Tidewater Lover

“To hell with the rules!”  Cole said.  His smile was mocking.  “We’ve been here together for only one day and we’re already on the verge of breaking rule number one—no sex.”  Crimson flamed through Lacey’s cheeks.  Why had she involved herself in this situation?  Why had she agreed to share the beach house with Cole?  She must have been crazy!  She was crazy to stay with him, Lacey told herself.  But she just couldn’t leave.  She was dangerously, irresistibly attracted to Cole—and they both knew it!

“You have no right to tell me what to do!”  With a supreme effort, Lacey pushed and twisted out of his hold.  “I’ll shout if I want to,” Lacey continued.  “And if you don’t like it you can leave!”  “We’ve been through that before,” Cole retorted.  “Yes, we have.”  Her chin quivered.  “And you’ll be glad to know you’ve finally won.  I’m leaving!  The house is yours!  Isn’t that what you want?”  His expression hardened.  “Yes,” he snapped.  “That’s exactly what I want!”  His heavy, angry strides carried him away and Lacey heard the door slam.  She didn’t cry as she packed to leave.  There didn’t seem to be any tears inside her.  She was just a big empty ache.