Читать книгу Totally Tempting - Mary Lynn Baxter - Страница 10

Jodie was glad to get off the plane in Los Angeles and walk around. She’d finished her book and decided to get more reading material.

“We have time to get something to eat if you’d like,” Dean said as they walked past several small restaurants located along the concourse.

“I’m not really hungry. They’ll feed us on this next flight, won’t they?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll wait.”

She glanced out the glass walls and saw sunshine, blue skies and palm trees. What a difference from Chicago. “I’ve never been to L.A. before. I guess this doesn’t count since all I’m seeing is the airport.”

“Don’t you like to travel?” he asked. He motioned for her to go into one of the coffee shops with him.

“I haven’t done all that much. I’ve flown to Phoenix several times to see my mother. One Christmas the family gathered in Oregon at my brother’s place. Otherwise, my schedule keeps me too busy.”

They got their coffee and found a small table near the glass wall overlooking one of the runways. “Then I’m glad you’ve come with me this week.”

“Thank you.”

“I hope this isn’t out of line, but I can’t get over how different you look with your hair down.”

“Ah. You have no problem asking why I’m not married but hesitate to make a comment about my hair?”

“You have a point. Is it too late to apologize for my earlier questions?”

“Much too late since you listened to the entire tawdry story.” She spoiled her solemn reprimand by chuckling at the expression on his face. “Do you like my hair shorter?”

“Oh. You had it cut.”

“Yesterday.” She ran her fingers through it. “I’m still getting used to it myself.”

“It’s, uh, you look very, uh—” He stopped. “Yes, I like it.”

“Why, thank you.” She looked around them. “Are you ready to find the gate for the next leg of our trip?”

He stood and stretched, briefly causing a gap between his sweater and pants. His stomach was flat and toned. She wondered what he’d look like in a bathing suit.

On the way to the gate Jodie picked up a couple of magazines. She was a little more relaxed for this second flight. In fact, she was getting sleepy despite the coffee. Perhaps she’d be able to nap once they got into the air.

Jodie stirred as the captain announced that the plane would be making its descent into Kahului Airport, Maui, and that they would be landing in forty minutes.

She couldn’t believe she’d slept that long. She glanced at her lap and saw the magazine she’d been reading when she’d fallen asleep.

She looked over at Dean. He wore his horn-rimmed reading glasses and seemed engrossed in a technical manual. No murder mysteries and thrillers for that man.

“I see you found something light and entertaining for your vacation reading,” she said.

He lowered his chin and looked over his glasses at her. “Each of us relaxes in his own way. Did you sleep okay?”

“Surprisingly so.” She covered her mouth and yawned. “I could get used to traveling in style.” She waited a beat and said, “If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go freshen up before the seat-belt light comes on.”

Dean moved promptly out of his chair and stepped back. She walked to the front and saw that the lavatory was unoccupied, thank goodness. She went in and locked the door. After she washed her hands, she found her comb and ran it through her hair.

The haircut really did give her a different look. The waves fell around her face and called attention to her eyes. She was surprised that Dean had not only noticed but commented on her appearance.

She felt that she’d been on the plane for at least a week and wondered if she’d ever get the constant drone of the engines out of her head. When she opened the door, she found another first-class passenger standing there. She smiled. He returned her smile with interest.

Jodie felt herself blush and hurriedly returned to her seat. Dean had seen her coming and was standing in the aisle out of her way when she arrived.

“Thank you,” she said hurriedly and slipped into her seat.

He sat down beside her and closed the manual he’d been reading.

During the next fifteen minutes he asked her a few more questions about her life—her hobbies, favorite movies and television shows—and she gave him brief answers, at least enough to satisfy him. After that he left her to read her magazine.

She still felt strange about traveling with him, but she’d no doubt get over that once they arrived at the condo and she set up a routine of sorts.

Once they landed, she and Dean methodically checked around them for their belongings before getting off the plane. Anyone seeing them would think they were a couple who’d been married for years. She had no idea why the thought made her nervous.

Once in the terminal, Jodie noticed that many of the people on departing flights wore leis. She smiled, looking forward to getting one for herself. Dean found an available taxi and he and the driver put their bags in the trunk of the cab.

Dean settled into the seat next to her. “So what do you think?”

“I’m amazed. The scented air is refreshing.”

“Beats the heck out of car exhausts and diesel fuel.”

