Dream of Me Read Online Free Page B

turned toward him, another frown already digging a line between her brows. “I really could use some sleep.”
    “You’ll rest better if you get a bit of fresh air. The ocean’s warm. No undertows.”
    Her mouth pressed into a thin line. “We won’t see the sharks.”
    Her deadpan delivery made his mouth twitch. “They’re rare in these waters, but it’s better you don’t swim alone, just in case.”
    Her narrowed gaze went back to the water, and she released a quiet sigh.
    “Let’s get you inside. You can unpack. I’ll be on the beach if you care to join me. There’s nothing like a swim in the moonlight. I swear, you’ll feel like you’re the only person on the planet.”
    She made a soft chuffing sound, but otherwise held silent.
    He parked the SUV beside the wooden steps at the side of the porch and let himself out of the truck. But she was already standing on the ground when he rounded the vehicle, her duffel slung over her shoulder and a mulish look daring him to offer to relieve her of it.
    Instead, he smiled and waved a hand toward the steps. “After you.”
    Which she didn’t like either. Was it because she didn’t like turning her back on a stranger, or because he’d be looking at her ass as she climbed the stairs?
    A light shone through the window. Before he’d left for the airstrip, he’d turned down the air conditioning and left on a light. He thrust a key into the lock and opened the door, and then handed her the key ring. “The island’s pretty quiet. Most residents don’t even bother locking their doors, but better safe than sorry.”
    She took the ring and gripped her bag, her large, dark eyes locking with his for just a second before her gaze swept the room.
    He cleared his throat and strode toward a small hallway. “Bedrooms are this way. This one’s the most comfortable,” he said, twisting the knob and pushing the door open.
    She squeezed past him without looking his way, and then stopped in the center of the room. “It’s lovely.”
    He noted the familiar green-and-blue wallpaper, the large four-poster bed, and cream-upholstered, low-backed sofa and chairs that formed a small sitting area nearer the French doors that opened onto the porch. “I’m heading to my place.” He walked to the paneled glass doors and pushed them open. “The side gate’s there.” He pointed to a sturdy wooden door in the wall separating the properties. “I’ll leave it unlocked.” He turned to again glance her way. Her expression was set, but her eyes were liquid brown. “I’ll be on the beach in five if you care to join me.” Then, not leaving her a chance to turn down his invitation, he left.
    Ash stared after his disappearing figure. Sam Blalock seemed nice enough, on the surface. And he’d been a friend of Marc’s. She knew she should trust him. But something about the way he’d studied her with his short glances throughout the drive irritated. She’d noted them from the corner of her eye while she’d pretended not to notice.
    An element about him was familiar. Something that drew her toward him. And she resented the fact he was attractive, if not overtly handsome. He was too rugged, his jaw too square and stubborn, his nose bumpy from being broken. And his voice was too inviting—warm and deep, a little raspy.
    Maybe she resented him because he felt familiar, because several aspects about him reminded her of Marc. That realization had her stiffening against his friendly overtures, almost from the start. Her attraction felt like a betrayal—of Marc, of her own body.
    She set her duffel on the soft, flower-sprigged duvet covering the king-sized bed and jerked open the zipper. Her clothing and toiletries were a wild jumble. She’d simply tossed items into her bag, hurrying to escape her apartment. Sighing, she lifted the bag and emptied the contents onto the bed.
    Her navy and white, two-piece swimsuit landed on top of the pile. Of course, she wasn’t going swimming in the middle