Lust on the Rocks by Dianne Venetta Read Free Book Online

Key, Key Biscayne and Crandon Beach.  When she was younger, this was her beach of choice.  But as Miami expanded and refurbished, South Beach became her preferred destination for surf and sun.  To her left was downtown, a beacon of international commerce and culture and beyond lay the ocean...
    The ocean carried her thoughts away.  “Whole different feel, isn’t it?  Pennsylvania may have some mountains, but nothing opens up your senses like a hundred mile view.”
    “No doubt.  And modern.  I like modern.”
    “Me, too.”  Sam turned to face him.  Drawn by the sharp outline of his profile, she studied the dark features that jumped out against the pastel hues of her building.  Was he okay?  With the incident now behind him, was it no big deal?  Or was he conflicted, brooding over what transpired yesterday?
    “What’s that gold thing over there?”
    Sam followed the direction he pointed, but it wasn’t necessary.  The shiny gold dome was a landmark in this area.  “That’s the Seaquarium.”
    “Seaquarium?”
    “Yes.  Kinda like our very own Seaworld right here in Miami.  It’s one of the oldest of its kind.  Been around as long as I can remember, actually.  Just past it is a marina.  My family used to stop there on the way home from the beach and watch the fishermen clean the day’s catch.”
    He glanced at her.  “Do they have shows?”
    “They do.  There’s even a marine lab next door for students from the University of Miami to conduct research,” she said, and continued to watch him, to study his features.
    Vic nodded.  “What are those buildings off in the distance?”
    She ran her hand along the railing and replied, “Key Biscayne. It’s a mix of homes, small businesses, Crandon Beach and the Cape Florida Lighthouse.”
    “You go there much?” he asked, but didn’t turn toward her.
    “Used to, but South Beach is the place to be now,” she said.  “Can I get you something to drink?”
    “No thanks.”
    “I’ve gone over some arguments for trial,” she began, following the ruse she set.  “I’d like you to take a look at them.  The file’s inside.”
    Vic acknowledged he heard, but seemed reluctant to leave his spot.  He took hold of the railing and squeezed, his attention focused outward.
    Immersed in the view as he was, she wondered to his state of mind.  Did the ocean have the same effect on him as it did on her?  Did he feel it, breathe it...let his mind fly far and beyond?
    Desire pulled at her.  Beneath that cool exterior of his Sam sensed some hot emotion churned.  Though she didn’t really know him, she felt there was more to this man than the eye could see.  A whole lot more.
    And she found it very alluring.  “Let me get it,” she offered, though it was the last thing she wanted to do.  First and foremost was a desire to linger in the intimacy of Vic’s presence.  But when he turned to her, Sam was presented with a distinct wall of indifference.  This man was here on business, nothing more and nothing less.
    “It’s in the kitchen.”  She went indoors and retrieved the files from the black granite counter.  Vic followed her inside and she led him to the sofa.  Depositing herself on one end, she eyed the cushion next to her.  “Have a seat.”
    As he did so, she judged his comfort level. Tense.  More than the close personal quarters, something was bothering him, keeping him at arm’s length.
    Had to be the beach incident.
    Sam flipped open the folder and fingered through a few loose pages.  She settled on two and handed them to Vic.  “Here’s my summary on the case.  Let me know what you think.”
    He scanned the pages in short order then turned to face her.  “They look fine.”
    “Any suggestions?”
    He peered at her with the slightest hint of question.  “Let me take a better look at them and I’ll get back to you.”
    “Of course.”  She didn’t really expect him to make any snap judgments.  Taking the papers