Dream of Me by Delilah Devlin Read Free Book Online Page B

You’re a SEAL. I don’t believe that for a minute.”
    “Then I guess you’re up for another sprint?” Without waiting for an answer, he bounded ahead, smiling as she cursed behind him.
    Ash smoothed down the sides of the only dress she’d packed—a pale, apple-green sundress with thick straps that hugged her figure down to mid-thigh. She’d swiped an iron over it to get out the worst wrinkles because the garment had been crushed in the jumble of her clothing. Thinking she was headed to sleeping, sunning, and swimming, she hadn’t brought many cosmetics. So she made do with lip gloss and a touch of bronzer on her cheeks and lids. After the run, she’d washed and scrunched her hair, leaving her hair to curl naturally around her shoulders.
    As she slid her silver flip-flops on her feet, she heard a knock sound in the distance.
    “It’s just me,” Sam called out.
    “Be out in a minute.” She took a deep breath to steady her pulse as she stared at herself in the mirror.
    While she’d bathed, she’d realized a few things. Her grief was no longer at the forefront of every thought. She loved Marc, but he was no longer here and available. She’d carry the loss with her the rest of her days, but her life was far from over. And she wanted Sam. Maybe only for a night—an attitude that should have made her feel a smidgeon of shame, but didn’t. Her stomach fluttered at the thought of being with him. But did he feel the same way about her?
    She thought that maybe he did. On a few occasions, she’d noted his body’s response to her—when they swam, just before their run. Maybe he reacted to every reasonably attractive, scantily clad female, but she didn’t think so. His gaze rested on her too often, his expression still, reflective, as he studied her body and her expressions. He was interested. But how was a girl to breach a SEAL’s sense of honor to entice him into bed?
    She wished she’d packed perfume, but the citrusy shampoo she’d used would have to do. With one last glance in the mirror, this time over her shoulder and running the length of her body, she left her bedroom and scanned the open living area until she spotted him.
    Sam was faced toward the windows, a pensive look on his face. His stillness gave her a chance to study his features. Before, she’d only noted his ruggedness. Now, she noted the bladed cheeks, the strong jaw. The nose with its bump in the center was neither too large or long. Perfect .
    He wore linen trousers and a short-sleeved, loose linen shirt. Both were slightly baggy, but did nothing to camouflage his impressive build.
    For just a second, melancholy swept over her. She’d enjoyed Marc’s body so much and might have a chance to know Sam’s up close and personal. Would she ever have that intimacy again? She felt comforted by their strength and was made vulnerable by their size.
    She had to admit, she was spoiled. Her expectations ratcheted up to the stratosphere. She might never find another lover who would make her feel that way. But the mere fact she was thinking about future lovers was definite progress.
    His head swung toward her, and he blinked. His gaze swept her body in a second, and his jaw tightened just a fraction. “You look nice.”
    “Thank you,” she said, a blush heating her cheeks. “So do you.”
    The corners of his mouth curved. “Shall we?” he said, bending his elbow.
    She strode toward him and slipped a hand over his warm skin. Did he feel the same spark? Chancing an upward glance, she met his gaze, his head was bent toward hers. His mouth was close. Her pulse raced. Would he kiss her?
    She licked her bottom lip, and then gave a little gasp as he straightened and pulled her toward the door.
    They made the short walk in silence. She worried she’d misread the signs of his attraction. But then his free hand smoothed over the top of hers still clutching his arm, and she relaxed at the intimate gesture.
    Within minutes, she heard the sound of reggae and