“You sound like the voice of experience.”

“I’ve put in some time on her.” He stopped near the bow and slipped an arm around Sybill’s waist. “Sailing out in February, with that wind cutting through you, bouncing on the high chop of a winter storm . . . all in all, I’d rather be in Baltimore.”

She chuckled, studying the boat. It looked ancient and rough, like something out of an earlier time. “Without having set foot on it, I’m going to agree with you. So why were you bouncing on the high chop of a winter storm instead of in Baltimore?”

“Beats the hell out of me.”

“I take it this isn’t the boat you invited me out on tomorrow.”

“No. That one’s a tidy little pleasure sloop. Do you swim?”

She arched an eyebrow. “Is that a statement on your sailing abilities?”

“No, it’s a suggestion. The water’s cool, but not so cold you couldn’t take a dip if you like.”

“I didn’t bring a bathing suit with me.”

“And your point is?”

She laughed and started walking again. “I think a sail’s enough for one day. I’ve got some work I want to finish up tonight. I enjoyed dinner.”

“So did I. I’ll walk you to your hotel.”

“There’s no need. It’s just around the corner.”

“Nonetheless.”

She didn’t argue. She had no intention of allowing him to walk her to her door, or to talk his way into her suite. All in all, she felt she was handling him, and a difficult, confusing situation, very well. An early night, she mused, would give her time to sort out her thoughts and feelings before she saw him again the next day.

And since the boat was docked at his home, the odds were good that she would see Seth again, too.

“I’ll come down in the morning,” she began as she stopped a few feet from the lobby entrance. “Ten or so?”

“Fine.”

“Is there anything I should bring? Besides Dramamine?”

He shot her a grin. “I’ll take care of it. Sleep well.”

“You, too.”

She prepared herself for the easy and expected good-night kiss. His lips were soft, undemanding. Pleased with both of them, she relaxed, started to back away.

Then his hand cupped the back of her neck firmly, his head changed angles, and for one staggering moment, the kiss went hot and wild and threatening. The hand she’d laid on his shoulder curled into a fist, gripping his jacket, hanging on for balance as her feet all but swept out from under her. Her mind went blank as her pulse leapt to roar in her spinning head.

Someone moaned, low and deep and long.

It lasted only seconds, but it was as shocking and burning as a brand. He saw the stunned arousal in her eyes when they opened and stared into his. And he felt that basic need claw to a new level inside him.

Not a cool, controlled, and distant response this time, he decided. One layer down, he mused, and skimmed his thumb along her jawline.