Thank goodness, she thought.  At least they could give each other some space now. How come he always knew what to say and she never did? How come he never seemed to feel awkward? He unbuckled his seat belt and leaned across to do hers. "Let’s move." he said. "The helicopter is waiting."  The first thing that hit her when she stepped out onto the island was the intense heat and the colours. Deep green palm trees shaded milky white sand, and a parrot added a flash of exotic red as it took refuge in the trees clustered in the centre of the island. The hot sun was a ball of orange and the sea was a magic carpet of glittering jewelled blue. "It's so beautiful" she said. Matt nodded and took her arm and drew her away from the helicopter. "Here we are. Home sweet home...well, not really home home, but you get it. Otherwise known as Paradise Villa. All the bedrooms open onto the terrace and o

Drawing up her shoulders, she turned around again and stared coolly at him. “If you think because we were once lovers that you can take up where we left off, you’re sadly mistaken.”He blinked in surprise and then anger replaced the surprise. “God, Savvie. Do you think so little of me that I would try to force you into a sexual relationship?” he asked. "What exactly do you take me for?" “You don’t want to know the answer to that.” She replied. "What do you expect me to think? You are the one who has been.... I don't know... Flirting"He swore long and hard. He knew she was right though. He had been flirting, because he still wanted her, but he never planned on making her do anything she didn't want to. But her statements annoyed him so much. “What makes you think I would ever want to sample my brother’s secondhand goods anyway?” he said without thinking. She balled her hands into fists and forced a carel

Matt closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose between two fingers.  There was no easy way to say this and his mom would know soon enough now that Savannah was with him. Best she know now so she could get used to it. “Mom, you should know… I'm at the island already.... And I'm not alone... Savannah is with me.” he said.  There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end followed by thick silence. “I see,” she finally said. “I guess inviting Leila is out of the question then.” She said.  Matt blew out his breath at his mother’s snippy tone. Leila Donavan was a woman his mom had been shoving at him ever since Savannah had disappeared. Though his mother had never come out and said I told you so, she didn’t have to. It was there as plain as if she’d hung a banner.She&rsqu

“Let me take care of you, Savvie. Let’s forget for the time being all the problems in the past and just concentrate on the present.” Matt said.  “You can’t be serious.” She replied.  “I’m very serious. I’ve never been more serious in my life. We have a lot to work out. We can’t do that if we aren’t willing to spend the time together and talk.” She’d never wanted to break down and cry more in her entire life. If only he’d been willing to listen before. If only he’d been willing to talk, to understand then. The one person she should have been able to count on above all others had coldly looked through her and called her a liar. And now he wanted to kiss and make up? He touched her face with his fingers, and she was surprised that they trembled against her skin. His eyes were imploring her and she wavered

She looked a lot like the old Savannah. The Savannah he’d been crazy about. The one who always had a ready smile, was quick to laugh and who offered her affection freely. The reserved, angry Savannah was someone he didn’t know. She seemed a little nervous and unsure as she came to stand by the bar, and he hated that there was a tangible barrier between them. Before she wouldn’t have hesitated to launch herself into his arms and give him one of her big, squeezing hugs. Now? He ached to get close enough to her that she didn’t withdraw. “You ready?” he asked, forcing a casual note into his voice. She nodded. He put his hand to her back, noting the expanse of flesh bared by the sundress. Rosa had done well. The dress fit her like a dream, molding in all the right places. The bodice was held up by ends tied at the nape of her neck; but her flesh was