Free So Many Men... by Dorie Graham Page B

so sure.”
    A devilish light shone in her eyes. She splashed again, liberally wetting herself, this time apparently on purpose. “I had better warn you. This is not a spectator sport.”
    “I don’t know. Looks pretty good to me.” He settled on his haunches. A gull swooped overhead as a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. It was the first week of October. How could it still be so blasted hot?
    She ran her hand across her belly. “Don’t be so sure. Feels even better.”
    The whir of a Jet Ski floated over the breeze. Laughter rose from a cluster of people farther along the beach. The sun beat down on Mason and sparkled off the water all around Tess. He swallowed, his leg muscles cramping. Trailing his fingers in the white sand, he kept his gaze on Tess as she played in the surf.
    “Come on in, Mason.” She gestured to him, her eyes beseeching.
    He shifted to sit in the sand, his throat dry. Maybe he could take his shoes off, cool his feet a little. He removed his loafers and nearly sighed in relief as the air hit his feet.
    “Dip your toes in.” Her smile enticed him. “It’s just water. Nothing to be afraid of.”
    “It isn’t the water that worries me.”
    Still he rolled up his pants, then rose and walked gingerly over the sand, wincing as bits of crushed shell bit into his feet. He stepped into the water, just beyond the shore where the waves ebbed and flowed in a lulling motion.
    “Ah…” The water lapped around his ankles, bathing his feet in refreshing coolness. He wiggled his toes as Tess sloshed toward him.
    “See, you should always listen to me. I know what feels good.” She sidled up beside him, her wet skin glistening in the late afternoon sun.
    “I have no doubts about that.” He leaned away from her. “You’re soaked.”
    “It’s a heavenly release from this humidity.”
    He glanced down at his not-so-crisp shirt. The afternoon had taken a toll on his clothes. Never had he sported more wrinkles.
    Laughing, Tess turned, then dove into the deeper water, submerging for several long strokes. Mason shook his head. The woman meant to wreak havoc with a lifetime of precise conditioning.
    If his uncles could see him now…
    He stared longingly after her as she floated on her back, a smile of pure satisfaction on her lips. Sweat rolled down his forehead. He stepped in farther. “Oh, the hell with it.”
    He dove after her. With blissful relief the surf closed over him. He pulled himself through the water with long strokes, coming up beside her as she treaded water.
    She splashed him. “You’re swimming in your clothes, Mason. There’s hope for you yet.”
    He laughed. It felt good. Really good. When was the last time he’d laughed like this? A strange euphoria filled him. “Maybe you’re not such a bad influence after all.”
    “Me? A bad influence?” She kicked closer to him, until the warmth of her body flowed over him. Her lips hovered just beneath his. “Never.”
    His gaze fastened on her mouth. He swayed closerto her. Laughter from a group up the beach grew louder as some of the party moved in their direction.
    “Maybe we should head out of here.” He pushed away from her, toward the shore.
    A seductive smile curved her lips. “But you were going to kiss me.”
    “Was I?”
    “Yes, you were. I saw it in your eyes.” She tilted her head in a familiar gesture. “What’s wrong? Too stuffy to kiss me in public?”
    “Just prefer some privacy. There’s a time and place for everything. When I kiss you again, I intend to enjoy the hell out of it. Besides, kissing you tends to lead to other pursuits definitely not suited for public.”
    Her eyes widened as she followed him. “I’m sure there are certain ways we can be discreet in public.”
    He laughed and she frowned at him as she stepped from the water. “What’s so funny?”
    “You are many things, but I hardly see how you can be discreet. You’re the kind of woman who draws every eye when she walks into a