Baiting the Boss (7 page)

“Uh, it’s getting late,” she said, stepping back. “I think I’ll call it a night.”

She hurried off into the darkness. A stupid part of her wanted Jack to come after her, to grab her in his arms and kiss her hard again. But he didn’t, and she kept on walking as fast as she could.

…

A handful of partygoers were still hanging about when Jack returned to the hall sometime later. Seated in a far corner, Tupua looked up from the ukulele he was quietly strumming.

“Where you been?” the big man asked.

“Around.” Jack dropped onto the mat beside his friend. He’d spent more than an hour plowing up and down the darkened beach, wrestling with his thoughts and failing to reach a conclusion.

Tupua started to sing, his sonorous voice resonating off the high timber rafters, but he broke off midnote as Jack winced. “You don’t like my singing?”

“Your singing is magnificent.”

But the song reminded Jack too vividly of Grace crushed in his arms, her mouth warm and soft beneath his, her scent scrambling his brains. His gut knotted at the memory. What was it about kissing Grace? Why had it felt so much more than just a physical, sexual thing, more than a casual caress? The glow of her kiss had speared through him like a hot knife through butter, melting all his defenses, defenses he hadn’t even realized he’d erected until now. A few kisses hadn’t been enough. Everything in him had ached to carry her off into the night and make love to her until dawn came. Letting her walk away from him had taken all his considerable willpower.

Setting aside his ukulele, Tupua reached for the kava bowl and ladled out two small measures. He pushed one cup toward Jack. “So Grace is leaving soon.”

Jack nodded, twisting the cup between his palms.

“It’s a pity she has to rush back,” Tupua said. “She hasn’t seen much of the island. Not even Atea Falls.” He downed the kava in one swallow. “You should take her tomorrow.”

Jack shook his head. In his present mood he didn’t trust himself around Grace. “You take her. I’m working tomorrow.”

“You work too hard. What’s that saying? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” His body rumbled with laughter at his own joke. “Besides, you could do with a break. This hall is practically done, and it’s going to take a few weeks for that last delivery to get here.”

“I could start some preliminary work on the school,” Jack said.

“Or—” Tupua dipped his massive head toward him. “You could go back to Sydney with Grace.”

Thunderstruck, Jack glared at his friend. “Have you been gossiping with her behind my back?”

Tupua remained impassive. “Hey, man, I don’t have to gossip with anyone to know something’s been biting your arse ever since she showed up.”

“And that something is going to stop biting my arse as soon as she leaves.”

The big man cocked an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”

“Sure I’m sure.”

Tupua tapped his fingers against his taut belly. “Okay. I’m not going to try to convince someone as pigheaded as you to change your mind.”

“Pigheaded, huh?”

“That’s what I said.” Tupua grinned. He strummed a few notes on the ukulele before setting it aside. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Anything,” Jack said and meant it. He owed Tupua more than he could ever repay.

“Take Grace to see the falls tomorrow. She’s a nice girl, and she deserves to enjoy her last day here.”

Jack drained his cup in one swallow, screwing up his face as the fiery liquid streaked down his throat. Grace was more than just a nice girl. But he couldn’t refuse his friend. “Okay.” He sighed.

His stomach knotted. He was right to feel disturbed. Grace represented everything he’d left behind three years ago, but also she pricked his conscience, reminded him of what he might achieve if he went back to Sydney. And above all that, her kiss had woken something in him, something hot, volatile, and unfamiliar. He wanted more of her, even though everything about her threatened his equilibrium. Would he be able to spend the entire day alone with Grace without kissing her again?

Chapter Five

The view from the top of Atea Falls was magnificent. From here Grace could see the volcanic peaks rising above them, the moist jungle smothering the hillsides, neat plantations dotting the landscape, and in the distance the shimmering, ever-present ocean. They had traveled via the sea, Jack paddling the canoe along the coast before turning upstream and following a winding creek to a pristine rock pool at the base of the falls.

