She laughed, and this time the sound was light and carefree, lacking the tension that had engulfed her earlier. I flew, of course. Its the smaller commuter planes I have a problem with, not big, sturdy jetliners. And where are you from?
Atlanta.
She toyed with the end of her braid, which curled over her shoulder and rested just above her breast. And I take it youre going to Seductive Fantasy, too?
He nodded, his gaze shifting from the play of her fingers to her mouth, then her eyes, his perusal slow and lazy. Yes.
So, he either had a fantasy or was someones fantasyor maybe both. For a fantasy? she asked, hoping the obvious question would unearth deeper information about the man.
His eyes darkened, turning a smokey shade of blue. Most definitely for a fantasy, he murmured.
She shivered at the sudden intensity cloaking him. Unable to help herself, even though she knew she was venturing into private territory, she asked, What is your fantasy? Was that her voice that sounded so breathless?
Beneath her trapped hand, his muscles bunched, belying his relaxed expression. He sent her a chastising look, tempered with flirtatious charm. Why, Ms. Baylor, shame on you. I believe that information is confidential, as is your fantasy. Unless you care to share yours first? he invited.
Her skin flushed, at being so bold as to ask about something so intimate, as well as at the thought of divulging her own deepest desires. Not only did she not really know this man and his personal intentions on Seductive Fantasy, but she wanted her request to play out on its own accord, without planting any preconceived notions in another mans head. Though with him admitting that he had his own fantasy to explore at the island resort, she didnt hold out much optimism that theyd be paired as a couple.
She let out a regretful sigh. No, Id rather not share my fantasy, and I apologize for asking about yours.
No apology necessary, he said sincerely. I suppose the nature of this vacation retreat does stir ones imagination. I have to confess that Im equally curious to know what youre looking for on Seductive Fantasy.
Unadulterated passion. Uninhibited desire. A father for my baby. She kept those secrets tucked away. Lets just say Im trying to cram a lifetime of missed opportunities into one short week.
He turned the hand resting on his thigh over and traced a long, tapered finger against her palm, tickling her skin and arousing her to a fever pitch at the same time. Well, I hope all your fantasies come true, Alexis.
She stared into his compelling eyes, hopelessly lost in the sea of sensuality she saw shimmering in the depths. She licked her suddenly dry lips. I hope so, too, she replied huskily.
He continued doing incredible things to her hand, her fingers. Subtle, yet provocative caresses that had her breathing deepening and her body softening against her seat. Despite her best efforts to remain immune to his alluring touch, her belly quivered and her breasts swelled against the lacy webbing of her bra. The man was very close to providing the unadulterated passion part of her fantasyand she couldnt help but wonder if that was part of his plan, or merely just a coincidence.
Weve arrived at Seductive Fantasy. The voice of Mark, their pilot, drifted from the cockpit and into the cabin. Please stay seated a moment longer, until the plane is secured and the door is unlatched.
Alexs eyes rounded in shock. Were here? she asked incredulously.
Jacksons chuckle vibrated with a wealth of amusement. Yep. I think its safe for you to look out your window now.
Trusting him, she glanced out the small portal, stunned to discover that they had, indeed, landed. Water lapped at the floats attached to the seaplane as they glided smoothly on the ocean. They were slowly drifting toward a wooden walkway extending from the white sand beach of a lush island. Beyond stood a gorgeous hotel designed with Mediterranean appeal, and surrounded by bright tropical plants. Excitement blossomed within her at the sight of such beauty and elegancethe backdrop for her personal fantasy.
Incredible. She looked back at her companion, unable to stop her own laughter from bubbling up out of her. I wasnt even aware of the plane descending.
He winked at her. Then I guess I lived up to my promise to keep you distracted.
Oh, hed definitely managed that. Her elation dwindled as reality made an uninvited appearance. So, his attention had been a ruse after all, to keep her mind off the short trek across the Atlantic. Of course. Shed been silly to think otherwise, even briefly.
It was very nice meeting you, Alexis, he said, drawing her out of her disappointing thoughts. Lifting her hand, he brushed a featherlight kiss across her knuckles, then finally released her from his hold.
She immediately missed the warmth hed generated. Likewise, she replied.
