They arrived at the airstrip a few minutes before four. Macy had chartered a private plane. She was both excited and nervous that Finn had decided to join her for the flight to the Bahamas. Excited because she wouldn’t be lonely, bored or have time to think about her problems. Nervous because no matter that Finn had promised not to touch her she worried about how long that promise would last. No, that wasn’t exactly true. She wondered how long she would last without wanting to touch or kiss him again.
Those kisses on the Ferris wheel were the hottest ever, and when he’d placed her hand over his crotch a bolt of lightning had shot through her, followed by an explosion of butterflies swimming low in her belly. She had practically melted into him. The whole scene had been so erotic. Is that the way it had been between them that night in her hotel room? Had sparks ignited?
She vaguely remembered him sitting next to her at the bar that night, his knee and shoulder knocking into hers. She remembered blushing over something he’d said. Something dirty and sexual, no doubt. But that was about all. She had no recollection of inviting him to her room, getting naked or having sex.
Finn set their bags down inside the door of the small building. “I need to check in with the TSA agent.”
She scrunched her brow. “Why?”
“I need to declare I’m traveling with a firearm. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
He was bringing a gun with him? The thought gave her goosebumps. Was it really necessary? She’d tried to downplay the entire scenario of someone threatening her. She kept telling herself it was nothing more than a sick joke. And maybe it was. But if Finn was bringing a gun, he obviously was taking this way more seriously than she was.
No one knew where she was going. She hadn’t told anyone. Then again she had mentioned it to Katerina. In fact, last week she had invited Kat to come along on the trip with her but her friend had already made other plans. She wondered who Kat may have told. Macy could have mentioned it to Jeremy in passing. Maybe not. She couldn’t remember. Damn. But those two certainly wouldn’t divulge that information to anyone, especially not to a stranger.
And how did she know this madman was a stranger? Could it be someone she knew? No. How could it be? She didn’t know anyone sick enough to want to hurt people.
Yes, psychology had been her major in college but she had always been more interested in love and relationships than anything. She’d never had the opportunity to actually treat patients. The minute she’d graduated she’d headed for L.A. to pursue a career in acting. Drama had been her minor in school. But the parts had been difficult to find. She had been an extra in a few films and had once gotten a bit part in a B-rated movie. It was only by sheer luck she had been in the right place at the right time when her agent had mentioned he knew someone was looking for a love and relationship expert for a daytime TV show to be shot in Chicago. At the time she’d believed the job was perfect for her, but was it? She’d been faking her way along now for five years. What did she know about perfect relationships and long lasting love? Her parents seemed happy. Aside from them, she could only go on what she had learned in school and from what she had learned from the hundreds of interviews she’d conducted online with happy couples. Surprisingly enough, those couples had opened up about every aspect of their relationship including sex. Most of her research was done before she’d even interviewed for the show.
So when it came time for the show to choose a relationship expert she had shined more than any of the others. She still continued to talk to people about what goes into making their love last. She’d learned that the biggest thing was trust. She had focused on that for a long time, had even written a book about it. And she’d learned the thing people fought most about was money, whether they had a little or a lot. Pretty sad, when you thought about it.
She’d also written a book called Man Disease, which had a humorous tone to it. Basically it was geared toward women, telling them not to give up on their man. It wasn’t their fault they couldn’t remember to put the toilet seat down, lock up at night or load a dishwasher properly. It was the way they were made. They had man disease. And if women could learn to cut them a little slack and focus on the good things they did like mowing the lawn, changing the lightbulbs and shoveling snow from the drive and sidewalk they would learn to ignore their men’s shortcomings and instead concentrate on the good things in their relationships.
Macy had yet to test these principals as she had not had a boyfriend since being hired on the show. Unless you counted her pretend fiancé turned fake husband. So, while she was on the show there would be no men in her life with which to experiment. Sigh.
“We’re all set,” Finn said, coming to stand beside her.
They followed the crew to the waiting plane while a baggage handler placed their bags underneath. Finn boarded first and turned to offer her a hand, which she took. She supposed that didn’t count as touching her when he was only being a gentleman by helping her up the metal staircase.
There were two sets of double seats and two single seats facing the back of the plane. Macy settled herself into one of the doubles next to a window. She assumed Finn would take a seat across the aisle, but instead he plopped down right next to her. Why was she surprised?
“Don’t you want to sit over there where you’ll be more comfortable and have room to spread out?”
“I’m comfortable right here.”
