick'smuscular arms cut through the surface of the water with each stroke when Kate stepped back outside, muscles flexing in a hypnotic rhythm.
She settled on the edge, swishing her feet in the water as she watched him. Of course, he had perfect form. She inwardly snickered. And she didn’t mean his chiseled body.
When he reached the far end, he executed a flawless flip and glided back her way. The pool was free-form and whimsical—not designed for laps—but he moved through it effortlessly. She admired him openly while he wasn’t looking, her heart fluttering.
Nick erupted out of the water right in front of her, splashing her with droplets. Kate let out a startled shriek before laughter bubbled up.
Nick laughed too as he leaned on the edge of the pool, his arms trapping her between them. “Oh, come on. It’s not cold! And this is not a spectator sport. You were supposed to join me.” He pushed his wet hair back, water streaming down his temples. “How about a race?”
Kate giggled, the sound unexpected and light. “I am not racing you! I’ll hop in when you’re done with your laps.” An image flickered in her mind of floating next to him, her body brushing against his, and her heart skipped a beat.
With a sly grin, Nick gestured to the side. “How about a little pool volleyball? We’ve got a net set up.” She followed his gaze to the net and a playful beach ball resting by a standard volleyball.
“I’ll play, but let’s use the beach ball. That may even the odds a little! I’d have zero chance against you with a regular ball.” A smirk danced on her lips.
Nick raised an eyebrow, a teasing light in his eyes. “Hmm, how about a little bet?” His voice rumbled, sending a shiver down her spine.
Kate narrowed her eyes, laughter bubbling beneath the surface. “No way, no how. I’m competitive, and I hate losing. Even with a beach ball, I’ll probably still lose. That is not the body of a CEO desk jockey. You’re trying to con me!”
She grinned at him, enjoying the playful banter as he widened his eyes, splaying his palms in mock innocence.
“Me? Never!” Nick leaned closer, his presence overwhelming and intoxicating. “So, just who do you think this body belongs to, hmm?” he purred, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.