CHAPTER FOUR
The next afternoon, Ice stood next to Bailey in the fitness center and mentally kicked himself in the ass for thinking that bargaining with her would be a good idea. Salsa for swimming. Right.
Dressed in a bright blue bikini and a pair of silver heels, she taunted him without saying a word. No, her firm, creamy breasts, slim hips, and heart-shaped ass said it all, leaving him absolutely tongue-tied. He had opted for jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers, a good choice, in his opinion. At least the denim would somewhat camouflage his hard-on.
Tianna Olander stood at the front of the room, not really helping matters at all. The tall, shapely blonde also wore a bikini – bright neon pink – with a pair of matching heels. In fact, from his first earlier glance around the room, there was a whole lot of tanned, female flesh on display. Even more irritating, Tianna’s husband, Gus, stood next to her with his gaze clearly directed at her, not the other women in the room. He groaned. He wasn’t a total hound, but he was a normal, hot-blooded male. At least the class only lasted an hour.
“Good morning!”
Much to his relief, Tianna finally opened the class. The sooner it started, the sooner it would end.
“I’m Tianna Olander and this is my husband, Gus. Welcome to Salsa dancing! Rather than using our time to learn a few basic steps, by the end of class today you will have learned how to dance a complete, basic Salsa routine.”
A shiver of anticipation climbed his spine. Fear of the unknown always made him edgy.
“Let’s begin by getting into position. For this particular routine, men will stand behind the ladies with both hands on her hips.”
Ice followed instructions and took his place behind Bailey with his eyes now glued to her ass. He knew absolutely nothing about Salsa, but if this was part of the lesson, he would pass with flying colors.
“Now,” Tianna continued, “as soon as I play the music, you will both take a step forward on your left foot and then back, and then take a step forward on your right foot and then back. Gentlemen, exert a slight push on her hip with each forward step.”
Tianna pressed a small remote and the music began to play. Gus took his place behind his wife.
“First us, then each of you,” she said over the music.
He peeled his eyes off Bailey’s backside long enough to watch the couple move. And actually, it didn’t look too complicated.
“Okay, now let’s do it together.”
Two steps later, he began to feel like he might actually pull this off.
“Excellent!” Tianna stopped the music. “Since Salsa is a very sensual dance, we’re going to throw in some hip action.”
Again, Tianna and Gus demonstrated the simple but extremely taunting moves and then gave the order for everyone else to follow along. As the class progressed, he tried unsuccessfully to ignore how extremely turned-on he was by holding Bailey in his arms while her hips brushed his groin and her breasts beckoned his touch every time she thrust them at him. Every flick of her wrist and wiggle of her hips made her naughty little tease damn near unbearable. His cock was severely pissed off for being excluded from the action and by the time they completed the routine, he was ready to throw her down and show her some very impressive horizontal moves.
“Let’s take a short break,” Tianna said finally, “and then we’ll put it all together.”
Ice nearly sprinted across the room to fall at the other woman’s feet in gratitude. Thank God, a break from the incredible sexually-charged activity.
He led Bailey and her scantily-clad body to one side of the room and braced himself on one hip against the wall. She mirrored his position in front of him.
“Having fun?”
He nodded as he bit back his honest response and issued one that was as close as he could get without being vulgar. “It’s not as bad as I thought.”
“You have some pretty smooth moves.”
Maybe. Or maybe she simply inspired him. Pure lust pushed him to answer honestly this time. “You were definitely built for this dance, Bailey.”
“Thank you.” She gave him a sexy smile. “But, I think it’s my partner.”
He glanced across the room at Tianna and Gus, who stood talking to guests in quiet conversation, and then back at her. “Were they married before the resort opened?”
“Tianna and Gus?”
He nodded.
“Yes. They worked on a cruise ship before coming to the Regency.”
“I see quite a few of the mail wait staff here this morning.”
“Most of Tianna’s students are women and since men are usually reluctant, someone always needs a partner.”
He mentally grinned. This morning, he, too, had been reluctant. Not so much now.
She lowered her voice. “As far as I can tell, no one seems to be concerned about Jack’s murder.”
