Page 57 of Savage Peril

Chapter 18

It was chilly outside, so Gunner turned on the patio heaters. The lap pool was surrounded by tall hedges and had an attached Jacuzzi. There were padded lounge chairs and curtained cabana alcoves. The outdoor kitchen was near the spa building.

“I’ll see if I can find drinks,” Gunner said. “Caretakers keep this place functional even when it’s not occupied.”

Gunner came back with two craft beers and handed one to Lori.

“Will the caretakers be around?”

“Not while we’re here,” Gunner said. “Travis will make sure we are alone—unless we want a cook or a maid.”

“I think we can manage,” Lori said, smiling.

Gunner stretched out on the chair next to her and took a gulp of beer. He was confident that Lori was safe—for now.

“I feel like a movie star, surrounded by all this luxury.”

To Gunner, she looked like one. Lori’s blond hair shone in the late afternoon sun, and she was too lovely for words. He wanted to tell her, but he wasn’t a smooth talker. Whatever he said would come out wrong, so he just watched her relaxing on the padded chair.

“You were great back there.”

Lori laughed. “I just had a good driver.” She drank and talked, mostly about the mansion and all the things they could do.

Gunner hung on every word, noting her beautiful blue eyes and tempting lips. He imagined kissing her, then taking her clothes off, craving the sight of her naked body. Then he would make love to her, while he leaned back in the lounge with her straddling him.

“Gunner, are you listening?”

“Sure…you mentioned the spa facility,” Gunner said.

Lori came over and sat on the end of his chair. “That was minutes ago. Where is your mind?”

Gunner looked into her eyes and nearly lost it. “The pool is heated. We can go for a swim.”

Lori looked at him with big eyes.

“There is swimwear in the cabanas,” Gunner said. “Check in the lockers.” Although he wouldn’t argue if she wanted to skip wearing a swimsuit.

Lori took the first cabana and drew the curtain closed. Gunner went to the next one and found a pair of trunks that fit. He came out to find Lori standing in the water on the first step. The bikini hugged her slender curves.

Gunner walked to the edge. “You’re going to drive me crazy wearing that thing.”

Lori grinned. “It was your idea.” Then she navigated the steps, going lower into the water. “Last one in is a rotten egg.”

By the time Lori dipped below the surface, Gunner had slid into the water from the side. He swam over but couldn’t get close to her. With both hands, she splashed his face, then he splashed back. Lori’s giggle was delightful. Gunner grabbed her around the waist and lifted her high before letting her fall into the water.

When Lori came up for air, she smoothed wet hair out of her eyes. “No fair. You’re bigger than I am.” Then she started swimming. “I’ll race you to the other end.”

When they’d raced so many laps that Lori was exhausted, Gunner suggested a warm soak. He turned on the jets, and Lori moved to the hot tub. She lowered into the water until it was up to her chin.

Gunner sat across from her with his arms stretched along the concrete ledge. He looked into Lori’s eyes and every bit of resistance he’d clung to dissolved. He reached out. “Come here.”

Lori floated over and Gunner pulled her close. She touched his shoulder, hesitating. Gunner put his hand in her wet hair and kissed her. Her mouth was hot, and when she deepened the kiss, Gunner wrapped his arms around her. Lori was everything he wanted—and more.

*****

In Gunner’s embrace, Lori blocked out the world. His strong arms protected her, and his hot kisses captivated her. If there were any reasons not to be with Gunner, she couldn’t remember them. She was going to live this wonderful dream for as long as it lasted.

Lori rested her cheek on Gunner’s hard chest, and he rubbed his thumb over her lips. The passionate kisses had made her weak. With desire raging, she closed her eyes and pressed against him. When Gunner lifted Lori’s chin and looked into her eyes, she melted.

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