Midnight with You Page 11

  Seth and Bailey walked barefoot in the sand beneath the moonlight, away from the Cracked Coconut. She carried her sandals in one hand and he had a grip on his, too.

  The sand felt good between his toes. He’d always had an affinity for the beach, almost as much as he did for the land.

  Her hand felt good in his, like it belonged there. Like he would always be the one to hold her hand as they walked along a beach, or anywhere else.

  It would be him. He knew with everything in his heart and soul, that this was right.

  * * *

  The balmy breeze lifted Bailey’s hair from her shoulders. Waves crashed against the shore. The warm water washed their feet before drawing back into the ocean.

  He stole as many glimpses as possible at the beautiful woman. Hell, he outright stared most of the time. He couldn’t get enough of her.

  Behind them laughter and music filtered into the night, but the sounds grew fainter the farther they walked.

  Bailey tilted her face to the sky. “The stars are so clear here.” She turned her gaze on Seth. “They’re clear where I live in Arizona, but it’s not the same.”

  “They look close enough to touch,” he said.

  “Maybe that’s it.” She reached up her free hand and acted as if she was plucking one from the sky. “This one.” She held up her fingers, like she was holding a small stone. “This will make a beautiful diamond pendent.”

  “Better yet, a ring.”

  Bailey frowned and put her hands on her hips. “Seth Greer, don’t mess with my game.”

  Her eyes widened and she glanced down at the ground before cutting her gaze to him again. “Look what you made me do. I lost it.”

  Seth snorted with laughter and found he couldn’t stop. Bailey giggled and he held her close to his side with one arm and they moved farther down the beach.

  “It’s almost midnight.” He searched the sky. “There’s the North Star.”

  “It’s so bright.” She gestured in the direction of a group of stars. “The Big Dipper is there, the Little Dipper…” she trailed off… “There. It’s harder to see since four of the stars are dim.”

  “I always wanted to learn more about astronomy, but never did,” he said as they walked.

  “In between rodeo and surfing, where would you find the time?” She laughed. “And don’t forget school—that had to have been a challenge, doing everything and balancing it with education.”

  “I’m sure you faced a lot of the same challenges.” He rubbed his thumb over the soft skin of her shoulder. “Probably more.”

  “I don’t know about more, but I did have my share of roadblocks and different paths to take.”

  She slipped from his arm around her shoulders before she took his hand. “Let’s sit over here.”

  They’d walked down the beach farther than he’d realized and had reached a small outcropping. Bailey climbed onto the rocks and perched on a fairly flat one. Seth settled onto a rock beside her.

  Her feet dangled over the edge and she swung her legs. “What a paradise this is.” She lifted her face to the sky and closed her eyes.

  “It’s hard to stay away.” He watched her as he spoke. Moonlight caressed her skin, making her soft features even softer. She was a gem sparkling in the night.

  “I haven’t missed a summer since my first time here. I would come more often if I could.”

  She lowered her head and looked at him. “What holds you back?”

  He shrugged. “Family, business, rodeo. There’s only so much time I can take away.”

  “I can see that.” She cocked her head. “You have a business, too?”

  He nodded. “Elk Mountain Ranch. It’s a special needs ranch in Montana that I own. My mom and sisters run the place, but I have responsibilities to handle whenever I’m needed.”

  * * *

  Bailey stopped swinging her legs. The champion rodeo doctor also owned a special needs ranch?

  “How do you do it all?” She nearly shook her head in disbelief. “I noticed your Elk Mountain Ranch shirts, but I thought it was your cattle ranch.”

  “Elk Mountain is on a portion of the acreage that’s been in our family for generations,” he said. “We also run cattle on other parts.”

  She was finding him more and more fascinating. There were so many layers to him. “When did you start the special needs program?”

  He pushed his fingers through his hair and looked thoughtful. “About five years ago I came into an inheritance from my grandma, and I decided to put the program together. It started out as a place to rehabilitate injured rodeo cowboys, but it grew from there to include individuals with special needs.”

