The Bronzed Hawk (23 page)

“I think the tide’s coming in,” she said, grinning and looking down at her waterlogged velvet skirt and sopping wet blouse. “And I always thought that beach love scene in
From Here to Eternity
was so romantic. What went wrong, Nick?”

He looked down at his own drenched clothing and shook his head, then chuckled in amusement. “God knows, sweetheart. Maybe next time we’ll try it with a warmer surf and an appropriate musical score by John Williams.” He got to his feet, grimacing as the water squished in his shoes, and reached down to pull her to her feet. He rescued the pocket flashlight, which was still working despite its dousing. “Much as I’d like to try it again, I think I’d better get you to some sort of shelter before you catch pneumonia.” He swiftly fastened her bra and buttoned her tunic. “I have a rented car parked back at
Devlin’s house. We’ll find a motel and continue this later.”

“We’ll do no such thing,” Kelly said firmly, her chin lifting stubbornly. “We’ll go back to the cottage, and you can apologize to Mac for all those terrible things you said to him. I’m not having the two favorite men in my life at odds with each other.”

Nick scowled ferociously, and for a moment she thought he was going to refuse. Then, shrugging, he said gruffly, “Okay. I guess I was a little rough on him.” He darted her a suspicious look. “You’re sure that he has only paternal feelings toward you?”

“I’m sure,” she said. “And if you’re extremely charming to him, he might be persuaded to lend you something to change into while your clothes are drying.”

“That won’t be necessary. If he’ll just lend us a bedroom, our own clothes will be dry before I let you out of bed anyway.”

Nick’s hand was linked with hers as they strolled almost leisurely up the beach. They were both cold and shivering, and there was absolutely
no reason for them to be so wildly, ecstatically happy. No reason but the love that was flowing between them in an almost visible current of power. She felt as if they must be lighting up the misty darkness with their shining beacon of happiness.

“I hope we’re going in the right direction,” Nick said uneasily. “I was so angry that I didn’t pay much attention to where we were heading after we left Devlin’s house.”

“I think we are,” Kelly said, not really caring. She shot him an impish glance. “Don’t tell me that you don’t have a good sense of direction?”

“Lord, no,” he admitted. “I’ve been known to get lost in a parking garage.”

“Ah, a weakness at last,” Kelly said teasingly. “I bet you’re not Superman, after all.”

“Only with you by my side, sweetheart,” he said quietly, his hand tightening on hers. “Only with you in my arms.”