“How are Mama Porter, Johnson, and Braxton?” she asked.
“Good. They all miss you.”
“Ah. I miss them too, you were all so good to me.” She hoped he knew she meant him as much as anyone. “They’re in Island Park until Christmas?”
“No. We all came to the Laguna Beach house.”
“What?” She stopped walking and turned to face him. “You stay in Island Park until Christmas and then you go to Grand Cayman. I know, you told me. This is pertinent information, why didn’t you share it the moment you saw me?”
Tuck slipped a strand of hair behind her ear and glanced so tenderly at her it was all she could do to not throw herself at him. “I didn’t know how to tell you that we changed our plans because I wanted to be closer to you.”
Maryn stepped back, plunged into the moat of a sand castle, and would’ve fallen if Tuck hadn’t reached out and steadied her. He didn’t release her arm and Maryn decided to change directions and take a step closer to him. She placed her hands on his broad chest, the smooth skin feeling much too nice, and tilted her head to the side. “So, you want more publicity fromThe Rising Star, huh?”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “Please, no. Though I did enjoy the article. Thank you for painting me in such a good light.”
“It wasn’t hard to do. You’re an impressive man, Tucker Shaffer.” She trailed her hands along his chest and up to his muscular shoulders. He quivered a bit and she liked knowing her touch affected him.
“Impressive enough that today won’t be our last date?”
“I don’t know.” She bit at her lip. “Depends on how good you can kiss.”
“Oh, I can kiss.” He framed her face with his hands, lowered his head to hers, and explored her mouth with a tender passion that had her tingling.
“Yes, you can,” Maryn whispered and kissed him again, happiness and desire coursing through her.
They broke apart a few minutes later and Tucker walked her to a spot that rented paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, and offered parasailing tours.
“So, what do you want to do first?”
Maryn grinned. “All of it!”
Tucker smiled. “Can we parasail together?” he asked the surf bum-looking guy who was helping them.
“Best way to do it.” The guy winked at her.
Maryn squeezed Tucker’s hand, but hoped he didn’t feel her tremble slightly. She’d wanted to parasail since she was a little girl, but she was terrified of heights. “This is going to rock!”
He laughed.
A few minutes later they were on the boat headed out into the bay, all strapped into parasailing equipment. Maryn’s stomach tumbled. She wanted to do this. She wanted to do it with Tucker, but what if the umbrella ripped and they tumbled to their deaths or she went insane and launched herself into the air? She always had the craziest thoughts when she was up high.
Tuck squeezed her hand and leaned close. “You okay?”
“Sure, sure, why do you ask?”
“You’re hands are shaking and your face is pale.”
“You two ready?” the guy asked, checking their equipment one more time as the boat cut its engine and floated.
“Yes!” Maryn said.
“You sure?” Tucker asked.
She nodded to him. “Just let me pray.” Closing her eyes, she prayed for strength and protection. She opened her eyes to Tucker staring at her. “I’m good. I promise.”
The dude lifted the sail into the air and it caught the wind. At the same time the boat driver eased the engine into gear and they glided forward. Maryn and Tucker jerked when the rope attached to the parasail ran out of slack and then rose slowly up. Tucker reached over and wrapped his hand around hers. Maryn gripped his hand like a lifeline.
“I guess this isn’t the best time to tell you this,” she managed to squeak out, “but I’m terrified of heights.”