She glanced at Dean while he gazed out the window and asked questions of the driver. He already looked more relaxed than she’d ever seen him. That was good. She had hopes that the rest would do him good.

The scenery was breathtaking, with towering mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. They followed the coast for several miles until the taxi slowed and turned onto a lane that led to security gates.

Dean gave his name and the gates swung open.

Once inside the gated area, the lane wound through tropical foliage that looked green and lush. When they reached the building, she felt that they’d burst into sunshine with a panoramic view of the sea and the sand.

She sighed with pleasure.

Dean helped her out of the taxi, and while he went to get their bags and pay the driver, Jodie looked up at the building. Balconies jutted out, all facing the water. There would be a fantastic view from each one. The scent of lavish blooms wafted all around her, and she took several deep breaths for the pleasure of soaking up the aromas.

“Ready?”

Jodie turned and saw Dean waiting by the door, their bags in hand. “Sorry,” she said. “I’m awestruck.” She walked over to the door, opened it for him and then followed him across a large lobby to the elevators.

She pushed the button and the doors silently opened. Once inside, she asked, “Which floor?”

“The top one.” She nodded and pushed the fourth-floor button.

When the doors opened, Jodie discovered there was only one set of double doors on the floor. Dean put their bags down, reached into his pocket for a key and opened one of the doors.

He stepped back for the bags and nodded. “After you, Ms. Cameron.”

She hurried inside only to come to an abrupt stop, causing him to drop the bags just inside the door. “Oh, Dean, I’ve never seen anything like this. It looks like the set of a Hollywood movie about the rich and famous.”

He closed the door and followed her into the room. “Pretty impressive, I’ll admit. Would you like a tour?”

The condo encircled the elevator shaft, with windows looking out in all directions. She saw the well-stocked kitchen, the formal dining room with a mahogany table that could easily seat twelve people and three spacious bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and balcony. She thought the word for them in Hawaii was lanai but wasn’t certain.

“Pick whichever bedroom you like,” Dean said after their tour.

“Which one would you like?” she asked, feeling overwhelmed with choices.

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Mmm.” She paused in the doorway of one. The room seemed the size of a basketball court. The view drew her to the window. “This will be fine,” she murmured, opening the door to the outside.

She could hear the sound of the waves rolling onto the beach, the rhythm soothing to her ear. When she turned around, Dean was no longer there. He’d placed her bag on the bed.

Jodie wandered into the bathroom, which was larger than her living room in Chicago. She smiled. She could quickly become used to living like this. All she could think was, Wow.

Suddenly feeling energized despite the long trip, she quickly unpacked, changed into a pair of cotton slacks and a sleeveless blouse and went back to the main room.

Dean was at the bar, pouring himself a drink. “Want one?” he asked as she walked in.

“Water will be fine. I’m not much of a drinker. I thought I’d go down and wander on the beach for a while.”

“Aren’t you hungry? I thought we could go eat first.”

She thought about it. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. I suppose there will be plenty of daylight after we finish eating.”

The restaurant was next to the complex. One side was open with tables and chairs inside and out. Jodie noticed there were only a few people at the tables. She glanced at her watch. “I suppose it’s a little early to be eating according to local time.”

“Doesn’t matter. They’re used to customers coming in at all hours. They’re open twenty-four hours a day.”

Once seated, Jodie picked up her menu and started reading the items listed. She yawned and hastily covered her mouth.

Dean watched her for a moment in silence before speaking. “You’re going to want to go to sleep early tonight despite your nap on the plane, but if you can manage to stay awake, you’ll adjust to the time change quicker.”

“The steady sounds of the surf are so soothing. I hope I don’t fall asleep with my nose in the salad.”

Dean picked up his water glass and held it out. “Here’s to our working vacation together.”

Jodie picked up her glass and lightly tapped it against his. “I appreciate the invitation.” She yawned again. “The way I’m feeling now, I could sleep the entire week away.”

Once their food arrived, there was no more conversation. Jodie didn’t want to chatter; that wasn’t her style. Since they’d already commented on the beauty surrounding them, she could think of nothing to say to him.

By the time they finished eating, the sun was low in the west. Dean walked beside her in silence, his hands in his pockets, as she made her way to the sandy beach.

As the sky darkened, they watched the lights appear along the shoreline before turning back toward the condo. Walking in the sand would be an adjustment, but if she walked like this every day, she’d be in great shape when she returned home.

