Trading Secrets by Jayne Castle Read Free Book Online Page B

would be too risky trying to swim over the top. There wasn't
     enough clearance. He'd get his chest shredded on the sharp, crusty
     projections.
    Kicking furiously, he rounded the corner of the reef and came
     face to face with Sabrina. She was calmly clearing her mask. Matt
     felt his insides grow hot and then cold as relief battled with the
     remnants of fear.
    "So there you are. Not half-drowned by sucking in when you should
     have blown out. Or caught on the reef, or stung by something
     pretty but poisonous."
    Sabrina blinked, startled by the unexpected encounter. She pushed
     the mask up on her head. "What on earth are you doing here?" She
     treaded water as he glowered at her.
    "I came to talk to you."
    "You picked an odd location. Or did you think it might be easier
     to try your hand at rape out here in the middle of nowhere instead
     of in a crowded hotel?"
    He made an obvious effort at controlling himself. "Have you had
     enough swimming for today?" Matt asked with a strained, artificial
     politeness.
    "I think so," Sabrina said. She had been about to head back
     toward shore. Without waiting for him, she struck out toward the
     shallower water. What was he doing here? she wondered. And why was
     she experiencing this odd combination of wariness and
     anticipation? The unexpected encounter had startled her, but
     damned if she would let him see just how much of a shock it had
     been. Aware of him swimming powerfully alongside, Sabrina made her
     way steadily toward the shore.
    "Sabrina, what you were doing was stupid, idiotic, and totally
     lacking in sense. Everyone knows you're not supposed to go diving
     alone," Matt growled as they found their footing and straightened
     to walk through the water to the sandy beach. "A lot of very nasty
     things can happen along a reef like that. You know that, don't
     you?"
    "I certainly do now. Thank you for the diving lesson," she
     retorted as she pulled off the mask and snorkel. She shoved the
     hair out of her eyes and slid him a sidelong glance. He was
     looking distinctly annoyed.
    "What would you have done if you'd gotten into trouble out
     there?" he went on grimly as he strode onto the beach.
    "I always carry a dime for an emergency phone call."
    Apparently he wasn't looking for flippancy by way of response.
     His hand moved, making her flinch, but he only closed his
     rough-tipped fingers lightly around the nape of her neck.
    "Lady, you just scared the hell out of me. I expect an apology."
    Sabrina stared at him. "You're kidding."
    "I thought you'd gone under and weren't coming back up," he
     explained very distinctly.
    "Oh." For the first time she realized that the irritation in
     those cool gray eyes was based on something more than masculine
     impatience. "Had a shock, did you? Well, I'm sorry, Matt. I didn't
     mean to scare you. It would be easier to apologize, though, if
     you'd stop chewing me out. You sound like an Army drill sergeant."
    "Major."
    Sabrina tilted her head inquiringly. "I beg your pardon?"
    "An Army major." He sighed, bending down to pick up his shirt.
     "Ex."
    "How ex?" Strangely curious, she trailed along be-hind him until
     she reached the point where she had left her towel.
    "I resigned my commission nearly two years ago."
    "Oh, then that explains it."
    "Explains what? Lady, if I hadn't made up my mind to talk to you
     in a civil manner this morning, I might be inclined to take
     offense at your tone," he drawled with soft warning.
    Sabrina decided to ignore the threatening tone. Considering the
     fact that she had told herself she didn't particularly want to see
     Matt August again, she discovered her curiosity was still running
     high. "What are you doing here, Matt? Shouldn't you be back at the
     store and getting ready for another fun night in Acapulco?"
    His mouth tightened. "What does it look like I was doing? I was
     following you." He pulled on his boots. "Come on. I've got another
     towel in the jeep."
    "Why?"
    "I keep one handy in