Mistletoe Maneuvers by Margaret Allison Read Free Book Online Page B

Sabrina. She looked like a true professional gliding across the water with one ski. And then she began to show off, turning around backward and forward, smiling and waving at Rick. “She’s good, isn’t she?” Lessa remarked.
    But Rick wasn’t looking at Sabrina. He was looking at Lessa. There was something lazily seductive in his eyes, as though he were thoroughly enjoying the moment.
    â€œI think Sabrina is still interested in you,” Lessa said.
    â€œNo. We were together a long time ago. Besides, Sabrina’s not the type to fall in love.”
    She raised an eyebrow. Women’s intuition said differently.
    When Sabrina was done, Rick leaned over the boat and helped her out of the water.
    â€œWould you like to go again, Rick?” she asked as she stood in front of him, stretching every which way to pat herself dry.
    Oh no, Lessa told herself, this was not how this was going to work, with her sitting on the sidelines watching Sabrina and Rick show off. “I’d like to give it a try,” she announced.
    â€œGood for you,” Sabrina said in a patronizing tone. “She’s got some spirit, Rick.” She nodded toward the water. “Jump in and I’ll throw you another ski.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with the one you both used?”
    â€œIt’s easier if you get up on two skis,” Rick said.
    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sabrina smirk, as if mocking her.
    â€œI’ll do one,” Lessa said.
    â€œTake another ski,” Rick said firmly.
    No thanks. They did one, and so would she. “Don’t worry, dear,” she said, jumping into the water. She waded over toward the ski and attempted to put it on. But the boot was set for Sabrina’s tiny size-five feet. Her size nines didn’t stand a chance.
    She struggled with the latch and glanced up. There was no mistaking the evil gleam in Sabrina’s eyes. Then Lessa heard a splash as Rick jumped in the water. She couldn’t help but feel relief as he swam over to help.
    â€œIt’s stuck,” she said, handing him the ski. He looked at her and said softly, “What’s the deal? Why won’t you use two skis?”
    Why? Because his girlfriend had only used one. And she was…being silly?
    â€œIt seemed more convenient,” she lied.
    She tried to ignore Rick’s disbelieving look as he called out, “Toss in another ski.”
    Sabrina threw it and it landed in the water beside them, barely missing Lessa’s head. “Hey,” Rick yelled. “Be careful!”
    Rick adjusted the skis to fit her. “Hold on to me,” he said. Lessa reluctantly put her arms around his neck to steady herself as he slid the skis on her feet. “You don’t have to do this,” he said.
    â€œI want to do this,” she said adamantly, letting go of him.
    â€œAll right,” he said finally. “It’s a little choppy so stay in the wake.”
    The wake. She got it. She could do this, she told herself. She had won the NCAAs, won the Wimbledon Juniors. She could certainly handle a little waterskiing. How hard could it be?
    Rick climbed back on the boat. What had gotten into her? He knew Sabrina had been trying hard to goad her into action, but Lessa was too smart to let Sabrina get to her.
    He was impressed with the way Lessa was handling herself. She was doing a good job of playing the concerned lover. He had been surprised at the sensuous way she had applied the lotion, massaging his shoulders and leaning close enough for him to feel her breasts pressing up against him. She had been effective. So effective that his body had sprung to life—a fact that Sabrina, with her eagle eyes and ability to read men, no doubt noticed.
    But hell, who could blame him? After all, Lessa was half-naked in that bikini. Every ounce of her firm andtoned body was exposed. It was all he could do to keep from staring at her large, upturned breasts, at her