Love Bites: A Sugar City Novella (Entangled Bliss) (9 page)

“He’d have a field day,” she agreed.

Sharona hated that they had to part again, with so much unfinished business between them, but she knew it had to be done. A voice inside her whispered that they would get their chance, the real chance they deserved.

Jeff set his intense blue eyes on her one last time. “See you up there,” he said, then started up the ladder.

Sharona sprang from the bunk. “Wait!”

He turned back and ran a frustrated hand down his face. “Believe me, baby, I know it sucks. I want you right now, you have no idea what I want to do to—”

“No,” she said with a laugh. “
I
don’t mind you walking around half-dressed—I actually prefer it, but it might look suspicious to the others.” She tossed him his T-shirt that had somehow gotten wedged under her back.

Jeff chuckled and turned an adorable shade of pink. “Oh yes, um, thanks.” Much to her disappointment, he pulled the shirt over his head, covering up that magnificent chest. Even his scar was beautiful—it explained so much about who Jeff was, what he’d been through, was fighting for…the man she was falling headfirst for.

As she watched him climb the ladder, Sharona realized how obvious it was that she hadn’t been in love with Garry—not the way she should have been. How she felt about Jeff—the admiration, the pure chemistry—was so much stronger, more real somehow. She didn’t just want him, she needed him. Even the illogical aspects of their future seemed…logical. Despite how she’d been down on love only a day ago, now, she couldn’t help feeling optimistic.

Chapter Nine

Jeff hoped he looked more composed than he felt when he walked onto the deck. Everyone was busy doing their jobs and Manny was the only one who gave him a second look. Well, he gave the still-tingling location on Jeff’s neck a second look. Jeff chose not to react.

“Shoving off?” he asked the captain while tucking in his shirt. Had his other been tucked in before his little tumble with Sharona? He couldn’t remember.

“Just about to,” Manny replied. “Is she okay?” He eyed the companionway.

“She’s fine. I tended to her, um, cut.”

“Yeah, mate. Sure.”

Jeff took a quick inventory of the seven trackers they’d retrieved. Better than he’d hoped. He and Pax discussed what info they might find when they got back to Miami. Which of course made him think of Sharona, and of how she’d looked just a few moments ago, her dark hair splayed across the bunk, her sexy-adorable smile after she’d bit his neck.

Love bite
, she’d said…while wearing his T-shirt. Sweet hell, she was one of a kind. In one day, she’d crawled inside his soul and lit a fire.

“Jeff?”

He blinked and looked at Pax. “Yeah?”

“I was asking if I should I pack them with the rest of the gear, or if you want to hold onto them?”

“Leave ’em here,” he said, fingering one of the hot-pink transmitters. With all that had happened today, Jeff was grateful Pax and the crew helped him carry on with the research. And with a woman like Sharona now in his life, he felt more and more like a damn lucky guy.

“You got it,” Pax said, then left to pack the laptops.

“Good day’s work, Dr. Cruz?”

Jeff’s heart gave a hard crash against his ribs when he heard her voice. It was amazing how quickly his body learned to react to her. Would it be the same when they were both in Miami? Jeff couldn’t help smiling. No…it would be even better. No matter what the challenge, they would figure it out.

“A very good day’s work,” he said, trying not to smile too much but probably doing a lousy job. “Though not
perfect
.”

“Not yet.” She returned his smile while tucking the front of his faded National Rugby League T-shirt into her shorts. Glory be—the woman was a bombshell. “Are we heading back now?”

“We should be at Port Jackson in less than two hours.”

“So your top-secret research is over.” She picked up a transmitter and held it up to the sun. “Extraordinary how this little thing is such a big deal.”

“It is,” he agreed. “If all goes well, in a year or so, we’ll get the patent and be able to sell them to everyone.”

“Why not share it sooner? If it’s as innovative as you hope, shouldn’t we get the word out?”

Jeff couldn’t help grinning at her use of the word “we.” It took everything in him not to scoop her up in his arms and see about busting that bunk below deck.

“It’s exciting, right?” she added. “Don’t you want to shout it from the rooftops?”

“I do,” he said after a laugh, loving her enthusiasm. “And you’re right—it would speed things up if we shared our findings with certain interested parties. I get calls all the time to discuss my projects.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “So, Manny was serious this morning about you being…famous?”

“Um yeah,” Jeff said. It was kind of refreshing that Sharona didn’t know that side of his life. He was usually able to keep a low profile. Whenever he was recognized on the street, people seldom made the connection that he was the same bloke on TV behind the sunglasses and logoed ball cap on the deck of a boat. After all, he was no Crocodile Hunter.

“I have a love-ate thing with the media right now,” he added. “It’s complicated and I’d rather not deal with complications unless it’s
really
important.”

“Well,
I’d
love to see you on TV.” She lowered her voice and shifted toward him. “Looking all brave and sexy…fighting off sharks with your bare hands.”

