Such peace after the turbulence of yesterday.
Hmm, except for the girls’ problem. I should have been giving it my full attention. Only, what on earth did I do to prevent Wincrest from allowing two of the leading eight to court the girls? I dug my feet into the sand. Oh yeah, the heated grains cocooned my toes and sent a tingle of pleasure through me.
“Silvie?” Guy’s voice rumbled from close behind. “I know I shouldn’t have come, but there’s a problem.”
My heartbeat thundered as I whipped around. Oh boy. It really was him. My mate stood before me when I’d never believed I’d see him again, and not fair, looking smokin’ hot as well. Yum. Whoa. Eyes up. Get it together. “Ah, what kind of difficulty?”
“Faith told me why she brought you to the outback. The moment she factored you into her forewarning, it dissolved. She told me you’re the key, except since you and I ended things—” He shoved one hand into his hair and tossed his silky black locks about. “—she had another.”
“Forewarning?” Oh no. Faith had far too many of those, and I hadn’t sorted the current forewarning yet.
“Yeah. She’s now factored me into it, and I hate to tell you this, but it appears I somehow aid you in being the key.” The wind rushed along the beach, plastering his shimmery gray shirt against his wide chest.
“Aid?” He couldn’t be serious. The task would be hard enough as it was without the distraction of him. Oh, and talk about toned abs. His silk shirt coated each defined dip. See, distraction. I planted my hands on my hips and forced my mind back on track. “As in assisting me? Together?”
“Not together, together. But definitely the two of us working as a team.”
“I can’t believe this.” Faith better not be playing with me. Although, my best friend knew I’d never stand for any lies between us. Damn it, she really must have had another forewarning. “So, you’re saying our relationship is still done? Finished?” I had to know what I’d be taking on if I accepted his help.
“Yes. Nothing changes. For the girls’ sake, do you think we can work together on this problem?”
“If Faith says it’s necessary, then of course. I don’t like it, but I can handle it.” Provided he covered that impressive chest with something less flimsy than that shirt. A jacket would be good. I should make that a stipulation he wear one. “Can you handle it?”
“If I—” His gaze slid over my shoulder and narrowed in on Zayn as he body-surfed the waves toward us. “Who’s that? And why aren’t you at school?”
“I’m on a date.”
“Already?” He thumped his thighs covered in black rawhide pants. “With him?”
“Yes.”
He snarled, and I jerked back. Okay, he wasn’t allowed to get territorial. I’d have to make that a stipulation too. “Mated ones cannot speak a mistruth, Silvie. I can sense your lie.”
Drat. I should have known he’d pick up on the lie. “So it’s not exactly a date, but I needed someone to talk to, and Zayn was there. He knows about us. He’s a protector.” And why was I defending my actions? He’d given up the right to question me.
“You should have spoken to Faith or Hope, not him.”
“They weren’t there, and Zayn’s trustworthy. He knows about them too.”
“Next time speak to me. You’re my mate.” His pale blue eyes rimmed with silver narrowed.
“Yes, your mate. But one who you released.”
“We’re still soul-bound, and now working together. You can come to me until the girls’ problem is sorted.”
“No thanks. You said nothing’s changed between us.” I patted his chest, and a sizzle of heat scorched my fingertips. Well, apart from that. I really liked touching him.
“That doesn’t mean— Hell.” He caught my hand and held it tight. “I’m sorry, this is a strange situation. I’ll get some control and stop making demands. I shouldn’t have overstepped my mark.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate that.” My pulse sped, and I couldn’t stop myself from wriggling closer. “How’s your day been? ’Cause mine’s been crappy.”
“The pits. I didn’t know it would be this hard.”
With my free hand, I tip-toed my fingers across his chest. “Well, we can be moody together, if you like?”
“Silvie, stop that. It’s dangerous.” Heat pulsed from him.
“I like danger.” I glanced at his mouth. What would it be like to kiss him?
“No.” His voice was raspy and hard. Oh yeah, I liked. “I can see what you’re thinking. You’re doubling the danger.”