“Other than the staff, I doubt too many of these people know. The incident happened at twelve-thirty a.m. and the Deckers left immediately afterward. Add that to the fact that Santana is persistent about keeping it quiet, and it’s like it never happened.”
“Do you want to skip class so we can mingle somewhere else while we investigate?”
“Absolutely not. I just learned to Salsa and I’m not leaving until I practice my skills.”
Tianna must’ve read his mind when she summoned them back to the action. “Okay, everyone, let’s dance!”
He didn’t hesitate to grab Bailey’s hand and follow orders.
Bailey stood in front of Ice on the dance floor while the warmth of his hands on her hips caused delicious goosebumps to dance on her skin. Once the music began to play and she began to move her body in the way she’d been taught, the heat generated between them threatened to devour the room. Her hips moved seemingly on their own as if they sought direct contact with him, swiveling in an effort to brush against the part of him she wanted most.
He spun her to face him and her gaze met his, hot and hungry. Encouraged by his blatant desire, she issued another tease by dragging her tongue across her bottom lip while she lifted one side of her hair and rotated her hips.
His appearance was definitely one of severe concentration. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, his gaze still locked securely to hers. Tiny sweat droplets clung to his forehead and his fingers pressed tightly against her hipbones. She moved her gaze downward, desperate for temporary relief from the magnetic torture. His chest rose and fell rapidly with the tempo of his breathing while his abdominals tightened with the movement of his hips. And between his legs, evidence that he clearly wanted her only made the flames cackle louder. Wanton need tightened her breasts and caused her thighs to tingle.
Ice spun her again while she attempted to process the attraction between them. Was Salsa really that stimulating? Were they simply caught up in the sexy tease of the movement? She flicked her wrist in time to the music as instructed, the action also dismissing her thoughts. Salsa was definitely stimulating, but the chemistry between the two of them was not caused by the music or the motion – pure, unadulterated desire was to blame.
She nearly screamed when the music finally ended and her body pressed his – screamed because now she had no excuse to wallow in his arms and bake in the unmistakable heat between them, and because stripping him naked and seducing him in Salsa class was totally inappropriate.
Instead, she released a slow breath to quieten her raging hormones and stepped back.
“How about a drink?”
He smirked. “Sure, but it won’t help.”
“No?”
“No.” He stepped forward and tipped her chin with a finger. “You and I both know exactly what will extinguish this fire. Until that happens, we’ll burn alive.”
She opened her mouth to suggest they talk more about stoking the fire and then closed it when Tianna rushed over.
“Nice job, you two! I’m impressed!”
Her cheeks warmed. “You’re a wonderful teacher, Tianna.”
“No, that was all chemistry.” The other woman dismissed her with a wave of her hand. “I wondered, though, if I might ask you for a favor?”
“Sure.”
“I need to set up the ballroom for the dance tomorrow night. Would you mind teaching yoga on the beach this afternoon?”
“Do you think I’m qualified?”
“Of course! You have beautiful form. Besides, it’s a beginner’s class and you’re overly qualified.”
She glanced at Ice. “Do you mind?”
“Not at all. I’m going to hit the gym and the pool.” He leaned down and pecked her lips. “Go, have fun but watch your surroundings.”
She nodded. “I’ll meet you in the suite before dinner.”
***
In the evening twilight, Diesel sat behind the steering wheel of his truck, protected from detection by the severely-tinted windows, and waited for the sky to darken. He moved his gaze around the area, quiet and still at the evening hour, while he took mental inventory of the surroundings. The sidewalks were clear, the palm trees swayed with a light breeze, and light poured from the living room window of the house in front of which he parked. He reached for the binoculars on the seat beside him, lifted them to his eyes, and focused on the front bay window. Although she’d drawn the curtains, she had left them open enough to see inside.
From his position, he could see the female occupant stretched out on the sofa while the tv flickered in front of her. He moved the binoculars to the wall behind her, encouraged to see the solid red light of the alarm, indicating she was adequately secured for the night. He lowered the binoculars, inhaled, and then released a long breath. Everything and everyone appeared to be in place for the night. He smirked and shook his head. He felt like a voyeur, spying on her like this, but it was part of the job. He’d agreed to keep an eye on her and that’s what he intended to do.
