Free Blurring the Lines-nook by Roni Loren Page B

I’d test
     you with something harder to make sure this one over here believes me when I give
     you a clean bill of health.”
    The tension in Burke’s shoulders released. “She’s okay?”
    “Yes.” Dr. Magdalene gave her own thigh a little slap and stood. “She’ll have a headache,
     maybe a little dizziness. And there seems to be some temporary memory loss. There
     were a few questions she struggled with besides the math one.”
    “Like what?”
    “I can’t remember when we planned this trip. Or how we got here,” Gretchen admitted.
    He didn’t like the sound of that. And if she didn’t remember planning the trip, how
     did she remember the agreement they’d made to pretend they were two other people?
     The boyfriend thing had made it seem like she remembered all of it.
    “It’s all pretty normal with a mild concussion. She might not ever remember the plane
     ride, but the rest will probably come back. Just take it easy this evening. No crazy
     activities and don’t go swimming. Other than that, she should be fine to enjoy the
     island. Either of you can check in with me tomorrow morning at the main house if you
     have any questions or concerns.”
    They thanked the doctor, and Burke walked her out.
    He turned back to Gretchen after the door clicked shut. “Maybe we should just hang
     out here. Let you rest. It’s pretty late in the afternoon already.”
    Gretchen set her tea down and stretched her neck. “No way. As nice as this cabana
     is, I don’t want to be cooped up for the rest of the day. I’m sure I can handle walking
     around. We could check out the beach and watch the sunset.”
    “ Cher , I don’t know.”
    But she ignored him, flipping aside the covers and climbing out of the bed. She strolled
     over to him with a smile and poked a finger to his chest. “I do know. The tea is already
     helping my head, and I feel fine otherwise. We’re not going to waste a whole evening.”
    “You’re a bossy thing. You know that?”
    “This is not news. Get your swim trunks on. I can’t go in the water, but I can at
     least enjoy watching you strut around half-naked on the beach.” She rose up on her
     toes and kissed him—kissed him like it was the most natural, casual thing ever, like
     they’d done it a thousand times before. 
    The shock must’ve shown on his face because her grin went wide. He put his hands on
     her shoulders, marveling at the sparkle in her eyes. She was flirting with him? He knew they were here to let go, but he hadn’t expected her to jump in
     with both feet. “Gretch, are you sure that—”
    She rolled her eyes. “Come on, Burke. Too much worrying and not enough action. I don’t
     remember planning the trip, but I know we’re here to have some fun and enjoy ourselves.”
    He cocked his head, eyeing her skeptically. “So you’re all in, huh?”
    “Is there any other way to be on vacation?” Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she
     wrapped her arms around his neck and drew herself closer to him. “Let’s do this.”
    Burke wasn’t quite sure how to handle this version of Gretchen. He remembered this
     side of her—this playful, light-hearted, adventurous side. But he hadn’t seen it in
     years. And she’d definitely never been outright flirtatious with him. Maybe briefly
     before she got together with Harris when they were kids. Definitely not after. But
     he was more than happy to hold up his end of the deal by playing this fantasy out
     to the fullest, if she was game for it.
    She wanted a true escape, and he wanted to be the man to give it to her.
    So he looped his arms around her waist, gave her a kiss, and let himself fall into
     the fantasy with her.
    After all this time, all this wanting, she’d be his.
    At least for a little while.
    He wouldn’t waste another minute.
     
     

 

Chapter 7
    ~Gretchen~
     
    The salty air and the tea proved to be a winning combination. By the time I changed
     into a swimsuit and Burke led me out of our cabana