I push the door open behind her.
She shuffles across the threshold backward, and Casey licks her palm.
I lift her hand to feather my lips over her skin. "Until tomorrow."
Just when I turn to leave, she says, "Apology accepted."
Her statement gives me a strange sensation in my chest and on my skin, almost like fluttering and tingling. Am I overjoyed? That she forgives me? Maybe I am, because I can't resist flashing her a grin over my shoulder.
I hurry back to Gil's house, and already I'm planning the best and most satisfying ways to seduce her.
Tomorrow, Erica. Tomorrow you will be mine.
Chapter Ten
Today, I'm sitting on a blanket on a beach situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, enjoying the bonnie scenery—but mostly enjoying the view of Erica in shorts and a tank top. That shirt clings to her breasts, which makes me want to fondle them, but I restrain the impulse. Spending time together is meant to reassure her that I'm not an ersehole, so I can convince her to let me shag her tonight. Fondling her body wouldn't accomplish that.
I gaze out across the blue waters of the lake, watching gentle swells sweep onto the shore. I haven't seen a lake like this in ages. Scotland has lochs, but they aren't the Caribbean blue of Lake Michigan. I take a deep breath and let the serenity of our surroundings ease the tension in my body. Yes, I've been a wee bit…stressed. Shouting at Rory yesterday hadn't been my finest moment, and I've decided today I will remember how to relax.
Because that's so bloody easy to do.
Admiring Erica's body helps. So aye, the fact that looking at her relaxes me is my excuse for drinking in the sight of her in those shorts and that top.
She eyes me sideways. "You're sure we have permission to be here?"
Erica had seemed dubious when I brought her to this stretch of beach, especially when we strolled past a two-story Tudor house on our way to the shore. She seems to think I'm the sort who trespasses on private property. Well, I suppose I can't blame her. We've known each other for less than two days, and my behavior hasn't given her reason to trust me.
That changes today.
I sigh, infusing the sound with sarcasm. "Yes, for the third time, we're allowed. Gil knows the owner and comes here often. His friend agreed I could take over beach privileges during Gil's absence." When she opens her mouth to speak, I raise a hand to silence her protest. "Relax. We have permission."
To reach this spot, we had driven up a driveway shrouded in trees, then walked across the well-mowed lawn to get onto the beach. Trees encircle the house, providing a privacy screen, so I can do whatever I like with Erica and no one will see.
Erica squeezes her eyes shut and begins to rub her wrist. Then she takes a deep breath and opens her eyes.
"Does your wrist hurt?" I ask.
"Huh?"
I nod toward her hand. "You're rubbing it."
She glances down and stops blinking for a few seconds, then rests her hands on the blanket. "It's nothing."
"If you say so." But I'm still not convinced because her shoulders have bunched up. Maybe I can help her relax. This might be nothing more than an excuse to touch her, but I've decided to call it physical therapy. I settle my hands on her shoulders and knead her flesh, working her tight muscles with my knuckles and my fingertips. "Has work got you bunched up?"
"Sort of." She leans back a touch while I glide my hands up to her neck. I spread my fingers over her throat, massaging her nape with my thumbs. Her head falls back, and her hair tickles my skin. "That feels so good."
"Maybe later I can give you my full massage."
"Does it involve a full-body kiss?"
"If you like." I have no clue what a full-body kiss would be, since I invented that term yesterday, but I have ideas.
"I could go for that."
Casey, who has been frolicking nearby, looks at me and wags his tail. Does the pup approve of my full-body-kiss plans? I think the dog likes me, but apparently, his trust doesn't ease Erica's worries. Casey is at the end of his retractable leash, which I've kept hold of by sitting on it. The pup keeps trying to pull the leash out from under me, but I'm stronger than he is.
Erica twists around almost as if she's trying to get a view of my erse, but she can't quite do it. The lass faces forward again, and I keep rubbing her neck. Her head falls forward, like she's finally let go of the tension inside her.