With his naked eye, he watched as she left the sofa and approached the window. Although he knew she couldn’t see him in the dark confines of his vehicle, he couldn’t help but lean back against the seat and attempt to blend. Damn, she had an impressive silhouette.
Dressed in tight, dark pants and a tank top, her slender body boasted curves that went on for days, complete with nicely tight thighs that he sincerely appreciated. Her facial features appeared flawless, in his opinion, and he wondered why she’d chosen to put her designs in front of the camera instead of her body. He shook his head. Trista Anderson was an insanely attractive woman but he wasn’t here to ogle her, just check on her. He lifted his wrist to check his watch. Eight o’clock p.m. Surely she was in for the night.
She finally did as he expected and left the window, granting him a bird’s eye view of her nice, round ass in the process. He groaned. Since when had surveillance become so frustrating?
Now both annoyingly aroused and assured she was safe for the night, he pushed the ignition button to start the engine. There were plenty of reports waiting for him back at the compound to take his mind off Trista and her beautiful body. He purposely left the truck lights off as he placed his foot on the accelerator and prepared to leave the curb. He had just turned the wheel when flashing red and blue lights caught his attention in the sideview mirror.
Trista tucked herself deeply into Bailey’s living room coat closet while her whole body shook. She took several deep breaths in order to calm her nerves enough to relay information to the police operator on the other end of her cell phone.
“Yes, I see the lights now.”
“An officer will contact you as soon as he makes contact with the suspect. Please stay in the house with your doors secured,” the dispatcher told her.
“Okay, thank you very much.”
She disconnected the call, left the closet, and returned to the window, somewhat relaxed when the red and blue lights brightened the darkness. Although she didn’t know for sure that someone occupied the truck parked at the curb, she knew for absolute sure that the vehicle did not belong there and it hadn’t moved in the last thirty minutes.
A wave of anxiety rolled over her. She had planned the trip to Hummingbird Bay to give her anxiety a break. Maybe it was time to cut her vacation short and return to New York City; blending into a crowd was much easier there and it had worked this far.
The sound of the doorbell interrupted her thought process and brought it back around to the issue at hand. She reached for the door handle and then drew it back. Grinning, she turned to the alarm keypad and pushed buttons until the red light turned green. She opened the door to find a uniformed officer on the welcome mat.
“Good evening, ma’am. We received a report of a disturbance.”
She nodded. “The black truck parked at the curb concerns me. It doesn’t belong there and it hasn’t moved for the last thirty minutes.”
“I’ve made contact with the driver. He says he’s been hired to provide personal security for you.”
She frowned. “I didn’t hire anyone. Did you get his name?”
“Yes, ma’am. I know him personally. His name is Cason Clark, but he says you know him as Diesel.”
Her eyes widened in both shock and relief. “Diesel is parked outside, scaring the holy living daylights out of me?”
“Uh, yes ma’am. Would you like to speak to him?”
“You bet I would.” And he better hope that speaking was all she did to him.
The policeman nodded. “I’ll send him inside.”
“That won’t be necessary, Cooper.”
Diesel stepped out of the shadows and into the light cast by the lamp mounted just over the door. “I can take it from here.”
“Will you be okay, ma’am?” The officer winced as he glanced at Diesel. “Sorry, I have to ask.”
Diesel shrugged as if he wasn’t bothered.
“I’ll be fine,” she answered.
The policeman nodded and left the porch.
“Are you crazy?” she hissed. “You scared the life out of me!”
He stepped toward her while he gestured at the door. “Inside.”
“What makes you so sure I’ll let you in?”
“You will.”
He barreled right past her, closed the door, turned to face her, and then crossed his arms over his chest.
“What’s got you so spooked?”
“You! Well, not you exactly, but I had no idea that you were the person inside the truck.”
“I came by to make sure you were locked down for the night.”
“And you couldn’t have called?”
“I don’t have your number.”
For some reason, the digits left her mouth before she could stop them.
He nodded. “Got it.”
“Diesel,” she groaned. “Other than the heart attack you nearly gave me, I’m fine. Really.”
He cocked his head to one side. “Why were you in the closet?”
