“You want me to be your love slave for the week?” Mitch asked

“It would get this mutual attraction out of our systems,” Nicole admitted. Then an impish smile crossed her face. “Besides, I thought the love slave part would be kind of fun.”

Mitch laughed. “Keeps you in charge, doesn’t it?”

She shrugged, neither admitting nor denying his claim. “Do you have a better idea?”

Leaning forward in his chair, Mitch reached out and touched her thigh with two fingers, slowly drawing a pattern on her slick skin down to the inside of her knee. Judging from the quick catch of Nicole’s breath and the darkening of her eyes, he knew she liked it. Mitch couldn’t deny that he thoroughly enjoyed arousing Nicole’s senses, and he had to admit he liked her completely and totally aware of him. As she was right now.

“I think there should be no restrictions on either one of us,” he said finally, sitting up and bracing his hands on his knees. “I’ll be your love slave and do anything you ask—as long as you’ll agree to do the same for me.”

When it seemed as if she was about to argue, he put his finger over her lips, silencing her. “After all, Nicole,” he said, giving her a heated look, “I have a few fantasies of my own I’d like to fulfill….”

Dear Reader,

I hope you’ve enjoyed all the books in the FANTASIES INC. miniseries. This last book, Wild Fantasy, more than lives up to its title and is everything a fantasy should be—sexy, erotic and a little bit forbidden. Mitch Lassiter and Nicole Britton have secretly wanted each other for years. Now, partnered for a week-long charity event on a lush island resort brimming with wicked possibilities, they make a pact to indulge in a hot, steamy, anything-goes affair. Trouble is, neither one of them anticipates just where their wildest fantasies will lead them….

Speaking of wild, hot and erotic…be sure to look for my next release in Harlequin’s newest—and hottest—series yet: Harlequin Blaze! Heat Waves will hit the shelves in October 2001.

I’d love to hear from you. You can write to me at P.O. Box 1102, Rialto, CA 92377-1102, or e-mail me at janelle@janelledenison.com. For a list of my upcoming releases, check out my Web site at www.janelledenison.com.

May your wildest reading fantasies come true.

Janelle Denison

Books by Janelle Denison

HARLEQUIN TEMPTATION

679—PRIVATE PLEASURES

682—PRIVATE FANTASIES

732—FORBIDDEN

759—CHRISTMAS FANTASY

799—TEMPTED

811—SEDUCED

832—SEDUCTIVE FANTASY

Wild Fantasy

Janelle Denison

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue

Prologue

“HERE’S THE AD you wanted to proof for the annual charity event on Wild Fantasy.”

Merrilee Schaefer-Winston smiled at her assistant as she retrieved the copy of the advertisement. She just needed to give it a quick glance over before she sent it out to newspapers and travel agents throughout the country. “Wonderful. Thank you, Danielle.”

The young girl’s eyes sparkled enthusiastically. “If previous years are anything to go by, this event should be a smashing success—for the guests and the charities that win.”

Merrilee nodded, feeling equally optimistic. “That’s what I’m hoping.”

Danielle left the office to return to other duties and Merrilee leaned back in her chair, scanning the information and the bold caption blazoned across the top of the ad: Wild Fantasy. Where Anything Goes And Anything Is Possible.

Including love, Merrilee thought. Yes, especially that.

Three years ago, she realized she had more money than she knew what to do with as a result of the phenomenal success of her fantasy resorts and the money her late husband had left her. Consequently, Merrilee decided to try something different on one of her island resorts: a vacation that would not only benefit her guests, but other people’s lives as well. Thus, the idea of a charity event was born. Out of the four island getaways she owned, Wild Fantasy seemed the perfect place to host the kind of games that would be just as uninhibited as the island’s name implied.

Her rules were simple and straightforward. Single guests paired up for a week to engage in sexy, adventurous games with the goal of accumulating points and ultimately winning monetary prizes for a chosen charity. While the main object was to have fun and interact with your partner, with each successive competition the challenges grew more intense and difficult, requiring both partners to work together to achieve goals or be eliminated from the contest.

In the process of striving to win, most people discovered things about themselves they never knew they possessed. Physical strengths they’d never tapped into before, and the internal fortitude to overcome emotional weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Merrilee’s greatest hope was that everyone left the island with a new respect for their own individual abilities, and a sense of pride for what they accomplished in their quest to win. On a more personal level, her fondest wish was that her guests made a more intimate connection with their partner. Sometimes love happened during the course of fun and games, and other times the couple parted as friends. Either way, everyone was guaranteed a good time, along with a personal fantasy request of their own to be fulfilled during their stay.

Merrilee had received many letters from her guests about the Wild Fantasy Charity Event she hosted, thanking her for not only her generosity in helping various charities, but for bringing someone special into their lives. Soul mates had met and fallen in love with a little direction and guidance provided by the event.

Merrilee sighed, knowing exactly how it felt to connect with someone who was intrinsically part of your soul. For her, that person had been Charlie Miller, a man who’d captured her heart, then died in the Vietnam war before they could begin a life together. The personal loss had left her empty deep inside, the kind of devastating void not even her marriage to Oliver Weston had been able to fill.

Recollections of Charlie Miller prompted thoughts of C. J. Miller, the new, evasive employee who’d been hired on as Fantasies, Inc.’s commuter pilot. There was something about the man that kindled a warmth and the kind of forbidden desire she hadn’t experienced in too many years to count. Absently, she fingered the heart-shaped ruby necklace she wore, a gift from an “admirer” whose identity remained elusive—just as elusive as C. J. Miller.

Wild Fantasy. Where anything goes and anything is possible.

The phrase echoed in Merrilee’s mind and called upon a fantasy or two of her own. Maybe it was time for her to see what was possible, and discover who, exactly, C. J. Miller was.

Feeling a spark of excitement, she approved the ad copy, then attached a note to Danielle and let the words she wrote be her guide as well.

Let the Wild Fantasy begin.

1

HE’D RECOGNIZE that thick tumble of honey-blond hair and incredible body made for sin anywhere.

Eyes riveted to the enticing sight, Mitch Lassiter watched the long-legged beauty follow the hostess across the crowded dining area of the country club where he was waiting for his mother to arrive for their lunch date. Dressed in a coral-colored cotton tank dress that accentuated her golden summer tan and enhanced her lush, toned figure, she effortlessly captured the attention of every red-blooded male in the near vicinity.

Her stride was confident, the sway of her hips inherently graceful. An affable smile tilted her lips as she connected with various appreciative gazes. Yet for all her outward friendliness and warmth, there was something elusive about her that kept Mitch guessing about the real woman beneath the easygoing, independent facade.

Nicole Britton. Bold and spirited, wild and impetuous, and sexy as hell with a competitive streak a mile wide. He’d known her for the past seven years, ever since their mothers had become good friends and had discovered her competitive nature a few years ago at a family get-together when she’d invited him to play a game of pool. Winning had been her sole focus. Assertive and controlled during her shots, yet tempting and teasing him with her overtly flirtatious behavior during his, she’d claimed victory…three times in a row.

Despite losing, the evening had been one of the most enjoyable he could recall in recent memory. His Executive Fleet Auto Sales business and family obligations had consumed his life since his father’s death, leaving little time to indulge in fun, or even a relationship with a woman. But that night he’d nearly given into the undeniable attraction between them and asked her out on a date, until he’d caught their mothers watching them with a little too much interest. He knew what a mistake it would be to give either one of their parents any reason to hope or believe their involvement would lead to something serious and lasting.

At the time, Mitch hadn’t been looking for anything binding or long-term, and judging by Nicole’s carefree, noncommittal attitude since her breakup with an up-and-coming city councilman about a year before, he was fairly positive she felt the same. In a split second he considered the possible strain to their mothers’ friendship if things didn’t work out between him and Nicole. He also considered the unwanted pressure and expectations that might be placed on either of them if they were to become involved. With these factors in mind, he had resolved to keep things between them casual, amicable and uncomplicated the whole way around.

But that decision hadn’t stopped him from wanting her. And it certainly hadn’t curbed Nicole’s inclination to tease and flirt with him when they were together, which only served to build and heighten the sexual tension between them.

He shook those thoughts from his mind just as Nicole turned her head in his direction, causing her silky, shoulder-length hair to ripple with shimmering highlights. Vibrant green eyes searched the area and came to an abrupt stop on him seconds before the hostess halted beside his table.

