She shook her head. “That sounds great—but it also sounds like serious money. I don’t have enough to—” She bit off the words and shook her head.

  “You could take in an investor.”

  Crossing her arms, she shook her head. “Tried that. Now he wants his money back—or he wants the hotel.”

  “Ouch—power play. Are you hungry?”

  She smiled and stood. “That means you’re hungry, right? Do you want cold beans, cold soup, or crackers?”

  “Oh, come on, you must have more.” Standing, he dug into the shelves. He pulled out glass jars of spiced star fruit her mother had put up. Mike found a small camp stove and set it up on the floor to heat up the soup in the can.

  Karen hovered over him, frowning. “If you burn my hotel down—”

  “Relax. Former boy scout here. First thing they teach you is how to start a fire, and second thing is how now to burn the woods down.”

  Karen slipped out of the room to check again on her guests. She came back to report they were tucked in tight and weren’t interested in food. After Mike had the camp stove packed away, he sat down on the couch and opened his arms. “Come here.”

  She shook her head. “Now is not the time for—”

  “For a hug? For a little comfort? Relax. I promise to be a perfect gentleman. At least for the duration of the storm. Scout’s honor.”

  “Were you really a scout?”

  He grinned. “Please come on—or how do they say it around here? Kere kere.”

  “Where did you start picking up Fijian?” She came over and sat next to him.

  He wrapped his arms around her. For an instant, she stiffened. The wind howled and rattled the hotel. Slowly, Karen relaxed and curled up against him. He rested his cheek on her head. “From the locals. I went down to that garage you mentioned. Nice bunch of guys—they thought it was hysterical I was going to try and get the generator working her. Apparently it’s a relic from World War II—you ought to see if you could sell it as an antique.”

  He wiggled until he had her comfortably in his arms. “So…talk to me, Karen Whitaker. What is it you want from life—besides this hotel running like a Swiss watch? Do you want kids? A family? A luxury yacht in the harbor?”

  She giggled. “That’ll be the day. No, I’m a pretty simple girl. I’m aiming for no debt, a roof over my head that doesn’t leak and…and a say in my own life. That’s what this really is. It was my choice to come here—I want to make that work. Not just for my dad. But for me. To show I can really do it.”

  He touched a hand to her cheek. “Honey, I think you can do whatever you set your mind to. You just need to start really believing that.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Karen awoke with a start. She felt something warm under her. Turning, she stared at Mike. She lay on top of him, snuggled up close on the tiny couch. He looked different still asleep like this, his dark lashes shading the top of his cheeks. He looked younger, and not so full of himself.

  He had a dusting of freckles over his nose and laugh lines starting to deepen around his mouth and eyes. She kept watching him, thinking about last night—all his plans for the hotel. There were some good ideas in there, if you were a billionaire looking to throw money around. Still, she had to admit he had a good brain on him to go with that great body. It really was too bad he’d be leaving soon.

  His eyes popped open, and the blue warmed. “Good morning. Hey, we’re still here.”

  Face hot, she suddenly wanted to kiss him, to drag him close and strip off his clothes and start things up again. She untangled herself from his arms, stretched and tried to make light of the moment. “I have to say I have woken up with you more than most of my ex-boyfriends.”

  He stood as well and stretched. She watched his shirt ride up, revealing a strip of skin. Mouth dry, she headed for the door. “Let’s see how bad it was.”

  ***

  The damage wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it would be. The wind had hit the main building on one side. She counted one downed palm tree, a pile of kelp washed up from the beach, and an open and battered suitcase that Mike recognized as his. It’d been smashed beyond repair and God—or the Fiji reef guardian—only knew what had happened to the contents.

  She didn’t have to ask Mike to start clearing things away—he did that on his own. She started pulling down boards and opening shutters. Ted had decided to stay another week and wait for the ferry to be repaired. “Can’t afford the sea plane,” he told her. But Karen noticed that while he spoke, Ted was watching Juilet as she stood on the porch. She sent the two of them off with a picnic lunch of peanut butter sandwiches—her food supplies were starting to get a little low. Then she went to find Mike.

