Free Moonlight and Margaritas by Cindy Stark Page B

had a business back in California."
    He glanced at her, giving the zipper another jerk.  Up it went.  "There are a lot of things about me you don't know, and there's only one thing I want to know about you."  He arched an eyebrow.  "Are you going to know what you're doing down there?"  He nodded toward the water.
    "Yes."  She took a step back.  "I'm certified for open water."  If it weren't for the big monster whale sharks, she wouldn't be hesitant at all. 
    "Good, 'cause these gentlemen here are paying for a guide, not a babysitter for someone else."
    Elena blinked as Joe walked back and pulled a wetsuit from a locker.  Ouch.  The man was definitely angry, but things were starting to make sense.  She'd wounded his pride.  She'd been the one to walk away, and being the player that he was, he couldn't stand it.  The thought made her smile. 
    "He wants you, chica," Mercedes taunted in her ear.
    "Stay out of it, Mercedes."  
    "It's true.  Look how possessive he became when Thomas approached you.  You know as well as I do he wouldn't be acting so pissy if he really didn't care anything about you.  Guys don't put effort into anything they consider unimportant.  Trust me, I know."
    Mercedes's declaration intrigued her.  It was true about the guys not putting forth effort.  She'd learned that firsthand with Richard. 
    Mercedes sucked in a breath.  "Mmm…delicioso."
    Elena followed her friend's stare.  Joe tugged off his shirt, his pecs and abs looking golden in the bright light.  Damn.  She sighed, knowing she'd had complete access to his body the night before, and it had felt unbelievably good.  His dark hair, dark eyes, the way he moved—everything about him tempted her.
    She still had five days left at the resort.  "What was I thinking?"
    "You were thinking he was so yummy.  Don't tell me you regret it."  The sass in Mercedes's voice was evident, but Elena couldn't take her eyes off Joe.  He looked up, catching her watching him, and still she couldn't look away.  They stayed focused on each other for several endless seconds until he finally broke contact.
    Elena exhaled.  "No, I meant, what was I thinking when I snuck out this morning?  I say I want to be this cool, liberated woman, so why should I worry if my one-night stand turns into a one-week stand?"  She turned to her friend.  "I need to grow up and get over myself."  Her heart had sustained enough damage in the past that she could be assured it wouldn't jump headfirst into a shallow affair.
    Mercedes rolled her eyes.  "My point exactly."
    Near the stern of the boat, Joe conversed with his assistant, his gaze slipping to her from time to time.  This was good.  Even though he was acting cool to her at the moment, she could sense this thing between them wasn't over.  Not yet.
    She smiled at Joe, and his bouncing gaze stumbled on her.  He quickly looked away.    
    Yes, she still wanted him, too.  Last night had been the appetizer for her.  There was the main course to look forward to…and dessert.  One should never forget dessert.
    "Okay, people," Joe addressed the group.  "You've all indicated previous open water diving experience.  So you know to relax, move slowly, and stay off the bottom.  If you take time to allow the ocean to observe you, your dive will be more enjoyable.  As always, remember to watch for jellies and sea urchins.  They are in the area, but easy to avoid.  And remember, don't touch the marine life."
    Elena and her companions gathered at the boat's edge, and one by one, they fell into the water.  When it was her turn, the ocean swallowed her, and she descended into its dark depths. 
    The world below was a completely different reality.  One that she loved.  All of her senses but sight were diminished, and along with them went her cares.  She sucked in a breath from her regulator and exhaled, watching her air bubbles sail through the shimmery water toward the surface.  Despite the awkwardness