Part 7 (1/2)

They might part ways soon but that made her even more determined to make the hours, and if she was lucky, days, she had with him memorable.

A small grumble in her stomach sent her to the fridge where she found a tiny bottle of champagne and some chocolate-covered strawberries. The man absolutely nailed the way to her heart. Popping the cork on the champagne, she filled one of the gla.s.ses he left on the counter. Biting down on the strawberry, she savored the mix of chocolate sweetness and the tart juice as they slid across her tongue.

Finding her watch in her bag, she saw that it was nearing seven. That gave her plenty of time to get ready.

Jackson's bag was under the counter near the fridge and she was tempted to snoop. Her nosy disposition was the one thing she had inherited from her mother. As she was about to reach down, she made herself stop; whatever she found wouldn't change how she felt about him. And how much did she really need to know other than he was gorgeous and seemed intent on pleasing her?

Nothing.

Maybe he was dangerous, but he wouldn't hurt her-at least physically. Emotionally, she wasn't so sure. Their short time together already left her with a craving for the man's kisses.

”You knew going into this that it was short-term, so don't go getting any crazy ideas.” She said the words out loud as if that would make her more accepting of the statement.

While he might think she wasn't the most perceptive woman in the world, she had deduced he was much more than a detective who traveled the world on cases. He'd mentioned the military and he had that air about him. Then there were the scars. She'd noticed the bullet wounds on his shoulder and back. There was what seemed like a knife wound near his heart, and he had a mult.i.tude of scars on his thighs.

Yes, he'd most definitely led a dangerous life, but he had only treated her with kindness. Normally, Mariska didn't go for the protective type, but she liked that he wanted to take care of her. And she honestly wanted to take care of him.

Every time she asked about his past, a haunted look came over his face. More than anything she wanted to clear away those cobwebs of sadness. She'd noticed it when he talked to Gladstone about his father, and then again when she'd mentioned the pets.

She wouldn't make the mistake of delving back into his childhood. He masked the pain well, but she could tell the memories hurt.

She felt a sort of compulsion to make him happy. They had such a wonderful chemistry, a connection she wasn't sure she'd ever experienced with another man. She wondered- Be a big girl and don't let those fantasies of happily ever after get in the way. Live in the now. There's nothing wrong with having fun and allowing yourself the freedom to enjoy life with a s.e.xy man for a few days.

After eating the berries and taking a few sips of the champagne, she ventured into the bathroom. It smelled of Jackson. Warm and sensual with a hint of amber and sandalwood, the mere scent of him made her pelvis tighten with need.

Catching sight of herself in the mirror, she let out a yelp. ”Thank G.o.d he isn't here to see me.” Her hair had fallen out of its ponytail and stuck straight out from her head. Luckily Jackson must have carried her in before she had too much sun. While her skin was dry, she hadn't turned pink.

The steamy shower helped to wash away her sleepy mind and brought her back to being human. The hotel had provided an array of soaps and lotions and she used the freesia-scented shampoo and conditioner. Once she finished, she lathered her skin with the same scented lotion. She felt like an exotic flower when she walked out of the bathroom.

Leaving the towel wrapped around her, she went in search of her clothes. Her large backpack had been emptied and she found Jackson had hung up her sarongs along with her jeans and T-s.h.i.+rts, and he'd carefully placed everything else in drawers at the bottom of the armoire. It didn't bother her that he'd gone through her things, because she could tell he'd taken special care in making sure everything was done right. He'd also saved her some ironing.

Mariska was grateful she'd only picked her s.e.xiest lingerie to make the trip. That's when it dawned on her. She had meant to buy condoms at the hotel in Bangkok, but didn't have time.

”c.r.a.p. I hope the gift shop is still open.” She'd noticed the small alcove with sundry items when she'd checked them into the hotel. Surely they have some. At least she hoped so. After their bit of fun in the ocean, making love to the man had become a priority for Mar.

Dressing quickly, she threw on a touch of makeup. She intended to dash to the hotel and back before Jackson returned from his walk.

Using the path they'd taken to get down to the villa, she scrambled her way up the slight hill to the hotel. Luckily the little store was open. The condoms came in small boxes of six.

Mar stood there contemplating, her fingers tapping on her chin.

I have no idea what to do? How long will he be here? Will I look like a vacation ho if I buy all of the stock?

After chewing on her nail for a minute, she bought five boxes.

To his credit, the elderly clerk didn't even show the slightest hint of merriment that the crazy American was buying his place out of condoms. Mariska tried not to be mortified. She was a grown woman, for goodness' sake. Still, she'd never purchased quite so many. After she'd signed the ticket to charge everything to her room the clerk put the items in a discreet bag along with some sunscreen she needed.

Before leaving the lobby she glanced into the restaurant. She hadn't brought anything dressy to wear, and was relieved to see that though the surroundings were beautiful and formal with linens and crystal, everyone dressed casually.

As she stepped out of the lobby onto the beachfront she noticed the sun as it sank deep into the ocean. She couldn't have picked a more magical place to rest and relax. That she had a gorgeous, if somewhat mysterious, man with her was one big, handsome bonus.

Thinking of him, she hurried down the path.

”Going somewhere?” A voice came out of the shadow of the trees.

Mariska squeaked and dropped her bag.

Jackson stepped out from behind the trees lining the path. ”We really do need to practice you being more aware of your surroundings.” He bent down to pick up the bag and the few things that had fallen out, including three of the five boxes of condoms.

Mariska looked away.

Jackson put the items back in the bag without commenting on her purchases. ”You're beautiful, by the way.”

The comment took her so off guard Mariska didn't know what to say. ”Thanks,” she finally whispered.

The man was beyond awesome when it came to manners. One of the many reasons she adored him. That list grew by the minute.

He leaned down and sniffed her neck and hair, leaving small kisses as he did. The sensual moment sent instant heat between Mariska's legs.

”Maybe we should skip dinner in the restaurant and order room service.” Jackson moved his mouth to her lips.

”I think that's a really great idea,” she whispered, her voice hot with need.

A horrible gurgling sound came from her stomach.

Jackson stifled a laugh.

”That was so not glamorous or romantic,” she said, mortified.

”I think I'm going to have to feed you first, after all.” Jackson kissed her again. ”But I still like the room service idea.”

AS SOON AS THEY HIT the villa door, Jackson had a plan in mind that called for some wine, steak and shrimp. They'd both need the protein for the long haul. A large salad and every dessert on the menu finished off the room service order.

There was a slightly awkward moment when he hung up the phone. She stared at him strangely. He'd been worried when he checked the room and found her gone. Racing up to the hotel, he'd stopped himself when he caught a glimpse of her in the gift store.

He'd delighted in the look of concentration on her face as she tried to figure out how many condoms they'd need. He didn't have the heart to tell her that he'd taken care of that problem earlier in the day.

”You must have a really big sweet tooth.” She teased him about ordering so many desserts.

He walked across the room and held her hands in his. ”I do.” If she only knew she was the real dessert. ”Let's go walk on the beach.”

The surprise on her face amused him. She'd obviously thought they would make love immediately, but once they began tonight he had no plans of stopping.

Confusion drew her brows together.

”There's something I want to show you,” he said as a way of explaining. Then waggled an eyebrow at her. ”Did you think I would pounce on you as soon as we made it into the room?”