The Right Time by Delaney Diamond Read Free Book Online Page B

parasailing—a first for Sophie—and then a competitive game of beach volleyball with another couple. Ransom dominated the game, diving for the ball and spiking on their opponents. After a sound thrashing, the other couple turned down the offer of a rematch and ran off down the beach.
    “You kicked their asses,” Sophie said, lifting her hands above her head and doing a little victory wiggle.
    “We did,” Ransom said.
    “You didn’t even need me. You won all by yourself.”
    “It’s you. You’re still bringing me good luck.” Ransom growled and grabbed her around the thighs, lifting her into a quick spin on the sand.
    Throwing her arms around his neck, Sophie squealed as he raced toward the ocean. They splashed around, swimming and chasing each other in the water. A group of kids joined them, and they played a game of water tag until the children’s parents called them to head back to the room. Ransom and Sophie then returned to their cabana on the beach.
    The smell of the salt water and the screams of laughing children lulled Sophie into an afternoon nap. She didn’t know how long she’d been asleep, but Ransom’s hand on her shoulder woke her up. He sat with his legs swung over the side of the lounge chair.
    “I need to go back to my room and check emails and get a little bit of work done,” he said.
    Sophie pouted, looking up at him from a reclining position behind her sunglasses. “You can’t be serious,” she said.
    “Us horrible attorneys have to work hard all the time,” he said.
    She wrinkled her nose at him. “I hope you weren’t offended by my comments when we met.”
    “No, but you can still make it up to me later,” he said with a wicked smile, the twin slashes in his cheeks making an appearance. He dropped a kiss to her lips.
    Sophie flipped the shades onto her forehead. “Life is short, you know. You shouldn’t spend it working all the time.”
    His eyes narrowed on her. “This is going to sound crazy, but I haven’t been this relaxed in a long time. My vacations aren’t usually real vacations.”
    “Then you should take real vacations more often.”
    “Maybe one day.” He squeezed her toes, and the non-erotic pressure still managed to feel very erotic. “But I have a plan, and I need to stay focused on it.”
    “And what’s that?”
    “Making partner. I’m this close.” He held a finger and thumb a penny’s width apart.
    “No straying from the plan?” she asked, keeping her voice mild and face neutral. She didn’t want to judge, but she thought his focus bordered on the obsessive.
    “No straying from the plan,” Ransom confirmed.
    Sophie swung her feet over the side of the chair, so their knees were almost touching. “Come on, you’ll be back at work tomorrow. Spend the rest of the afternoon with me. There are two jet skis with our names on them.”
    Ransom’s brow knitted into a thoughtful frown. “I’ve never been on a jet ski before.”
    “Well, sir, you simply must have that experience, and what better time than the present.” She leaned closer, making sure to take full advantage of the cleavage above her bikini top. She dropped her voice. “Trust me. It’s an out-of-this-world experience you don’t want to miss because you’re stuck in your room working , of all things.”
    Behind his sunglasses, she saw his eyes dip to her chest. “Oh yeah?”
    “I promise.”
    “I wouldn’t want you on opposing counsel. You make a very compelling argument.” The blunt tip of his middle finger swiped lightly over her breasts.
    Her nipples tingled and her toes curled into the sand. “Does that mean I can look forward to spending more time with you this afternoon?” she said, running a hand over one of his thighs. She enjoyed the role of femme fatale, teasing and cajoling him to do her will. Knowing they’d never see each other again emboldened her.
    “And the evening,” Ransom added. “How about dinner, and more…stimulating conversation in my suite