Free Of Love and Deception by Melisa Hamling Page B

you'll have to have separate rooms.” Emma paused. “You do understand why?”
    “Yes, and I'm totally fine with that. I told Cruz, before I accepted his invitation, I'd come as long as we'd be sleeping in separate quarters.” But she knew it'd be a struggle to be under the same roof, in a different room, separate from Cruz.
    Cruz introduced Daniella to his father. After they ate dinner, they took a long walk along the beach. It was dark out, but the moon shed plenty of light and cast a glow across the lake.
    Daniella had a hard time focusing on anything other than Cruz's hand sliding along the bare skin of her lower back. He sent tingles rippling along her skin when he'd inch his fingers inside the fabric near her breast.
    Meg and Falcon were out walking too, and trailed along not too far behind.
    “Will you stop that?” Daniella shivered at his touch.
    “I can't help it. This shirt is too damn sexy. Next time, wear a turtleneck if you don't want me touching you,” Cruz said. “Good thing we're not alone or I’d be all over you.”
    “Mm. Good thing we have separate rooms 'cause you're driving me nuts.” She squeezed his side.
    “Don't be so sure of that. You never know if I'm going to sneak into your room, and there's a great possibility I will.” He stopped walking, sat down, and pulled Daniella onto his lap.
    The rest of the evening, they spent chatting with Meg and Falcon. After they all went in for the night and to their assigned rooms, Daniella slipped into white cotton shorts and a matching t-shirt. Cruz had told her to lock her door and so she did. Surprisingly, she fell asleep easily and didn't wake until morning.
    The smell of pancakes and bacon brought her out of bed. She slipped into the bathroom for a shower, then brushed her teeth and ran a comb through her hair. Stepping out, she found Cruz leaning against the wall. A big grin spread across his face.
    “Good morning, sunshine. You ready for breakfast before we go have some fun?”
    “Yeah, it smells delicious.” Daniella accepted his hand and they made their way to the kitchen. Cruz pulled her chair out and scooted her in after she sat down. He sat next to her.
    Meg came waltzing in and of course, she parked her butt next to Cruz.
    ~~~
    After breakfast, Daniella went to get ready. Cruz popped in, leaning against the doorframe.
    “Hey.”
    “Hey yourself. Are you going to stand there or come in?” Daniella said in a lilting voice.
    Cruz stepped in and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his chin on her shoulder and smiled at her in the mirror.
    “Mm. You smell good.” He pressed his lips against her neck and nibbled his way up to her ear. “If only we were alone right now.”
    “Stop teasing me.” Daniella stepped away from his embrace and glanced at him. A wide grin spread across his lips.
    “Meet me at the boating dock when you're finished. I've got to go take the boat for a quick run and then I'll pick up whoever's ready.”
    “Great. You know, I haven't been on water skis since I was a teen. This ought to be a laugh, but okay, I'll see you shortly.” She gave him a quick peck on the lips and he headed out the door.
    ~~~
    Daniella stepped out of the house in search of Cruz. Warm sand seeped between her toes as she walked toward the lake. Where was he?
    “Daniella! Over here.” Falcon waved his arms. He was just to the east side of the lakeshore, but several feet away from the dock.
    When Daniella reached Falcon, she dropped down beside him on the warm sand and wondered where Meg and Cruz were. The whine of a speedboat caught her attention. Cruz sat in the driver's seat spinning in circles. Meg sat next to him with her hand pressed against his bicep. As Cruz stopped spinning circles and slowed the boat to a mere crawl, Meg jumped up, clapped her hands and plopped herself on Cruz's lap, embracing him and kissing his cheek.
    Daniella was furious. She balled her fists and pressed them into the sand. 
    “Don't worry about