Of course, he was.
He grinned at her. “But thanks for thinking about my comfort, baby.”
She sighed. How was she going to handle him for two weeks or however long she decided to stay at her villa?
Soon they were taxiing down the runway and airborne. Because she hadn’t slept much the past few nights, and because she’d always found flying relaxing, her eyes grew heavy with sleep the minute they took off.
She didn’t remember the flight other than waking with her cheek pressed against Finn’s solid chest. She jerked her head upright as she heard the pilot announce they were about to land. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you. Literally.”
“Not a problem.”
As she yawned and stretched then pushed the hair from her face she happened to notice the bulge behind the fly in Finn’s jeans. Was he always so easily turned on? Since she did not want to stare at his erection she turned her head toward the window, watching as they whizzed by palm trees, until the plane came to a complete stop. She popped the latch on her seatbelt and got to her feet. Hopefully he had himself under control by now. Though she was not about to check it out for herself.
Stepping over him she headed for the door and strolled out of the doorway and into the warm balmy air. She bounced down the metal stairway and waited for Finn. Since it was January, it was already dark even though it was only six-thirty in the evening. She breathed in the ocean air and smiled. She loved coming here. This vacation was just what she needed. Hopefully Finn would behave himself and try to relax along with her.
And by relax she did not mean sleeping together. Or did she?
There was a Jeep Wrangler with the top exposed parked outside, waiting for them once they’d dealt with Customs. A Bahamian man the size of a linebacker got out and came to greet them. “Miz Macy, welcome! I see you brought your husband this time. Finally, we meet.” He smiled at Finn, showing off a gold capped tooth. He looked to be in his forties and was wearing a white camp shirt, black cargo pants and sandals.
Finn wasn’t sure what to say. He glanced at Macy and let her take the lead.
“Hello, Jerome. How have you been?”
“Good, good. And you?”
“I’m doing well, thanks. This is Mr. Finney, but he likes to be called Finn.”
Obviously Macy had never been here with her husband. That was odd. He was probably off doing that secret government stuff and didn’t have time to vacation with his wife. Finn held out a hand and the man gripped it hard, pumped up and down.
“I will get your luggage.” Jerome grabbed their bags and loaded them into the back of the vehicle.
Finn went to help Macy into the front passenger seat but she shook her head and whispered, “You sit up front. Jerome drives like a maniac. It’s a little scary sitting up there.” She climbed into the back and put her seatbelt on so Finn got in front.
Jerome hurried to the right side of the car and jumped in. They drove on the left side of the road in the Bahamas. He pivoted in his seat to speak to Macy. “Susheena is at the villa, getting everything nice and cozy for you. She made you a nice fruit bowl and stocked the refrigerator. Oh and she made your favorite for dinner. Conch chowder. Hope you are hungry? Yes?”
Finn had no idea who Susheena was, not that it mattered. If the woman had supplied food for them to eat he liked her already.
“That sounds delicious. Thank you for always taking such good care of me, Jerome.”
“You’re a special lady.” Jerome turned to face the front and glanced over at Finn. “Miz Macy,” he said with a nod and a wink, “she a special lady.”
“Yes, she is,” Finn agreed.
And then Jerome put the Jeep in gear and took off. Macy was right. The guy drove like a maniac through the airport terminal. He pulled out onto the main road and maneuvered around the curves. Once he went over the center line just as another car was coming at them. But he didn’t seem frightened or alarmed. Instead, he shook his fist at the other driver. “Pick a lane, buddy.”
Finn didn’t bother to tell the man he was the one in the wrong. He chanced a look back at Macy who was gripping the back of his seat, her hair blowing in the wind. She forced a smile even though he could tell she was on edge.
The countryside looked poor and rundown from what Finn could see in the dark. But after several miles of bumpy roads everything changed. Palm trees and tropical flowers hugged the sides of the streets and lawns. He noticed quite a few signs to entrances that were marked Private. He could smell the ocean, hear the waves off in the distance, and wondered if they were getting closer to Macy’s place.
Before he had a chance to ask, Jerome slowed down and inched up to a wrought iron gate. A man stepped out of a small building and waved at them. Then the gate lifted and they drove on. About a mile from the entrance he turned right and wove down a street that boasted colorful homes. Pale pinks, yellows, greens. Jerome pulled into a drive of a white concrete structure with a pink tiled roof, surrounded by palms and luscious florals. He would bet it looked even better in daylight.