She smiled at the thought.

“What do you find so amusing?” he asked, stopping as she did to empty the sand from her shoes. He followed her example.

“I was thinking what a workout walking in the sand is. If I’m not in shape now, I will be by the time we leave.”

“Probably.”

A man of few words. Not that she cared. Tomorrow she would be up with the sun and she intended to enjoy every minute she was here.

After Jodie went to her room, Dean took a shower, dried off and stretched out on the bed.

He thought about Rachel. His anger at the abrupt way she’d dismissed him had caught him off guard. He’d learned many years ago to keep his emotions locked down. He considered himself to be a thinking man who wasn’t swayed by irrational feelings. But when Rachel had blown up at him—inconsiderate and unfeeling were the nicest things she’d called him—he’d felt an anger he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

She hadn’t given him a chance to explain. And she’d made it clear she wanted nothing more to do with him.

He had no problem with that and he was thankful he hadn’t told her about his plans. Jodie had been right. He’d needed to get away for a few days. Seeing her excitement and enthusiasm this evening had caused him to look at everything through her eyes.

He couldn’t remember a time when he’d been that joyous about anything.

Yes, having Jodie here with him might teach him how to enjoy life a little better.

He bet she’d been protected from the harsher realities of life until her—what? boyfriend? fiancé? she hadn’t said—pulled his stupid stunt.

He smiled at the way she’d handled the situation. She’d faced the clod and gotten rid of him. But she’d suffered. Why else would she now be too busy to date much?

He turned and adjusted his pillow, willing himself to sleep. Instead his thoughts circled around Jodie. She’d looked so different today when she’d arrived at the airport, wearing formfitting jeans, a sweater, ankle boots and a parka.

The cold had turned her cheeks and nose a rosy hue, and he couldn’t help wondering why he’d only noticed today how attractive she was. She was more than attractive, actually. Beautiful was an overused word and it didn’t quite fit her, but it came close. He liked her looks. He liked and had always appreciated her frankness and her refusal to be intimidated by him. Jodie worked hard and earned every penny of her salary. She was smart and he valued her judgment.

He’d be lost without her.

At least she’d still be with the company. He hoped she could find someone as efficient to replace her.

He wanted this trip to be special for her. He’d get in touch with Furukawa tomorrow to set up a meeting. Once they met, he’d know if he had a chance of setting up some security systems for him.

He settled into sleep, planning the next day’s activities.

“So much for plans,” he muttered to himself the next morning when he discovered Jodie wasn’t still in bed. He’d ordered breakfast from the restaurant, and when it had arrived, he’d knocked on her door.

When she hadn’t answered, he’d eased the door open and discovered her room to be empty.

He sat at the kitchen bar, sipped his coffee and ate some of the delicious fruit that seemed to come with each meal. He’d arranged to have several newspapers brought to him each morning, so he read them while he absently ate.

Eventually Dean wandered over to the window and looked down at the beach.

The water looked peaceful this morning and there were several people on the beach, some walking and some relaxed in recliners, reading.

He watched as a lithe young woman came out of the water and grabbed her towel. He watched her for a few minutes before he recognized Jodie.

Her blond hair clung to her head in a beguiling helmet. Her face glowed with pleasure as she quickly dried off and placed her towel on the sand.

Dean couldn’t take his eyes off her. Why had he never noticed her trim waist and curvaceous backside. In a one-piece bright red swimsuit cut high on the thighs, she could have posed for the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

She slicked her hands over her hair before ruffling it with her fingers. She had a way of moving that was quite sensuous. Why had he never noticed?

Dean realized that he wasn’t the only male taking notice of her. As he watched, one of the men walked over and spoke to her. Dean turned away. It was none of his business what she did or who she met. So why was he bothered by seeing another man come on to her? There was absolutely no reason for him to feel so possessive about his secretary. She was free to enjoy her vacation in whatever manner she wanted.

He looked back down at them. The male said something to her and she laughed and turned away.

She laughed.

She didn’t laugh around him.

With fresh resolve, he turned back to the papers on the counter and scanned them. He looked at his watch. He felt restless and unsettled, and it was too early to call his prospective client. He wondered how things were going at the office. His second in command could handle anything that came up. He knew the business as well as Dean did.

Dean paced to the window and looked at the sea, the mountains and finally the beach. She was alone now, but that didn’t seem to bother the men who noticed her. He hoped they got their eyeful.