This morning she’d almost fallen over in surprise when he’d turned up at Tupua’s house, saying he was taking her to see Atea Falls. He’d made it sound more like an order than a request, which made her wonder if Tupua had pressured him, but she’d quickly accepted before he could change his mind. When they’d reached the falls, they had eaten a picnic lunch before Jack led her up the steep path to the top of the cliff face.

“I wish I hadn’t left my camera back in Sydney,” Grace said. “I’d love to have some photos of the island as well as Tupua and Mary and the kids.”

“You could always come back for a proper visit.”

“Hmm, I don’t expect I’ll have much time for holidays in the near future. Lachlan keeps me pretty busy.”

He nodded. “I’ve written another letter to him I’d like you to deliver.”

“Of course.”

“Grace, I don’t like using you as a go-between, but the only phone on this island is a public radiotelephone, and I don’t exactly want to broadcast what I have to say to my grandfather.” He paused, his brow creasing. “This estrangement between us has gone long enough. I may seem stiff-necked to you, but I’ve learned over time that stubbornness is the only way to get through to the old man.” He focused on the misty horizon in the distance. “I’ve made up my mind to visit him later this year, when I have the time. I know that won’t please him, but what the hell. I haven’t pleased him for years.”

The severe line of his mouth made her chew her lip.

“You know what?” she said. “If Lachlan knew about you rebuilding the village hall and your plans for starting the nonprofit venture, I think he’d be very proud of you.”

A reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Lachlan would never admit he was proud of me, but thanks for your vote of confidence.” He stood up and stretched his arms, as if to shrug off his somberness. “Let’s go for a swim.”

As they climbed back down the hillside and lost the breeze, the humidity soared. By the time they reached their rug and picnic basket by the pool, rivulets of sweat were trickling down Grace’s spine.

Desperate to immerse herself in the water, she stripped off the T-shirt and shorts she’d been wearing over her bikini. As she kicked off her hiking shoes, she caught Jack standing a few meters away, his gaze pinned to her seminaked body. It instantly triggered her memory of that searing embrace they’d shared last night. But she refused to be embarrassed. Lifting her chin, she slowly waded into the water until it was hip-high before she sank in, luxuriating in the refreshing coolness.

As she turned to float on her back, she spied Jack at the water’s edge and almost went under. He’d taken off his T-shirt, and the sight of his bare, toned abdomen took her breath away. Desire spiraled in her as she drank in his burnished chest with its flecking of hairs pointing straight down into the waistband of his board shorts. His shoulders flexed as he smoothed back his hair, the heat haze bathing him in a sultry, golden aura. He was a demigod, with the power to make her forget who she was.

She’d never experienced such a visceral reaction to a man before, and it scared her. What would happen if they got too close? If he kissed her again, she wouldn’t be able to resist. Swiveling away, she dived underwater and kicked her way through the crystal-clear water.

But why should she resist? They were both single, unattached. Why shouldn’t they kiss as much as they wanted? The idea sent her corkscrewing to the surface. She popped up and refilled her lungs, treading water. Jack shot up with a splash not far from her.

“You took off like a tadpole.” He flicked the hair away from his eyes. “Where are you going?”

Away from temptation
. “Uh, nowhere in particular.” She felt for the bottom of the pool, but found only more water.

In a couple of strokes he was right in front of her. “I can stand here. Hold onto me.” As she glanced nervously at the bulk of his shoulder, his eyes twinkled. “I don’t bite, you know.”

Oh, it wasn’t his
bite
she was afraid of. She placed a hand on his shoulder. “Thanks.”

“On the other hand…” His eyes sparkled even brighter. “The eels in this pool have been known to nibble.”

“Eels!” She grabbed onto him with both hands, casting a jittery look at the still waters around them.

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Just kidding. They don’t bite.”

“But there are eels?”

“Small ones only, and they’re shy.”

She couldn’t suppress a shudder. “I don’t know whether to believe you or not.”

“Would I lie to you?”

“Probably. You’re a man, aren’t you?”

His teeth gleamed white. “Glad you noticed.”

