Page 2 of Secrets of the Dragon's Heart

The shocked and panicked look on Cameron Sullivan’s face told Kennedy that she might have gone too far, and she took a deep breath, trying to think of a way to salvage the conversation. “I didn’t…that wasn’t what I…I’m not…” he stammered before she could say anything. “That wasn’t a pick-up line. I shouldn’t have said that.”

Frantically trying to think of something to say, Kennedy forced herself to stay calm and ignored the voice in her head telling her not to screw up this opportunity. Stumbling into Cameron on the way to the island was the perfect opportunity to get close to him; she just hadn’t expected it, and it had thrown her for a loop. It also didn’t help that the same attraction she’d felt the first time she’d seen him was slowly coming to life, leaving her slightly breathless and her body tingling. But she was a professional. She could control herbaser instincts and cool the flames of the desire for the story that would earn her the respect she deserved after all her years of hard work.

“I’m sorry, I was just joking,” she said, trying to look embarrassed. “I guess it wasn’t a very good joke. I’m a little nervous. I’ve never been anywhere like this before.”

A look of relief appeared on Cameron’s face. “That’s okay,” he said, shrugging his shoulders, clearly still a little uncomfortable. “I just didn’t want you to think I was that kind of guy.”

How sweet, she thought to herself as a wave of warmth washed over her, then inwardly cringed when she realized what was happening. You’re not supposed to like him. He’s the bad guy, she reminded herself. He’s doing something illegal behind the closed doors of his lab. This is the break you’ve been looking for. Your instincts have never been wrong before; don’t let your hormones derail you, there may never be another opportunity like this again.

“How about we start over?” she asked, sticking out her hand. “I’m Kennedy Fisher. I’m from a small town just outside of Milwaukee, and I won this trip on a game show.”

“Cameron Sullivan, I’m here to visit my friend Max,” he said. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy your stay on the island.”

“It’s definitely going to be the trip of a lifetime. I can’t wait to get there. I’ve heard so much about the island,” she said, then looked over her shoulder at Montgomery before leaning closer to Cameron. “I heard some rumors about the island last night at my hotel. Did Max really say that people fall in love when they come to the island? It can’t really be true; I mean, it’s probably just a rumor to get people to visit, right?”

“I couldn’t really say, not until I see the island for myself,” Cameron said, shaking his head. “But I very much doubt anyof the rumors you heard are true. However, I can also assure you that Max didn’t start them to get people to come to the island; the resort is doing quite well already.”

“I didn’t mean…oh, dear, I did it again,” she said, shaking her head. “I wasn’t trying to say that your friend’s resort needed help or anything, I was just curious about what I heard.”

“I didn’t think that,” Cameron said, shaking his head. “I’m a man of science, Ms. Fisher. Rumors and superstition don’t affect me.”

“Oh, well, okay,” she said. “I understand, I’m glad I didn’t insult your friend. After all, it is his island I’m going to visit, it wouldn’t do to insult him. I won’t say anything about the rumors, so don’t worry about that. I know when to keep my mouth shut.”

“I’m sure Max will be relieved to hear that,” Cameron said, a little smile on his face. “He’s got enough problems keeping people off the island as it is.”

“Oh, really?” she asked, her reporter’s instincts kicking in. “I’d love to hear about it.”

Cameron looked like he wanted to slap his hand over his mouth, but before he could answer, Montgomery turned to them. “There she is,” he called. “Heart of the Ocean.”

She turned and gasped at the sight of the island, thinking the only way to describe it was a tropical paradise. She forgot about Cameron as they slowly motored up to the dock. Pristine white sand beaches stretched as far as she could see, and the dense green of the jungle was such a striking contrast that it took her a few seconds to spot the little village in a clearing just in front of them.

The group of huts surrounded an eating area covered by a bright canopy, and as she continued to scan the shore, she realized the roofs of cabins could be seen through the dense growth of trees. As the boat gently bumped into the birth, thesmell of food reached her, and her stomach began to growl, reminding her that she’d missed breakfast. When the boat was tightly secured, Montgomery helped her with her bags, and she stood on the dock for a moment, taking it all in for a second time, trying to remember that this wasn’t really a vacation. She was here to work.

“Well, it was nice to meet you,” Cameron said. “I’m supposed to meet Max in the village. He’s probably already waiting for me.”

Her instincts told her not to let him go so easily. “Maybe we could meet for coffee sometime,” she said. “Not like a date or anything, just two friends meeting up for some conversation. After all, it looks like we’re both here alone.”

“Oh, I don’t know…I should really meet up with Max before I make any plans,” Cameron said, backing away from her. “I’m sure we’ll run into each other while we’re here.”

He turned and practically ran up the dock. Before she could follow him, a young woman approached her, a big smile on her face. “You must be Kennedy,” she said. I’m Stephanie. I’ll be your host while you’re here. If you need anything, I’m the one to ask. If you’re ready, I’ll show you around the island and then help you get settled in your cabin.”

She smiled at the young woman. “Sounds great to me,” she said. “Do you think we could grab something to eat? I missed breakfast, and I’m starving.”

CHAPTER 2

***CAMERON***

Cameron could feel Kennedy’s eyes following him up the dock but he didn’t slow his pace, so desperate to get away from her, he didn’t care if it looked like he was running away, and the truth was that’s exactly what he was doing. The last thing he’d expected out of the day was to find himself attracted to a woman, especially one like Kennedy, not that there was anything wrong with her. She just wasn’t his type, or at least he didn’t think she was, not that it mattered. He wasn’t looking to get involved with anyone, he was here to help Max.

Pushing the pretty blonde out of his mind, he took a deep breath, relieved to find that his equilibrium had returned and he felt completely normal. It must have just been the excitement of the trip, he decided. It was a one-time reaction, completely normal for most men, if not for him, and he shouldn’t be too concerned. Feeling even better, he finally looked around him, surprised to find he was almost to shore, then spotted Max waiting for him on the beach.

Hurrying just a little more, he studied his friend, noticing the dark circles under his eyes, the faint lines of stress on hisface, and a look he could only describe as resignation. It disappeared a second later when a smile spread across Max’s face. “I can’t believe that you’re really here,” he said. “I never thought I’d be able to drag you away from the lab of yours.”

“You’re about the only thing that could,” he said, studying Max again. “After our last phone call, I had to come. You didn’t sound like yourself, my friend.”

Max’s smile faded, and he shook his head. “I don’t want to talk about that right now,” he said. “You just got here. Let me give you a tour of the island, and then we can have some lunch. Keith and Stella are coming to dinner tonight, so it will keep until then. This is supposed to be your vacation. I didn’t invite you here to solve my problems.”

“That’s what friends are for, Max,” he said. “I really think we should talk about it now…”

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