He talked to Anton for a few minutes, exchanged small talk with a few locals and then returned to where the others were sitting.

Instantly Lizzy slid across the blanket to show him another shell, but this time he encouraged her to show Skylar instead and sat detached while they continued to sift through their personal hoard of treasure.

When the food was ready, they used rocks to crack open the lobsters and ate until they were full.

Ryan watched Emily, wondering why he’d never before seen a beach picnic as a sensual activity. There was too much licking of lips and sucking of fingers for his own personal comfort.

The twins and Lizzy, tired from so much outdoor activity, fell asleep in a heap between Rachel and Lisa who were talking about plans for the summer. Skylar was still sorting through sea glass and shells, holding up each piece to the light of the fire to take a closer look.

Emily leaned forward, too, and the soft fabric at the neckline of her dress gaped slightly, giving him an uninterrupted view of smooth, full breasts.

Remembering exactly how they looked bare and aching for his touch, Ryan felt a raging hunger that had nothing to do with food.

Lust was hot, liquid and brutal. The final straw was when he saw a couple of the male swimming instructors from the Ocean Club pool almost fall on their faces as they tried to get a better look at Emily’s luxuriant curves. Ryan gave them an icy glare that had them backing away, and then sprang to his feet.

“I need to talk to Anton again.”

Emily glanced up at him in surprise. “You’re leaving?” Her disappointment was so obvious he almost changed his mind.

And then he saw his sister’s eyes narrow and knew he was in trouble.

“I’ll be back.” He stumbled and planted his foot on a shell, earning his sister’s wrath.

“Ryan! Get your great big feet off the blanket. Ugh. You have no idea how many of my paintings he ruined when I was little.”

He turned his back on seashells, children and Emily’s curves and walked across the beach.

Alec was deep in conversation with a couple of marine biologists, and Kirsti was dancing with one of the instructors from the kayak school.

Across the sand he saw Jared end a conversation with a couple of lobstermen and glance toward Rachel.

Ryan ground his teeth and carried on walking.

His sister was right, her life was her business.

He had his own problems.

His problem caught up with him as he reached the edge of the beach.

“Ryan!” She sounded breathless, and he clenched his jaw and turned.

“What?”

“I thought you were going to talk to Anton?”

“He’s busy.” The truth was he’d forgotten about Anton; he’d been so intent on giving himself some space.