How could she
not
notice? Then she realized that Jack’s arm was around her waist, and she was clinging to his shoulders. Eels weren’t the only danger here. Far more dangerous was the way their chests were stuck together, her breasts pushing up against the water-dappled wall of his chest.

She swallowed and noticed he was breathing heavily, too. Up close in the brilliant sunshine, she could see every detail of him, from the fascinating specks of violet in his gray irises, to the black stubble peppering his chin, to the faint quirk in his lips. A tiny muscle pumped in his jaw, an indication that her proximity was affecting him, too.

“I told myself I wouldn’t do this again,” he muttered, almost talking to himself.

“Do what? Joke about eels?”

“Yeah, that too.” Using his free hand, he traced a finger down the curve of her cheek. The unexpected tenderness in his gesture made her senses leap. “You’re going home tomorrow.”

She nodded, unable to speak.

“And I won’t see you again. At least, not in the foreseeable future.” He smoothed back her hair, tucking a wet tendril behind her ear. “It wouldn’t be fair to take advantage of you.”

He was talking as if she were still a naive young graduate. “Maybe I’m the one taking advantage of you.”

His eyebrows shot up. His hand stilled on her cheek. “But you’re…”

“A grown woman able to make my own decisions.” When it came to men she’d always been too shy to make the first move, but Jack made her feel so different, so sensual and wanton. She wanted him, right here and now, and she couldn’t think of a single reason to hold back. “Also, a very horny woman right now.”

She couldn’t believe she’d said that, but a new boldness had taken hold of her, trampling down her usual reticence. She shifted her body and wrapped her legs around his hips, bringing her pelvis into intimate contact with his.

“Christ.” Naked lust flared in his face.

He slanted up her chin and claimed her mouth. Hunger tore through her, ripping apart the last vestiges of shyness. She matched his kiss with equal passion, sliding her hands over the broadness of his chest, reveling in his physicality. Just like last night, he plundered her mouth, sending her senses reeling as he parted her lips and glided his tongue, hot and insistent, over hers. She drank in his fiery kisses, eager for everything, moaning when his lips moved down to her throat. The rasp of his stubble against her neck made her arch up into him as his hands pressed into her back. Shifting his arms lower, he lifted her half out of the water to nuzzle the cleft between her breasts. Gasping, she clutched onto his bunched biceps as heat rampaged through her. She could feel the fever burning off him, too. It was a wonder there wasn’t steam rising out of the pool.

Then she caught sight of a scrap of green fabric dangling from Jack’s fingers. Her bikini top. Her surprise was cut short as Jack’s lips closed over her nipple, and the feel of his warm tongue swirling around her flesh quickly had her light-headed. Holding her tight around the hips, he alternated his attention between both aching breasts until her nipples were hard and swollen and pink from his sucking. Each time he licked her, he ignited a fresh fire between her thighs until her craving engulfed her.

Finally, he lowered her slowly, sliding her down the length of his rock-hard body, until the apex of her thighs came to rest against the hot, pumping erection in his board shorts. Her mouth dried; her center tingled and moistened in anticipation. He felt so huge. Her hips moved of their own volition, kneading her clit up and down against his bulge.

His eyes burned. “I wouldn’t do that right now if I were you.” His chest heaved as he fought for control.

She twirled her fingers through his chest hairs and pinched his nipples playfully. “So what’re you gonna do about it, huh?”

In answer, he hitched her tighter and began to wade out of the pool, his thighs surging through the water with each stride. Sunlight splashed onto her back, contrasting with the cool droplets running down her back and legs. He carried her over to the rug, where he gently set her down on her feet before dropping her bikini top from his fingers. The smell of coconuts and frangipani filled the air. In the dappled shade, their eyes met. Grace drew in a shuddering breath, her bare breasts rising and catching his attention. For several moments he stood there, feasting his eyes on her naked flesh.

“You’re…I was going to say beautiful, but that doesn’t do justice to you.” He skimmed his fingers over her shoulders and collarbone. “I like the play of shadows on your neck.” He dipped a forefinger into the hollow of her throat. “And this spot is exquisite.” Her pulse fluttered beneath his caress. “And these…” His hands drifted lower, and finally he cupped her breasts, cosseting their weight in his broad palms. “Yes, these are beautiful.”

