Free Hunter's Bride and A Mother's Wish by Marta Perry

hated sounding defensive. Why shouldn’t she believe that if she wanted to? “But the same pod does come back year after year. They belong here just as much as we do.”
    â€œMaybe you’re right—”
    His voice had softened, as if he realized it was important to her. As if he cared that it was important to her.
    â€œBut it looks as if they’re done showing off for us today.”
    She nodded, watching the silver arcs disappear toward open ocean. “They’re probably heading farther out to feed. And I don’t suppose you want to go out after them….”
    â€œI’ll have to get a lot better before I want to chase down dolphins in this thing.” Luke picked up his paddle. “But I’m willing to practice.”
    â€œOkay.” She dipped into the water. “Let’s head for the buoy. You’ll be able to see that tract of land near the yacht club from there.”
    He nodded, adjusting his movement to hers, and in a second they were paddling in unison. Luke’s stroke picked up speed, sending the kayak flying across the water.
    â€œAre we racing?” she asked, meeting his speed.
    He turned his head again to smile at her, and this time the pure enjoyment in his face set her nerves vibrating.
    â€œToo bad we don’t have anyone to race.”
    â€œDon’t you mean anyone to beat?” she asked.
    He shrugged. “That’s the same thing, isn’t it?”
    Maybe to him, it was. His question resonated, disturbing her pleasure in the moment. Luke excelled in competition, and she’d gotten used to that over the past few years. It seemed natural back in their business world. Here his competitiveness struck a jarring note, reminding her of the differences between them.
    â€œThere’s the yacht club—” She pointed. “Uncle Jeff owns the land that adjoins it.”
    Luke shaded his eyes. “Is it up for sale?”
    â€œI’d guess anything Uncle Jeff owns is up for sale, if the price is right.” She heard the censure in her words and regretted it. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
    â€œWhy?”
    Luke sent a puzzled look over his shoulder, and she realized he hadn’t even reacted to the family problem that weighed on her. This was business. And theirs was a business relationship, nothing more.
    â€œNever mind. Let’s take a break.” She shifted her weight, turning the craft toward shore. “We’d best put some more sunscreen on before we get burned.”
    They rode the waves to shore, then dragged the kayak onto the sand. Chloe dropped to the beach towel she’d spread out and dug in her bag for the bottle of sunscreen. She tossed it to Luke.
    â€œSo, what did you think?” She nodded toward the kayak. “Think you could get to like kayaking?”
    â€œNot bad.” Luke rubbed lotion vigorously on his neck and shoulders. “Not bad at all.” He held out the bottle to her. “Thanks, Chloe. I’m glad you pushed me into it, even if you were just trying to pay me back.”
    She smoothed the lotion along her legs, watching the movement of her hand so she didn’t have to look at him. “I can’t imagine what you’re talking about.”
    He grinned. “Chloe Elizabeth, your grandmother would be ashamed of you, telling such a big fib.”
    The tension she had been feeling slipped away in the warmth of his smile. She leaned back on her elbows, lifting her face to the sun, and closed her eyes. Couldn’t she just enjoy the moment and forget about why they were here together?
    â€œTell me something, Chloe.”
    She opened her eyes. “What?”
    Frown lines laced between Luke’s brows. “Your father and his brother—what’s going on there?”
    No, it looked as if she couldn’t just enjoy the moment. It was her own fault for mentioning Uncle Jeff. She might try telling Luke another one of