Once the cabin door was open and they were free to exit the aircraft, they unbuckled their seat belts, along with two other female guests Alex hadnt realized were sitting across from them until that moment. The four of them stepped out onto the walkway, and Alex squinted against the late afternoon sun as two men unloaded their luggage. The womens bags were the first to appear and were tossed onto a brass cart. Jacksons suitcases were next.
Right this way, sir, one of the employees instructed, and started down the walkway toward an older woman waiting at the end of the platform. Without a final backward glance at Alex, Jackson followed the other man.
Alex watched him go, and with each step he took that put distance between them, she grew more desperate to catch his attention again.
Just one more time.
Jackson his name slipped from her lips before she could stop the impulse.
He turned around, inclining his head questioningly. Yes?
Now that she had his undivided attention, as well as the interest of the Fantasies, Inc. employees, what did she say?
Thank you, she said, expressing the gratitude he deserved. Self-consciously, she smoothed a hand down the front of her skirt and summoned a smile. You made the flight more bearable, as well as enjoyable.
It was my pleasure, he drawled in a low, sexy voice any woman would find vastly appealing. No doubt, many women had. Maybe well run into each other on the island. With a final wave, he turned back around and continued on.
Butterflies hatched in Alexs stomach, making her feel like a schoolgirl in the throes of a crush. And oh, what a wonderful feeling it was! Yes, maybe, she whispered to his retreating back. I certainly hope so.
Once her luggage was secured on a separate cart, Alex followed her guide to the end of the walkway. The woman whod greeted Jackson moments ago now turned a bright smile her way. They clasped hands, and Alex was instantly immersed in the other womans warmth and hospitality.
Im Merrilee Schaefer-Weston, she said, introducing herself. And please call me Merrilee. Welcome to Seductive Fantasy, Alex.
Thank you. Im thrilled to be here. Alex had known just by talking to the other woman on the phone that she cared a great deal about her clients and their requests, and she immediately liked Merrilee. The kindness and dedication she witnessed in her gaze gave Alex more proof that the woman was devoted to her business and making her guests fantasies come true.
The island is yours to do as you please, in whatever way it pertains to your personal fantasy, Merrilee continued, and Alex was certain Jackson had received the same commentary before hed disappeared down the path leading to the hotel. If there is anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable, Im only a phone call away. She indicated the pager clipped to the waistband of her taupe-colored slacks. My guests and their comfort are my number one priority, and Im available 24-7. Do you have any questions before your fantasy begins?
I do have one, Alex admitted, chewing absently on her lower lip. How will I know who my fantasy man is?
A knowing smile curved Merrilees lips. Hell be everything you asked for, maybe more. Hell pursue you and make his intentions known.
Relief swept over Alex. Thats good to hear, because Im not real good at making the first move when it comes to the opposite sex.
You wont have to. The assurance in Merrilees voice rang strong and true. Then her expression softened perceptively. And if I might impart a few words of advice before your fantasy begins, Id tell you to follow your heart, Alex. It might lead you places youve never been before.
Alex couldnt contain the shiver that coursed through her at Merrilees statement.
Two hours after they parted ways, Alex sat on the patio of her opulent suite, watching the sun set over the horizon in brilliant shades of pinks, purples and oranges. She contemplated the other womans pearls of wisdom, and found Merrilees choice of words odd considering love and emotional commitment werent a part of her fantasy. She was entering this fantasy with practical expectations, not unrealistic hopes for the future.
Still puzzled but now hungry, Alex went back inside her room and flipped through the menu for room service. She had decided to eat in her room tonighteven if that meant missing out on her first opportunity to get acquainted with her fantasy man. She was too tired to be engaging, too exhausted to even enjoy a flirtatious advance. And admittedly, she was still too wound up from her encounter with Jackson to give another man a fair chance. Shed be refreshed and ready for romance and adventure after a good nights sleep.
As she waited for her meal to arrive, she strolled back out to the balcony, wrapped her hands around the cool railing, and scanned the suites across from hers. She wondered which one was Jacksons, and if he was off enjoying his own fantasyand with whom.
