Seaside Kisses: A Sweet Romance (The Seaside Hunters Book 4) Read Online Free Page A

progress.
    "Try going at it from an angle like this," she said, showing him. "And then use some elbow grease."
    He looked down at the cleaning products next to the bucket. "Is that one of the spray bottles?"
    Amara held in a laugh. He was adorable. "No. I just mean to really work it. It's going to take some strength."
    "Oh. I get it." He appeared embarrassed, but he smiled. His entire face lit up.
    Butterflies danced in Amara's stomach. "It's just an expression my parents use."
    She went back to work, removing more of the gunk. Rafael still hadn't gotten the one spot.
    He glanced over, catching her stare. "You think I'm an idiot, don't you?"
    Her eyes widened in surprise. "What? No. Maybe I can I help you?"
    "Sure." He shrugged.
    Amara's heart raced again. She dropped her rag and put her hand over his—she couldn't believe how soft it felt. Most women would be jealous. Part of her wanted to ask him for skin care tips. "Oh, gosh," she said. "Your rag is nearly dry. You have to dip in the soapy water every so often."
    Color filled his cheeks. "Right." He dipped it in and pulled it out, water streaming down.
    "You can wring it out and it won't do that," she said.
    "You must think I'm pampered." He twisted the rag and then went back to the spot he'd been working.
    "Never. We all have to learn. Believe it or not, I wasn't born knowing how to clean." Her pulse felt afire as she put her hand back over his. "Try it at this angle." She pressed her hand into his, helping him remove the spot. It was hard to focus. She was so aware of how close he was.
    In a way, it reminded her of all the times she'd shared a desk with him in school. But even then, they hadn't been this close. She could smell his cologne and their sides touched.
    He didn't seem at all bothered by it—not that she was bothered by his touch. After the spot was cleaned, he moved over and dipped the rag into the bucket. "Let's see if I can do this next one on my own."
    "I have faith in you," she teased.
    Rafael gave her a funny look. It appeared to be a mixture of embarrassment and determination. "Thanks." He scrubbed, removing the egg faster than even she had.
    "See?" Amara asked. "I told you. It just takes some muscle, and you obviously have more than I do." She took the opportunity to look over his muscles and nodded with approval.
    Rafael's lips curved upward and he flexed his muscles, making them bulge even more through his silk shirt.
    Amara enjoyed the sight for a moment and then reached back into the bucket and found another rag. "Is that a challenge?" she teased. She squeezed out the excess water and then rubbed a spot on the window.
    "Hey!" Rafael laughed and attacked another spot.
    They cleaned furiously, laughing the whole time. Just before they were done, Amara splashed some suds on Rafael's face, careful to avoid his nice shirt.
    "Oh, yeah?" he asked, his eyes gleaming. He scooped up a handful of bubbles and held them up, his eyes narrowing but his mouth grinning devilishly.
    Amara's mouth dropped open. She squealed and ducked just Rafael threw the suds. They splashed onto the door behind her. Amara glanced back and laughed. She turned, and just as she made eye contact with Rafael a big glob of foam splashed onto her whole face.
    She froze, surprised.
    "Oh, no," Rafael said. "I'm so sorry." But he was laughing. It was a beautiful sound.
    Amara laughed, too. "It's okay." She wiped some of the bubbles off, flinging them onto the ground. Luckily none had gotten into her eyes, or that would have been trouble for her contacts.
    "Let me help you with that." Rafael stepped closer and wiped more of the suds from her eyes to her jawline. His hands lingered near her cheeks, almost cupping her face.
    Amara's breath caught and they stared into each other's eyes. Swallowing, she reached up and wiped some soap from his stubble.
    Neither spoke, and Amara's heart pounded so loudly she thought it would explode out of her chest.
    Rafael leaned closer—so close she could smell