Free One Tough Cookie by E. C. Sheedy Page B

informative—evening.

 
     
    Chapter 5

     
    It was closer to nine by the time Willy made it back to the condo. Taylor was beginning to think she wouldn't show up at all when she breezed in, hair a shambles and wearing the ever-present cotton drawstring pants and T-shirt.
    "Sorry," she said, not looking it in the least. "Give me fifteen minutes."
    "Show me a woman who can be ready in fifteen minutes and I'll marry her," Taylor answered wryly.
    "Given that prospect, I'll take twenty." She grabbed her backpack and heading for the bathroom.
    Damn. Wrong words—again. "Can we have a truce for a couple of hours?" he said. "It seems to me if we both reined in our tongues, there's at least a chance we'll have a pleasant evening. What do you say?"
    "I'd say good idea. Besides, if you keep irritating me, there's no way you're going to get me into bed. Right?"
    Taylor couldn't help the smile that softened his mouth. "True. And I do have my reputation to uphold."
    "Reputation? Oh, yes. Dan did tell me you were quite the ladies' man." She gave him a look as though she could scarcely believe it and continued on her way to the bathroom. This time she didn't slam the door.
    He'd take that as good omen.
    When he heard the shower, he settled in for a long wait. He glanced at his watch. Ten to nine.
    Eighteen minutes later Willy opened the bathroom door and, accompanied by a steamy mist from her shower, stepped into the room.
    She looked spectacular. Taylor was stunned that a woman could dive into a battered backpack and come out looking like the cover of a fashion magazine. Her blond hair was pulled straight back from her face into a long braid, and her body was sheathed in some stretchy black material that caressed every curve before stopping mid-thigh. And while the long sleeves and square neckline were demure and sophisticated, the designer had skipped the back altogether, letting the dress end in a sharp vee at the waist. He couldn't take his eyes off her. She gave him a cocky stare and reached for a tiny gold bag on a long, slender chain.
    "That came out of your backpack?" he said.
    She smoothed it over her hips and looked at him. "When you move around like I do, you learn to travel light. This thing doesn't take much room. It's practical."
    "Hm-m." Sexy, more like it.
    "Surprised, aren't you?" she said. "Didn't think I could make it? Seventeen minutes should be just enough to save me from marriage. Think?" She was fastening gold hoops to her ears.
    "It was eighteen, and you're right, I'm surprised—and impressed. You look great."
    "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself." She looked approvingly at his navy slacks and frost blue shirt. "Ready to go?" She bent down to slip on some strappy sandals, and the dress fell away to expose a bare shoulder. "I'd rather walk than take the car if it's okay with you."
    "Fine." He coughed to clear his throat and pulled his gaze from her shoulder, where it seemed to have taken root. Her golden tan skin had the gleam of rich satin. "Walking's fine," he muttered.
    She pulled the dress back into position. "You sound funny, Taylor. Is your throat still bothering you? Maybe you should take another pill."
    "My throat's fine. Just some leftover roughness. Shall we go? We'll be late for dinner as it is."
    Willy settled the chain of her bag on her shoulder. "Not likely. If you want to be late for dinner in Spain, you'd have to arrive at midnight. They won't start serving until ten at least."
    * * *
    They walked first in silence, adding words slowly as the dark background of condos and side streets gradually gave way to the casino and restaurant crowds jamming the elegant port. It was a soft, shimmery night, and the moon sat proudly in the night sky, a glittering satellite dominating its more distant cousins. Puerto Banus was alive with people. Music danced from the clubs, and the outdoor restaurants were bright with laughter and conversation.
    When they reached the docking area, they turned right to walk