For the first time Allison didn’t think she had any of his attention. She wanted no part of the lifestyle he craved, but she could understand a little better his reasons for choosing it.
“My brother never felt that way, yet he used to do some of the things you do.”
“Sloan has a zest for life. He did things and satisfied himself about them, and now he doesn’t live that way. He’s settled. His choice. That’s better than the way my dad lived, filled with regret. I don’t want that to happen to me. I want to do all those things while I’m young.”
“Even though it means you’ll stay all alone in life?” she asked. “You might be missing out on the best parts of life and will have as many regrets later as your dad, just different regrets.”
“I don’t intend to be alone all my life. As for a family for me? I see that sometime in the distant future. I have things I want to do, and it’s better to be single to do them. At least that’s what I think. Climb Mount Everest, for one. Look how Sloan’s life has changed since his marriage. Your brother has dropped out of the rodeo circuit. At one time he wanted to climb Everest with me. He’s out of that now. Your brother is a family guy, which is good for him. I’m just not there yet.”
“That’s an honest answer,” she replied.
“And I’d like to do more with salvaging. I’ve already explored two sunken ships and brought up artifacts that are in museums, and some treasures that are in my own collection. I’m sure you know that’s when I worked with your dad. Salvaging is my most fascinating pursuit, and I’d like to spend more time doing it.” He sipped his drink.
“And I’m still riding the rodeo. In fact, I’m riding in one in Ft. Worth soon.” He put his drink down and leaned toward her. “Go to the rodeo with me. You used to go with your family to watch your brother.”
She moved back impulsively. “Thank you, but I’ll be in Dallas and back in my world by then. When I leave here, we won’t see each other again. It’ll be like the past six years. We each have our own lives.”
“It’s just a rodeo, Allison. You weren’t this skittish with me before,” he observed.
“Life’s different now. Before we were at a party. I wasn’t on a job. I worry about my dad and don’t want to be away long periods of time or cause him any worry.”
“Your dad isn’t going to worry because you’re watching me in a rodeo.”
“He might worry because I’m out with you.”
Her words seemed to have no effect on him. He persisted, “I doubt if Sloan has painted such a dark picture of me to your dad.”
“I know he hasn’t, or Dad would have never sent me on this job. My dad thinks you’re a fine person. Sloan keeps those warnings about you for me—only since he found out I’m taking this job.”
“I’ve worked with your dad, too, remember? We got along great.”
“I’m sure you did.”
“Your dad has always been nice to me.” He sat back, his drink in his hand again. “You think about the rodeo. For now, tell me about all the furniture. What happens after you’ve tagged it?”
She went over the process once again, describing their work in detail, all the while conscious of his total focus.
They talked through dinner, through watching the sunset and finally they moved inside to talk more about various topics.
She had relaxed at last, finding him fun to be with, and she could see why her brother was close friends with him.
It was one o’clock in the morning when she finally told him that she had to turn in. He walked her to her suite, pausing outside her door.
“Good night, Jared,” she stated. “Dinner was great, and it’s been a nice evening. You know, I could work in the evenings, too, and get finished sooner.”
“No, no, you should have some time off. There’s no big rush on this. You’ll get it done.” He smiled at her. “I enjoyed tonight, too. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night,” he said in a deeper voice.
Her heart beat faster. He stood close, his gaze drifting slowly over her. She wanted to look at his mouth, to lean closer and press her lips to his. She could all but taste his kiss. “Tonight was enjoyable. I’m sure I’ll see you in the morning,” she said, turning, expecting his hand to touch her any minute. Instead he merely stood there while she entered her suite and closed the door.
Disappointment enveloped her despite knowing it was best they did not kiss. Her lips tingled. Her skin was hot, prickly with wanting him. She should be relieved they were sticking to business. If only her body would get that message.
Three
Sleep was long in coming. And when it did, it was filled with so many dreams of Jared, Allison felt relieved to wake and see the room filled with the gray light of dawn.
She showered, dressed in pale yellow slacks and a matching shirt and went down to breakfast. Before she reached the bottom of the stairs, Jared appeared. He had been swimming. Bare chested, wearing black-and-white swim trunks with a towel over his shoulder, he paused to look up at her and her breath left her; her heart thudded against her ribs.
Instantly memories bombarded her—his broad shoulders, his sculpted chest, his body of hard planes and muscles. Recalling her mouth drifting over him, her hands exploring, touching, his body against hers... The visions came like tormenting ghosts. Her mouth went dry, and she forced in a deep breath.
She was afraid he could hear her heart pounding. “Morning swim?” she asked, her words little more than a whisper.
“Yes. I swim every morning that I can. Even though the fountains and waterfall are turned off, I’ve kept the pool heated, cleaned and treated. Hereafter you can join me. I didn’t think to tell you last night.”
“Thanks, but I’m not a morning swimmer. It has to be very hot weather to drive me to swimming.”
“Then you’ve changed. I seem to remember you in the pool every time Sloan and I would swim at your house.”
“It just seemed that way because in your eyes I was a nuisance back then,” she said, making an effort to keep her gaze on his face and not look at his naked chest again.
He grinned. “I don’t ever recall saying you were a nuisance.”
“Actually, you just paid no attention to me. I might as well have not existed.”
“And now look at you—not a kid anymore and not the least bit a nuisance,” he said, his gaze drifting slowly over her and making her warm from head to toe.
“I’m going to get breakfast. I’ll see you later,” she said, and then dragged her eyes away as she strode past him.
He placed his hand lightly on her arm and she looked up sharply. His faint touch triggered more scalding memories. In her peripheral vision she was fully aware of how close he stood, how little he wore. “I’ll be there as soon as I shower and dress,” he said. His words were harmless; his deep tone was not.
The pounding of her heart was loud in her ears. Nodding to Jared, she went down the stairs. At the foot of the steps, against good judgment, she glanced back. Standing at the top, he looked down at her. He turned, giving her a glance at his smooth back that tapered to a narrow waist, his firm butt and long muscled legs. Every inch of him embedded itself in her memory.
She couldn’t help but want this job to be over quickly so she could return to her quiet life. But just a glance at Jared in all his half-naked glory had her hot, riddled with desire. She could have an affair with Jared, couldn’t she? But that was all it would be. An affair. An affair that would, ultimately, break her heart. He would never be serious—about