“I don’t do propositions either.” Ben could’ve kicked himself for allowing himself to touch Saria. What the hell had he been thinking to give in and kiss her, even that peck?
“At least hear me—”
“Saria. You in there?” Lydia’s voice rang out from the other side of the door.
He couldn’t have been more grateful for the interruption.
“I’m here.”
“Brigs said Ben was with you. You okay?”
“He is.” She tapped his nose. “Don’t look so relieved. I’ll be back to speak of that proposition the moment I get rid of my sister.” Saria crawled over his feet then scrambled to the door and opened it. With one sexy hip resting against the doorjamb and a peek of creamy skin showing between her sleep top and waistband, she smiled at her sister. “Hey, Ben’s sleeping in here for the night, I mean day. I didn’t manage to get any sleep last night, and he didn’t get much either.”
“I’m sorry. You should have said.” Lydia squeezed her sister’s shoulder. “You look a bit flushed.”
Those long luscious legs of hers were barely covered with fabric. Those cotton shorts were far too short.
“Ben and I were having a heated discussion.”
One Ben had no intention of Lydia hearing the finer details about. Propped on his elbows, he strove to change the subject. “Congrats on the upcoming wedding, Lydia.”
“Thanks. Tyler and I are actually catching the chopper out to the mainland so we can organize our marriage license. We have to head to the courthouse, and he doesn’t want to wait.”
“How long will you be gone?” Saria grasped Lydia’s hand.
“Half a day, maybe more if we take in some sightseeing.” Lydia eyed him. “Can you watch Saria for me since I’m leaving?”
“Of course. You don’t even need to ask. Where’s Brigs?”
“He’s in the cabin at the end of the passageway, last door on your right. No one’s allowed to disturb him though. His orders since he wanted to catch up on some lost sleep too.” Lydia arched a brow at her sister. “You’re not allowed to worry too much, and I’ll call you the second we reach Nadi.”
“Make sure you do.” Saria dragged her into a tight hug. “Travel safely.”
“We will.” Lydia rubbed Saria’s back, then waved at him.
Saria shut the door with a gentle click, leaned her forehead against the thick wood and sniffed. Her shoulders shook.
“No crying.” He jumped up, scooped her into his arms and carried her back. “Lydia will be fine. It’s a short flight. No big deal.”
“I’m sorry. She and I have been back together for such a short time.” Tears coursed down her cheeks. “I can’t stand this stupid weakness.”
“Your phobia isn’t a weakness. It’s a pain in the ass, but you’ll get through it.” He tucked her under the sheet and curled around her. “You’re one of the strongest people I know.”
“You always say that, but I don’t feel it.” She stared at him, the lost brown depths of her eyes dragging him in. “I’m going to take this opportunity while you’re here though to beat this fear into submission. With both you and Lydia close, there’s no reason why I can’t.”
“Good, then to do so, you need some rest. I’ll run you through the drill.” The therapist had recommended he ask various questions to sidetrack her mind when her fears were at their worst. They usually worked a treat.
“One second.” She nabbed the sat phone from the bedside table and clutched it against her chest. Chopper blades whirred overhead, and Saria tipped her ear toward the sound as the craft that had brought him in returned out over the ocean with her sister.
Holding her close, he played with her hair, winding long strands around his finger. She had the most glorious locks, so long they touched her tiny waist. “Breathe slowly in and slowly out. Then tell me all about your favorite place.”
“That’s being anywhere with you and Lydia.” She nestled her cheek against his chest, her breath pulsing in a heated rhythm across his skin. His tension eased. “For a few minutes, I had that. Now she’s gone.”
“She’s coming back, and if you don’t have her, you’ll always have me. No matter what distance separates us, if you need me, I’m here.”
“I love how you’re holding me. I used to dream about how it would feel. The reality is so much better.” She slid her hand around his waist, stroked his hip. “And I’m supposed to be propositioning you, not blubbering like a baby.”
“Propositioning is bad. Blubbering is good.”
“That’s not what you said a second ago. Propositioning will take my mind off my sister.” She tiptoed her fingers closer to his cock.
“So will sleep.” His balls tightened and his shaft hardened and jabbed her wrist. “Ignore that.” He should be able to control his own body.
“I can’t.” She looked deep into his eyes as she caressed his length. “You feel so good.”
“You’re pouncing again.” His good intentions were about to fly right out the window. “I don’t have any condoms, Saria, and I’m not taking your virginity, or losing mine.”