Free Island Fever by Shelli Stevens Page B

was.
    Not as bulky or blonde like the surfer, but handsome in another way and clearly leaned more on the brains more than the brawns. Though he had both.
    “Why don’t we go get some ice on it?” He slid an arm around her waist and helped her stand.
    “Okay.” The tingles spread to her waist. When was the last time she’d been so aware of guy’s touch? Had she ever?
    “Unless,” Asher paused. “Were you meeting someone?”
    Melanie thought briefly of the surfer and flushed again. Best not to bring up that moment of insanity.
    “No. I’m...no. Ice would probably great.”
    He gave her that smile again, and everything inside her turned liquid. With Asher supporting her, they moved slowly across the beach.
    His hand rested on the side of her waist, lightly touching the bare patch between her sarong and bikini top, and burning the flesh underneath. She stumbled and his hand slid up her ribcage to just beneath her breast. Knowing how close his fingers were to the sensitive spots, her nipples tightened under her bikini top.
    He glanced down at her. “How are you holding up?”
    Asher’s gaze went from her face to the swell of her breasts. His eyes became an even darker shade of chocolate, and she had no doubt that he’d noticed her hardened nipples. Should’ve been embarrassing, but he didn’t look uncomfortable. He looked... more than a little interested. Maybe even effected.
    “I’m okay.” She cleared her throat. “You know, my room’s pretty close if you want to just drop me off there.”
    He helped her through the lobby. “What’s the room number?”
    Melanie told him. If she were sensible, she’d just let him drop her off and go. If she were to keep her bargain with Piper, she’d try and convince him to stay.
    “What do you do for a living, Melanie?”
    “I just graduated with an Art degree and am about to start looking for a job. Hope to teach at the middle school level.”
    “Really? I’m impressed.” A small smile tipped his sexy lips. “Do you have your key?”
    She blinked. They were already standing outside her room and she was just chatting away.
    See what this guy does to your head ?
    “Oh, right. Hold on.” She grabbed the key card out of her wristlet purse and slid it into the lock.
    Asher opened the door and went inside first, flipping on the lights.
    “Thanks.” Melanie hobbled in after him. Now was the moment he either left her or...
    “I’ll go grab some ice.” He snatched the ice bucket, took the key from her fingers, and then headed for the door. “Why don’t you sit down and stay off your foot?”
    “Will do.”
    Watching him leave, Melanie realized he had a fabulous ass. Hmm. Had she actually diminished the importance of a great ass to Piper? She must’ve been drunk. Only she hadn’t been. Maybe she was just loopy from the pain right now.
    Melanie hobbled over to the bed and fell backwards onto it, throwing her arms above her head. She thought about sitting up, but the combination of a fruity alcoholic drink and a throbbing ankle made horizontal a much more appealing position.
    A moment later the door clicked open. “Here’s your—wow.”
    He came over to the bed, his feet barely making a sound on the plush carpet, and sat down beside her.
    Maybe she should’ve sat up. Tried not to look like she was offering herself up like a buffet. But she couldn’t regret it as his gaze traveled over her body like a caress. A sensual caress that made all the tiny hairs rise on her body.
    “You look like a sacrifice to the gods,” he murmured, his voice a bit thick.
    She gave a throaty laugh. “Sounds kinky.”
    Asher dropped his gaze, clearly struggling to stay in Good Samaritan/doctor mode, as he wrapped a few pieces of ice in a towel, and then set it against her ankle. He was going to be a great doctor. He had a gentle touch, and a friendliness that put strangers completely at ease.
    The women patients would love him. She narrowed her eyes and moved her gaze to his