“Definitely.” Alice loved being close to him and messing around like this.
“Do you have any other problems I can help you fix?”
She stared at him. She wanted to tell him his kiss could solve her every problem. Her gaze dropped to his mouth, then lifted to his eyes. His startling blue eyes lit a fire within her.
“Yes, ma’am,” he murmured.
“I didn’t ask for anything,” she shot back even as her stomach hopped with anticipation.
He grinned confidently. “You didn’t have to.”
“Oh, you,” she protested, even as she arched up and he leaned down.
“Ellos se besan,” a child cried out, giggling.
“Not yet,mi amigo,” Robbie whispered, his breath against her lips warm and enticing. “We’d better continue this later. Little ones looking on.”
Alice looked around to see two children pointing and laughing from the beach. Their parents were rushing to them and scolding them in rapid Spanish. They must be tourists, likely from nearby Spain.
The moment was ruined—or maybe saved—by the children. She shouldn’t allow herself to lose her heart to Robbie again.
She pushed away from his chest. “Let’s swim.”
“All right.” He looked disappointed.
She felt terribly disappointed too, but it was for the best.
Chapter
Eleven
Robbie and Alicehad a nice sunset dinner on the beach and then their boat driver took them back to the closest dock on the Grand Canal in proximity to their condo. It was only a five-minute walk, but it was after ten when they got back to the condo. He was disappointed when Alice went to shower and never came back out. He’d showered, brushed his teeth, put on his favorite Swiss Army Cologne, and waited and waited. He should’ve just kissed her in the ocean when they’d been flirting and laughing. Now she was shutting him out again.
Ignoring the compassionate glances from Price and River, and the fact that Curtis and Merrick couldn’t even meet his gaze, he finally went to his room. He left the door cracked in case she walked out of hers. Finally, he said his prayers and slid into bed.
He’d barely drifted off when he heard Alice’s voice.
“Help … help … help!”
Robbie darted out of the sheets and rushed out of his room and into hers. Price was right there in the hallway. Robbie held up a hand. “Last time it was a nightmare.”
Price nodded. “I’ll wait out here.”
Robbie hurried through the door and into her room. She was tangled in the sheets and tossing her head back and forth. “Help!”
He glanced around, but there was no sign of anyone. Rushing to the bed, he dropped next to Alice and lifted her off the pillow and against his chest.
“Alice.” He gently shook her. “Wake up, Alice. It’s me.”
Her eyes fluttered open. “Robbie?”
“I’ve got you. Bad dream?”
“Yes.” She shuddered and buried her head in his chest, her silky hair brushing his skin. His heart took off at a gallop as her berries and cream scent infused his senses. “I hate that dream. This grotesque buddha man keeps coming after me.”
“Sorry. I’m here.”
“You are.” She glanced up and their gazes entangled. “Thank you for being here for me.”