Surprise lit her gaze and a slow, beguiling smile curved her mouth. “Fancy meeting you here, Mitchell,” she drawled, her tone infused with familiar sass.

He inclined his head in greeting and smiled easily in return, feeling that beginning tingle of sexual chemistry the two of them generated whenever they were near each other. “It’s nice to see you again, Nicole.”

Very nice, indeed. Up close, she not only looked spectacular and incredibly sexy, but smelled soft and feminine, with a hint of warm, ripe apricot—an intoxicating, alluring combination that clenched his stomach muscles with heated awareness.

With effort, he shifted his gaze back to the hostess. “I’m here to have lunch with my mother, Heather. I think you’ve directed Ms. Britton to the wrong table.”

“Oh, no, Mr. Lassiter.” The young girl shook her head emphatically and placed another menu on the table. “Your mother and Mrs. Britton reserved a table together and instructed me to seat you both if they didn’t arrive first.”

Mitch watched Heather return to the front of the restaurant, letting her words sink in. “That’s…interesting,” he murmured, returning his gaze to his new table guest.

Nicole looked just as taken aback by the girl’s announcement but slipped into the vacant seat next to Mitch to await their mothers. “Interesting, to say the least, considering I was expecting to have lunch with my mother.” She hooked the thin leather strap of her purse over the back of her chair, then straightened in her seat to face him again. “She called this morning and insisted she had something important to talk to me about.”

“Same with my mother,” he replied wryly. “I can’t imagine what the two of them are up to that they’d both conveniently forget to mention a foursome.”

A naughty twinkle entered her gaze as she lowered her voice to a husky, teasing timbre for his ears only. “A twosome would be much more pleasurable, wouldn’t you say?”

Heat rushed through him at her daring double entendre and, though he knew she was merely toying with him as she always enjoyed doing, he toyed right back. “Oh, most definitely. What do you say you and I slip out the back door and sate our hunger privately?”

“Ummm.” The word rumbled provocatively in her throat, and she laced her fingers beneath her chin and considered his suggestion for a moment. “Sounds like a decadent proposition, but I don’t think our mothers would appreciate walking in on the gossip we’d leave behind.”

He laughed softly, humorously. “Your rebellious reputation precedes you, Nicole. You’re not one to shy away from anything that causes speculation or gossip.”

“Who, me?” Pressing the tips of her fingers to her chest, she tipped her head innocently and licked her glossy lips. The gesture made him wonder what her mouth tasted like deep inside. “Now what gives you that impression?”

Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Oh, let’s see,” he said, mentally picking through the various escapades his mother had insisted on sharing with him throughout the years. He thought about the upset her breakup with Jonathan Gaines had caused, and since he really didn’t know the exact circumstances revolving around that split, he found another episode to utilize instead. “What about the incident three years ago when you flatly refused your father’s very generous offer to be a receptionist at his medical office—”

She interrupted him with expressive green eyes rolling heavenward and a very heartfelt, “Oh, puleeze! That ‘generous offer’ was my parents’ attempt to mold me into a nice, traditional kind of girl, in a nice, traditional kind of occupation more suited for someone meeker and milder than myself.” She feigned a very realistic shudder.

He managed to restrain the urge to laugh at her description which clearly contradicted her own outlook on life. “And not being a traditional kind of girl you instead went out and found yourself a business partner and shocked everyone by starting your own sports enthusiast business.” Including her prominent councilman boyfriend at the time.

“All Seasons Outdoor Adventures, isn’t it?” Mitch asked. From what he knew, she and her partner, Guy Jacobs, not only put together packages for clients interested in outdoor recreational activities, but the two of them were guides on various hiking and rock-climbing expeditions, white-water rafting trips, and other daredevil sporting events, as well.

“Yes, that’s all true.” Her chin lifted in a mutinous slant that matched the multifaceted spark brightening her eyes. “The business has been extremely profitable, not that my father has ever acknowledged my success.”

And for some reason, her father’s approval was obviously important to her, despite her attempt to pretend otherwise. The tinge of hurt in her voice was slight, but unmistakable, and was quickly concealed with an indifferent shrug of her smooth, tanned shoulder.

The woman apparently had a soft spot beneath that sassy, aggressive, sexy facade of hers. “Personally, you don’t seem the receptionist type to me, either.”

“Thank you.” She beamed as if he’d given her a compliment of the highest degree, and lifted her water glass for a quick drink. “You know me better than I originally gave you credit for.”

And damn if he didn’t want to get to know her a whole lot better.

Unexpectedly, she leaned toward him and slipped her palm over the back of the hand resting on the table between them. His pulse leapt, and her smooth fingertips, chilled from the water glass she’d just touched, made his skin sizzle.

Her lush mouth curved into a smile filled with wicked intent. “So, shall we stroll out of this stuffy country club hand in hand like lovers and let our mothers come to their own conclusions when they hear the gossip about us?” She waggled her perfectly arched brows in a dare. “Could be tons of fun.”

One thing was certain in Mitch’s mind. If he took Nicole up on her brazen challenge and they ditched this luncheon, he doubted anything that happened outside this restaurant would be feigned. The vibrant fire in her eyes told him the attraction was real. And while she might pretend not to care about their mothers’ speculation about them, he was willing to bet it was all an act. They both knew their parents would jump on the opportunity to encourage any interest between them, and he didn’t think she wanted that, either.

He switched the positions of their hands, trapping hers beneath the heat and weight of his palm. His thumb rubbed the sensitive flesh between her thumb and forefinger, and she sucked in an audible breath.

He blinked lazily. “You know, I do believe you could tempt a saint to sin, and if it wasn’t for both of our mothers heading this way at this very second, I’d call your bluff and see just how far you were willing to take this game of yours.”

At the mention of their mothers’ approach she subtly retrieved her hand so they weren’t caught in such a compromising position. She sighed, a gusty breath of sound that held the barest hint of regret. “I guess we’ll never find out just how far I was willing to take things, now will we?”

He stifled a grin and instead gave her a private wink designed to leave her a little unbalanced. “Not this time anyway.”

NICOLE STARED at her lunch menu but was unable to concentrate on the array of entrées offered. While her mother and Joyce Lassiter chattered on about the fabulous sale at Bloomingdales they’d hit that morning, which had made them late for their lunch date, Nicole’s mind spun with other, more distracting, matters—like the gorgeous, too-appealing man sitting beside her, their sexy banter, and her traitorous body’s reaction to him and his arousing touch.

She drew a deep, stabilizing breath, which did little to alleviate the flutters in her belly. Mitch Lassiter always did have a way of shaking up her normally unwavering composure and generating feelings of restlessness that no man had ever evoked. He possessed the ability to turn her on with a look, a charming smile or just by speaking in that deep, rich voice of his. Not that she’d ever let him in on that intimate secret.

Her personal life was exactly where she wanted it to be, free of the kind of restraints and emotional entanglements she’d struggled with for the better part of her childhood and adult years. The only frustrating thing she had to deal with was the way her parents constantly compared her to her younger brother. Robert, who was working toward becoming a successful orthopedic specialist, had recently married a sweet, traditional kind of girl, and had a baby on the way. Being the oldest, and their only daughter, Nicole’s parents had been pressuring her for years to settle down and get married. And if they’d had their choice, they would have picked her ex, Jonathan Gaines, to be her husband. An affluent councilman and socially connected, Jonathan was exactly the kind of man her parents would have adored for a son-in-law.

Unfortunately, Nicole’s opinion on the matter hadn’t mattered much. While her relationship with Jonathan had been more comfortable than exciting and she’d enjoyed his company and intellect, he, too, had harbored certain expectations of her…and she’d fallen short. Like everyone else in her family, he hadn’t approved of her business venture, or her ideals, and he resented the time she’d devoted to All Seasons Outdoor Adventures. While there had been some relief attached to their breakup, it had also served as a painful reminder of how men found her independence and ambition too intimidating.

And then there had been her parents’ astounded reaction over her split with Jonathan to contend with, especially her father’s disappointment. He’d held her responsible for driving away such a prominent, solid prospect in lieu of pursuing what he referred to as a man’s business. The entire incident had been yet another in a long string of disappointments for him.

But despite her past, and despite deeper, unsettled yearnings inside her now, she wasn’t about to give up her hard-won independence for anyone. Not even Mitch. Occasional playful flirtations she could handle and walk away from, and so long as she didn’t allow her encounters with Mitch to escalate beyond harmless, teasing fun, she’d be just fine.

