Free Barefoot Bay: Castle in the Sand (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Jeannie Moon Page B

you.”
    “Take me to bed, Anton.”
    “Josie, it’s too soon. And you had a harrowing experience today.”
    “I miss you.”
    “ Mon Dieu. You’re tempting, but I’ve been here just a week. You were angry with me for a long time, and today has been emotional.” She rested her head on his shoulder, hating how he made sense. “I want you more than you can know, but I need you to go into this with a clear head.”
    “Pssht. You’re so damn honorable.”
    “If I weren’t, you’d have nothing to do with me. Today, when I said you weren’t a convenience, I meant it.”
    “I’m sorry I said that.”
    “Don’t be sorry, there had to be something behind it. And I made so many mistakes with you. I’m not making them again.”
    As he lifted her into his arms, Josie could see he was still at odds with himself. His heart was warring with his head, and this time Josie was hoping his heart won the battle.
    But in spite of his hesitation, Anton carried her to her bed, setting her gently on the soft mattress. Josie heard her own sigh when he stretched out next to her, pulled her close, and drew the coverlet over them.
    “Are you staying?”
    “At least until you’re asleep.”
    There was safety with him. Strange, since he was such a risk to Josie’s heart, but she felt safe nonetheless. “I missed this,” she murmured. “Falling asleep with you.”
    “I have, too. We have a couple of weeks together, if we want them.”
    “I do.” Snuggling in, Josie relaxed against his warm, strong body. It didn’t take long for the fuzzy feel of sleep to settle over her. This was how it always was with him. She was content, her mind quiet.
    For the moment, as long as it lasted, Josie would take it.

 
     
    Chapter Six
     
    Tony woke with a raging erection. If he had any chance of keeping his promise to himself, and give Josie some space, he had to get out of bed. Put some distance between himself and the woman who put him in this condition.
    Bright sun streamed in the windows, allowing him to see the beach, which was calm and quiet. Very different from the scene yesterday. Lucky was lying at the end of the bed, watching his every move as he scooted a little closer to Josie’s feet. She and the little dog had formed a quick bond, probably because they were both scared to death during the rescue.
    He hadn’t been able to get Josie’s recounting of the events out of his head. The only thing that helped him sleep after hearing her say she was truly frightened she might not make it back to the beach, was to hold onto her all night. Which is exactly what he did.
    Once she was settled in her bed, Tony wrapped his arms around her, allowing her scent to calm him. It was the only way. The thought of losing her chilled him to the bone.
    And it made him think about every single decision he’d made regarding her.
    Talk about a wake-up call. All he wanted to do was protect her, keep her safe. He had the stupid idea of chartering a jet and taking her someplace where they could be completely alone. Of course, that would more than likely piss her off and get him a one-way ticket back to Europe. No, Josie didn’t need him to control her life; she needed someone who would love her, stand by her.
    That was all.
    Leaning over, Tony dropped a kiss on her soft cheek. “I’m going out for a run,” he whispered.
    She nodded and murmured something incoherent, but it was the smile that teased at her lips that made him realize he could get used to seeing that little grin every day for the rest of his life.
    Heading out of the house, he looked up and down the beach. There were a few neighbors out picking up debris, including an elegant older lady at the house next door. Leena Vandenburg. He’d heard all about her. Her house was similar in design to Josie’s, but it had a more ornate lanai and lush landscaping with tropical flowers everywhere. She turned when she caught sight of him, and the look on her face was half smirk, half glare. This was a