Dean turned away. He could go down there, maybe do a little swimming…except he hadn’t packed a suit. Well, he could walk along the beach, but then the sand would fill his shoes.

The clothes he’d chosen to bring weren’t suitable here. Of course, he’d be working, so it probably wouldn’t matter. But if he wasn’t working, what then? He shook his head in frustration. What did people do on vacation? After a moment he picked up the phone and called the office.

The sun was high overhead by the time Jodie gathered up her towels and beach bag to go search for something to eat. She’d go shower and change clothes and wander down the beach. There was bound to be a place other than the restaurant that was nearby.

She’d had great fun this morning and had met several people who, like her, were there enjoying the warm weather and beautiful scenery with no regrets about missing winter on the mainland.

She’d met a couple on their honeymoon, another celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary and a young couple with two little girls playing in the shallows.

Two or three guys had stopped and introduced themselves. One of them said he was on the beach each morning and would probably see her again. Another told her that today was his last day there and he intended to enjoy the water to the very last minute.

When she let herself into the condo, Jodie knew Dean wasn’t there. She wasn’t certain how he managed to do it, but his charged energy filled whatever space surrounded him. When he wasn’t there, the place was peaceful.

She looked around and saw a pile of newspapers beside a chair and the remains of breakfast on the kitchen counter. He’d ordered for both of them, she discovered, lifting a lid. She ate a brioche and then grabbed a banana. Delicious. That should tide her over while she showered and dressed.

Peering into the mirror after her shower, Jodie touched her nose. Yes, she’d definitely gotten some sun. She was going to have to be very careful not to burn.

She rubbed more sunscreen into her skin before she went into her bedroom to dress.

Jodie had splurged on her new clothes, telling herself that a vacation in Hawaii deserved tropical wear. She chose a pair of sandals, walking shorts and a sleeveless blouse that matched her blue eyes.

She left the condo and waited for the elevator. When the doors opened, Dean stood there. He was the first to speak.

“Going down?” he intoned politely.

She laughed. “Yes, please,” she said, stepping into the elevator.

“I came up to see if you were here and wanted to get something to eat.”

“You read my mind. I thought I’d walk along the beach and get something from one of the little restaurants I saw earlier.”

He put his hands in his pockets. “I take it you enjoyed your morning?”

“Very much. How was yours?”

“I talked to Furukawa this morning. He said he could see me day after tomorrow, so I guess I’ll be hanging around here for the next couple of days.” He glanced at her and then away. “I think I’m going to need some pointers on how to take a vacation. I hope you’re up for the job.”

Jodie smiled at him. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it soon.”

The doors opened and they stepped into the lobby.

“I’ve called the office twice in hopes of learning about some crisis that only I could handle,” he said with a slight smile. “Unfortunately everything is running smoothly.”

He sounded so disgruntled that Jodie laughed. “It’s not that bad, I’m sure.”

“I asked around to find out what people usually do here besides visit the beach.” He reached into his shirt pocket. “I found there are all sorts of things to see, if you’d be interested.”

They walked out toward the water and walked along the edge.

He offered her the brochures and she eagerly took them. She looked over the various places of interest.

“There’s so much to do and see.”

By mutual agreement they turned toward a small café that caught their attention. Once seated, they glanced over the menu. Jodie ordered a large salad and Dean had a sandwich.

She continued to look through the brochures. “I’m amazed. We could spend a month and probably not see everything.” She pointed to one of the brochures. “We can attend a luau,” she said hopefully. “Or have you already been to one?”

“’Fraid not. I wasn’t here long enough to do any sightseeing. I’m game for whatever appeals to you.”

“Mmm,” she said thoughtfully, thumbing through the brochures. “We could explore the other islands, charter a helicopter to look around at everything, check out the mountains or turn into slugs and lie on the beach all week.”

He couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. She glowed with enthusiasm, something he’d rarely felt. “Sounds like a plan.” He glanced at his watch and reached for his cell phone. “I’ll make reservations for the luau and then I thought I might rent a car so I can do some shopping.”

Her brows lifted. “You want to go to a mall? Dean, you have hidden depths!”

“I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t really pack the right clothes.” He glanced down toward his feet. “I’m going to need to go native and get some sandals, maybe a couple pair of shorts, as well. And no self-respecting tourist could leave the islands without owning an authentic Hawaiian shirt.”

