Her Festive Baby Bombshell

“In this heat?” When he shrugged, she added, “You’d be better off waiting until later when it cools down.”

She was right, but he couldn’t bring himself to admit it. “I’ll be fine.”

“Why don’t you come swimming instead? The water is perfect.”

He moved to the edge of the pool and crouched down. He dipped his hand in the water. She was right. The water was not too cold and not too warm. “I don’t want to bother you.”

“You won’t be. The pool is plenty big for the both of us.”

He had his doubts about the pool being big enough for him to keep his hands to himself. And with Holly in that swimsuit, he’d be so tempted to forget that they’d come to the island to work.

Finn raked his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know. I really should be working.”

“Your problem is that you think about work too much.”

And then without warning, she swiped her arm along the top of the water, sending a small wave in his direction. By the time he figured out what she was up to, he was doused in water.

“Hey!” He stood upright and swiped the water from his face. “What was that all about?”

Her eyes twinkled with mischievousness. “Now you don’t have an excuse not to join me.”

Why was he letting his worries get the best of him and missing out on this rare opportunity to have some fun? After all, it was just a swim.

“Okay. You win.” He stripped off his T-shirt and tossed it on one of the lounge chairs.

He dove into the pool, enjoying the feel of the cool water against his heated body. He swam the length of the pool before returning to Holly. She was still smiling as she floated in the water.

“Not too bad for an old man—”

“Old man. I’ll show you who’s old. Let’s race.”

She eyed him up but didn’t say a word.

“What’s the matter?” he asked. “Afraid of the challenge.”

“No. I’m just wondering if an old man like you can keep up with me.”

“Seriously? You have to race me now.”

She flashed him a teasing grin. “First one back gets their wish.”

Without waiting for him, she took off. He smiled and shook his head. And then he set off in her wake. His muscles knew the motions by heart. He’d swam this pool countless times over the years, but this time was different. This time he wasn’t alone.

He pushed himself harder. He reached the end of the pool and turned. He wanted to win. Not because he wanted to be the best. And not because he couldn’t be a good loser. No. He wanted to win because the winner could name their wish.

And his wish—

His hand struck the end of the pool. His head bobbed above the water. A second later Holly joined him.

“About time you got here,” he teased.

She sent him a cheesy grin before sending another splash of water in his direction. He backed away, avoiding most of the spray.

Holly was about to swim away when he said, “Not so fast. I won.”

“And?”

“And I get my wish.” He moved closer to her.

She didn’t back away. It was as though she knew what he wanted. Was he that obvious?

Her voice grew softer. “And what did you have in mind?”

His gaze dipped to her lips. It seemed like forever since he last felt her kiss. There was something about her that got into his veins and made him crave her with every fiber of his being.

His gaze rose and met hers. His heart hammered against his ribs. Was she as turned on as he was? There was only one way to find out.

He reached out to her. Her skin was covered with goose bumps. He knew how to warm her up. His fingers slid over her narrow waist.

He’d never wanted anyone as much as Holly. And she was the last person he should desire. She was a serious kind of girl—the kind who didn’t get around.

She was the type of woman you married.

The thought struck him like a lightning rod. As though she’d also had a moment of clarity, they both pulled back. Talk about an awkward moment.

“I...ah, should get back to work.” Holly headed for the pool steps.

It was best that he didn’t follow her, not right now. “I’ll be in shortly. I think I’ll swim a few more laps.”

Finn groaned before setting off beneath the cool water, hoping to work Holly out of his system. He was beginning to wonder if that was even possible. He kicked harder and faster.

The one thing he knew was that he wasn’t falling for Holly. No way. He didn’t have room in his life for that major complication.

CHAPTER FIVE (#ulink_f81a06c9-e585-5c56-92ca-c5ea9dbc5a7a)

ONE POUNDING HEART pressed to the other. Heated gazes locked. Lips a breath apart.

Holly gave herself a mental jerk. Not even a night’s sleep had lessened the intensity of that moment in the pool with Finn. Oh, how she’d wanted to feel his touch again.

But then she’d spotted the passion in his eyes. One kiss wouldn’t have been enough—for either of them. The acknowledgment of just how deep this attraction ran had startled her. She’d pulled back at the same time as Finn.

Now aboard Finn’s luxury yacht, the Rose Marie, Holly took a seat off to the side of the room as the meeting commenced. With a handful of notable and influential businessmen in attendance, she couldn’t let herself dwell on the almost-kiss. As each man took a seat at the long teakwood table, she quietly observed. Her job was to step in only when needed. Other than that, she was to remain virtually invisible on the sidelines.

So this is the hush-hush, wink-wink meeting.

A small smile pulled at Holly’s lips as she glanced around the room. Finn sat at the head of the table in a white polo shirt and khaki shorts. A very different appearance from what she was accustomed to seeing on those rare times when she caught a glimpse of him at the office.

On either side of the table sat four men. Mr. Wallace, Mr. Santos, Mr. McMurray and Mr. Caruso. All influential men in their own rights—from toys to office supplies, electronics and snack foods. No wonder there were bodyguards littering the upper deck.