She frowned. “I wasn’t in the closet.”
“Yes, you were.”
“What are you, a human lie detector?”
“No, the door is open.”
“Maybe I hung a coat.”
“It’s summer.”
“Okay, I was in the closet when I made the phone call. I had no idea who was outside so I decided to hide.” She folded her arms to match his position. “Now that you’ve solved the closet mystery and see for yourself that I’m safe, I’m sure you’d like to get back to your evening.”
“Sure you don’t need me to stay?”
“Positive.”
He lowered his arms and took one last look around the room before he turned and reached for the doorknob. “Do you want to set the alarm or do you want me to set it from the truck?”
“I will.”
“I’ll wait outside on the porch until you do.” With another slight nod, he left the house and closed the door behind him.
Just to spite him, she began to count a full ten seconds before moving to set the alarm. Five Mississippi’s into it, he interrupted.
“The alarm, Trista,” he growled.
She rolled her eyes. Good grief, was he counting too? She released a hard breath as she stepped to the keypad and stabbed numbers. As soon as the red light blinked at her, she turned off the lamp and headed to the bedroom with a new realization. The security system would keep her safe from things lurking in the night, but nothing could save her from Diesel.
***
In the warm darkness, Bailey crept around the cement edge of the pool, careful to keep a safe distance between her and the water. Annoyance creased her brow. If she weren’t such a scaredy cat, the water could provide relief from the agonizing heat generated between her and Ice – temporarily at least. She agreed wholeheartedly when he said only one thing would extinguish it and she had no idea why they hadn’t given in. Murder may have something to do with it.
The nagging feeling of why someone killed Jack continued to plague her and the most obvious explanation she could come up with was that the man had seen something he shouldn’t. After all, his job was to monitor the safety of the resort. If he didn’t attempt to question someone’s motive, why else would he have been murdered?
She bit her bottom lip and moved back into the shadows of the trees around the lounge chairs. Ice said his background was clean, which didn’t surprise her. Jack had a license to carry a firearm, of course he wasn’t a criminal. Besides, because of the caliber of guests the resort hosted, he had been thoroughly investigated.
A light breeze moved her hair over her bare shoulders, causing goosebumps to dance on her skin. She had the distinct feeling that Jack had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Suddenly, her revelation caused her to second guess her decision to leave the suite and investigate.
She moved her gaze around the area and then out onto the moonlit waves of the ocean. The rhythmic slosh of the water against the shoreline lulled her into a warm sense of security, one she thought she might like to embrace. It was truly a beautiful, serene sight – too bad she was too chicken to experience it more closely.
The sounds of voices moved her gaze from the ocean and back toward the door leading outside to the pool. A man and woman left the resort and walked down the path to the pool. Instinct pushed her to move even further back into the trees where she could escape detection, hopeful the couple hadn’t planned on a late-night swim.
Tucked into the cover of the foliage, she took a deep breath, released it, and settled in to remain undetected until a low, husky voice broke the silence.
“If you wanted to take a moonlight stroll, all you had to do was ask.”
Normally, she would’ve screamed bloody murder at the sudden intrusion, but this time – thank Jesus – she recognized the voice immediately. She still felt fear, just not for her life.
Slowly, she turned to find Ice behind her with one hip braced against the nearest tree trunk. Obviously, he left the suite quickly because somewhere along the way he forgot to button his shirt. Moonlight crept through the darkness and cast a spotlight on those incredibly awesome abdominals.
She cleared her throat and attempted to reel in her hormones. “I wasn’t taking a stroll.”
“You left to get wine,” he reminded her.
She nodded, amused by his accusation. She was perfectly aware he saw right through her excuse, she just had no intention of admitting anything until absolutely necessary.
As usual, he continued his interrogation. Except this time, he stepped closer and placed his hands on her hips. “That’s funny, because we have a stocked wine refrigerator in our suite.”
Her stomach muscles fluttered when his thumbs made lazy circles on her hipbones. Oh geez, the man played dirty.
“So, I didn’t exactly plan to get wine,” she admitted.
He chuckled and her thighs tightened. That arrogant, masculine noise was like truth serum and her explanation fell from her lips.
