Chase took a draw of his beer and recalled the brief interlude with Penny. A natural beauty, her long dark brown hair trailed over her tanned shoulders. She’d blushed as soon as they’d started speaking. While she was a novice to the au natural beach experience, he detected a streak of adventure just waiting to be discovered. When she’d drizzled sea water over her full breasts, he’d found it difficult to concentrate.

He’d laughed, thinking it had been a good thing he’d been lying on his stomach when he’d found her floating. Never in his life had he let himself get aroused on a nude beach, but the more he’d talked with her, the harder he became. He’d deliberately taken his time leaving the ocean, careful not to turn around. Grabbing his nearby towel off the chaise, he concealed his erection and cursed his amateurish behavior.

When she’d nearly fallen off her raft, he hadn’t meant to put his hand on her without permission. As if he’d touched fire, he’d quickly removed it. Sitting at the bar, he glanced at his palm. Her silky skin fresh in his mind, his cock jerked in response. He blamed it on his lack of sex, aware that he’d been preoccupied for months with his research. But after talking to Penny at the beach, he was certain the only solution to quelling his arousal was to be inside the lovely counselor.

Chase’s attention was drawn to laughter outside the restaurant. He glanced to the veranda where he caught a glimpse of Penny talking with a woman. He smiled as his eyes drank in the sight of her. Even more gorgeous than he’d remembered, she wore a blue print sundress, its plunging neckline exposing a hint of her cleavage. She noticed him, giving a wide smile and a shy wave.

“Penny,” he greeted her as she approached, noting her friend had disappeared.

“Hey there.” She nervously pushed a stray lock behind her ear and scanned the open air café.

“Are we dining alone?” He hadn’t meant to say it so enthusiastically but he failed to conceal his excitement.

“Yep. Seems Tori’s hooked up with a group that’s going off resort. What about your friend?”

“Evan? Seems he had a tad too much rum at the pool. He’s sleeping it off.” He offered his hand, pleased when she placed her palm in his. “Shall we? I have a table.”

In a romantic location overlooking lush gardens, Chase and Penny laughed throughout their meal, keeping their conversation light and enjoyable. She told him about her life in New York City, speaking in a self-deprecating manner about her position within the law firm. And while he was unable to tell her the details of his own projects or company, she appeared interested in his diving experiences and knowledge of the ocean.

By the end of dinner, he’d grown even more attracted to Penny Travis, and it caused him concern, given they had no future. After meeting her, however, he suspected things might never be the same.

They toasted, and Chase nodded to the band who’d begun to play. Without answering, she smiled and took his hand. They made their way to the dance floor and he laughed in satisfaction as she fell into his arms. He’d never been a dancer but with Penny, the only thing he could think of was the rush of excitement he felt every time their bodies came together. As the song slowed, she laid her head upon his shoulder, her coconut-scented hair teasing his senses. They swayed as one to the sultry rhythm, his erection brushing against her belly.

She smiled up at him, and he shoved away a pang of guilt, knowing it could only be a fling. He swore to himself that he’d talk to her before they made love. If there was one thing Chase believed in, it was honesty. He didn’t play games with others, not even when it would clearly benefit him or his own goals. As she brought their clasped hands to her side, and his thumb grazed her breast, he knew they’d better talk soon.