  “Do you have plans to start your practice there when you retire from rodeo?”

  “It depends.” He caught her gaze and held it. “I have all kinds of possibilities in my life. I’m kinda making it up as I go.”

  “I think you’re doing a pretty good job with all you have lined up in your life.” Bailey smiled. “I don’t believe you’re flying by the seat of your pants. To do what you have requires planning and a lot of hard work.”

  He returned her smile. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that nothing is fixed. We talked about choices. Just because I have one set of plans doesn’t mean they can’t change. If a different fork in the road comes up, I’ll reevaluate my plans and change them accordingly.”

  “I’ve never met anyone as flexible as you.” She brought her knees up and hugged them to her chest. “You seem to have an incredible life, but it’s not set in stone. I like that.”

  He shrugged. “I’ve always looked at things that way. My life is fluid, not static.”

  Bailey looked out at the ocean as she thought about her own life, and how rigid she was about a lot of things. “I might need to learn a little about flexibility. I have goals and I don’t like roadblocks.”

  “Don’t think about them as roadblocks,” he said. “Think of them as opportunities.”

  Bailey frowned. “Easy to say.”

  The corner of Seth’s mouth quirked into a grin. “Never say never, Bailey McBride.”

  She couldn’t help a smile. “What time is it?”

  Seth checked his phone. “Almost midnight.”

  “My coach is going to turn into a pumpkin.” She slid off the rock and waited for Seth to join her. “Didn’t you say something about jet skiing and snorkeling tomorrow?”

  “Yep.” He caught her off guard and brought her into the circle of his arms.

  She relaxed against him, her cheek pressed against his shoulder. She let herself relax, enjoying the feel of her body pressed against his.

  Seth made her feel so good, in ways she’d never felt before. He was comfortable, solid, the kind of man who could be her rock. She needed that…didn’t she?

  He took her chin in his hand and shifted just enough that he was looking into her eyes. “You make me feel things and long for things I never have before.”

  “You might not realize it, but this isn’t easy for me,” he said softly. “I’ve had a full and busy life and haven’t thought about settling down. I figured that would be years from now.”

  He searched her gaze. “You make me think about family of my own, and a different future than I currently have laid out.”

  Bailey let out her breath. “I’m not there, Seth. I can’t suddenly decide I’m going to let go of everything I’ve so carefully planned. I’m not as flexible as you are.”

  “We are in no hurry, Bailey.” He stroked her hair. “It’s something for you to think about so you can decide if you can make changes to your life that you didn’t expect.”

  “No more.” She closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against his shoulder. “No more talking about futures tonight.”

  “I do have something in mind that doesn’t require conversation.”

  She looked up to see his smile. His smile mesmerized her, wouldn’t let her turn away.

  A sigh escaped her as she parted her lips
and moved her mouth to his.

  His lips were warm and he tasted of man and of the night. She thought she heard midnight bells tolling, but it was probably her imagination.

  Magic—his kiss was magic that made her feel like she was flying. Like with him anything was possible.

  She wouldn’t think about anything but now and enjoying the man whose arms held her so tightly. He didn’t make her feel suffocated. He made her feel free.

  He broke the kiss, his breathing heavier. “Let’s get back. It won’t be long till it’s time for another day of fun. I may wear you out before your friends get here.”

  “Never.” Her eyes sparkled. “You couldn’t wear me out if you tried.”

  He flashed her a sexy grin. “Challenge accepted.”

  11

  Seth rubbed the back of his sunburned neck as he walked Bailey to her room. “You have officially worn me out.”

  Bailey, feeling wind-and-sunburned after their day out, couldn’t help but laugh. “You, the big pro rodeo star, worn out by little ol’ me?”

  “Yeah, you.” He rubbed her shoulder as they went down the Honu wing. “You sure know how to jet ski.”