“I came out to see if I could see anything.”
“And here I thought you lured me out here to go skinny dipping,” he drawled.
“I don’t swim, remember?”
“But I’m an expert.” He pressed her against him and then his lips moved the hair over her ear as he spoke. “I could teach you.”
Lured by the strength of his body, she allowed herself to relax against him and tossed the idea from side to side in her muddled brain. After all, her body screamed a very loud yes, and her brain already stripped him stark naked.
His arms moved from her hips to wrap her lower back and a sense of security enveloped her like a cozy blanket. With her cheek pressed against his chest, she took a deep breath and inhaled the pure masculine scent of him. Warm, wild, and enticing. Her desire was so powerful that she thought very seriously about dragging her tongue along the surface of his bare skin. Across his muscled pecs, from one to the other and back again, and then pausing to close her lips around one nipple while her tongue teased the pebbled flesh.
What would it hurt to test the water with him?
She inhaled again and then lifted her head to meet his smoky gaze. “Okay.”
When he didn’t immediately answer, she wondered if he’d changed his mind. Or maybe she’d imagined the whole thing. She mentally groaned and returned her cheek to his chest.
“How about we just get our feet wet?”
“Naked?”
Another chuckle tickled her ear. “Not unless you insist.”
“What would you suggest?” The delicious shiver that traveled her spine pushed her to offer her own, very naughty suggestions.
“How about a walk on the beach? You can put your toes in the water.”
She released a soft, satisfied sigh. “Sounds nice.”
She lifted her head and stepped away from the warmth of his body while her body protested. Damn her fear of the water. Although, she wasn’t entirely sure that skinny dipping would soothe her ache. Common sense told her that the only way to douse the fire would be to climb on, dig in her heels, and ride the wild stallion. Even if she had to go in the water to do it.
He gestured with his head at the area next to the pool. “Who’s the guy at the hot tub?”
She moved her gaze across the lit area onto the man who removed a side panel from the tub. Tools covered the cement next to him.
“Marcus Knight, the Maintenance Director.”
He offered a hand and she tucked hers inside, thankful she touched him once again. They left the cover of the trees and followed the stone path that led them away from the swimming pool, down four steps, and finally to the sandy beach. Grains of sand sparkled beneath the moonlight and small waves swallowed the edge of the beach with each movement. Tonight, she found the water inviting and appealing.
He bent, unlaced his boots, and then straightened to remove them before he pointed at her feet. “You’ll sink in those things. Leave them there and we’ll come back for them.”
As soon as she was barefoot, they crossed the sand. He stepped into the water first and then gave her hand a tug.
She bit down on her bottom lip. “Is it cold?”
“No, it’s comfortable.”
“Are there … creatures in there?”
“Creatures?”
“Yeah. You know, like crabs or jellyfish.”
“Bailey.” Gawd, she loved hearing her name on his smooth, sexy voice. “The water is warm and you won’t be bothered by any creatures.”
He gave her hand a harder tug and she had no choice but to join him in the water.
“See? No so bad, huh?”
“No,” she agreed. “It feels pretty good.”
With the water lapping at her ankles, she walked beside him, comforted by his presence and flattered that he took the time to help her get past her fear. Normally, his long legs covered distance faster than hers but tonight, he took smaller steps that allowed him to stay right beside her. Oh, man, she had it bad for this man.
Wet sand seeped between her toes as they continued down the beach in contented silence. For a brief second, she wondered where the earlier couple might have gone, selfishly grateful she and Ice hadn’t encountered them.
She finally gave his hand a short squeeze. “The Navy made you comfortable in the water, didn’t it?”
He nodded. “As a search and rescue diver, I practically lived in the water. Now, I swim because it relaxes me.”
“Do Harvard and Diesel share your love of the water?”
“They’re just as skilled as I am but they each have their own niche. Harvard is a computer and electronics guru and Diesel can fly anything with wings.”
“You guys are close.”
“They’re my family, like you and Grace.”
She giggled. “Grace and I have experienced many sisterly adventures.”
“Some of which have caused me grief,” he mumbled. “Where does Trista fit in?”
“I met Trista at the beginning of my freshman year in college and we roomed together until we graduated.”