With that lecture assuaging her mind, and feeling more in control of herself and her response to Mitch, she decided on a club sandwich and an iced tea, then placed her menu on the table to await their server. The four of them ordered their meals, and once the waiter moved on to a nearby table, Nicole picked up her linen napkin, spread it on her lap and regarded both of their mothers with extreme interest.

“So, what was so important that the four of us needed to have lunch together?” she asked.

The older women exchanged an excited look, then pinned their gazes on their respective children. Rhea was the first to speak. “We asked you two here today to ask for your help in aiding our charity work for Breast Cancer Awareness.”

Mitch immediately sat up straight in his chair. His dark brown eyes, the color of rich chocolate, glimmered with concern as his gaze honed in on his mother. “Is everything okay, Mom?”

Nicole waited for Joyce’s reply as well, knowing how crucial Mitch’s question actually was. Seven years ago Mitch’s mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. While she’d recovered and had been in remission for years, there was always the chance of a reoccurrence. Nicole knew this all too well, since her mother’s sister, Andrea, had passed away from the disease. Her mother and Joyce had met at an emotional-support group and had been best friends ever since. In their spare time, which they both had a surplus of, they raised money and awareness for their favorite charity.

“I’m perfectly fine, Mitch.” A bright smile reassured both of them of her exemplary health, and Mitch’s relief was nearly palpable. “This request isn’t for me specifically, but for the organization as a whole.”

As the waiter delivered their drinks, Mitch sat back in his chair. The knit collared shirt he wore molded to his well-defined chest and toned biceps, and the bronze hue brought out flecks of gold in his dark irises. “You know I’ll do anything I can to support your charities.”

Joyce’s face softened with maternal affection. For a woman in her late fifties and having endured many hardships, including the loss of her husband, she still looked beautiful and vibrant. “I knew I could count on you, honey,” she said, patting her son’s hand.

“You know I’ll do the same, Mom.” Nicole squeezed her wedge of lemon into her iced tea and stirred the liquid with her straw. “What do you need? A donation from All Seasons, or help in sponsoring a certain event?”

“You know I appreciate the offer,” Rhea said as she brought her cup of hot tea to her lips for a dainty sip of her favorite herbal blend, “but this is something we’d like the two of you to do for us and the organization.”

She and Mitch exchanged a perplexed look. Witnessing the bewilderment in the depths of his eyes, Nicole knew he had no idea what was going on, either. Their server arrived with their lunch order, and while he placed various dishes around the table and made certain everyone was satisfied with their meal, Nicole contemplated her mother’s odd and very nebulous comment.

Mitch was the first to question it. “Mind sharing the details of this arrangement with us?”

“Of course.” Joyce laughed lightly and dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. “Rhea and I came across an advertisement in the Denver Post publicizing a high-profile charity event and we immediately thought how perfect it would be if the two of you represented our organization.”

Nicole took a bite of her club sandwich, feeling a setup of some sort coming on, but she was too intrigued by whatever elaborate plan their mothers had concocted to waylay their intentions until she’d heard everything. A quick glance at Mitch confirmed that he was equally curious to hear what this charity event was all about and what their involvement would entail.

“Go on,” Mitch drawled.

Rhea stabbed a cherry tomato in her salad with her fork and continued where Joyce had left off. “There’s this island resort off the Florida Keys called Wild Fantasy, and they’re hosting an annual charity contest. The grand prize is one hundred thousand dollars that will be donated to the charities or organizations that the winners specify.”

“And you want us to try to win that money?” Mitch guessed.

Joyce nodded enthusiastically, causing her silky, frosted hair to skim her smooth jawline. “Exactly. According to the rules in the ad, in order to participate in the contest the guests have to be single and willing to compete in a variety of events and competitions against one another to accumulate points and win one of three cash prizes.”

“Sounds right up my alley,” Nicole said, completely hooked on the idea. “And I definitely qualify on both accounts.”

Mitch shot her a humorous glance. “Yup. You’re single and you’re definitely competitive.”

She grinned sassily and wrinkled her nose at him. “And proud of both accomplishments, I might add.” Indeed, growing up she’d honed those competitive skills all in an attempt to capture a smidgeon of the attention and approval her father had lavished on her brother. While her efforts hadn’t gained her what she’d ultimately sought, they had made her a stronger, more independent person, as well as ensuring that she was always up for a challenge.

“Actually, you’re both more than qualified, as well as our best chance at winning the money for the organization.” Reaching into the bread basket for a roll, Joyce broke it open and slathered butter on the two pieces. “But this is more than a competition and charity event—it’s also a vacation package. So either way you two should have a good time.”

Mitch stopped his forkful of pasta halfway to his mouth as he stared at his mother. “Care to explain the vacation part of this?”

Joyce waved a hand between them, as if the details of that were insignificant. “Wild Fantasy first and foremost caters to guests’ fantasies,” she explained. “And while Fantasies, Inc. is sponsoring the event, the guests who participate will be treated to all the regular amenities the island and resort has to offer in their vacation packages. According to the brochures and information Rhea and I picked up from our travel agent, this place is a virtual paradise.”

Nicole considered all the decadent possibilities inherent in a personal fantasy and knew she wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in a week of fun, sun and pure relaxation…and competitive games with Mitch.

“Sounds great to me,” she said, making up her mind. “I haven’t taken a vacation in over a year, so I’m sure I can work out something with Guy and get another guide to cover for me while I’m gone.” She glanced at Mitch to gauge his response and to see what he’d decided, but he remained quiet and contemplative.

Rhea lifted her leather bag onto her lap and dug through the contents, withdrawing two separate folders. She handed one to Nicole and the other to Mitch, who reluctantly accepted the portfolio. “Since there are only a limited number of single guests allowed on the island to participate in the charity event, and we wanted to make sure you didn’t miss out on this opportunity, we took the liberty of purchasing both of your airfares to Florida, along with your vacation package on Wild Fantasy. There’s a questionnaire and application inside your folders requesting personal information that you’ll each need to fill out before you get to the island.”

Nicole thumbed through the colorful brochure, fascinated with everything the resort offered and promised their guests. Then she came to the questionnaire her mother had mentioned and the tempting phrase, Where anything goes and anything is possible, jumped out at her, as did the intimate question, What is your fantasy?

She bit her bottom lip in thought. If she was taking into consideration forbidden, erotic fantasies, the sinfully virile man sitting beside her fit the bill. Mitch Lassiter had been a part of her most private erotic desires for years, stealing into her dreams and fulfilling some of her most seductive fantasies in the darkest part of the night.

But beyond her favored sexual fantasy, there was something emotional she craved, a secret wish she’d harbored deep inside since she was a little girl. Unexpectedly, her chest tightened with insecurities she’d sworn she’d banished years ago when it had become apparent that she’d never live up to her father’s expectations as her brother, Robert, always so effortlessly did. She’d given up trying to please her father and lived her life according to her own rules and expectations. Yet there was still that little girl within the strong, independent woman who wanted his approval instead of criticism. Just once.

Win or lose, she wanted to be appreciated for who she was and not for what she accomplished. That was her fantasy.

Her fantasy was simple, yet so intangible it was almost impossible to grant. But that wouldn’t stop her from putting the request in writing—for her own personal, private reflection, not to be shared with anyone else.

Closing her folder, she met her mother’s expectant gaze. “I’m game for a wild fantasy.” Grinning, she turned toward the man beside her to gauge his response. “How about you, Mitchell?”

He shook his head regretfully. “Mom, I know how important this is to you, but I can’t just up and leave the business for a spontaneous vacation.”

“Sure you can,” she refuted, placing her fork on her plate. “I already spoke to your brother, and he’d be happy to handle things for a week.”

Mitch’s dark brows creased into a deep vee at that bit of information.

“Quit frowning,” his mother scolded gently. “I know you don’t like me meddling in your business, but Drew agreed it was high time you took a vacation, since you haven’t done so since your father passed away. And that was over eight years ago.”

With a heavy sigh that echoed his hesitancy, he pushed his fingers through his thick, sable hair, mussing the strands in a way Nicole found incredibly sexy. Heck, everything about the man was inherently masculine and sensually exciting, enticing her in ways she had little defense against.

“I’ve been busy,” he said, his tone a shade defensive.

“Exactly.” Caring and kindness permeated Joyce’s gentle voice. “Busy supporting me and putting both your brother and sister through college. What about doing something for yourself for a change? And in turn, you can do something great for our organization, too.”