“Ha! Like
that
row would end well for me.” He laughed. “Plus, I’ve seen enough cameras to last a lifetime. Tell ya what, though, if I do go on the telly again”—he paused to brush his hand over hers—“it’ll be just for you.”

A smile curved her lips. “I’ve never been a groupie before.”

“And I’ve never had one. I guess there’s a first for everything.”

“It’s incredible what you’re doing, Jeff. Honestly.” The warmth in her voice warmed his heart.

“Today was a team effort, including you.”

She snorted. Only from Sharona Blaire could that sound be dainty. “Right. I’m the Julia Roberts to your
Ocean’s Eleven
crew.”

“Crikey, woman. You’ve got much better legs that Julia Roberts.”

Another snort, accompanied by a blush this time. “My biggest contribution today was sending the last Old Faithful to its watery grave.”

“It’s forgotten,” he said. “I know for a fact we wouldn’t have done half as much if you weren’t aboard.” He touched her arm quickly, then drew away. “Do you really think I’m always this efficient?”

“I had a feeling you were…resourceful.” Her teeth sank into her full bottom lip. “Well, I need to call my boss and check in, then I’ve got a few more…um, auditory items I need to check off.” She twirled a lock of hair. “With your assistance, I hope?”

Jeff couldn’t help it; he reached out and placed a hand to her cheek, not caring who witnessed the act. “Auditory items, eh?” he said, running his thumb over her skin. “I know the ones you mean. One in particular will require my…full attention.”

Her beautiful lips parted and she stared up at him. In about five seconds, Jeff was going to make a huge fool of himself in front of his crew. He almost didn’t care. “After you check in at work, don’t forget to call Natalie.”

“Who?” she asked a little dreamily.

Jeff laughed. “Your best friend who lives in Hershey, Pennsylvania and spends all her time around chocolate, and she’s having issues fighting off a past childhood crush, if I recall last night’s conversation. It’s her birthday, remember? Maybe you should phone her before your boss.”

“I’m hoping we’ll be too busy with finishing the audit, and I won’t have time to do either.”

“Sharona.” He smiled, pulling his hand away. “We both have jobs to do, and mine doesn’t include tearing off your clothes in front of my men.” He loved the way her cheeks flushed pink and her dark eyes shined.

“M-maybe I should get Pax to help me with the rest of the audit and I’ll meet you back here when we get to Sydney.”

“That’s probably a wise idea.”

She nodded, grabbed the strap of her bag, and headed away. Though the sultry glance she gave him from over her shoulder shot his core temperature off like a rocket.

For the next hour, Jeff caught up on his own work, answering emails and stowing gear. He kept one eye on Sharona and Pax. His assistant kept appearing at his side, clarifying information to relay to Sharona. He looked more and more beat down each time.

“I don’t know why she doesn’t just ask you herself,” Pax said the third time he came over to Jeff. “It’s like she’s deliberately trying to stay away from you. You must have run her through the ringer, boss.”

Jeff couldn’t help chuckling as he rubbed his chin. “I’m afraid I did.”

They were just minutes from port and Jeff was fairly impressed with how he’d been able to control himself. But he knew he was on the verge. When he rounded a corner at the back of the helm, he ran face first into the person he’d been trying to not think about every five seconds.

“Oops,” Sharona said.

He smiled as he steadied her, keeping his hands on her arms. He’d never been so happy to see anyone in his life. “Hey. We really have to stop meeting like this. Though I wish you’d spilled your drink again so I’d have to take off your—”

“Sorry—didn’t see you,” she cut in just as Pax appeared from behind.

Jeff dropped his hands and stepped back. “Hey,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “How’s it going?”

“We’re about done,” Sharona said, tucking her tablet into the bag hanging off her shoulder.

“She has a lot of questions about Old Faithful,” Pax said, looking relieved. “We both know
you’re
the man for that job, so I’ll let you take over.” He patted Jeff on the arm and as he breezed by to exit, he bumped Jeff’s shoulder, causing him to step forward into Sharona. He didn’t fight the reflex to take her by the arms again, pulling her body close.

“Thank you, Pax,” she said, while keeping her eyes on Jeff.

Pax may have replied, but Jeff only heard buzzing behind his ears, because a second later, Sharona’s hands slid inside his T-shirt. His body quivered in surprised pleasure.

“Hi,” she said.

“Nice to see you. I hope Pax was—” His voice cut off when her fingers hooked under the waistband of his jeans. “Hmm. If that’s a challenge, Ms. Blaire,” he said, staring down into her eyes.

“It’s a reminder.

Like he needed one of those. Jeff dipped his chin and growled. “I would call you a tease, but I happen to know you’re not in any position to make good on your…reminder.”

Sharona’s hands slid across his bare stomach and around to his back.

