“We’re going to a small cove I found last time I was out here. It’s secluded and shaded. A nice place to relax.”
“How long will it take to get there?”
“About thirty minutes, but it’s well worth the drive.” He would drive the boat for hours if she would stand in front of him allowing his body to press against hers.
He breathed in her scent. It was soft, flowery, and all Samantha. He wasn’t overpowered by the department store perfumes like some women wore, but instead he could take in the sweet scent of her hair and the fresh smell of her skin. She made him hard. Painfully. But more than that, there was a possessive, protective feeling that filled him. As if it was his responsibility to protect her, and shelter her from anything and everything.
Guiding the watercraft through the short, choppy waves, they talked about the surroundings and the boat. She asked about Bear, his brother’s German shepherd, apparently their introduction had left an impression on her. Logan was introduced to Bear about four years ago when his team visited a local animal shelter as part of a volunteer event XTX was in full support of.
He’d seen the scraggly puppy, looking emaciated and just a little sad and decided he had to find him a home. Logan wasn’t able to dedicate enough time to the animal, so he’d convinced his brother to take him. Since that day, Logan and Bear had become best friends even if he wasn’t Logan’s dog. He made a mental note to have his brother bring Bear over one of these days.
Chapter Thirteen
When they reached the cove, Logan shifted to move away and felt Sam’s body tense. She didn’t move, but she didn’t look happy either.
“Just for a moment. I have to secure the boat so we don’t continue to drift. You stand here, and I’ll be right back.”
Logan hurried through the process, returning to Sam only to find her still gripping the steering wheel, her knuckles white and a bead of sweat on her forehead. He had to admit she looked so damn cute standing there.
Seeing the confident woman who walked through the XTX offices turning heads and making others stop talking just to hear what she had to say, standing on his boat, battling an apparent debilitating phobia had his heart wrenching.
He approached slowly, then leaned down and kissed the side of her neck, breathing in her scent once more. He took one of her hands in his and pulled her toward him as he sat on the long padded bench directly behind the wheel. He pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her, and when she settled against him, he let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.
He still couldn’t believe the overwhelming desire he had to protect her and keep her safe. There were strange feelings stirring up inside of him when she was around. Not just sexual, although the chemistry between them was explosive.
“So, what do you think so far?”
“I think I wouldn’t have done this if it weren’t for you.” She smiled at him, her eyes hidden by her sunglasses. “Do you do this often?”
“I try to. I don’t have a lot of down time, but when I do, I usually come out here if the weather is agreeable and the lake is open.”
“What do you normally do when you’re out here?”
“I usually bring a couple of guys from the office, and we just hang out, sometimes fish. Although, I’m not much of a fisherman, but they seem to enjoy it.”
“A man who doesn’t like to fish? I didn’t know they even existed.” She teased.
“You’re funny.” He responded sarcastically, letting one hand roam up her leg. He felt her shiver and this time he didn’t think it had anything to do with fear. “Do you want to see the rest of the boat? I had it stocked with things for lunch, figuring we could spend a few hours out here.”
“Sure.”
Logan helped her to stand, and they walked toward the cabin door, which stood open and welcoming. He had to duck in order to make it inside, but once he was in, he could stand at his full height.
Once inside, Sam released his hand and took in the surroundings. The brightly polished stainless steel and glass that decorated the interior was part of the reason Logan purchased this particular model. The large booth surrounding a solid wood table and the large flat panel television were things he added after the fact.
“Would you like something to drink?” Logan continued to the kitchen as he gave Sam a minute to familiarize herself with the interior.
When she murmured a “no, thank you”, he felt a sense of pride, liking that he could impress her. Logan opened the fridge, pulled out a bottle of water and unscrewed the lid. Before he took the first drink, Sam was walking toward him.