  “My parents used to take my big brothers and me to lakes in Arizona.” She liked the way his fingers worked her shoulder muscles as they went.

  “Where do you like to go?” he asked.

  “My favorite is Lake Havasu. Lots of outdoor activities and sports like hiking, parasailing, water skiing, and jet skiing.”

  She smiled at the memories. “We don’t get out like we used to now that we’re all adults and, you know, life happens. I think Mom wants to put together a family reunion with just Dad, Mom, my brothers, Justice’s and Jayson’s wives, and me. Not one of the gigantic McBride clan affairs.”

  They neared her door. She’d had such a wonderful time today with Seth and she didn’t want it to end.

  Bailey slipped her keycard out of her shorts pocket and met his gaze. “It’s too early to end the day, but I’d rather stay in this evening.” She hesitated. “Would you like to come in and watch a movie and have a drink? We could order room service.”

  “One of the best ideas yet today.” He appeared relaxed and just as ready for a night in doing nothing more than relaxing. “After all that surf and sand, I could use a shower.” He pushed his hand through his windblown hair. “How about I head to my room and clean up and then come back in thirty and we can watch a movie or two?”

  “Perfect.” Bailey used her keycard and opened the door. She felt so relaxed and not pressured about anything. “I am dying for a shower to get all this sand off, too.”

  Seth gave her a light kiss on the forehead. “See you in a few.”

  She closed the door then rested her back against it. It had been such an incredible day with Seth. Truth was, every day she’d spent with him had been wonderful.

  He was everything she’d ever dreamed of in a man—fun, energetic, amusing, intelligent, thoughtful, caring, and had a great sense of humor.

  She rubbed her temples with her fingertips. It felt too good to be true. Not to mention, she wasn’t ready for a serious relationship.

  Tonight would be relaxing with Seth. If it started to go any farther than dinner and a movie or two…she’d just see how things went.

  * * *

  After a cold shower—because he needed to make sure he was completely cooled down before going to Bailey’s room—Seth dressed in a pair of faded well-worn jeans and one of his favorite T-shirts.

  It might be just a quiet night, and it could end up being more than that. Either way, he was just grateful to get to spend more time with her.

  He pulled on his athletic shoes over some comfy socks and tucked his keycard and wallet into his back pocket. Twenty minutes after he’d taken Bailey to her front door, he left his room.

  The resort had a nice gift shop and florist. He stopped and picked out a tropical lūʻau that included white ginger, Bird of Paradise, plumeria, and anthurium.

  He selected a vase so she’d have something to put them in and set on her table. He was tempted to buy a box of chocolate macadamia nuts, but resisted temptation and the possibility of overkill.

  Bailey made him crazy romantic. He didn’t question why he felt the way he did about her. He’d always had great intuition and was good at judging people and personalities. No one was perfect, but everything about Bailey was perfect to him.

  Right at thirty minutes from the time he’d left, Seth knocked on her door. She answered with a smile and then delight in her expression when she spotted the bouquet.

  “It’s gorgeous.” She took it from him and brushed her lips over his. “Thank you.”

  His brain had already ceased to function the moment he’d seen her.

  Bailey wore a white tank top—and she wasn’t wearing a bra.

  Dear God.

  He tried to think about cold showers and anything else that would make it so Bailey wouldn’t see how hard he was.

  Not working.

  Seth nearly groaned. Maybe being in her room wasn’t the best idea.

  Maybe it was a great idea.

  Yeah, he’d go with that.

  She didn’t seem to notice, or she was making a point not to let him know she’d seen.

  He gritted his teeth as he followed her into the room and closed the door behind him.

  She had on loose shorts in a bright Hawaiian pattern, and her hair hung long and straight down her back. He watched her as she arranged the bouquet on the table. Damn, she had such a cute ass.

  “I love flowers.” She spun around, and he hoped she hadn’t caught him staring at her ass. “They make the room even brighter.”