A startling warmth inundated Nicole, along with respect and admiration for Mitch and the responsibility he’d taken on since his father’s death. He’d obviously abandoned his own wants and needs for his family’s, yet he gave no indication that he begrudged the sacrifices he’d made to support them. It was difficult for Nicole to imagine her brother in the same position, making the same selfless choices, when he’d always thought of no one but himself.

She watched Mitch waver in his decision, looking way too serious when it was clear his mother desperately wanted him to relax and enjoy himself, away from work and obligations. Playing and having a good time was something Nicole knew how to do with flair. Having fun with Mitch, tempting and teasing him and driving him to distraction on a private island away from prying eyes, suddenly held a whole lot of appeal.

“Aw, come on, Mitchell,” she cajoled in a sultry tone of voice that snared his attention and made him lift an inquiring brow her way. “Sounds like fun, don’t you think?” Slipping off her sandal, she slid her bare foot beneath the hem of his pant leg and rubbed his muscled calf with her toes, teasing him. “Or maybe you’re worried you’ll come in second against me in competition.”

The unmistakable dare hung between them. His gaze narrowed with a distinct but discreet message only she could decipher: she was playing with fire. In more ways than one. In her estimation there was nothing wrong with playing with his brand of sensual heat when she had no intention of getting close enough to the flame to get burned.

Yet scorch her he did when he caught the underside of her knee with his long, warm fingers before she could move her leg away. A sizzling spark ignited and flared upward. She intercepted a startled gasp before it had the chance to escape her throat, then had to swallow a groan of pleasure when he grazed the smooth flesh in the ultrasensitive curve behind her knee. With Mitch’s help, she’d just discovered an erogenous zone she never knew existed.

And the wholly satisfied gleam in the depth of his golden-brown eyes told her he knew exactly what he was doing to her. Knew that with just a bit more pressure in the right place, she’d be putty in his hands.

She was beginning to realize what a formidable opponent Mitch was when provoked. She had no choice but to silently endure his blatant caresses and her body’s feverish response to his touch or risk a scuffle under the table that would bring too much unwanted attention to their private battle of wills. So, with concentrated effort, she remained outwardly unruffled—a talent she’d perfected at a very early age—and waited for him to acknowledge her deliberate challenge.

He didn’t disappoint her. “The very last thing I’m worried about is coming in second to you,” he replied with a slow, lazy grin infused with a potent amount of confidence. With one last brush of his thumb against that arousing spot behind her knee—a soft stroke as tantalizing as a whispered promise of more to come—he released her quivering leg and shifted his gaze back to his mother.

“I’ll do it,” he announced in a steadier voice than she would have been able to summon at the moment. “Count me in on the vacation and the contest.”

Joyce clapped her hands together in pure delight. “That’s wonderful! Isn’t that wonderful, Rhea?”

“Most definitely,” Rhea agreed with an exuberant nod of her head. “We’ve arranged your flights so that the two of you will arrive on the island separately. Now, you need to remember to play the game like the rest of the contestants. You start off as strangers before pairing up for the charity event and competitions—”

“What do we need to pair up for?” Nicole interrupted, wondering if she’d missed an important part of the conversation while she’d been perusing the brochure and thinking about her own personal fantasy.

Her mother looked at her as if the answer to her question was obvious, but explained anyway. “The two of you are going to be a team.”

“A team?” she echoed in confusion.

“Yes. According to the rules, single couples pair up as a team, and each person in the team wins half the prize money for their chosen charity. Obviously, the two of you together will increase our chances of winning the entire one hundred thousand dollars.”

Of course. Nicole blinked, unable to argue with her mother’s logic, even as she realized her mistake in believing that she and Mitch would be competing against one another. According to their mothers’ plan, she and Mitch would be partners—a couple—and would have to rely on one another and their combined skills to win.

“It’s all or nothing, Nicole. What do you say?” Mitch’s deep, rich voice penetrated her thoughts, an indisputable dare in his tone this time.

All or nothing. The thought of spending one entire week in the constant company of Mitch Lassiter threw her off balance and caused a slow simmer in the pit of her belly. But there was no way she’d renege on her promise to her mother.

She summoned a bit of sass and attitude, just enough to boost her own confidence and resurrect personal boundaries between her and Mitch. “I say I hope you can keep up with me and don’t slow me down during the events.”

His answering grin assured her that he’d have no problem at all keeping up with her pace. “That’s the last thing you’ll have to worry about.”

He was right. She was more worried about their attraction, and spending a week alone with him.

2

“LET’S SEE…” The overly voluptuous redhead in tight pink spandex licked her lips as her gaze raked up and down the length of Mitch’s body. “If I had to take a guess I’d say that you’re the male exotic dancer.”

Mitch winced inwardly, having been pegged as a “stripper” by three different women in the span of half an hour. “No, I’m an auto broker.”

“What a waste of a great body.” The woman with “Rita” written on her name tag shook her head, obviously disappointed that he didn’t take his clothes off for a living.

She glanced down at the paper in her hand once more, consulting the list of hobbies and individual interests each person on Wild Fantasy had contributed in order to participate in that evening’s “singles’ mixer.” The event was a getting-to-know-you icebreaker to get everyone better acquainted with participants of the opposite sex before selecting their weeklong partner at the end of the night. If it wasn’t for the fact that Mitch was assured Nicole as a partner, he might have changed his mind about this whole fantasy and charity business. The singles scene had never been his thing, and he’d yet to meet a woman he had any desire to spend an evening with, let alone an entire week.

So far, his experience on Wild Fantasy was proving not only to be interesting and surprisingly relaxing, but amusing as well. Other than being sized-up as a potential partner and possible plaything for the week, he was enjoying the luxuries offered by the resort and the fun, laid-back atmosphere of the island. He hadn’t known just how badly he’d needed a vacation until the moment he’d stepped off the commuter plane and the tranquility and hospitality of the island had enveloped him.

He’d arrived earlier that day on a separate flight from Nicole. He’d spent the afternoon unpacking then walking the grounds, taking in the lush beauty of the island and familiarizing himself with the fabulous amenities included in his vacation package, a vacation that was his own private fantasy. One that had been incredibly easy to put into writing once he’d agreed to this spontaneous getaway.

He was going to thoroughly enjoy this week away from business and the real world. Leaving responsibilities and obligations in the hands of his younger brother had been extremely difficult to do after eight years of holding tight to the reins of Executive Fleet Auto Sales, but Mitch was determined to embrace a whole lot of fun, pleasure and all the potential this incredibly sensual island had to offer. He’d become used to taking care of everything and everyone else, but now he was going to do something for himself for a change, without an ounce of guilt or worry to hamper the experience.

And his decision to enjoy himself included finally discovering if the strong chemistry between him and Nicole could be taken any further than the flirting they’d engaged in for much too long. He’d refrained from asking her out on a date a few years ago, but this vacation afforded him a chance to make up for that regret, as well as the opportunity to pursue Nicole at his own leisure and in his own way.

All or nothing. Mitch had meant what he’d said, in more ways than just giving one hundred percent to the charity events and competitions. For years he’d sensed a depth to Nicole buried beneath a cloak of complex, multifaceted emotions he’d only seen glimpses of so far. Now he wanted to peel away each fascinating layer, until he revealed precisely what had molded this incredible woman into who and what she was. Not that he expected her to make the discovery process easy on him. He had no doubt Nicole would try to thwart his attempts every step of the way.

Rita looked back up at him, hope and excitement mingling in her eyes. “You’re in the auto business, right?” she asked, repeating the information he’d just given her. “Then you must be the one who owns a Ferrari!”

“Nope,” he replied, watching as her interest in him gradually dwindled with each question he refuted. “I drive a Ford Excursion.”

Frowning at his choice of vehicle—she apparently preferred fast sports cars—she perused the list of data again.

Two questions down, one more to go, Mitch thought wryly. After the third wrong guess the general rule was to recirculate within the group of guests, unless there was a mutual attraction the two people agreed they wanted to explore further. No worry of that happening with Rita, thank goodness.

Rita lifted her gaze from her notes and graced him with a sly smile. “I bet you like to wear leather beneath your clothes, don’t you?”

The restricting and very uncomfortable image that popped into Mitch’s mind made him grimace. “Sorry. I’m strictly a cotton brief kind of guy.”

“Too bad.” Sighing in defeat, she moved on to another male guest with long hair, a goatee and a pumped-up physique. The first words out of her mouth were, “I’ll bet you’re the male exotic dancer.”