WITH TIKI TORCHES and moonlight illuminating his way, Jackson strolled from his private cottage on the beach along the curving walkway that wound around the resorts lavish pool area. Without a doubt, the island was ideal for romance, forbidden temptation and erotic trysts. Unfortunately, disappointment was his only companion after his late-night walk to burn off the restless energy that had consumed him since arriving on Seductive Fantasy that afternoon.
Thanks to Mikes help, Jackson had managed to discover Alexiss flight times and book himself a seat on the same shuttle to the island, a way of insuring that they met before they even arrived at the resort. After how exceptionally well his first encounter with her had gone, hed been hoping to proceed with his romantic pursuit this evening, but she hadnt cooperated with his personal strategy. Much to his frustration, he hadnt run into her since theyd parted ways at the dock.
With a harsh sigh of dissatisfaction, he made his way toward the Players Lounge, deciding that if he didnt find Alexis in the singles club, hed call it a night. He entered the establishment, sidled up to the bar, and ordered a Tom Collins. While he waited for his order, he searched the guests mingling in the lounge and the couples dancing to the tunes the band was playing, hoping to find a certain black-haired, blue-eyed woman.
Looking for someone special? a female voice asked.
Jackson turned on his stool and wasnt surprised to find Merrilee standing beside him at the mahogany and brass bar. During the day hed seen her around the resort tending to her guests comfort and needs. And checking up on the progress of her clients fantasies, he assumed. As a matter of fact, I am.
A knowing smile made its way to her lips. Alexis Baylor, by chance?
He stiffened in his seat, wondering how in the world shed made that connection when hed been so careful to keep his intentions to himself. What makes you think Im looking for her? The bartender delivered his drink, and Jackson thanked the other man.
It was just a guess. She tilted her head, regarding him through kind blue eyes. My pilot told me that the two of you hit it off on the flight over from Miami, and I saw the interaction between you and Alexis at the dock.
He laughed, breaking up the tension that banded his chest. Seeing no harm in divulging the truth, he said, An accurate guess, I admit. He took a long swallow of his cool, tangy drink and reached for the bowl of shelled peanuts on the counter. I was looking for Alexis.
Well, Ms. Baylor opted to eat dinner in her room, Merrilee informed him. At last account she was in bed for the night.
Jackson met Merrilees gaze as he took another drink, trying to gauge why she was supplying him with so much personal information on Alexis. Looks like my efforts at trying to find her tonight were futile then.
But tomorrow is another day.
So it is.
Merrilee hesitated for a moment, then said, On your fantasy application and when we spoke on the phone before you booked your trip, you said you wanted to find a woman you could open up to and trust.
Yes. He managed, just barely, to refrain from wincing as a twinge of guilt nudged him. The lie hed fabricated for a believable and acceptable fantasy had been a necessity, one he wasnt exactly proud of considering how much he liked and respected Merrilee. But hed been pushed too far by one woman too many, and in order to obtain what he truly wanted from Alexis Baylor, he had no choice but to hold tight to that pretense.
He continued. My relationships with women have beenlacking. And Ive been betrayed one time too many. That much was pure truth. Its a novel concept to me to be able to trust a woman.
She gave a compassionate nod of understanding. I did tell you that youd have to see how your request played out once you were at the resort, that I couldnt guarantee that youd find a woman who suited your fantasy.
He tossed a few peanuts into his mouth and chewed. I remember.
However, I did want to ask, how does Alexis fit your perception of the kind of woman you want to open up to and trust?
Jackson nearly choked on his peanuts. Coughing, he washed down the snack with a huge gulp of his drink. If he wasnt mistaken, she was singling him out, and offering him exactly what he wanteda direct link to Alexis, all based on their connection on the seaplane.
He regained his composure and clung to his pretense. Ive only met her once, but Alexis could be that woman. He stared Merrilee straight in the eyes. I definitely want to get to know her better, but the question is, do I fit into her reason for being here at Seductive Fantasy?
I believe you could, very easily. But of course the decision to accept you will ultimately be up to Alexis.
If all went as he planned, Jackson didnt see that as a problem, not after the way Alexis had reacted so favorably to him on the seaplane. Hed use that attraction to his advantage. So, how do I go about doing this? he asked.