“I had my moments. And for your information, I wasn’t trying to be “mean” or anything like that. To be honest, I just wanted you to come with me…. Because I wanted us to spend some time together.
Her shoulders grew a little stiffer and she turned to look at him. Her steady gaze suggested that she wasn’t convinced.
Savannah decided not to dwell on that statement he had just made.
“So this island—” she began. The thought of this brief adventure cheered her up slightly, so she would just focus on enjoying it. “Where is it? And why did you decide to come there of all places?”
“It’s a tropical island off the coast of South America. And the reason I decided that we should go there is because it’s peaceful, and we’ll be the only two people on the island.”
“Just us?” Her voice was a horrified squeak. “You expect me to spend two weeks without a single person to talk to?”
“Well, I will be there. You can talk to me” Matt said, grinning.
“I don’t know if there is really anything for us to talk about… Especially if we are going to be alone for so long”
“Well then, I believe there are two species of parrot found on the island. If you play your cards right, one of them might talk to you.” He said.
“You may think you’re funny, but I’m the sort of person who likes company. If you’re the only person on the island—” her eyes narrowed
“Just talk to me then” he interrupted. “It’s the reason why I wanted to to come. I think we have a lot to talk about”
“Talk away. Just don’t expect me to answer.” She said
Matt watched her through the dark shield of his lashes. “On the other hand,” he said smiling. “If it’s company you want and no talking, I’m sure we can find some way of passing the time that doesn’t include conversation.”
Savannah didn’t even want to think about what he meant by that, and she was too terrified to ask. So she didn’t.
He was arrogant, overbearing—Savannah sighed. And insanely sexy. It had been one of the reasons why she had fallen so hard for him back then.
How could he be sexy when he was asleep? Strands of dark hair flopped over his forehead giving him a dangerous, rakish look. The bold black brows and darkened jaw were wholly masculine and as for that mouth— She looked away quickly, her heart thudding against her chest.
No, no, no.
She wasn’t going to do that to herself. Not again. No more fantasies about Matt Bradford or other unobtainable guys. She knew who she was now and she knew entertaining those kind of thoughts would do her no good. Going on this trip with him didn’t change anything.
Blind with tiredness but totally unable to relax enough to sleep, Savannah stared out of the window at the tropical islands that studded the sparkling ocean below.
Some of the tiredness sloughed away as she gazed beneath her. The sea was dotted with emerald-green islands, each framed by white sands and coral reefs. It was beautiful.
Clear turquoise water lapped at secluded coves. Paradise, she thought, with a twist.
She sneaked a glance at Matt, still sleeping beside her.
He was the twist.
What did he want to discuss now? He made it clear back then that he had heard enough. Then suddenly seeking her out after a year. And why did he feel the need to do this in a deserted island?
The questions spiralled in her head until sheer exhaustion made her fall asleep. When she woke it was to find Matt staring out of the window.
For a few seconds she thought saw torment and anguish in his eyes and then he realised she was awake and quickly blanked it.
What could possibly be tormenting him? Nothing. His life was perfect.
“Have we arrived?” she asked.
“We’re in Rio de Janeiro. It’s a short helicopter hop to the Island.”
“This island—” she began as she retrieved her bag from under her seat “—is it yours?”
“Ermmm… Actually it belongs to my family” he said. “Very convenient at times like this. You know, in case you want to get away from… You know, everything”
Savannah stared at him for a moment, wondering how she could have failed to make the connection. “Your family?” she repeated. His family didn’t really approve of her.
“That’s right.” He said. “Ermmm, I don’t think we should talk about them though”
“Oh I don’t intend to” she said. A part of her already regretting coming here with him.
He must have seen the discomfort on her face because he said, “Look, you don’t have to think about them. We are going to be alone throughout our stay. Just feel free.
Do anything you want. You look tense… You should try to relieve yourself”
“Talking is how I relieve tension.” Savannah said, “And like I said, I don’t think I want to talk to you… Especially not about this”
He grinned and leaned towards her, his dark eyes two narrow, dangerous slits of simmering sensuality. “Fine. Don’t talk. There are other ways to relieve tension Want to know how I relieve tension when I don’t want to talk?”
She knew. “No, I do not.” She said quickly.
Trapped by his gaze, she found it hard to breathe. He was a man who clearly understood the effect he had on women… He knew the effect he had on her
As if to confirm that, his smile was slow and confident. “Sure?” he asked.
“Completely sure.”
“But you’re curious.” He said. His voice was soft and seductive. “Admit it— you’ve been wondering how it is going to feel when we eventually stop all this self-control nonsense and kiss each other.”
Savannah swallowed. “I haven’t. It hasn’t crossed my mind.” She said.
“You forget that I know you, Savvie.” Matt said. “You’re a terrible liar.”
“And you’re impossibly arrogant. And arrogance,” she said breathlessly, “is never an attractive trait, even for the Sexiest Man Alive.” Her heart was pounding and the blood hummed in her ears. “The Savannah you used to know is gone. You made sure of that”
“You think I’m the sexiest man alive?” he asked, ignoring her last statement.
“I was quoting opinion polls.” She replied.
Thoroughly flustered, Savannah looked out of the window again. “We’re landing.” She said.