Cold sea spray misted her face. The wind flapped her skirts. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms. Muscles bunched and strained as he shoved the boat into the boathouse. The boat looked heavy, yet he moved it with ease. He’d sent her back to the cottage promising to meet her inside soon. She’d wanted to stay on the beach but understood he had work to do…and she needed to keep her distance. She glanced down at the soaked purse. Deep conflicting emotions ran through her body. Ben had given her a gift more valuable than diamonds. Her father would never have considered him as a suitor. In fact she wouldn’t have, either, two years ago. In those days money and social position had seemed so important. She’d learned since then that money and smooth manners could hide a lot of sins. However her sentiments for Ben went beyond gratitude. He evoked emotions she could not quite define. Seductive and dangerous, warm and tender, her newfound feelings left her afraid and excited.
