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Although, she didn’t make it look like shehad to work for it. She ran that shop with ease, online salesprocessed quickly and with care, her brick-and-mortar shoppersleaving with huge smiles and arms loaded with bags, even afterinvesting in some big-ticket items. He knew she did all of her ownaccounting and inventory. Had invested in the building using achunk of the insurance money she had been saving after her parent’sdeath as a down payment.

He’d seen the fire in her eyes that nightwhen Gregory wasn’t taking no for an answer; she clearly hadn’tneeded his help. Nor had she stood on her high horse when he’dstepped in. She was fucking perfect; beautiful but humble, kind,smart… competitive, a violently sore loser, a bit compulsive. But,more importantly at present, she didn’t judge him for his manyflaws.

“Want to hit some of the shops before gettingsettled?” he asked as they neared the B&B.

Nodding her head, she agreed, “Looks likethere’s an antique shop just across the street, I’d love to checkit out.”

“Always working, huh?” he teased. Andreceived a jab in the ribs for his trouble, but it was meant wellas she grinned back at him. “Let’s drop our bags and check out thetown. Dinner isn’t for another few hours, maybe we can explore abit before the sun goes down?”

Well, he hoped she wouldn’t mind if he taggedalong. Shopping was not his favorite activity, and he’d alreadyspent his morning shopping for a new wardrobe. But he wanted theexcuse to spend more time with Payson.

At each other’s necks until recently withtheir quarreling, he rather enjoyed this turn of events. Silly, buthe felt relieved that her feelings toward him had been developingwhen he still looked like a deranged mountain man. Like a reverseCyrano de Bergerac.

“I’d like that,” she responded, smiling shylyat him.

16

The B&B was nice; his parents hadn’t skimped.Although his room didn’t have the ocean view, he’d caught anincredible view from the library and dining rooms that he exploredwhile waiting for Payson. Located right on the beach, it was likethe B&B was floating over the water when he looked out themassive windows. Polished wood floors were covered with plush woolrugs. Classic coastal, thick white trim and warm green walls madefor a homey ambience.

Ronan’s room had a huge, beige area rug thatcovered most of the floor and a massive cloud-like bed took up mostof the space. The bathroom was cleverly tiled in a decorative blackand white pattern, with walls painted a deep blue.

Although, he had to admit, he was hoping tonot spend much time in his own room. He’d had some incredibly vividimaginings about seducing Payson, and after last night’s kiss… hewas beyond ready. She’d been ready last night, but he hadn’t.

This morning, he gave himself a seriousass-kicking.Get off your ass. You’re alive, start living likeit. That look she’d given him when she saw him coming down thedock… He’d known then that he was ready for her.

Yeah, he was still a total mess. It didn’tseem to matter, she liked him anyway. Just being around her madehim feel so very human; she was hard to resist. Moth to the flame.Why keep fighting it when resisting just made them bothmiserable?

Having explored the place, Ronan finallydropped his bags in his room and went next door to grab Payson.Everyone else had decided to freshen up a bit before hitting town.Daylight was short this time of year, so there wouldn’t be muchshopping or exploring after dinner.

Knocking on Payson’s door, he heard afrantic, “Just a moment,” from the other side. Some more shuffling,and finally she swung open the door.

Her jeans discarded, she now wore a blackwool miniskirt and cable-knit tights with her same boots andsweater from the boat ride. “I’m ready; let’s go.” Looking around,finding the hallway empty, she asked, “Where are the others?” She’drun into her room so fast to pee, she’d missed the conversationabout everyone’s plans.

Taking her hand in his, he led her down thenarrow hallway toward the front door. “Maddy and Chase are going totake a short ‘nap,’ which I’m pretty sure is code for afternoonsex. Aiden already left, saying he wanted to check out town solo.Knowing Aiden, that means he’s on the lookout for a local girl tohook up with for the night.”

Throwing her head back in laughter, Paysonteased, “Wow, your family is a bunch of sex fiends. Maddy andChase, that doesn’t surprise me. That rocking boat - your parentsclearly still have a healthy relationship. Aiden was so isolatedwhen he first moved back to town, but now the guy’s a menace. I’mafraid to ask how much of Seaview’s single - hopefully single -female population has surrendered to his charms.”

Eyeing her suspiciously, Ronan frowned,“Wait, have you and he…?”

Payson took a moment to realize what he wasasking. At his look of horror, she laughed out loud. “What? Me andAiden? Oh god no. He’s a handsome guy, but, no. Not a bit ofromantic chemistry between us. He’s a good friend. I would considerour relationship more of the brother-sister dynamic.”

Relieved, Ronan pulled up their joined handsand kissed the back of her hand before opening the front door toleave the B&B. “Good. Not that it would stop me, but I’m reallyglad Casanova hasn’t… uh… you know what I mean.”

Playing innocent, eyes wide, Payson paused inthe entryway and goaded him, “Hasn’t what?”

Frustrated, Ronan jabbed back, “You know, Iused to be good at this sort of thing. Talking, gatheringinformation. Must be getting rusty. Let me try again: I feelreassured that you have not had sexual relations with mybrother.”

Not finished teasing him, Payson continued,her mouth quirked up in a sly smile, “Oh? And why is that?”

With a growl, Ronan pushed open the frontdoor, the icy air shockingly cold. He let go of her hand longenough to pull on his brand-new heavy jacket. Grabbing her handagain, he led her purposefully a few steps along the sidewalk, thenpromptly spun her around and pinned her against the side of thebuilding, framing her between his arms against the wall.

Faces inches apart, her gaze cast down to hislips in anticipation. Hovering a few millimeters away, he wasn’tjoking around anymore, “Payson, this shouldn’t surprise you. I’mplanning to peel that short skirt off you and make slow,scorchingly hot love with you all night. We can wait until anothernight if you’re not ready yet. But, if you are ready… I’m going tomake you scream out my name in pure ecstasy.”

Her twinkling green eyes unfazed, a seductivesmile formed on her mouth. Without words, she agreed with a playfulnip of his lower lip. From underneath him, she slowly teased at hismouth with her tongue, her hands reaching under his shirt, skimmingher fingers along his skin, making him inhale sharply as shetorturously caressed his abs.

Who was seducing who here? At the edge ofcontrol, he pressed his lips to hers, deepening the kiss. Shekissed him back with equal fervor, a soft moan passing her softlips.

Strolling by on the sidewalk, a voice brokethe moment, “Come on guys, you have two perfectly good roomsinside,” Aiden interrupted, protesting the public display ofaffection with a pitiful whine.