Chuckling at the woman’s relentless quest to find the stripper in the group, Mitch continued to mingle in order to look as though he was searching for his perfect match for the week. The variety of women he met ranged from sweet and shy to the more direct and brash. They exchanged information on their lists to learn more about one another, and while he found a few of the women very nice and likeable, none of them so much as kindled anything more than friendly interest.

The only woman he wanted to be paired up with was Nicole, and so far she’d done an exemplary job of avoiding him since arriving on the island. But as it was getting late and couples were starting to sign up as partners for the charity event, Mitch decided it was time to stake his own claim on the woman he desired—a gorgeous, sexy, spirited woman that would be all his for a week.

Strolling around the large, outdoor courtyard that had been set up for the welcome reception, he perused the crowd for a certain evasive, blond beauty. Torches illuminated the area, casting flickering light over the elaborate buffet of food and the dance floor, which was already half full with couples who’d paired off and were enjoying the soft rock tunes the band was playing. An occasional balmy breeze sifted through the palms and lush foliage, bringing with it the fragrant scent of tropical flowers and something more illusive and seductive…like wild, forbidden fantasies.

The familiar sound of vibrant, teasing laughter stimulated a very basic male response in Mitch—the kind of heated anticipation directly linked to Nicole. Glancing to the left, he found the object of his search flirting with a group of eager men vying for her attention.

Considering how fresh and energetic she looked, even after having spent the better part of the day traveling from Denver to Florida, he could easily see why those men had flocked to her. She was wearing a white eyelet top that played peekaboo with her flawless, tanned flesh shimmering in the torchlight, and the rounded neckline displayed her full, rounded breasts in a way that was enticing, yet innocently provocative. Slim pink capri pants hugged her hips, thighs and calves, outlining a centerfold figure, and strappy, heeled sandals boosted her height a few inches, making her legs seem endlessly long.

One of the men leaned close to say something to her, and another burst of amused laughter rent the air. Then she slanted the other man a coy look, and the possessive spark that jolted through Mitch took him completely off guard. He’d never been the jealous type with women, but much to his surprise he was feeling a tad territorial where Nicole was concerned. The sensation was a novelty, but one he didn’t find at all intrusive. In fact, he welcomed the potent mix of desire and need she inspired, knowing he had a week with her to sate every emotion, curiosity and craving she evoked.

Giving the list of feminine traits, hobbies and interests one last cursory glance, and picking out the tidbit that best reflected Nicole, he sauntered up to the gathering and interrupted her little soirée. The three men hoping to claim Nicole as their partner didn’t look happy to have yet another rival in their midst.

He made a place for himself next to Nicole and his arm brushed hers, making his presence known. “Mind if I join your group?” he asked her specifically, knowing the company she was currently keeping would object if they could.

She gave him a slow once-over and bestowed one of those dazzling smiles of hers on him, but there was nothing in her expression that gave away the fact that they knew each other. “Not at all. The more the merrier.” She held out her hand for him to shake. “I’m Nicole Britton.”

He slipped his hand into hers, savoring the soft, supple feel of her flesh against his rougher fingertips. He inhaled deeply, and the ripe, luscious scent of apricots assailed him. Despite having enjoyed a small feast from the buffet earlier, his stomach growled hungrily, but his sudden appetite had nothing to do with food and everything to do with her. She smelled good enough to eat, every bare inch of her, and he couldn’t help wondering if her skin tasted as sweet and tempting as the fragrance teasing his senses.

He wanted to find out. Seduction and surrender played tug-of-war between their clasped hands and their clashing gazes. Nothing new there as far as the two of them and their attraction went. A lazy smile edged the corner of his mouth, and she watched his lips with a combination of fascination and guardedness. Her reticence made him even more determined to take this opportunity away from the real world, free from familial expectations, to explore what was between them.

His blood pumped heavily in his veins, and if the subtle way she tried to finagle her hand back from his grasp was any indication, she was just as affected by their silent, sensual exchange. And that was enough for him. For now.

Finally, he released her hand and introduced himself, shattering that breathless spell that had held them both momentarily immobile. “Mitch Lassiter,” he returned, following her lead in keeping their association anonymous. “Has anyone figured out which bit of personal information is yours?”

“Not yet.” She tossed her head back in an attempt to restore her composure, and ticked off the failed guesses so far on her fingers. “I’ve been pegged as a model, someone thought I loved to travel abroad, and another person believed that I’ve jumped out of a cake for someone’s bachelor party.”

She grinned at the three other men, seemingly enjoying the fact that she’d stumped all of them. “Can’t say I’ve ever done any of those things, but the last suggestion certainly sounds like a whole lot of fun.”

And being the unabashed woman she was, it wasn’t hard for Mitch to visualize her as a bachelor’s fantasy, dressed in something skimpy that would show off her sinuous body. The only problem was, Mitch wanted it to be his fantasy she fulfilled. “Care if I take a guess of my own?”

She turned toward him, initially surprised by his question. Then she shrugged and an impudent light in her eyes replaced her hesitation. “Go right ahead. Give it your best shot.”

Clearly, she didn’t think him capable of nailing her contribution to the list of personal information he held in his hand. While he had no idea if his guess was accurate, it suited her competitive, athletic nature the best. “You’ve tried out for the women’s Olympic swim team.”

Her mouth opened, then promptly closed. He’d stunned her into speechlessness, which was a first between them. While he would have loved to rib her over that, he kept to their pretense of being strangers in front of their audience. The last thing he wanted to do was get them disqualified before they’d even had a chance to compete together.

“Wow,” she breathed, her tone awed. “You’re very good.”

“So I’ve been told,” he drawled, winking at her.

She sent her admirers a quick grin. “It looks like this is the guy for me. If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to get to know Mr. Lassiter better.”

The other men conceded defeat and broke apart to find other potential partners. The band leader announced that they’d be taking a break and that Merrilee would be arriving in a few moments to greet everyone and go over a few last-minute rules for the upcoming competition. The man encouraged guests to take advantage of the dessert buffet and open bar, and when Nicole did just that, drifting toward the table laden with various sweets and confections, Mitch followed, noticing her rare bout of quietness.

Nicole cast him a surreptitious glance as she picked up a small plate then selected a puff pastry with cream filling, drizzled with chocolate icing. “How did you know?” she asked, her tone so soft he almost didn’t hear her question.

He tipped his head, not sure what she was asking. “How did I know what?”

“That I tried out for the women’s Olympic swim team.” She concentrated on choosing another dessert, this time opting for a small brownie square layered with caramel. “Trying out for the U.S. team was something that happened before our mothers met and became friends. Unless my mother mentioned it to Joyce, and she mentioned it to you.”

There was something in her voice he couldn’t quite decipher, something between hesitancy and insecurity, and he found it interesting that she wouldn’t meet his gaze. “No, my mother never said a word, which means I doubt she knows anything about you trying out for the team. It was an educated guess, based on what I know about you. You’re into sports and very athletic, so it seemed like a logical assumption.”

“Like I said, you’re very good, and intuitive.” She licked a smudge of caramel from her thumb, her tongue slowly removing the sticky sweetness in a way that ignited a smoldering heat in Mitch’s belly.

He wanted to know more, wanted to discover as much as he could about this complex woman and what made her tick. Including her drive and ambitions. “But this slip of paper doesn’t say whether or not you made the team.”

She visibly tensed at his comment and took her time savoring a bite of the pastry. “I never expected anyone to guess that information about me.” Her reply was flippant, and very ambiguous.

“It’s your own fault for putting that interesting tidbit out there for speculation,” he argued lightly as he snagged a small lemon cheesecake square from the dessert table. “I guessed correctly, fair and square, so I think you owe me an answer.” He bit into the sweet-tart confection and waited patiently for her reply.

Her chin lifted stubbornly, defiantly, in a way that was, no doubt, meant to waylay him. “Why are you being so persistent about this?”

He popped the last of his dessert into his mouth and chewed, not at all daunted by her terse tone. “Now that you and I are pairing up as a couple, I want to get to know you better.”

The look she shot him brimmed with skepticism. “Why?”

His gaze swept the area, taking in the other couples laughing and conversing with each other. “Isn’t that the purpose of this singles’ mixer?”

“Maybe for those who honestly want to get to know one another.”