Closing her eyes, she reveled in his fondling until desire made her grow impatient. She ran her fingers over his chest, following the trail of hair until she came to his waistband, where she tugged at the knot. The wet cord held stubbornly.

“Damn.” Her fingers trembled with urgency.

“Let me do it.” He ripped the knot apart and shucked off his board shorts.

She couldn’t help stepping back in surprise. “Oh, my.”

His grin stretched wide. In her opinion, he had a right to look proud. Tentatively, and then with growing confidence, she touched his lean belly then traced a path through his rough, wiry hair until she curled her fingers around the girth of his shaft.
Oh, my indeed
. He was thick and long, pulsing with potency and vigor in her hand. She stroked him up and down, enjoying his size, his glazed expression and muffled groans of pleasure, until he gripped her wrist and pushed her hand away.

“My turn.”

Kneeling down, he peeled off her bikini bottom and held her by the hips before brushing his face against her hair. The sight of him nuzzling her so intimately sent her head into a spin. Her knees shook as he covered her mound with one broad hand, his thumb making unerringly for her center. For several heart-stopping moments, his thumb worked its magic on her, and when his forefinger slipped between her folds, she was already hot and slick. He smiled his wicked smile at her while he stroked her with consummate skill, as if he already had a map of all her erogenous spots. With his free hand, he caressed her buttocks, the backs of her thighs, and reached up to play with her breasts. Molten lava seethed through her. Her legs buckled, and she knew she couldn’t stand upright anymore.

Unhurriedly, he withdrew his fingers from her and laid her on the picnic rug. The fabric pricked her back, while overhead the sun winked at her through the tree canopy. She watched as Jack grabbed the first-aid kit out of the picnic basket, opened it, and fished out a condom.

“You keep condoms in your first aid kit?” she couldn’t help asking.

He grinned as he ripped the foil packet open. “For emergencies. I think this situation qualifies.”

Then the sky was blotted out by Jack leaning over her, his face flushed with passion, his hands running over her, this time with violent need. She reached up for him, parting her thighs so he could rest between her legs. She thrilled to the sensation of his weight pressing down on her. He ravished her mouth again, and she writhed under him, desperate to get closer. An aching void had opened in her, and only he could satisfy it.

He pushed the tip of his length into her, then paused, gazing down at her. In response she moaned and arched her spine to inch more of him into her. Placing his elbows on either side of her, he eased himself into her wet entrance.

The feel of him filling her drove her wild. She rolled her hips up and down, and he began to ride her, slowly at first, then gradually building up force. Sweat beaded on their bodies, sealing them together. Casting aside his gentleness, he thrusted into her hard and fast, pushing her higher and higher. She gripped his shoulders and hung on as he took her on a wild ride into the unknown. All her fevered imaginings about him were a pale shadow of reality. The fire in her built to a crescendo, but just as she was about to peak, he stopped abruptly.

“Jack!” She squeezed her legs around him in frustration.

His eyes burned as he smoothed the damp hair away from her face. “Don’t want to rush things when you feel so damn great. Let’s enjoy the ride.”

He slowly withdrew from her inch by inch, then sank deep into her with deliberate, controlled force. He repeated the action again and again, inexorably stoking the blaze in her until she was white hot and ready to scream. His forearms trembled against her as he fought for self-control, while she was lost, writhing and panting beneath him, a willing captive to his exquisite torture. Each slow, thick thrust made her wetter, hotter, more frantic.

How could she ever have imagined sex with Jack would be this incredible? Just when she thought she would pass out from the pleasure of his hard, measured pumping, he slid one hand between their bodies and unerringly found her slick, throbbing clitoris. His calloused fingers fondled her sensitized flesh, and instantly she arched her back and peaked in a fevered, incandescent climax, Jack’s name ripping from her throat. As her shudders rippled through her body, Jack clenched her hips hard and erupted inside her in a roaring tremor.