Looking ruefully at the melted drink to his left, he finished his own virgin mojito and mulled over what he would do today. Perhaps he should consider an earlier flight home? His sister would be upset with him for not taking the full week. He had promised, and Christian did not break promises if he could possibly help it. He could persevere for a couple of more days. Couldn’t he?

He might go snorkeling in the lagoon which might kill an hour or so. He walked down the path through the canopy of trees to the beach and saw her immediately.

The resort’s paddle board instructor was knee deep in the lagoon, his arms around the blonde’s waist as he helped her stand. Her little blue bikini top barely held her perky breasts and the matching bottoms, which stretched across her butt, could make a man weak at the knees. Of course, he’d noticed her great body earlier, but with her muscles clenching with effort and her butt stuck out for balance, he was practically a drooling mess.

Christian grabbed another board and paddle and carried it to the water, then walked it out a way before jumping on. It would have been better if the water was colder since he could already feel the arousal pushing at his swim shorts.

There were several young women on the resort—some far too young—wanting his attention, but Christian wasn’t interested. He might have been tempted, but ever since the day he’d first glimpsed her, the gorgeous blonde was barely out of his mind. It was only today that he’d taken the chance of talking to her and breached the barrier that invisible or not, could be felt at a distance.

Christian had not anticipated this attraction for the simple fact that he didn’t date blondes. He’d developed a distrust of them since his first girlfriend had tried to palm off her love child as his and demanded he marry her. The memory had faded, but he didn’t want a repeat performance. He gave any would-be girlfriend two or three dates then moved on. Or had a break. And, he was über-careful of making sure there was no danger of any babies appearing at a later time.

If he couldn’t find something or someone to amuse him, then he may as well be back at work. He loved his job, despite the pressure of being a leading surgeon, and if he was away from it for too long he was like a bear with a toothache.

Although, right at this moment he had other issues. His desire, which had been dormant for several months, was escalating with each arch of the blonde’s back as she used her body to counteract the small waves. She was a natural. Even when she wobbled slightly, it was done gracefully.

He could leave her be. Find another woman to satisfy his need, but he didn’t want any woman. He wanted her. She was a challenge, and his life centered around challenges.

Kneeling, he paddled to where, solo now, she appeared to be relishing the experience. With barely a wobble she moved across the calm lagoon.

He stood as he pulled closer and began to match her strokes. Christian called out to her. “Looks like you’re getting the hang of it.”

As she turned slightly, one foot shot off the board, and in a flailing of arms and legs she hit the water with a resounding splash. She surfaced spluttering and coughing, not quite as graceful as before and with a face covered in hair. She was less perfect than before, but somehow even more appealing.

She scraped angrily at the hair. “What the hell are you trying to do?”

He smothered his grin. “Sorry. I was merely saying how well you were doing. First time, is it?”

“Go away. Now!” She heaved herself over the board, her legs dangling in the water. Managing to get one leg over she tried to hoist herself up. Her other leg acted as a weight and pulled her and the board over like a crocodile in its death throes.

Christian did the only thing a gentleman could do. He slid into the water, grabbed her waist, and hoisted her onto the board with one arm, while he held it steady with the other.

Hair dripping, mascara smudged, and green eyes flashing with anger, she brought to mind a mermaid who’d had a rough night. Except these legs were so damn flawless.

“Would. You. Leave. Me. Alone.”

“Hey, I was helping you.”

“Your ‘help’ is something I can do without.”

She adjusted her bikini which had moved about precariously, something Christian was well aware of and enjoying immensely. Perhaps not trusting herself to stand, she carefully knelt on the board, snatching the paddle he held out to her, turned it around and headed for shore.

Well, he’d earned no points there. Either she was a tough crowd or he was slipping. He shook his head. It was undoubtedly the later, and Christian had no idea what had gotten into him.

Actually, he knew too well. His erratic behavior stemmed from his collapse a couple of weeks ago. He’d felt his mortality was shaken, and the lack of control had hit him hard. He pulled himself up on the board to lay face up and stare at the azure sky, wondering if he would ever feel the same way about his life. About women. About death.

He splashed water on his face. He’d not considered his own death before his collapse. His focus had been on his career and making sure his sister was taken care of. If he wasn’t around she would be alone. Thinking about that made his stomach cramp.