heard that he’d known he shouldn’t get involved.
He was lying to her too.
Every moment he let her believe he was a PR manager at sea he was being dishonest, and while catching the saboteur demanded duplicity—and ultimately making good on his promise to his uncle—it didn’t stop him hating every second of his deceit.
So he’d told her a partial truth to compensate for his guilt—told her how badly he wanted her, expecting her to run at the mention of a date let alone anything else.
Instead, her response to his kiss had shaken him as much as the fact that she’d stood her ground and hadn’t run. And even while he’d planned on begging off the tour today the memories of her fiery reaction had kept him up all night and drawn him here.
‘It must be serious. You have never brought a woman to Sujit’s humble café before. Are you going to marry her?’
Zac laughed. Life was so simple in some cultures. You met a girl, you liked her, you married her. Either that or your parents chose a bride for you.
‘No.’A strange tingle ran up his spine, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end. ‘I’m just showing her around your lovely island today. She’ll be leaving the ship in a week.’
‘Ah, she lives in Australia. Why should that stop you from marrying? You also live there, yes?’
‘Yeah, but she’s a friend, and I’m not remotely interested in marrying her or anybody else for that matter.’
Been there, done that, never forgotten the folly.
Sujit grinned, his teeth stained an ugly brown from years of chewing betel nut. ‘Whatever you say. Though trust old Sujit—he has a feeling in his bones about this one.’
‘You’re an old degenerate.’ Zac settled the bill and shook his hand. ‘See you next time.’
‘Maybe you’ll both visit on your honeymoon?’
Zac chuckled, amused by the restaurant owner’s one-track mind.
Marriage again? Not for him.
As he caught sight of Lana, casually leaning against the Jeep, the wind whipping her hair away from her face while plastering the dated dress against her shapely body, the faintest niggle of doubt entered his mind.
She was dynamite, packing a stronger punch than TNT and C4 combined. She blew his mind and short-circuited the rest of his body every moment he spent with her, till all he could focus on was how much he wanted her.
He’d been attracted to her mentally at the start, but how quickly that had all changed. Now he wanted her so badly he ached.
Yet for all her surprising bravado last night she was still inherently shy, retreating when he pushed too far, still hiding her sensational body behind those repulsive clothes.
So if they couldn’t have a fling, what the hell should he do? Back off?
‘Mr Zac, I’ve never seen you like this.’
He tore his gaze away from Lana, focussed on Sujit. ‘Like what?’
‘Distracted.’ Sujit pointed to his forehead, imitated a frown. ‘So very serious.’
That’s because his growing feelings for Lana were serious. Even the fact he was using the word ‘feelings’ scared the hell out of him.
Sujit shook his head, his benevolent grin bordering on condescending. ‘I can see you’re making this more complicated than it is. You like this woman, yes?’
He nodded, his gaze inadvertently drawn to her again. Crushing need swamped him, blindsiding him faster than a swinging mast.
‘Well, then, do not over-analyse. Do not worry about the future and what it may hold. Live for the moment. See where the winds of change take you.’
He stared at Sujit as if seeing him for the first time, his words echoing through his head.
Could it really be that simple?
Was he over-analysing, thinking too far ahead, allowing his fears from the past to destroy a possible future with a wonderful woman?
His conscience yelled a resounding Hell, yeah! and just like that a mighty weight lifted from his shoulders and floated away into a cloudless Fijian sky.
‘Thanks, my friend, you’re a genius.’ He pumped Sujit’s hand, his attention still firmly focussed on the woman who’d captured his heart without trying.
Sujit’s grin widened as he placed his palms together and bowed. ‘I know. Now, go.’
He didn’t need to be told twice, and as he headed for the car, refraining from breaking into a run, he knew the decision he’d just made had the potential to change his life. For the better.
Lana squinted into the sunshine, watching Zac stride towards the car. He’d been in a strange mood over lunch and the odd times she’d caught him staring at her it had looked as if he fancied her as dessert.
It had made her uncomfortable, and she’d had no idea how to handle the attention, so she’d focussed on her meal, steered the conversation onto factual topics and muddled through the best she could. She just hoped things weren’t as tension-fraught at the beach.
‘Ready to go?’
‘Sure.’
As he drove along a winding coastal road she focused on the picturesque scenery and replayed their lunch conversation in her head.
There was so much more to him than smooth words and a charming smile. He was well-travelled, articulate and self-assured, with charisma that captured her interest and engaged her mind. It only added to his appeal. But she’d be better off remembering most of what he said was designed to tease her, that words were cheap.
She’d fallen for slick words before. These days a guy’s actions were the only thing that would let him anywhere near her bruised heart.
‘Wait till you check out this beach. I’ve seen a few, but I think this is better than some of the Caribbean beaches—not to mention Queensland’s hot spots.’
‘I love any beach. My apartment’s in Coogee, so you can safely say I’m a bit of a beach babe.’
‘Well, you’re right about one thing. You’re definitely a babe.’
Her measly ego inflated momentarily, before she shot him a disapproving stare. ‘Oh, yeah, I’m sure my designer wardrobe elevates me to babe status.’
He paused, as if searching for the right words. ‘Don’t take this the wrong way, but your wardrobe is a little… ’
‘Boring?’
Her sour interruption had him darting a worried glance in her direction before refocusing on the road.
‘I was thinking more along the lines of sedate for someone your age.’
‘Which is?’
‘Hell, I’m digging myself in deeper, aren’t I?’
She chuckled. ‘Quit while you’re behind, sailor boy.’
She liked her clothes. They might be old but they were safe, familiar, like snuggling into a favourite quilt on a cold winter’s day.
She’d tried a new wardrobe once before, a new look, going the whole way with risqué lingerie. But none of it had made any difference with Jax. He’d hurt her just the same, designer dresses or not. Much safer to stay true to herself, to find a man who wanted her for the real her, not because of how she looked or what she could do for him.
‘Actually, I like what you’re wearing today. That blue brings out the green flecks in your eyes.’
‘My weird eyes change colour according to what I wear.’
‘Not