She laughed. “Good for you. Step number one—dress for the occasion. Do you want me to go with you?”

He froze. Of course he wanted her with him. He realized that he’d presumed she’d go.

He cleared his throat. “Unless there’s something else you’d like to do.”

“I love to shop. Stick with me, kid, and I’ll show you a pro at work.”

He touched her hand. “Thank you.”

She grinned at him. “You may not feel so grateful after I drag you through a few stores.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

As a general rule, Dean disliked shopping, but then he’d never before gone on a spree with Jodie Cameron. They wandered through one of the malls and listened while groups of the locals played ukuleles and serenaded the shoppers.

“I used to play one of those when I was a kid,” she confided as they stood and listened.

“Were you any good?”

“Well, I won’t go so far as to say that, but I learned three or four basic chords that worked for most songs. What I lacked in talent I made up for in enthusiasm.” She looked up at him and laughed, wrinkling her nose.

She was adorable.

“You’ll have to play for me sometime,” he said.

“Oooh, nooo, I don’t think so. I haven’t touched one in years. I don’t know what happened to the one I had.”

“Then we’ll add that to our shopping list. One ukulele for you to serenade me with each evening. There are all kinds of working vacations. Who knows? You may launch a new career.”

“You have no idea what you’re asking,” she replied ominously before she ruined the effect with a chuckle.

Dean followed Jodie in and out of various stores, in awe of her shopping talents. She knew immediately whether something would work for him and wasted no time looking at the rest.

She finally sent him back to a dressing room to try on several of the items she’d chosen. While she waited, Jodie wandered over to the gift-shop section of the store. She cheerfully bought gifts for everyone in the family as well as several of her friends.

She’d just paid for them when she saw Dean come out wearing a pair of shorts that fit him like a glove and a short-sleeved shirt with a tropical print.

“Wow. You look gorgeous,” she said without thinking. When he turned an interesting shade of red, she realized what she’d said. “Oh! I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

“Oh, no. Don’t apologize. You’ve just made my day. I don’t believe anyone has every applied that word to me.”

“Turn around,” she said, still feeling a little awkward.

She checked the fit of the shirt across his shoulders and tried to ignore the way the shorts curved over his muscular butt. “You’ll do,” she said in a croak. Jodie cleared her throat. “What about the others? Did you like them?”

“Yeah. I’m getting all three shorts and a few extra shirts.” He glanced down at his bare feet. “I, uh, didn’t think my black socks and shoes went with the outfit.”

“Good thinking. It just so happens the shoe department is right over there. Let’s see what size you are and we’ll get you fixed up right away.”

By the time they reached the condo it was late afternoon and both of them had their arms full of packages. Once inside, they dumped them in the middle of the floor.

“I think we bought out the stores,” he said, staring at the pile in wonderment.

“I still can’t believe you actually bought a ukulele. You must be a glutton for punishment.”

“How can you be in Hawaii and not want to play some of their songs? Now you have the songbook to help you.”

“Uh-huh,” Jodie replied, sounding skeptical. She looked around. “All right. Let’s sort them out.”

“What did you sneak off and buy while I was trying on shoes?” Dean asked, sorting through and picking out his purchases.

“A dress to wear for the luau tonight. I thought as long as you’re going native, I might as well join you.”

They carried the packages and sacks to their respective bedrooms. Before going into hers, Jodie looked at him and said, “I’m going to need a nap if I’m going to stay up late tonight.”

“I was thinking along the same lines. I’ll set my alarm to ring in a couple of hours.”

“Thanks.”

Once inside her room, Jodie leaned against the closed door, dropping her packages. What in the world was wrong with her! She felt as though scales had dropped from her eyes. How could she ever have thought Dean wasn’t attractive? Maybe it was the environment and seeing him away from the business. He seemed so earnest about learning how to vacation. She wondered if he’d ever done anything like this before. How sad if he hadn’t.

What bothered her was the amused affection she’d felt for him all afternoon as they’d looked at clothes. When she’d run her hands across his shoulders, she’d felt the ripple of muscle beneath her fingers and had a sudden longing to continue touching him.

Without a doubt, she was in trouble. They’d been gone two days, and here she was getting all tingly whenever she looked at him.

Of course, she wasn’t going to do anything about it. That would be too foolish to consider. But there was no law against looking—if she could keep herself from doing something obvious, like drooling.