Stormy Vows - Iris Johansen [144]
“I'm sure he didn't mean to be rude, Lola.”
Lola's lips twisted. “He didn't give a damn what I felt, my dear innocent. The only thing he could think about was you.” Her eyes were thoughtful as she studied Jane objectively. “I believe that's all he's been able to think of for quite some time, from his reaction last night. I've never seen Jake with his emotions as well as his hormones involved. Perhaps I should be warning him about getting involved, and not you.”
Jane knew a surge of hope that lightened the burden of anxiety and doubt she'd been feeling this morning. Was it possible that Jake was beginning to feel something for her besides desire and the urge for possession?
“Is that what you're doing? Warning me? If so, I'm afraid that you're a little late.”
“I rather suspected I might be, but I thought I'd give it a try,” Lola said, smiling gently. “Now we'd better return you to your lord and master before he comes looking for you.”
They turned and retraced their steps to the lounge.
The rest of the day was spent in swimming, lounging, and desultory conversation. Jane found herself restless and dissatisfied despite the happiness she felt in Jake's presence. She was too used to hard work and constant activity to embrace the leisurely life with any degree of contentment. She was conscious of Jake's watchful eyes on her throughout the afternoon though he engaged her in only casual conversation in the presence of the others.
Thus she was only mildly surprised when he strolled casually over to the deck chair where she was lying watching the scarlet-and-pink glory of a sunset at sea. Kahlid and Lola had gone into the water for a last dip before going to their cabins to change for dinner, and she and Jake were alone for the first time since they had left their cabin that morning.
“Poor Saturday's child,” Jake said mockingly as he dropped into the chair next to her. “Are you finding it hard to adjust to the lazy life?”
Jane was startled by his perceptiveness. Had her restlessness been so obvious? “I suppose I'll get used to it,” Jane said doubtfully. She looked at him, noting the vibrant energy and impatience that seemed to charge his body even in repose. “How do you tolerate it?” she asked ruefully. “I would think the inactivity would drive you crazy.”
“I admit that my boredom threshold is very low these days,” Jake said. “I probably would have scrapped the cruise after two weeks if I hadn't had a certain troublesome redhead to divert me.” He took her hand from the arm of the lounge and, bringing it to his lips, kissed the palm lingeringly.
Jane shivered as his tongue mischievously stroked the sensitive hollow, and he looked up swiftly in concern. He reached over her head to the white beach coat draped on the back of her chair and tossed it on her lap. “Put it on. It's starting to cool.”
“That isn't my problem,” Jane said demurely, her golden eyes dancing. “I'm beginning to feel definitely hot.”
Dominic's dark eyes were amused. “Have you no inhibitions, woman?”
She shook her head. “Where you're concerned, they seem to have been left out of my makeup,” she admitted serenely.
“Thank God,” Jake said emphatically. His hand held hers tightly as his eyes slowly kindled with desire. “Damn it, why did I let you talk me into letting Lola stay? If she was gone, I could persuade Ahmet that he'd be better off roaming in greener pastures.” His thumb sensually rubbed the pulse point at her wrist. “I warn you, redhead, you'd better enjoy the fresh air now,” he said thickly. “Once I find a way of getting ridding of them, you may not get out of that cabin for a week.”
Jane wondered if he could feel her pulse wildly accelerate beneath his thumb at these words. She rather imagined he could, by the teasing gleam of triumph that glittered in his eyes before she looked away.
“I think I'll go down to the cabin and change now,” she said quickly, a flush turning her cheeks carnation pink. She stood up hurriedly and slipped on her beach coat.
Jake arched an eyebrow mockingly at her embarrassed flight. “Inhibitions,