“And if I honestly do?” he asked, his voice low and sincere, snaring her attention. He stared into her wide, searching eyes, letting his intentions toward her, his honest interest, dangle between them for a few consuming seconds. “It’s a simple question, Nicole. Yes or no would cover it just fine.”

Her straight teeth tugged on her lower lip, scraping off a crumb of chocolate. “How about yes and no?”

He chuckled and shook his head, not at all surprised by her answer that wasn’t an answer at all. “How about you’re being deliberately evasive?”

With a sigh she glanced away, making a production of setting her empty plate at the end of the buffet table. The flickering flames of a nearby torch illuminated the delicate lines of her profile, accentuating her natural beauty and making her suddenly appear vulnerable, which was a novel concept with Nicole.

Contradicting that too-brief glimpse of vulnerability he’d witnessed, she boldly found his gaze again. “I did make the team,” she revealed, sounding proud of that fact. “But a week after qualifying, I shattered my wrist in a car accident. The healing process was excruciating and physical therapy took months. By the time I was ready to return to the team I’d been replaced.”

Ahh, a fleeting victory that had been double-edged and bittersweet, he realized. Her regret was palpable, and he ached to reach out and offer a bit of comfort for what she’d lost. He gave in to the urge. With infinite gentleness he brushed back a few strands of hair that wisped along her silken cheek. His knuckles caressed her warm, smooth skin, and her breath hitched on a startled gasp, as if she wasn’t used to such tenderness, as if letting someone get that close emotionally went against that tough facade of hers.

He was beginning to see traces of a much softer side. Despite her reserve with him, despite her sassy mouth, she was in need of a whole lot of tenderness, and touching, and the kind of understanding and acceptance that came without expectations.

And he wanted to give it to her.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, letting his fingers drift along her jaw before falling away. “That must have been rough.”

She visibly shook off the melancholy that had overcome her. “Definitely disappointing. For me, and especially my father who had high hopes of me winning a medal.” The smile that found its way to her lips did nothing to chase away the lingering sadness glimmering in the depths of her smoky green eyes.

She’d had high hopes, too, he realized. And he couldn’t help but wonder how much of that longing of hers had to do with capturing a medal for herself, or pleasing her father. Before he could pose the question to find out, their host and the owner of Fantasies, Inc. arrived at the singles’ mixer. Stepping up to the microphone, Merrilee smiled engagingly and greeted her guests.

“Good evening, everyone.” A gradual hush fell over the crowd as she spoke, and all eyes trained on her. While Merrilee appeared to be in her mid-fifties, she was still a very attractive woman, with rich brown hair softened by gray highlights and kind green eyes that seemed very worldly and wise.

“Welcome to Wild Fantasy, where anything goes and anything is possible,” she said once she had everyone’s attention. “We have a whole lot of adventurous games and events planned on the island, as well as fantasies to fulfill, so let that phrase be your guide for the week.”

Mitch silently accepted and agreed with Ms. Weston’s philosophy—especially where Nicole was concerned.

“Tomorrow, the competitions begin.” Excitement laced Merrilee’s refined voice. “Just to remind all of you of the rules and guidelines of this charity event, once you’ve chosen a partner by the end of tonight’s festivities, you’ll be paired up with that person for the duration of the week. If you or your team member at any time decides to part ways because of personal differences, or if either of you chooses to decline any of the competitions or events, you both forfeit your place in the contest.”

The strict rule made perfect sense to Mitch and no doubt kept discord to a minimum. It also forced couples to work through problems and differences. In other words, they had to compromise, an ability that was essential to any good, solid relationship.

He glanced at Nicole as Merrilee reiterated a few other basic guidelines, saw his partner’s intense expression, and knew on a gut level she wouldn’t break or bend any of those rules. She’d compromise with him and find some kind of common ground rather than relinquish the contest and prize money. Her perseverance was a strong trait that would work to their advantage.

“In a few days, by process of elimination based on scores, the teams will be narrowed down to the top seven finalists,” Merrilee continued. “From there, the final round of competition will begin. This event will be much more difficult in execution and will require contestants to use mental and physical strategies to ultimately win one of the top three monetary prizes.”

She paused for a moment, her gaze scanning the faces in the crowd in front of her. “But regardless of where you place in this contest, I want everyone to have a good time this week. And now that the band is returning from their break, you can enjoy the rest of the evening, find a partner for the contest and dance the night away.”

Nicole watched the other woman step down from the platform and mingle with her guests and took a few extra seconds to shore up her defenses against the man standing beside her—especially after the way she’d opened up and spilled one of her biggest personal disappointments to him. She’d never shared that story with anyone.

What in the world had come over her? She’d learned at a very early age to keep her feelings under wraps in order to keep her father’s criticism from stinging and her own strength and determination intact. She’d managed the feat successfully through her teenage and adult years, and even through her disastrous breakup with Jonathan. Yet Mitch, with his caring, dark brown eyes and startling tenderness, had managed to stir a deep yearning that threatened all the barricades she’d erected around her emotions. She could feel them crumbling, making room for more of that rare understanding and acceptance he’d offered. And that wouldn’t do at all. Because, ultimately, her surrender would cost her what she she’d worked so hard for and treasured the most: her independence.

“Are you ready to head over to the sign-up table?”

The rich, deep timbre of Mitch’s voice penetrated her thoughts, reaching past the loud buzz of rejuvenated conversation swirling around them. She chanced looking at him and her stomach did a little somersault at how tall, gorgeous and overwhelmingly male he was. Desire unfurled within her, a languorous kind of heat that slowly seeped through her veins and made her weak in the knees.

She wasn’t ready to make a weeklong commitment to Mitch right then, even if it was all for fun and games. She desperately needed a bit more time to regain control between them before she relinquished even a small piece of her freedom for the sake of the charity contest.

“Not quite yet,” she replied, and tossed a frivolous smile his way. “If I’m going to be shackled to you for an entire week as my partner I want to make sure you’re qualified and competent.”

His dark brows winged upward in surprise. “And what, exactly, do you have in mind to find out if I meet your standards?”

She thought for a moment and came up with the ideal way to test his skills, a match she was certain to win, which would put her back in charge mentally, emotionally and physically. “A game of darts in the lounge ought to give me a good indication of just how capable you are.”

She turned to leave the mixer and head down the pathway leading to the lounge near the hotel, but before she could take her second step Mitch caught her arm and stopped her. His hold slipped lower, and the fingers encircling her wrist branded her, spreading a fiery, alluring warmth across her skin. His bold gaze beckoned to feminine instincts and she shivered, wondering how one man could have such a potent affect on her senses.

Instead of letting her hand go as she expected, he clasped their palms together. Skin to skin, he threaded their fingers in an intimate fashion, keeping her close. “What about me testing your abilities?” he countered.

The arousing rumble of his voice made his question sound like a sexual taunt that included all kinds of forbidden, delicious possibilities. Or maybe her mind and body were just so deprived that she was imagining the underlying innuendo in his words. She tried to draw a steady breath and failed to calm the riot of nerves clamoring within her. The brazen, tantalizing stroke of his thumb against her rapid pulse and the tenacity blazing in his eyes didn’t bode well for the outcome of her latest challenge.

“You’re just going to have to trust me and my abilities.” She shrugged nonchalantly, though she was feeling anything but indifferent to him. “Or we could let our dart game speak for itself.”

Grinning, he dipped his head, and a lock of sable hair fell across his forehead. “That hardly seems fair, since I’m a lousy dart player.” No machismo on his part, just endearing honesty, and damn if that didn’t appeal to her. “How about we test our skills together out on the dance floor, instead?”

3

THE VERY LAST THING Nicole wanted to do was end up in Mitch’s arms, surrounded by his virile heat, his intoxicating scent, and his blatant masculinity. He gave her little choice in the matter and no time to issue a protest that wouldn’t draw the unwanted attention of other people. Still holding her hand securely in his, he tugged her toward the parquet dance floor. Just her unfortunate luck, at that moment the band ended the fast tune they’d been playing and eased into a slow, romantic song one of the guests had specifically requested.

A heartbeat later she found herself wrapped in Mitch’s solid embrace with her own hands gripping his arms in startled surprise. Any desperate ideas she might have had about stepping back to keep a few inches between them were quickly banished when he slipped his arm tight around her waist and pulled her firmly against his hard, muscular body. Automatically, she tensed, but her rigid posture did nothing to dissuade him or ward off her own awareness of him.