  She pointed to his feet. “Kick off your shoes and stay awhile.”

  He obliged and set them by the door with his socks tucked inside.

  Her patio doors were open, letting in the evening air. She gestured for him to follow and walked barefoot onto the tiled patio.

  He joined her and looked out at the ocean in the distance and all the tropical greenery that surrounded her patio. “You have a great view.”

  “I do.” She smiled as she turned to face him. “My parents and brothers have always spoiled me. In the McBride clan—which is huge—there aren’t too many girls. I think the few of us do get a little extra special treatment.”

  “You deserve special treatment.” He liked the way she smiled at him in response.

  “How hungry are you?” She picked up a menu off the patio table. “I was just looking at this before you knocked. I’m so hungry I could eat a lūʻau pig by myself.”

  Seth grinned. “Let’s get two.”

  They picked out poke and seafood cakes for an appetizer. For dinner, Bailey chose the roasted mahi mahi, and Seth went for crab legs.

  For dessert they decided on an orange chocolate torte to share, which Bailey thought sounded to die for. Instead of something fruity, this time she wanted the resort’s specialty hibiscus drink and Seth said he always liked to get a Kona Fire Rock while in Hawaii.

  After ordering, Seth and Bailey searched the movie guide for something they could both agree on. They both liked a variety and settled on a Mission Impossible movie.

  “I love a good action movie,” Bailey said. “Loads of suspense and excitement.”

  “Not a romance?” Seth said with a teasing glint in his eyes.

  “Every now and then.” Bailey smiled. “I like things fast and furious.”

  He relaxed in the armchair closest to the patio door. “Instant gratification?”

  “Something like that.” Bailey laughed. “Which is why eBooks are so awesome.”

  “What do you read?” Seth asked.

  Bailey sat on the edge of the bed, her hands propped by her hips. “Mostly fiction,” she said. “I like women’s fiction and mystery, but I’ll read just about anything. If it’s riveting, I’ll read non-fiction, too. What about you?”

  “Sci-fi and thrillers,” Seth said.

  Before he could
say anything else, a knock at the door told them dinner had arrived.

  The rest of the evening went great. Bailey just felt so good around Seth. He made her want to forget all about future plans and just go with the moment. Hell, maybe she should.

  Always, that little voice knocked at the back of her mind, telling her to take it slow…and not give up anything that could stall her career.

  Sometimes she just wanted to take a pool noodle to that damned voice.

  * * *

  Seth wondered what it would be like to be with Bailey every day. Of course he couldn’t and didn’t expect it to be like their time during this trip to Momi on a daily basis, but he’d bet they’d have a hell of a lot of fun, whatever they did.

  When the movie ended, they were both sitting on the made-up bed, and her head rested on his chest and he had his arm wrapped around her shoulders.

  “You’re so comfortable.” She sighed. “I don’t want to move.”

  “You don’t have to.” He kissed the top of her head. “You can stay this way all night if you want. I’d be happy to hold you till morning.”

  She tilted her head to meet his gaze. “I bet you would.”

  He touched the tip of her nose with his fingertip. “Are you ready to call it a night?”

  Hell if he wanted to go, but he wasn’t going anywhere she didn’t want to and he’d never begin to pressure her.

  “Not really.” She snuggled against his side. “I like being with you. Even though we’ve been together every day for hours and hours, I still want to spend more time with you.”

  “That’s how I feel, Bailey.” He rested his chin on top of her head. “We’re good together.”

  She didn’t respond, and he hoped he hadn’t pushed her too far. But it was the truth, and he didn’t like to hold back about pretty much anything.

  For a long moment they stayed that way, until Bailey shifted out of his arms so that she was sitting on her haunches beside him.

  She smiled right before she moved and straddled his lap. “Now I have you right where I want you.”

  His gut stirred—and that wasn’t the only part of him that did. “You certainly do.”