“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Why in the world would he drop her when having her thighs pressed against his ribs felt so damned good? With his arms hooked under her legs, he walked into the water and eased them in slowly, staying close to the shore because he wasn’t completely foolish about the risks of swimming at night.

“Ahhh, that feels good,” she said as the cool water washed over them.

Was it his imagination or did she tighten her hold on him? No, definitely not his imagination. “Sure does. I thought I was going to burn up today.”

“I couldn’t deal with being outside all day in this heat.”

“You do what ya gotta do.” He held on tight as he lifted her up and over the gentle roll of the waves. The water was as calm as it ever was on the south side of the island, perfect conditions for a nighttime swim. “Could I let go for one second if I promise to come right back?”

“Sure.” She released her tight hold on him and slid down his back.

Alex waited until she was standing before he let go of her and turned around to face her. “That’s better.” He drew her into his arms, arranging her legs around his hips. “Much, much better.”

Her arms curled around his neck, infusing him with a strange sense of comfort, which was odd, considering he knew nothing about her other than her first name and where she lived. Maybe the comfort came from the anonymity and the relief of leaving his troubles behind for however long this latest interlude lasted.

“Did you think about what happened this morning after I left?”

“Not at all. Did you?”

“Nope. Just another day at the office. My female customers can’t restrain themselves when I’m around.”

Jenny snorted with laughter, which pleased him. That had been his goal. “They are only human, after all.”

“Right? That’s what I say, too. Although I’ve never had any of them throw stuff at me before.”

“I refuse to apologize for that. You woke me up at an ungodly hour!”

Alex smiled at her indignation. Enough with the talking, he decided, tipping his head and going in slowly to kiss her. At first, he simply laid his lips over hers, waiting to see what she would do. Would it be like before, when the passion between them flared like fire finding dry brush, or would it simmer more slowly this time?

He quickly had his answer when her tongue dabbed at his bottom lip, setting off a chain reaction that made him groan and pull her in tighter against him. Her arms gripped his neck, and her breasts flattened against his chest.