Free Tied To You by Kit Tunstall, Kit Kyndall Page A

the deck lights. “It is, isn’t it? The view is outstanding.”
    I didn’t think I was imagining that his eyes remained centered on me, but I couldn’t afford to indulge the impulse to surrender to the desire the idea stirred in me. It wouldn’t take much to get me worked up, and if I got turned on again just to get shut down, I might end up doing something embarrassing, like throwing a hissy fit.
    “This is very peaceful.” It was an asinine comment, but it was also true. Out here on the water, with a few other boats visible in the harbor but none too close, it seemed almost like it was just the two of us. The chef was below deck, so we were enjoying a moonlit dinner on the ocean alone. It was beautifully romantic, and I would have embraced the setup joyfully if I was certain it would culminate with the two of us entwined in a sweaty heap on the bed that had to be below deck somewhere.
    “How are you feeling today?”
    I toyed with my water glass as I debated how honest to be. I had a feeling if I blurted out I’d been horny as hell, he’d either jump me or run away. Instead, I settled for saying, “I’ve been doing well. I haven’t had any nausea or anything today, and my appetite seems to be stabilizing. I can actually eat food now throughout the day, and I don’t have to shovel it in or barely pick at it.”
    He looked relieved. “I’m glad to hear it. Since you’re feeling better now, I thought you might be up to attending a garden party this weekend.”
    I formed fists with my hands to hide the rush of panic. “What’s a garden party?” Despite having grown up in a wealthy household, and being subjected to a few of the Chastain parties, I hadn’t really enjoyed an active social life. Partly, that had been my choice, because I hadn’t had any interest in that scene, but also because Wayne had maneuvered it so I was almost always left out. My mother had never seemed to notice, or perhaps she just hadn’t wanted to see, but I had accepted early on that Wayne didn’t want me to be seen as part of their family, and I had started to duck away on my own initiative.
    “It’s an afternoon gathering held outdoors. One of the judges in the area is hosting the party, so I thought we might attend.”
    It was a business-related venture. I relaxed and nodded. “I’d be happy to go with you.”
    “Are you ready for dessert?”
    Summoning my courage, I leaned forward and slowly ran my tongue over my lower lip. “It depends on what you’re offering for dessert?”
    His eyes widened, and he looked a bit like a rabbit caught in headlights. “Um…I think…chocolate mousse?”
    I shook my head and leaned back in my chair. “I’m afraid that doesn’t appeal to me.” I let a little of the heat bubbling inside show in my gaze.
    He swallowed audibly. “There’s probably some ice cream or something.”
    I licked my lips again and slowly uncrossed my legs, knowing I wasn’t revealing my panties or anything, but indicating with my body language exactly what I wanted. “I think the only thing I’m in the mood for right now is you.”
    Mykael looked haunted for a moment, and then his expression closed. “That’s not a good idea.”
    I sighed, having expected that answer, though I still felt crushed. At least now I knew. “I think you should take me home then, Mykael. I won’t be joining you tomorrow as your guest either.”
    He frowned at me. “Are you pouting now?”
    I glared at him. “I’m not pouting.” Okay, maybe just a little bit, but mostly I was just hurt and upset. “We’re supposed to be dating to see if this could go anywhere, but since there’s no physical attraction, I don’t see how it could end up anywhere besides friendship. As friends, we can still raise our baby, but we don’t have to socialize together or continue with this farce.”
    His lips tightened, and he leaned forward, his eyes broadcasting a challenge. “You’re not attracted to me?”
    I rolled my eyes. “No, you