Page 38 of Island Rescuer

“We’re safe.”

Wonderful.She strolled down toward the water, the sand going firm under her feet. A moment later she heard Knox’s soft footsteps behind her. The private cove was a remarkable advantage. “Do the Hargrave sisters have any idea how lucky they are?”

“They do,” he assured her. “And they charge accordingly.”

“Good. That’s just smart business. According to Trina they summered here as kids, but went to school elsewhere. Apparently when their mom got sick this was where she wanted to be and they worked with hospice to make sure her wishes were granted.”

“I’ve only heard bits and pieces of the story,” Knox said. He was right behind her, the heat of his body warming her back. “It must’ve been hard to make the decision to stay once she was gone.”

“I’m not so sure. I’ve never met Celeste, but according to Trina, she’s a powerhouse. Smart business sense, ingrained determination. And enough grit to wrangle her sisters into helping make this B&B a big success.”

She walked down to the edge of the cove, noticing how Knox matched his pace to hers. Just like in every single one of her fantasies, they were in sync tonight. It wasn’t an extremely large beach, but it was so private and lovely. She gazed out over the ocean, admiring the moon glowing in the night sky studded with countless stars.

“This is incredible,” she murmured. “Yes, I get a similar view at the resort, often from my balcony. I suppose that sounds pampered and privileged.”

“Maybe to some,” he agreed. “To me, it sounds amazing. But it’s still work, right? It’s where you live. Something about seeing it from a place you’re visiting makes the view special.”

“Insightful.” She glanced over to find him watching her, not the stars. The look in his eyes and his words resonating deep into her soul, she seized the opening and moved into his arms.

A shiver of anticipation rolled through her. He was danger and safety all rolled into one potent mix. The moonlight and shadows sharpened his handsome features. “I’ve dreamed of kissing you in a place like this.”

His palms settled lightly at her waist. “It’s a good dream.”

“Mm-hm.” And she wasn’t about to let the moment slip away. “Being here with you, watching the waves and the stars with you, makes the view incomparable.” Her palms tingled and she felt utterly electric. She’d reached the precipice. It was act now or regret it forever. She might’ve been sheltered, but she wasn’t a coward. “Will you kiss me, Knox? Please.”

“My pleasure.”

Her breath went still and her heart raced as she waited for his lips to touch hers. It was impossible to get a read on him in the low light. Little runners of foam lapped at her feet, the ocean a comforting, consistent pulse as the waves rolled in and out.

“One condition, Harper.”

His voice sounded rusty as the words feathered over her lips. “I’m listening.” As much as she longed to jump into his arms, she wouldn’t do it. That would just be a special fantasy she saved for her birthdays.

“Our first time will not be out here in the sand.”

With desire pumping through her, it took her a second to process his words. “Fair enough,” she said, laughing. Sex on the beach was great when it came to shots, but the reality was… grittier. “Just kiss me.”

His mouth found hers and staked his claim. Her body rejoiced with the rush of passion.

Better than her silly fantasies. Fitting herself against him, she hung on for dear life, kissing him back with all those years of longing.

Every time they kissed it was like this. Incomparable. An ignition and union all at once. She couldn’t recall anyone making her feel downright combustible. She’d promised no sex on the beach, but now she wasn’t sure she could make it back to the house. Sighing into him, she relished the sensations rolling over her like the foam at her feet. His arms banded around her, pulling her close, closer, until she was sure his heart was hammering in time with hers.

She dropped her head back on a moan as he nuzzled the column of her throat. Enticing. Agonizing. Exhilarating. His wandering mouth grazed her ear, her cheek, before nipping her lower lip. The velvet fever of his tongue scorched her and she reveled in his taste.

This was everything.

Hewas everything.

She ran her hands over his chest, lacing her fingers behind his neck, needing more. All of it. She didn’t want to wait another minute. “Knox.”

“I’m here.” He lowered himself to the sand, taking her with him until she was in his lap, her legs wrapped around his hips. “We’ve got nothing but time. Kiss me again.”

She hummed her approval. “My pleasure.” Cradling his jaw, she relished the rasp of his whiskers against her palms as she plundered his mouth. Stroking her tongue over his again and again until she could barely breathe from the sheer joy of it.

His hands roamed up and down her back, into her hair, along her ribs and over the length of her thighs. Her imagination took flight with every sensual touch. Eager, she skimmed her hands under his shirt, her fingers grazing over his hot skin.

He jerked, a soft laugh rumbling over her skin.

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