Finn hopped out of the Jeep. Macy sat perfectly still, a smile pasted on her pretty face. He watched as she slowly breathed in and out. “I love the smell of the ocean,” she said before moving and taking his hand so he could help her out of the car.
“Go inside,” Jerome said, nodding at the wooden staircase. “I’ll be up in a minute.” He started hauling the bags from the back.
Finn followed Macy up the stairs. A porch light was shining brightly. She opened the door and walked inside. He was right behind her. The décor was nothing like her Chicago apartment. The living area was done in fawn, orange and yellow. Everything looked soft and welcoming rather than stark and cold like in the windy city.
The villa had an open floor plan with big, round, decorative columns dividing the rooms. He could see the kitchen and dining room from where he stood. Champagne sat chilling in a bucket on the wet bar. Beside it was the fruit bowl Jerome had spoken of. Something smelled good. Probably the conch chowder on the cooktop.
A short, squatty woman dressed in a blue cotton print dress appeared from the hall. “Miz Macy!” Her head was wrapped in a turban of some sort.
Macy dropped her purse and jacket on a chair and gave the woman a hug. “Susheena, it’s so good to see you.” She jerked her head over her shoulder. “And this is Finn.”
The woman pulled away and eyed Finn up and down. “My, he is a big one. Like my Jerome.”
Finn smiled politely then stepped forward and placed an arm around Macy. If he was supposed to be playing the husband role he wanted to do it properly. “Hello.”
Susheena raised her brows at him then laughed softly. She looked beyond Finn’s shoulder. “Jerome, put those bags in the master suite. And then let’s get out of here and let them have some privacy.”
Good idea, Finn thought. He gave Macy’s shoulder a tiny squeeze and got an eye roll from her. When Jerome and Susheena were ready to leave, Finn pulled out his wallet to tip the man. But Jerome raised a hand. “No. We can settle up at the end of your stay.”
“Sounds good.” Finn walked them to the door. “Jerome, do you know where I can get some clothes? Maybe a few shirts and some swim trunks?”
Jerome nodded. “I will pick you up at nine tomorrow morning. We’ll go to a little place I know. My friend owns it. He won’t rip you off like those other tourist traps.”
Finn nodded. “I appreciate that.” He watched as Jerome and his wife went down the stairs and climbed into the Jeep. He shut and locked the door before turning to look at Macy. “Nice couple.”
“Yes. They treat me like family.”
Finn eyed the champagne. “Would you like me to open that?”
“Sure. I wouldn’t mind having a glass. And then I want to eat some of that chowder, take a hot bath and go to bed.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“Alone.”
“Right.” Although he wondered if he should remind her his bag was in the master suite. Along with hers. Although he assumed it wouldn’t be there for long. There must be a second bedroom.
“After dinner you can take your bag to your own room.”
He guessed that was settled. He popped the cork on the champagne and poured a little bubbly into two flutes. He handed one to Macy and clinked his glass to hers. “Cheers, baby.”
She took a sip and peered at him over the rim of her glass. “Don’t forget your promise.”
“What promise was that?” he asked, playing dumb.
“You know what promise. You said you wouldn’t touch me.”
“Does that include kissing?”
Her eyes widened. “Yes, that includes kissing.”
“Okay. Well, just so you know, if you decide to touch me I won’t complain.” He spread his arms wide as if in invitation.
She blew out a puff of air and gave him a look. “That’s not going to happen.”
“No?”
She shook her head. “No. Definitely not.” But there was a gleam in her eye.
“What about if I asked you to take off your clothes so I could just look at you naked?”
She set her glass on the bar. “You make me absolutely crazy, you know that?”
“Right back at you, baby.”
She walked across the room and dropped into a chair in front of a white bookcase and stared up at him. “How am I going to put up with you for two weeks?”
“Two weeks? You’re planning on staying here for two weeks?”
“Yes.”
“I have to be honest with you, Macy. I don’t know if I can live here with you for two weeks and not touch you. In fact, I know I can’t.”
She blinked at him and moistened her lips with her tongue. He went nuts when she did that. He wanted that tongue in his mouth. His dick began to swell beneath the zipper of his jeans. “Do you have to do that?”
“Do what?”
“Tease me like that.”
She scrunched her brow. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“That thing you do with your tongue.”
She chewed at her lip and gave him a clueless look.
“You don’t have any idea how fucking hot you are, do you? Or how badly I want to be inside you.” He thought about pointing out his erection to her but then her gaze dropped to his crotch so he knew she could see for herself.
