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After six hours in the air, and within ten ht, Cole decided that their destination should be named "Taryn Quinn has Rocks in her Head"
For so a location for her Hot Spots proposal, Cole had assumed luxury, first-class transportation and air-conditioned comfort at the very least When she’d let on that they were ultimately destined to land soing into the decrepit station wagon this island referred to as a taxi, Cole began to grasp the scope of his error
Luckily the rust bucket was fitted with seat belts
As the driver roared the gears into a crunching first and sla for gri beside hirowled What the hell was she grinning at?
"Cole, you look surprised"
"What’s the naain?"
"Ulani It ay"
They hit a ing ceiling, while, bouncing around, Taryn actually laughed Worse, she looked gorgeous doing it Her face free ofshort of radiant
During the week, they’d chatted about this trip, and with such couessed what had transpired on that dance floor alht about that close-proximity incident often since If she’d leaned in another inch, it would have been on Instead she’d pulled away at the last iven space to cool down, keep his head
Only probleht have behaved civilly this week, but underneath he’d wanted to lay this on the line and take what he believed she wanted to give He should be dreading these next couple of days But he was only glad this ti si between theed that would happen amid first-rate treatet past this shock
"Why did you choose this place?"
"I wanted different, out of the ordinary," Taryn said, gazing out over a landscape of vine-strangled pal a"
"I take it the resort or hotel or wherever you’re taking me isn’t five-star"
"Froive it six"
Another pothole sent hi a ree is a priority"
"I could always organize the next flight out for you," she offered
"And miss all the fun?"
The taxi skidded to a stop Cole shifted to inspect the building and his jaw dropped This place wasn’t much better than a shack
He drawled, "You are kidding"
"Not even a little bit"
"Didn’t you say that night at Marco’s, and I quote, ’This prograray-bearded dog asleep on its back in apose near the entrance "Maybe we should head back," he muttered under his breath
Did she really have no idea? More than ever before, after seeing this, chances were her shoas dead in the water Only aboth her suitcase and his overnighter toward that reception shack Above a barely hinged door rested a lopsided sign, which read in faded green paint, WEL OME
"There’s still ti out of the taxi, whereupon Cole set his teeth, ran a hand through his hair then scraped himself out of the vehicle, too
"I’ll stay," he said, dragging his feet to follow, "if only to see what you think can possibly keep an audience glued to their seats"
As well as the pro fitted blue wrap dress, she continued on with a laugh Seeing those long tanned legs in that dress, that heavenly behind swaying as if to beckon him near
Cole’s pace picked up
Sure He could slum it for a couple of days
From the moment they touched down, Taryn had fallen in love with this tropical oasis As far as she was concerned, a weekend wasn’t nearly long enough Except, of course, she’d need to contend with the "Cole looking extra hot in casual wear" situation But truth was she’d find him sexy even in his Popeye suit
At a baed lady with oversize dentures and a gold-plated na that read Sonika checked their reservation, after which abeside her, Taryn sensed Cole’san equally stunning island girl to materialize and show off her assets Best he didn’t hold his breath This island was particularly "woman user friendly"
Sonika’s shter "I’m sure you will be happy with your accoalow has one of the best views on the island"
"How alows do you have here?" Cole asked
"Only six on the whole island The other five are occupied," she said, closing her registry book "But don’t worry that you’ll run into anyone if you don’t want to Privacy is our promise"
The man and his WrestleMania shoulders ushered the sandy path, which was bordered by lush ferns and palm trees on either side Above theerie of birdlife hooted and cooed, heady combinations of floral scents filled the air and Taryn wanted to sigh These surroundings would make for fabulous visuals and audio All she needed was that final nod She hoped Cole would be a good sport and admit this ultraexotic location and her idea innersthat is, when he got over the next surprise
A few alow While the porter continued on to drop their bags inside, a previously tetchy Cole seee of heart
"I must say, I had my doubts" He scooped up a handful of powdery sand and let it filter through his fingers while surveying a bay that spread out before them like an endless throw of mirror-blue silk "Not the Hilton but that is an exceptional view" He spotted a calico haalow’s porch and rubbed his shoulder "I can picturein that In fact"
But as he moved toward the steps and that hammock, Taryn crossed to block his path
"I’m afraid you have a task or two to perform before you can lie back," she said
"We’ll take an hour to rest up before we start on your survey work"
"I’ about that When a person comes to this Polynesian island, there are certainrequirements Duties"
"What do we have to do?"
"Not we You"
He threw another glance around and coughed out a laugh "Like hunt doild boar? Descend into the fiery bowels of a live volcano?" When her expression held, his smirk died "Please tell me that volcano isn’t live"
"Remember I said that this island’s name means happy This place is also meant to be a sanctuary where individuals come to know and appreciate others and, more importantly, understand theed "And?"
"Women here, Cole, are adored and revered They’re waited on hand and foot"
Trying to absorb the concept, he repeated her words "Women are waited on here"
"Yes Hand and foot"
"So where’s your slave?"
"Standing right there"
Cole actually looked over his shoulder When he realized the joke was on hi thisto see for hiotten his wish If he had half a funny bone, he’d take it on the chin Hell, he h But his expression fell flat
"Other than the view and that ha too many points"
A bristle ran up the back of her neck At tiative "You don’t have to stay if you can’t handle it"
He challenged her gaze for a long led his toes in the sand
"But if I leave you here all alone," he said, "ill brush your hair? Peel your grapes?"
At thattan and billboard chest passed by When he sent a dazzling helpful sain, Taryn sucked down a breath and gathered her thoughts
Cole wanted to knoould peel her grapes?
Winding her ared "Oh, I’m sure I’ll find someone"