Eli watched Aria walk away, her hips swaying and drawing attention to her luscious bottom. Her tanned legs went on for miles. It was a pity she’d turned him down. She’d clearly had second thoughts about backing up her smart mouth. It took a massive amount of willpower to look away. When he did, he noticed other men were watching her, gazing lustfully at her behind and taking advantage of the great view afforded by her tiny bikini. It infuriated Eli. She was here with him. These other men needed to drag their minds out of the gutter.

Shit. He had to do something.

She paused to speak to a dark-haired, tattooed surfer with overdeveloped pecs—probably on steroids. The surfer’s eyes flicked up and down the length of her body. Anger exploded in Eli’s gut, and his grip tightened on his towel, but he stayed where he was. Then Aria smiled at the surfer, and before he was aware of it, Eli had launched himself off the ground and crossed the distance between them. Laying a hand on her shoulder, he swung her around and dragged her body up against his. He ground his lips on hers—hard and demanding. He knew he should be gentle, but she tasted so good. Strawberries and cream. Intoxicating. Her lips parted in surprise, and he slipped his tongue inside her mouth, tasting her more.

He locked eyes with the surfer and was pleased to see him turn away. Then Aria’s lips yielded beneath his and she tentatively tasted him back, fingers interlocking at the back of his neck. His arms encircled her waist and pulled her closer. She had to know exactly what she was doing to him. He was afraid the hardness in his shorts would scare her, but instead she pressed closer to him.

They kissed desperately, and Eli knew it had to end, but he couldn’t seem to pull away. His entire body was rigid, while she was pliant against him in contrast. He raised a hand and cupped a full and heavy breast.

He wanted her. Had he ever been this hot for someone? Not that he could remember. She moaned into his mouth, and some male part of him roared in triumph. Then she pushed away, and he didn’t understand until he saw the dozens of disapproving faces surrounding them. They’d made a spectacle of themselves. Or, more accurately, he’d made a spectacle of them. Again.

“Nothing to see here,” he muttered, appalled at his behavior. Damn. Taking Aria’s hand in his, he pulled her away from their audience, but not before he’d seen Therese’s shocked expression. Double damn.

“What was that about?” Aria demanded once they had more privacy.

Damned if I know. Eli wasn’t used to explaining himself. Usually, he had control of every situation, but his attraction to her was slipping wildly out of control.