She raised her eyes. “You need to . . . stop doing that.”
“You think I can control it? This is what happens when I’m around you, thinking about you, naked, and beneath me.”
She got up from the chair and covered half her face with her hand, probably so she wouldn’t have to look at his crotch. “I’m going to the kitchen to eat some chowder now. You’re going to have to deal with your . . . problem . . . by yourself.”
“You mean you want me to masturbate?” he asked, coming up to stand behind her at the stove.
“Yes. I mean, no.” She spun around to face him. “Finn, you promised me, and I thought I could trust you.”
He frowned and took a step back. He downed his champagne in two gulps and set the glass aside. “You’re right. I’m being a complete dick. No pun intended. I’m going to get my bag from your room and call it a night.”
He skulked out of the kitchen and down the hall. What a jerk he was! Macy deserved way better than some egotistical sex maniac like him. Where did he get off talking to her that way? He’d never treated a woman like that before. Of course, he’d never had a woman turn him down. Was that the problem? Not that it made what he had done right.
He should turn around, go back and apologize.
Macy sighed in frustration. Finn had already broken his promise. Not by laying a hand on her, but by his sexual innuendos. In fact that was way worse than touching her. The things that came out of that man’s mouth. She shook her head and reached for a bowl inside the cupboard. He wasn’t afraid to say exactly what he was thinking. Nor did he bother to hide his erection. It was as if he’d wanted her to see it, wanted her to know how he was feeling, what he was thinking.
She had to admit she’d never felt so sexy in her life. She was on fire, and she ached for him to touch her. But sometimes he made her feel dirty as well. She hadn’t brought him along so she could have a tawdry affair with him. She’d brought him along because it was the only way she had been able to get away.
That was a lie. She could have sneaked out of the apartment if she’d really wanted to. She could have come down here and stayed by herself. Two whole weeks in complete solitude. But that wasn’t what she’d wanted. She’d wanted Finn to come with her. And yet she expected him to be a gentleman, keep his hands to himself and simply endure her company the entire time. Was she being totally unreasonable?
Perhaps. She supposed it was because they’d already slept together. Just because she couldn’t remember any of the naughty details didn’t mean he had forgotten. A memory from the morning after came back to haunt her. Something he’d said. What was it? Oh, yes, she remembered now.
“Baby, we fucked and a whole lot more. You were wild. Couldn’t keep your hands off me. And the things you did with that sexy mouth of yours had me blushing.”
No wonder he was having a hard time keeping his distance. She’d behaved like a total slut that night. Still, that didn’t give him the right to keep pressuring her when she’d said no.
Hearing a noise behind her, she spun around and saw Finn.
“I wanted to apologize. I behaved like a total ass and you certainly don’t deserve that.”
Surprised by his apology, she nodded. “Okay.”
“I’m kind of hungry and that chowder smells pretty good. If it’s alright with you I’d like to try a little.”
“Okay.” Still she didn’t move. She just continued to stare at him. He was like a totally different person. All gentlemanly. He kept his eyes aboveboard as he moved closer to her.
Then suddenly she couldn’t stand it any longer. She was alone with Finn. No one would know if they had sex together. She took a few steps, met him halfway and simply stared at him. She wanted him, more than she had ever wanted a man. She closed the distance then threw her arms around his neck. Standing on tiptoe, she breathed his name. “Finn.” Their mouths met for a long, hot drugging kiss that turned into another and another.
A fire started brewing deep within her. She rubbed her hardened nipples against his chest, her sex against his muscular thighs, but he didn’t touch her. Didn’t pull her toward him. In fact, he wasn’t doing much of anything at all. Except standing there. She pulled away from his mouth and looked at him. “Is something wrong?”
He shook his head, ran a hand over his beard stubble. “I’m trying to be on my best behavior.”
“And I’m trying to be the slut that I was that night six months ago.”
Sighing, he took a step back. “Macy, you weren’t a slut.”
“Yes, I was. And I want to be a slut again. We have two entire weeks to have fun, talk dirty, and have sex every which way.”
He raised his brows. “What got into you all of a sudden?”
“Nothing. I just realized you’re right. No one has to know. And we’ve already done it once before so it’s not like we’re strangers. Maybe we did it more than once. I don’t remember. Did we?”
“Macy. I don’t want to take advantage of you like that.”
She pulled her top over her head and stood in her bra and jeans. “Okay, so let me take advantage of you.”