Page 39 of Take Me Back
“So you’re catching lobsters and rescuing strange women this morning?”
“She tripped out front, stepping off the boardwalk onto the cement.” He keeps his voice low when he adds, “I’m glad you didn’t pack shit like that. There’s a time and a place, but it’s not here or now.”
I know we’re both thinking about the comment she made.Foot fetish.
With a cough, I cover my own amusement and reach for my napkin. “I’m glad you’re not ... into feet.”
A small smile stretches Dane’s lips, and he chuckles. “I’m not saying I don’t like your feet, but there are other parts of you I like a hell of a lot better.” His gaze dips meaningfully to theVin the neckline of my sundress, and a warm flush prickles over my skin. All thoughts of Vander and Victoria’s Secret Barbie disappear.
I’m deciding how to reply when Eduardo returns with our drinks. “We’re supposed to impress you with catching breakfast, Mr. Cross, instead of the other way around.”
Dane reaches for his Bloody Mary. “Sometimes a man has to fend for himself just to prove he can.”
“I suppose you’re right. Would you like to do some more fishing today? We’re happy to cook your fresh catch.”
Dane glances out the window and points to the catamaran moored about thirty feet from the beach. “Do you take people out for day trips on that?”
Eduardo nods. “We certainly do. If you like, we can arrange for you to go today.”
Dane looks to me.
“That would be great,” I reply.
“Excellent. I’ll check with the captain to make certain, and will have a confirmation for you before you finish breakfast.”
“Thank you, Eduardo.” As soon as the man leaves, Dane gives me a measured look. “You’re one hundred percent sure you’re good with sailing?”
My eyes roll so hard, they’re in danger of plopping out of my head. “First, I already said yes. And second, you swore you would never bring that up again. Besides, I still contend it was all your fault.”
The deep rumble of Dane’s laughter fills the restaurant, and I can’t help but smile.
* * *
Two years ago
I didn’t see the catamaran’s boom swinging toward me, but I felt it as soon as it connected with my skull. A flash of pain burst through the haze created by Coco Loco.
“Fuck, Kat. Watch out!”
Dane’s warning came too late because my drink was already flying through the air. The frozen coconut concoction splashed me in the face as I went airborne and over the side.
Oh shit!
My body hit the ocean like I’d attempted the least graceful cannonball of the century. Saltwater invaded my mouth, driving away the rum and coconut as I sputtered and clawed my way to the surface.
Before I could get there, an arm wrapped around my waist and yanked me up. I gasped for air and swiped the hair from my eyes and mouth so I could breathe.
“Jesus Christ, babe. Are you okay? How’s your head?” Dane checked my temple with one hand as he treaded water, keeping us both afloat.
“I’m okay.” The words came out as one, and not in the most convincing fashion.
“Hold on to me. I got you.”
I got you.Why those words sounded so romantic at this moment, I didn’t know. Probably because we were eloping here in Costa Rica. Or maybe it was the head injury. Either way, Dane’s quick rescue wiped out most of the trauma from going overboard.
“You’re going to have one hell of a headache later. Shit, I’m so sorry. I tried to warn you, but I didn’t see it until—”
I squeezed Dane’s shoulder with one hand. “It’s okay. My fault. I wasn’t paying attention.”
