‘Oh—I—’ Her orgasm consumed her in a flash of brilliant light and exquisite sensation and she heard him growl deep in his throat, surging deeper inside her as she pulsed around him. She sobbed his name, tightened her grip and felt him thrust hard for the last time. They clung, breathless, riding the wave, going where the pleasure took them.

With a harsh groan Ryan dropped his head onto her shoulder, his breathing dragging in his throat. ‘Are you OK?’

‘No, I don’t think so.’ Weak and shaky, Jenna stared up at the ceiling, shell shocked, stunned by the intensity of what they’d shared. ‘It’s never been like that before.’

‘That’s probably because you’ve never made love on a wooden floor.’ Wincing slightly, Ryan eased his weight off her and rolled onto his back, his arms still round her. ‘I need to buy a different floor covering. This was designed for walking on and aesthetic appearance, not for sex. Do you want to move to the bed?’

‘I don’t want to move at all.’ She just wanted to lie here, with him, staring up at the blue sky and the clouds above them. It seemed a fitting view. ‘It’s perfect here.’

‘Perfect, apart from the bruises.’

‘I don’t have bruises, and even if I do I don’t care.’ She turned and rested her cheek on his chest, revelling in the opportunity to touch him. ‘This morning I was wondering whether I ought to kiss you again—’

‘And what did you decide?’

‘You interrupted me before I’d made my decision.’

‘If you want my opinion, I think you should definitely kiss me again.’ His eyes gleamed with humour and he lifted her chin with his fingers and kissed her lightly. ‘And again.’

Jenna shifted until she lay on top of him. ‘I’ve never done this before.’

He raised an eyebrow. ‘You have a child.’

‘I mean I’ve never been so desperate to have sex I couldn’t make it as far as the bed—never lost control like that.’ She kissed the corner of his mouth, unable to resist touching him. ‘I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you. Ever since I arrived on the island I’ve wanted you. I thought I was going crazy—’

‘I was going crazy, too.’ He sank his hands into her hair and kissed her. ‘Believe me, you’re not the only one who has been exercising will-power.’

‘I wasn’t sure this was what you wanted.’ She was conscious that she still knew next to nothing about him, and suddenly a stab of anxiety pierced her happiness. ‘Can I ask you something?’ Through the open window she could hear the crash of the waves and the shriek of the seagulls, reminding her how isolated they were.

‘Yes.’

‘Are you married?’

He stilled. ‘You think I’d be lying here with you like this if I were married?’