“Is she an only child?”
“You mean, you didn’t pull her background?”
“You said I didn’t have to.”
“No, she has four older brothers. Needless to say, she was ecstatic to embrace sisterhood with me and Grace.” She lifted one foot and then slapped it against the water to create a small splash. “Do you really think you can convince me to enjoy the water?”
“I think you already do.”
She grinned. She was enjoying the walk in the water but mostly due to the company she kept.
“Did Diesel and Harvard have anything new on the investigation?”
“Nothing we didn’t already know. Even a review of the security footage didn’t show anything.”
“That’s strange. The Regency is known for being secure and I’m almost positive the security cameras are state-of-the-art. Should I ask Daniel about them?”
“Not yet. If we get too aggressive, he may get suspicious.”
“So, we just hang around and hope we hear something?”
“For now. Diesel’s got an ear on Hummingbird PD so we’ll know as soon as they have a lead.” He stopped, released her hand, and then grasped the other. “We’re almost out of beach. Are you ready to head back?”
“Sure.”
As they turned and headed back the way they came, she knew that she should probably be disappointed that the walk would soon come to an end. Except, the knowledge that she would sleep next to him in the next hour kicked disappointment to the curb. No, lying close to that mountain of muscle was on the opposite end of the emotional spectrum from disappointing. Delectable was a much more appropriate description.
At the bottom of the steps, he squatted next to her, lifted one of her feet, and then slid on her sandal. His hands slid across her skin as he buckled the strap.
“How about we try the pool tomorrow?”
“Okay.” Her agreement slid past her lips before she could stop it, but as long as he touched her she wouldn’t waste time on analysis.
He buckled the second sandal then stood and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Good. Then it’s a date.”
***
His blood nearly burnt his veins as his heart worked overtime to circulate the life-sustaining fluid through his body. This operation was determined to be the death of him if things kept going wrong. He snorted at his unintended pun – anyone who stumbled upon the unusual activity had ended up dead. Of course, he would eventually follow suit and at this moment it didn’t sound quite so bad.
Deep in his pocket, he tightened his fingers around his cell phone. His associate expected an update and for a brief moment he contemplated not providing one. In fact, both the resort’s jet and boat were empty and on stand-by. He could easily board one of them and disappear before anyone discovered him missing. He could start completely over in a new place and avoid situations such as the one in which he currently found himself involved. Except, that wasn’t even remotely possible. He released a long, hard sigh. No matter where he ended up, his associate would find him.
He pulled the phone from his pocket, placed it on the table, and gave it a narrowed stare while he considered the risk. In all reality, if his associate took him out, he wouldn’t have to worry about all the interferences he’d recently encountered. But there was also the possibility he would be allowed to live and forced to participate. At least now he still had free will.
He lifted the phone and released a calming breath while he pressed numbers and held onto hope that things would still work out to his advantage.
“Everything is in place for tonight’s delivery,” he said as soon as the call connected.
“Excellent.” The other man paused and something in the silence caused his hope to tremble. “I believe we need to discuss the recent inquiries that your actions have caused.”
“They are harmless.”
“You are certain?”
“We can’t avoid them but I have taken every precaution to answer them without drawing attention to the operation.”
“There seems to be increased interest in our activity.”
He swallowed hard at his associate’s comment. He knew the other man had operatives in place to assure the exchange proceeded as planned but the reality of it slapped him in the face; no way could he deny the truth.
“Yes, sir. I’m afraid I may have to take drastic measures.”
“Do you have an explanation as to why we are suddenly experiencing such intervention?”
“No.” He ran his free hand down the side of his face. “I don’t have a clue.”
“Perhaps the woman has something to do with it.”
“I thought that as well, but she hasn’t been anywhere near the activity.”
“She is curious.”
“Yes, but only about the corpse. She knows the resort and its employees well and is concerned about how the situation will affect her clients.”
“She must be monitored.”
“You have my personal assurance that she will not be a deterrent.”
“I will take you at your word. We will speak again as scheduled.”
Silence fell over the line and he disconnected the call with another heavy sigh. His hand had once again been forced; he had no choice but to make absolutely sure no one else intervened.