Free Seaside Seduction by Sabrina Devonshire Page A

of her bare back. “Being with you like this was so amazing.”
    “It was wonderful. It was worth the near drowning experience to spend a night with you.”
    One night. Just the thought sent a stab of pain into my chest. “I’d like to give you many more nights like this if you’re up to it.”
    “I think I might be able to bear it.” She nestled deeper into my arms.
    My arms, legs and even my toes entwined themselves around her limbs. Lightning flickered in the distance, and a breeze brushed over my body. “I think another storm’s moving in—we better get back to the house.”
    I stood and reached for her hand, helping her to her feet. We leaned on the rocks and helped each other brush sand off of our bodies before dressing. I took hold of her hand, and we walked back to the house laughing like the carefree new lovers we’d just become.
     
    * * *
     
    Thunder rumbled as we walked down the hallway toward the bedroom. As I turned toward Selena, another flash of lightning illuminated her face. “Would you like to sleep in my bed tonight?”
    Her voice came out a seductive whisper. “Yes, Nicholas, I would.”
    After a shower, we nestled together in bed. Her breathing eased, and hours after she fell asleep, I continued to lay awake, wondering if the man from Selena’s nightmare lurked outside watching and waiting. Lightning flickered through the window, and rain pelted the glass.
    While Selena had brushed her teeth in the bathroom earlier, I’d hidden the gun under the mattress. If he comes, I’ll be ready.

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    Selena’s soft curls tickled my arm, awakening me. I opened my eyes and unfamiliar warmth erupted inside my chest as I gazed at her sleeping feminine form. The tips of her hair, illuminated by morning sunlight, glowed gold. I skimmed my hand over her tresses. Her eyelids closed, her red lips were turned up in a smile as if she was thinking about something sensual. Making love to me, I hope.
    I didn’t want to wake her, so I continued staring at her, daydreaming about how it would feel to awaken beside her in bed every morning. I felt a stab of pain inside, when I realized my desires were impractical.
    My career-oriented lifestyle didn’t allow for days off and out of control emotions. And Selena had her own life in a different city. There would be no happy ending for us.
    Apparently, she sensed the intensity of my thoughts and my gaze, because she raised her head and opened her amber eyes, her brows drawing together. Her voice came out deep, husky, and just awakened seductive. “What is it? I can sense you’re thinking about something intense.”
    “Nothing. You’re just so beautiful, that’s all.”
    She rolled over on her side and threaded her hands through my hair. “You look upset.”
    “I’m not upset at all, I was just thinking.” I traced a finger over her cheek, aching to make love to her all over again. But I regretted having let the relationship advance to the bedroom. I could handle the hurt of saying goodbye. At least I think I can. But what about her?
    “About what? You’re not comfortable here with me…like this.”
    “In some ways, no. I feel like I let my attraction to you get out of control. I was supposed to take care of you, not this...”
    She brushed her fingertips over the ridges of my chest. “But what happened was mutual, we both wanted it. What are you so afraid of?”
    Mostly, these new emotions scared me. I enjoyed being with her so much; it had almost become a need. “That you’ll want something from me I can’t give. My work schedule just doesn’t leave much room for a relationship.”
    “Don’t worry, I’m not expecting anything lasting. I make it a point to avoid attachments. Once you care for people…” She became too choked up with emotion to finish. A tear slid from the corner of one eye, and she turned her head away.
    I pushed up on an elbow and turned her head in my direction, wiping the tears from her eyes. “It doesn’t