Every inch of Mitch seemed to be touching some part of her. His shoulders were incredibly broad, and her breasts crushed enticingly against his wide chest, making her nipples peak and harden and ache at the heated contact. Her belly aligned with his, and somehow, someway, he’d effortlessly managed to slide his jean-clad thigh between hers in a way that was completely natural to the kind of slow dance they were engaged in.

The gradual pressure he exerted there was deliciously exquisite. To her dismay, an insistent throb pulsed low and deep. The uninhibited beat of the music dictated the sensual rhythm of their bodies, heightening her own longing for something more carnal and forbidden with Mitch. The assault on her senses was almost more than she could bear, and she struggled to keep a tight rein on her physical response.

His free hand slipped beneath the heavy warmth of her hair, and the tips of his fingers brushed the nape of her neck. “Relax, Nicole,” he murmured next to her ear.

Suppressing a telltale shiver of pleasure, she squeezed her eyes shut. Inhaling a fortifying breath, she summoned a convincing reply before she opened her eyes again. She pulled back, meeting his teasing, sexy gaze with a capricious grin of her own. “I’m perfectly relaxed, Mitchell.”

Clearly, he didn’t believe her. Doubts shimmered in his eyes, right along with something more devious. Sweeping a hand down her back in a long, meandering caress, he splayed his large hand at the base of her spine, right at the curve of her bottom. Lightning spears of sensation spiked through her and she stiffened at his penetrating touch, contradicting her attempt to pretend indifference to him.

One corner of his mouth tipped up in a knowing, beguiling smile. “That’s hardly the response of someone who’s relaxed.” He pressed closer to her, if that was even possible when she already felt like a part of him. His gaze grew more intimate, his voice softer, but she had no problem hearing him above the band’s entertainment. “Do I make you nervous?”

“Of course not,” she scoffed, the automatic fib a defense mechanism to protect her emotions from this man.

“Then prove it.” Indulgence and insistence warmed his eyes. “There’s no one here that we know to watch us, so quit fighting what’s between us and let your body soften against mine. Move with me to the beat of the music, Nicole.”

His request beckoned to her, the kind of dare she’d come to expect from him. The current song ended, giving her the perfect opportunity to bow out gracefully with some kind of clever quip. But when the band cued up the next tune with a seductive, bluesy tempo, she changed her mind. As hot and restless as he made her feel, she refused to give him the power of knowing just how much he affected her. In fact, she was fully prepared to turn the tables on him and be the one to walk away from this challenge unscathed. Just to prove she could.

Blocking out everything around them, she captured his gaze in the dim lighting. Relaxing, she let the driving, pulsing beat of the music dictate the movements of her body, the sway of her hips, the shimmy of her shoulders and breasts, and the deliberate glide of her thigh between his.

Lost in the moment and unnoticed by the other couples around them, inhibitions and reservations peeled away. Nicole softened and flowed into Mitch, just as he’d requested. Through lashes that had fallen half-mast, she watched the flame of desire and need burn bright in his gold-brown eyes, just as she’d intended.

A surge of triumph welled in her, making her bold and too assertive. “So, what do you think, Mitchell?” she asked huskily as she smoothed her hands down his chest, experiencing equal measures of satisfaction and pleasure as his muscles rippled at her touch. Tossing her head back, she arched into him in a very suggestive manner. “Is this relaxed enough for you?”

“Most definitely.” His free hand slid from her side, down past her waist and settled on her hip, leaving a trail of heat in the wake of his petting. “We’re very good together, don’t you think? Both of us qualified and definitely competent.”

Nicole swallowed hard, unable to find the words to issue a sassy retort. She was too mesmerized by the irresistible, sexual allure in his raspy voice, too stunned by the depth of her body’s craving for him to think, let alone speak.

Gently, he rocked her hips against him, igniting another frenzy of restless yearning within her. “The way we move together in such unison, the perfect fit of our bodies, is exactly the way it should be. Can you feel it, too?”

She felt too much. Every touch and illicit caress expanded the heat between them. Every slow, purposeful brush of his body against hers scalded her senses until she was burning with the kind of need only making love could assuage. It had been a very long time since she’d wanted a man that much.

She closed her eyes at that lusty thought but couldn’t shut out his murmured words, which painted such erotic and vivid pictures in her mind. She saw them flesh to flesh, clinging to each other in a dance between lovers. Witnessed the perfect fit of their inflamed bodies. Felt him filling the achy emptiness in her. Felt her own thighs clench his much too shamelessly. Tension coiled in her belly and right where the pressure he exerted was the greatest.

A tremor shook her, a warning that immediately jolted her out of her daze. “Stop.” The uttered command slipped from her lips before she could intercept it, and Mitch went still and quiet, though loud voices and music still swirled around them.

She blinked her eyes open wide, scattering the provocative images behind her lids. She stared up at Mitch in balanced increments of shock and mortification—and annoyance for his part in arousing her with his sexual monologue. Her breathing escaped her in soft pants, and she was feverishly hot, her skin flushed and tight.

Unable to believe she’d nearly allowed him to seduce her in such a public place, she attempted to untangle herself from his embrace. He held her secure, pinned against his athletic, all-male form, seemingly not ready to let everyone see just how affected he’d been by their exchange. She could feel his burgeoning erection between them, and another unwanted thrill raced through her.

She glared at him for turning what should have been a simple dance, an uncomplicated dare, into something far more tempting. “You don’t play fair,” she said, conveniently dismissing the fact that she was just as much at fault for provoking him.

He had no qualms about reminding her. “Oh, and you do?” he asked wryly.

Her chin lifted mutinously as her heart rate finally calmed. “You started all this, not me. I would have been satisfied kicking your butt in a game of darts.”

Fleeting humor etched his expression, and he gradually eased them back into dancing to the song the band was currently playing, this time, in a more platonic manner. “At least we finally proved one important thing.”

Curious, she took his bait. “And what’s that?”

“How compatible we are.” His tone was husky and soft, his gaze serious. “And that you want me as much as I want you.”

She rolled her eyes at that, grasping for levity and a believable fib. “We’re hardly compatible.” She found it more difficult to deny his second claim, so she didn’t even try for fear of him disputing her in sexy, tantalizing ways she wouldn’t be able to fight. “We’re complete opposites, Mitchell, and if it wasn’t for the sake of this charity contest, we wouldn’t be together right now.”

“Mitch,” he said unexpectedly, his voice vibrating with a tinge of frustration. His gaze turned equally intense. “For once, call me Mitch.”

The sudden change in him startled her, but also made her more determined not to give into his demand. “Mitchell suits you much better.” She fingered the collar of his red knit shirt. “Responsible, respectable and much too strait-laced for me.”

Her blithe comment was meant to point out their vast differences and establish much-needed distance between them, but only served to spark a fierce, steely determination in the depth of his eyes.

Without preamble, he grabbed her hand firmly in his and pulled her through the crowd still enjoying the reception. He nearly dragged her down the dark, secluded path toward the beach, his long-legged strides easily eating up the distance while she had to use quick double-steps to keep up with him in her heeled shoes. Her head was spinning when he finally stopped where the walkway ended at one of the small shacks used during the day for guests to borrow beach towels.

Abruptly, he turned around to face her. Silver moonlight cast shadows over his lean, handsome features and made his eyes glitter with purpose. He was unadulterated male magnetism, raw and untamed, and a trifle dangerous. But it wasn’t him she feared; rather it was her own electrifying response to all that strong-willed aggression.

Excitement and apprehension mingled. She’d met her match. She shivered at the thought, aware that they were very much alone. She could hear the faint, faraway voices of the people at the mixer and the crash of the waves on the shore behind her—or was that the frantic pounding of her heart against her chest that was echoing in her ears?

He stepped toward her, and she took a hasty step back—and found herself pressed up against the locked door of the shack. He moved closer and, before she could side-step him, he flattened his hands on either side of her shoulders, trapping her between hard, rough wood and his unyielding length. He didn’t touch her physically, not yet anyway. But she could feel the simmering heat of his body and see the predatory light in his stare. While everything within her urged her to duck beneath his arm and bolt, she stood her ground.

She’d never been afraid of confrontation or conflict—she’d experienced plenty of both through her childhood and her one-sided relationship with Jonathan. She refused to retreat now, no matter how much this man continually evoked varying degrees of emotions from her. At the moment, wicked desire was most prominent.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, and wished her voice sounded more convincing, instead of so breathless.