  “We need to start painting.” Reaching up, she peeled off a strip of white paint from the main building. “If salt water spray gets into the wood, I’m going to have rot on my hands or worse.”

  Mike gave her a crisp salute. “Yes, sir. Where’s the paint?”

  She led him to the storage shed behind the pool. She’d saved up for months to get the supplies—paint and brushes.

  Six hours later, they’d managed to get two sides of the main house done. She sat down on the front porch steps and stared at the half done job. Brushing her hair with the back of her hand, she let out a breath.

  Mike collapsed on the step next to her. “You forgot to tell me this painting stuff is hard work.”

  “Especially when you aren’t used to physical labor?”

  “Hey, I still work out.” She laughed at the scowl he sent her way.

  Reaching over, he tapped her nose. She tried to see what he’d done and swiped a finger over her nose. Her finger came back white. “What—?”

  Mike grinned. “Couldn’t resist. You look cute.”

  “And you’re wasting paint!”

  “What a dab?”

  She swiped her paint brush over his forearm. “That’s how to do it.”

  “Really?”

  Jumping up, she headed inside. “I need a shower.”

  “How about a swim instead?” Glancing back, she saw Mike standing on the porch, the streak of white still on his arm. “I mean, here we are in paradise. There’s the ocean—blue and beautiful. Come on—let’s grab some beach time.”

  Shaking her head, she said, “We’ve got work.”

  “That can wait for a couple of hours. Come on. What’s the good of living here if you don’t enjoy it?”

  “Okay, I’ll get my suit.”

  Running up the steps, he grabbed her hand. “Forget the suits. Let’s go.” Dragging her with him, he headed for the beach. She had time enough to drop her paint brush by the paint cans and to protest about needing to clean up and put things away.

  “Later,” Mike told her.

  “Pushy men,” she muttered.

  “Yeah, like you’re not pushy at all.” He grinned at her.

  She found it hard to resist that grin. On the beach, he let go and started to strip. And she found it even harder to resist him. All that tan skin and firm muscle and… and that hard erection now jutting up.

  Chapter Fourteen

  He glanced down at himself and spread his hands. “Can I help it if you do this to me?”

  The breath caught in her chest and throat. All she could do was nod as he stood there, naked and beautiful, like some water god come to life.

  He held out a hand to her.

  Muttering under her breath, she toed off her sandals, dragged off her shirt, her bra, and then slipped her shorts and panties down and off. Damn if she’d let him undress her. “Last one in pays for dinner,” she yelled. With a war whoop, she plunged into the surf.

  She heard Mike’s laugh and then a splash. And then his arm wrapped around her waist. He pulled her against him—cool water lapped around her, but Mike seemed all heat. She wrapped her legs around him. They bobbed together in the water for a moment, the surf pushing her up against him.

  Brushing her hair from her face, he kissed her, slipping his tongue inside her mouth. She angled her hips and he slipped inside of her with one, slow push. Tightening her grip on him, she moaned. She loved this feeling—she felt sheltered in his arms. She knew that was an illusion. This was just sex—great, mind-blowing sex. But that’s all they could ever have.

  She’d enjoy this moment—she’d try to make it last. But then it would be over, and he’d be gone.

  “Come for me,” he whispered. “I love to watch your face.”

  With a shudder, she fell apart. He grabbed her ass and held her pressed close, rocking her against him just as the water rocked their bodies. With a shiver, he came as well, his body flushing hot. She pulled out and away—no way was she risking getting pregnant by a stranger.

  He held onto her for a minute longer, but she unwrapped herself and pushed away. “Race you back to shore.” She swam back and sat down on the sand to let the sun warm and dry her. Mike stayed in the water, splashing, diving, and swimming.

