Page 180 of Better When Shared
I watched her bristle at the challenge, recognizing the spark that lit her eyes. Makai had stumbled onto the perfect strategy. Imogen never could resist proving someone wrong.
“I am not boring,” she said, her chin lifting defiantly. “I’ve just been busy.”
“Don’t you have days off?” Makai asked.
She flushed. “I have tomorrow and Thursday off. But there are only four days until a huge wedding, and I thought I’d work a little…”
Makai’s smile was infuriatingly charming. “It’s one morning on the water. You’ll be back by lunch. Then you can return to your workaholic ways.”
Imogen glanced at me, then back at Makai. I could practically see the wheels turning in her head. “I suppose I could squeeze it in.”
A thrill shot through me. “You’ll come?”
“Don’t look so shocked.” She smiled, the first genuine smile she’d directed at me since her initial surprise. “I’ve missed you, you know.”
“I’ve missed you too,” I said, closing the distance between us. “Christ, Imogen, I’ve been going mad thinking about you.”
Her expression softened further. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? You could have stayed with me. I have a cottage to myself at the Cannery Hotel.”
“You do? Have dinner with me tonight. You can show me your cottage and we can talk.”
She winced, checking her watch. “I wish I could, love. But I have a commitment ceremony tonight, and the event won’t finish until well after midnight.”
“Tomorrow, then. Sailing, and then lunch?” I tried to look on the bright side, even as disappointment crashed through me.At least it didn’t seem like she was making excuses; she looked quite regretful.
“Yes.” She glanced at her watch again, her eyes widening. “Shit, I’ve got to go. The florist is delivering in twenty minutes. This was supposed to be a quick run to clear my head.” She stepped closer, her hand coming up to cup my cheek. “I love you, you ridiculous man. Even when you surprise me with dirt bikes and surfing instructors.”
Before I could respond, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips to mine. The kiss was brief but fierce, filled with a passion that made my head spin. Then she pulled back, gave my chest a light pat, and turned to Makai.
“What time tomorrow?”
“Ten o’clock at the Hollis Cove Marina. Look for the Wanderlust.”
She nodded, and, with a final glance at me, she turned and jogged back the way she’d come, her ponytail swinging with each step.
I stared after her, still feeling the imprint of her lips on mine, the warmth of her touch on my face.
“Damn, Hamish,” Makai said, breaking the silence. “Why didn’t you tell me Wedding Lady was your wife? No wonder you’re putting yourself through all this to impress her. I’d do the same.”
“I didn’t even realize you knew her until yesterday.”
“She’s sexy as hell. You’re a lucky man.”
I felt my face heat at his blunt assessment. “She’s amazing,” I agreed, unable to take my eyes off her retreating figure until she disappeared around a bend in the trail.
Makai blinked, realization dawning. “Bro, I told you I wanted to fuck her. I’m so sorry. That was inappropriate.”
And now I was back to picturing my wife naked and writhing beneath Makai’s muscular body. Crap. “It’s fine. You didn’t know she was my wife, and I didn’t want to make things awkward.”
He laughed. “Skylar says I have a skill for making things awkward.”
“That you do.”
“Don’t look so stressed.” Makai clapped me on the back, clearly unaware that I was picturing him fucking my wife. “That wasn’t an ‘I’m furious with my husband’ kiss. That was an ‘I can’t wait to get you alone’ kiss.”
“Do you think she was angry that I didn’t tell her I was here?”
“Nah.” Makai pulled his helmet back on. “Surprised, sure. Maybe a little confused. But that kiss? You’re golden, man. Trust me.”