“Speaking of positions,” he said, walking them until her back hit the wall of the helm. Jeff had a moment of déjà vu, how he’d pinned her to this very wall hours ago. Not to be outdone, he found the bottom of her shirt, tugged free the tucked-in front and slid his hands in, feeling her soft skin as he ran his fingers up her sides, stopping when they brushed lace.

“Jeff,” she exhaled in a shaky whisper. “I’m buzzing.”

He dipped his chin to her ear. “So am I, baby.”

“No, I mean my phone. I’ve got a call.”

It took a moment for the words to compute. “Oh.” Quite unwillingly, he slid his hands out from under her shirt. Sharona did the same, then reached inside her bag.

“Damn,” she muttered. “Boss.”

“I thought you already phoned him.”

“Not yet,” she said, stepping away from the wall. “I was putting it off. I should answer, though. He’s called twice.”

“Of course.” Jeff took his own step back, giving her room. “We’re pulling into port. It’s almost over.”

“Finally. Though I wouldn’t mind ten more minutes downstairs.” She bit her lip. “How much time do we have?”

Jeff exhaled a chuckle. “Not enough for me.” He bent forward to her ear. “I want you alone,” he whispered, gliding a hand around her hip, “on a slow boat to China. Days together, nights…rocking on the waves.”

A burst of hot breath was her reply as she fisted the front of his shirt.

“But since I can’t have that,” he dropped his hand, “I’ll let you take care of that call.”

“Jeff.” She giggled and shoved at his chest. “You’ll pay for that.” She laughed again, sounding carefree like she had at the bar, then she took a few long strides away, her phone to her ear. “Oh, Jeff, about my boss, remind me to tell you something about him.”

“Sure thing.” He was still grinning over the pink flush that had stained her cheeks while he walked onto the deck. Packing up had never been such a pleasure. He whistled the chorus to the old folk song “Waltzing Matilda” as he slid his laptop in its case and zipped it up, and after a contented exhale, he stared toward the familiar sight of the Sydney Opera House and the other landmarks. Part of him always felt like coming home, even though he hadn’t lived here in years. But family ties never disappeared. He felt more optimistic about the future than he had for a long time. And he knew why.

“Dr. Cruz, would you call today a success?”

He turned to see Leo. The last person in Australia he felt like talking to. But part of Jeff’s job was to put on a gracious professional face about marine biology.

“I’d definitely say it was a success.”

Leo sat at his side in a bolted-down chair. “I’ve got my own take, but would you care to elaborate?”

Jeff glanced past the reporter toward the companionway. He’d so much rather be alone with Sharona—on that slow boat to China—than giving an interview.

“Are we on the record?”

Leo nodded.

Okay, fine. “As you know, we recovered seven trackers, which alone is monumental due to the successful live test of the detachment system, though we won’t know the exact information obtained until we plug in at the labs.” He answered more of Leo’s questions, all the while keeping an eye on the helm.

“Thanks for this,” Leo said, sliding a pencil behind an ear. “I appreciate you being so forthcoming, even though you didn’t have to be. You could’ve thrown me overboard, right?”

He paused as if he expected Jeff to disagree.

“I mean, I know it’s a hassle having non-crew members aboard but looks like it worked out for everyone. Even the hottie accountant saw her fair share of action.”

Jeff couldn’t help laughing, then covered his smile with a fist. “Too right.”

“Not a bad set up for her,” Leo added, rummaging through his satchel. “Flying around the world on the company’s dime. I’m sure she gets to pick her own projects since she’s engaged to the guy in charge.”

Jeff must have heard wrong. “Who’s engaged?”

“The hottie. Muh-muh-muh-myyyy Sharona.”

Jeff glanced toward the helm them back at Leo, a hard ball in the pit of his stomach. “Why do you think that?”

Leo didn’t reply for a moment. “Well, I guess it’s okay for me to tell you now. SED hired me, though I really
was
recruited through UM.”

“Wait a minute.” Jeff held up a hand, forcing himself to block out the more important information. “The same firm who sent an independent auditor also sent a reporter?”

They both turned when they heard Sharona’s laugh and chatter from around the corner, a one-sided conversation—most likely with her boss.

Her
fiancé
.

As he turned back to Leo, Jeff felt ice in his veins. “What makes you think she’s engaged to her boss?”

The reporter shrugged. “The guy said so when he hired me a few days ago. He also told me not to say anything because of his job. I guess it’s been hush-hush from the beginning. To tell the truth, at first I didn’t understand
why
I was here, but when I told him about your transmitters this morning…” He pointed at one on the table. “He’s invested thousands in something similar. Seemed kinda shady to me, especially after I talked to him earlier today. Refused to tell him any more about Old Faithful. Dude, those are seriously so cool.” He adjusted his backward baseball cap. “Anyway, he said it didn’t matter what I did because his fiancée would tell him what he needed to know.”