  She watched him—now he looked even more a native. Give him a couple of months here, he’d be as dark as a local and with that dark hair of his, he’d fit right in. A lot of the locals had a mix of French and European background, so his blue eyes would be startling, but not all that unusual. She gave a sigh—he was a guy who fit in anywhere, it seemed. While she always felt like she was an outsider looking in.

  He stood up in the surf and grinned at her, his teeth a bright, white flash. Her heart tightened.

  Standing, she started to brush the sand off her skin.

  No way was she going to develop feelings for Mike. He had a life that didn’t involve her or the island. They were going to have a good time—for now. And that was it.

  She pulled on her shorts and shirt. Mike strode out of the water, dripping, his skin glistening. He looked good enough to eat.

  He grabbed his shorts and stared at her. “I don’t see any sparks of fire directed at me.”

  She put her chin up. “While you’re here, we might as well enjoy each other’s company.”

  He waved a hand between them. “Is this like that ‘we’re both adults’ speech, ‘cause I have to tell you from my side of things, that didn’t go so well.”

  A knot tightened in her chest. “So you don’t want to enjoy whatever time we have?”

  He pressed his lips tight. And he dropped his shorts. “Come here.”

  Crossing her arms, she shook her head. “Always with the orders. How about you come here?”

  “You might not like it if I do?”

  Chin lifting, she smiled. “And now with the threats. You must think the world jumps when you say you want something.”

  Smiling, he advanced on her. He swept her up into his arms and started to wade into the surf. “Mike! Mike—you’re going to get me wet.”

  Stopping, he asked, “No use fighting it anymore?”

  The surf pushed at his legs and washed spray up on her. “Nope. No more.”

  “You sure?”

  She nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Now take me back to shore. Please, Mike.”

  “I like it when you’re nice to me.” He kissed her and carried her back. Putting her down on the sand, he kissed her again, and swatted her backside.

  “What was that for?” she asked and stepped away.

  “For making me come over there.”

  She threw him his shirt. “And what if I liked that?”

  “Then there’ll be more later.”

  He pulled on his shorts but left his shirt hanging open. Holding hands, they headed back up to the hotel. At the front, Karen glanced up and saw the lights on in the main room. For an instant, she couldn’t breathe. She knew what that meant—the power had come back on. Mike would be leaving all too soon.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Forcing a smile, she dropped Mike’s hand and waved at the hotel. “Looks like civilization is back—power’s on again. There’s a computer in my office. I’ll get you logged on as soon as I put the paint away.”

  Mike grabbed for her hand, but she slipped away from him. She nodded at the hotel. “Go on. You’ll probably want to change into your suit.”

  He stepped in front of her. “You know, it’s going to be a few days probably before I can arrange a flight out of here.”

  She nodded and shrugged. “Told you, no strings.”

  Two hours later, she had her computer up and working again. Juilet seemed almost sorry to have the lights back on, but Ted gave a shrug and told Karen he planned to stay at least another week. Maybe two. She booked him for the time, and went to find Mike. He’d left her computer on and she glanced at the news site that he’d been looking at. One headline jumped out at her—Collins Institute Expanding Open Space Plans. Clicking on the link, she started reading the article. She’d barely gotten past the first paragraph when she heard a car pulling up outside.

  Getting up, she headed to the front.

  Outside, Pops Warner climbed out of his jeep. “So when were you going to tell me—or weren’t you?”

  Karen stared at him. “Have you been drinking?”

  “I wish. Where’s that Collins guy who’s been hanging around. Thought you’d hog him all for yourself did you? Get him to buy you and leave the rest of us stranded.”

  “Whoa—hold on. What are you talking about?” She crossed her arms and started tapping a foot. “And how do you know about Mike, anyway.”

  He waved a hand at the road. “Everyone at the garage has been talking about him. Collins Institute. Don’t you know anything?”

  “I know we just got power back an hour ago, and Mike’s going to be leaving soon. And why do you care?”