He bent his head and skimmed his mouth along her cheek to the delicate shell of her ear, a riveting touch all the more erotic for what it promised. “I’m about to prove I can be just as reckless and daring as you,” he said, his voice a ragged kind of velvet as dark as the night around them.

Her pulse quickened as she watched his full, sensual lips descend toward hers to make good on his word. She prepared herself for a wild, outrageous kiss—the kind of frenzied joining that would reflect their tempestuous relationship so far. Her posture stiffened, ready to divert his domination with some kind of defiant response.

She couldn’t have been more wrong in her assumption.

With lazy deliberation, he brushed his mouth along hers, throwing her off-kilter with his featherlight, velvety strokes designed to soften her demeanor. Warm, delicate kisses to coax an ultimate surrender. And despite knowing she ought to do something to stop his slow seduction, her lashes fluttered closed and she rewarded his sensuous efforts with a sultry moan that was pure pleasure, without a trace of any protest.

Mitch knew the moment that Nicole was his for the taking, and experienced a surge of supreme satisfaction. This woman, for all her impudence and stubbornness and sass, couldn’t refute the undeniable craving between them. Her warm, fragrant breath fanned his lips, intoxicating him with the ambrosial scent of sweet apricots and chocolate, a rare delicacy he had every intention of sampling deeper. Very, very soon.

Threading his fingers through the thick, silky strands of her hair, he smoothed his thumbs beneath her jaw to keep her face tipped up and her mouth poised right below his. Holding her slumberous gaze, he closed the distance between their bodies, gradually easing his hard length against her ultrasoft curves until he’d imprinted her from breast to thighs with scorching heat and pulsing awareness.

This time, it was him that groaned, at the rightness of this woman in his embrace, and the primitive need that gripped and consumed him. Done tormenting them both, he settled his mouth over hers. His tongue flicked out to taste and tease and gather the exotic flavor that was uniquely hers, and her lips parted on a breathy sigh, giving him the invitation he sought.

Tipping her head just slightly, he slanted his mouth across hers. His tongue delved deep inside in a slow, thorough invasion that was as sensual as it was possessive. He kissed her languidly, and with consummate, insatiable patience, until she grew pliant and just as needy as he.

He swallowed the raw whimper that rumbled in her throat, but there was nothing he could do to stop the restless way she moved against him. Not that he wanted her to stop, but she was making him harder and more aroused than he could ever remember being. She raised her hands, sliding them between their bodies—not to push him away, but to press her palms to the flat planes of his belly, explore along his waist, and caress the slope of his back. Her open and honest touch kindled a fever in his blood, caused his heart to beat a heavy cadence, and spurred him to higher levels of desire.

Their kiss turned hungry, rapacious—deep and wet and every bit as sexual as the currents arcing between them. Loosening the fingers of one hand tangled in her hair, he glided his palm down the smooth column of her throat and swept his thumb over the rapid pulse at the base. She shuddered and parried her tongue with his, leaving him aching with anticipation and overwhelmed with need.

Wanting to experience more of her, as much as she’d allow, he continued his downward journey and cupped the lush softness of her breast in his hand. She groaned and arched and offered more. He felt her nipple tighten and bead against his palm, and guessed that she was wearing a very flimsy bra—one of those sheer, lacy numbers that was more for show than substance. The erotic images leaping to life in his mind, combined with the reality of the moment, nearly sent him over the edge.

He rubbed his finger over the straining tip, wishing she was naked to his gaze, so he could take her in his mouth, finesse the budding hardness with his teeth and tongue, and taste her as he’d thought about earlier. A low growl erupted from him and he almost lost it completely when she skimmed her hands over the curve of his buttocks, clenched her fingers in the tight muscles encased in denim, and rocked her hips against his. Sensations bordering on pleasure and pain ricocheted through him, demanding he make a choice between release or restraint, and quickly, or else his body would make the decision for him.

There was nothing remotely responsible, respectable or strait-laced about what they were doing, as she’d accused him of being. Which reminded him of his purpose in seeking seclusion and deliberately playing this seductive game. Indisputably, he’d proved that he could be just as reckless and daring as her, but there was one other concession still left unresolved between them, and he meant to revel in that victory, too.

His breathing was harsh and ragged when he finally, reluctantly, stopped the madness and broke their kiss. Instead of withdrawing completely, he let his lips drift along her jaw and down the side of her throat. Seemingly lost in the haze of passion, her head fell back to give him better access as he scattered hot, damp kisses up to her ear.

“Call me Mitch,” he murmured, his voice a husky command. Nuzzling the sensitive hollow where neck met shoulder, he laved her fragrant skin with his tongue and wasn’t surprised to taste the delectable essence of sweet, ripe apricots. He lifted his head and stared deep into her eyes. “Say my name, Nicole.”

Her tongue slid across her lower lip, pink and swollen from their ardent kisses. “Mitch…” she complied on a hushed moan.

It was as much of an acquiescence as he could expect from her, and he’d take it for now. “I knew you had it in you, sweetheart. And now that we’ve established that we’re equally competent and qualified, and extremely compatible, there’s only one thing left to do.”

As if she just realized what her palms were fondling, she dropped her hands from his buttocks and planted them flat against the wall behind her. The silvered moonlight highlighted the becoming flush that swept along her cheekbones. “And what’s that?”

He grinned at her uncharacteristic show of modesty, especially after how uninhibited she’d been with him only moments ago. “All that’s left is for us to sign up as a team, and then the games begin.” He winked at her.

Grabbing her hand, he led her back to the reception, taking their return slow and easy so she could regain her equilibrium and so his own libido had time to cool. A few people eyed them, noting their reappearance, but considering this fantasy island and the charity’s purpose was to bring couples together, he figured their tryst was acceptable. And it served to clearly stake his claim on the woman beside him.

Nicole was unusually silent and obviously distracted as they filled out the paperwork that would bind them together for the week. When he suggested that they enjoy a few more dances or find other entertainment on the island for the next hour or so, she politely declined his invitation.

“I think I’m going to turn in for the night,” she said abruptly and tossed a saucy glance his way. “I suggest you get some rest, too. You’re gonna need it to hold your own in the competitions tomorrow.”

He chuckled at her parting remark, immensely relieved to see that their newfound intimacy hadn’t altered Nicole’s impetuous attitude at all.

HIS STROKING, skillful hands were cool on her hot, bare flesh, arousing feminine nerve endings to a fevered awareness. She reached for him, desperate to sate the empty yearning deep within her. Whispering her name on a soft groan, he covered her body with his, his mouth eliciting a heady rush of sensation as his lips and tongue found and lavished slow, exquisite attention on all her most sensitive pleasure points. Her breasts swelled and ached with each decadent swirl of his tongue along the velvety crest of her nipple, and the muscles in her abdomen contracted when his warm lips skimmed lower, and lower still.

The erotic touch of his mouth against her inner thigh, the damp heat of his breath, caused her to tremble. The caress of his tongue sent her to the verge of paradise and kept her poised on the threshold of a stunning climax. She shifted restlessly to try to accommodate him, but he’d somehow trapped her legs against the heavy weight of his hard thighs, keeping her from experiencing the ultimate possession of him burying himself deep inside her and pushing her over the sharp precipice of release….

Nicole awoke with a start. She blinked her eyes open to find herself alone in the king-size bed in her cottage, cheery rays of morning sunshine filtering into her room through the double slider leading to the beach. Her breathing was aroused and labored, her entire body throbbing with unfulfilled desire—a hunger Mitch had instigated last night, and one that had obviously carried over into her sleep.

She groaned at the injustice of having woken up before she’d had the chance to enjoy the end result of her sensuous dream. While she knew it would be incredibly easy to take the edge off the tension thrumming through her, self-gratification just didn’t appeal when she was coveting someone else’s touch.

Mitch’s touch.

Hoping the gentle pulses reverberating through her body ebbed soon and on their own, she attempted to roll to the side of the bed to get up and realized her legs really were confined. The cool cotton sheets were twisted around her waist and ankles, which explained the sensation her mind had conjured. The early dawn breeze drifting in through the window fluttered across her skin and the silk of her chemise, accounting for the fleeting kiss of an ardent lover.

All fanciful illusions—not Mitch, as she’d imagined in her dream.

With a sigh of disappointment she wasn’t quite ready to fully analyze, she untangled the covers from her body and slipped off the bed. At the moment, the best cure for what ailed her was a cool shower, and something to appease her appetite. Then she’d decide what she was going to do about the sexual cravings Mitch evoked.