  Pops rolled his eyes. “Typical woman. Honey, you never should have gone into business. You’ve got no head for it.”

  She dropped her hands to her side. “Look, Pops, I don’t mind that we’re neighbors, but if you’re going to be insulting, I’m going—”

  “There he is.” Pops pushed passed her and strode into the hotel. Mike stood in the main room, back in his suit again—a rumpled suit, but still, her handyman was gone, and Mike looked more like the harried New Yorker who had first shown up at her door.

  Pops pushed his hand out to Mike. “Been hogging you, has she? You done a deal yet, or you still looking? I’ve got twenty acres up the road, all ready for fresh development—that is if you haven’t done a deal with Whitaker here. And even if you have, I’ll beat her terms.”

  “Deal?” Karen glanced from Pops to Mike, and back again. “What are you talking about?”

  Mike smoothed his wrinkled tie and frowned. Pops waved a hand at him. “See—she’s not even up on the news. I saw it today online when the power came back up. You’re here to buy up hotels—expanding your reach outside of the US aren’t you. Good idea, that. But I’ll tell you—”

  “Shut up,” Mike said.

  Pops sputtered, but he cut off his words.

  Mike turned to Karen. “I can explain. Yeah, I came here looking for a deal. But I’d consider investing, not an outright purchase. If you’re interested.”

  Pops grinned. “Boy, I’m looking to sell. I’ve had enough of island life.”

  Heart thudding, Karen ignored him. She kept her stare on Mike. “Investing? I’ve heard that line before. Not interested. Go make your deal with Pops. He’ll sell out to you.”

  “Sure will, son.”

  Mike glanced at Pops. “Will you excuse us for a minute.” Taking Karen’s arm, he started to lead her outside.

  She jerked away from him. “What is it with you guys? You just think you can buy the world.”

  “I told you—I came looking to buy, but I know you won’t sell. But you need capital. You need investment—or you’re going to go under.”

  She hunched a shoulder. “Ah, my white knight come to the rescue. Excuse me if I don’t fall down on my knees.”

  “Hey, Collins, what about our deal?”

  Muttering a curse, Mike turned. He slapped a hand down on Pops’ shoulder and started walking him out the door. “Tell you what, why don’t I call you tomorrow. We’ll work out terms later. Or better, yet, think up a number, write it down, and I’ll settle up with you before I leave.”

  Pops stared at him, his grey bushy eyebrows pulled tight. “You pulling my leg on that?”

  “No. I’m buying your place, but I won’t be if you stay here another five minutes.”

  Grinning, Pops grabbed Mike’s hand and pumped it hard. Karen couldn’t decide which of them was more pathetic. “Boys and their toy trading,” she muttered.

  Mike slapped Pops on the shoulder again and just about pushed him out of the hotel. Karen heard the engine of Pop’s Jeep gun to life and then fade away. She was left staring at Mike.

  He turned and faced her, no longer the smiling guy she knew, but a hard-looking businessman in a suit again. She lifted her chin. “My hotel is not for sale.”

  Striding to her, he stopped in front of her. “Go ahead. Be a hard ass. How far will that get you? A month? Two? You told me you’ve got a loan to pay off—and student debt. How are you going to handle that? I’m here with a checkbook—and I’m talking investing, not buying.”

  “Why? So you can start calling the shots? I get what—to stay on as manager?”

  Eyes narrowing, he glared at her. For an instant, she wanted to take a step back. But she held her ground. She was done backing down from anyone.

  “What will it take to convince you I want to help? That I can help?”

  Karen had enough of men telling her what she needed. First it had been Lyle with all his advice and offers of help that had turned sour, then Pops, and now Mike. But he was right. How far would she get if she threw Mike’s investment offer back in his face? But was there a way she could work this to her advantage?

  She tapped her fingers against her leg. “You told Pops to think of a number for selling. How about I give you a list of my terms for investment? Non-negotiable terms?”