Too-Perfect & Stranded by Cami Checketts

CHAPTERTWO

Holden Jennings maneuvered his Butterfly yacht into the bay of Zack Tyndale’s island. It was extremely generous of his friend to offer his island for the third season finale of Muscle Up. Zack was one of the most giving people Holden knew. He and his wife Madeline had two children by birth and four adopted children. He got the feeling they were just getting started. He admired them and wished he could make his own mama happy and settle down and start producing children. His mama reminded him regularly that her multiple sclerosis was aggressive and she’d be gone soon. He wished he could make her dreams of grandchildren come true, but there was only one woman he wanted … and she was out of his reach.

The short sail from Belize had been pleasant. He liked Ollie, Taya, and the peculiar Jorge, who was his personal chef except for the twelve weeks a year Jorge was part of Muscle Up.

As Holden edged into the dock and tossed the lines to Ollie, his heart started racing faster than when he’d skated onto the ice before Bruins games back in the day. He knew the exact reason for his heart’s out-of-control thumping. Navy would be here.

He secured the lines and helped Jorge cart food from the yacht to Zack’s spacious kitchen. He kept glancing around the house, hoping Navy would be in the house or pool area. He loved every interaction he had with the beautiful fitness expert, but he also cussed himself every time he told her goodbye. One day soon he was going to simply kiss her and then tell her how his respect and desire for her had grown to epic proportions over the years and his attempts to stay professional had finally failed. It had to be written all over his face how much he admired her.

After he dropped off his fourth load, he returned to the yacht for his own suitcase. Michael and Alecia had come to help unload food, clothing that Taya had brought for the contestants, and Ollie’s camera equipment. Holden loved that they could do this show with such a small staff. That was due to Ollie’s impressive skills and the slow-moving nature of the show—mostly focused on exercise and what the participants ate. It wasn’t high action, but the show did well. It helped that they filmed and released each episode in the summer months, typical off-season for shows.

There had been no sight of Ryan or Navy yet. Ryan had better not be hitting on Navy or Holden might fire him on the spot. This was Holden’s first chance to be part of the filming this season, but he’d watched every episode Navy had been in over the past three years, gaining early access to the shows before they released. Ryan’s constant, and increasingly lingering looks and suggestive comments to Navy made his skin crawl. She didn’t seem to reciprocate, but that was nothing new; Navy Quinn didn’t reciprocate any man’s flirtations. He’d watched her shoot down so many men. Holden thought constantly, and somewhat confidently, about trying his hand at winning her heart, but he had a stronger reason than fear of rejection and professional boundaries to keep his distance. No matter that he really wanted to be with the woman who he idealized above all others. Going after Colt Quinn’s sister would be all wrong.

Yes, Holden had far too many reasons to not grab Navy and kiss her. He’d restrained himself for years from throwing his heart at Navy’s perfect feet because of their professional relationship, his history with her brother, and the fact that he had a lot of pride. He shouldn’t be so eager to become another one of the many victims of Navy Quinn’s sharp wit and beautiful face and shape. He’d never met a man who didn’t want a shot at her, but he prided himself on not taking that shot, and being rejected like everyone else.

He talked with the contestants briefly, smiling patiently at Michael’s stupid jokes and pretending he didn’t notice Alecia’s brazen looks, before hurrying to the master suite—a massive area at the very end of the right hallway—and putting his suitcase away. He glanced out the many windows at the beach and ocean below. A shape in the water drew his gaze. Pressing close to the window, he instantly recognized the beauty with the long, blonde hair and petite body. Encased in a blue floral two-piece was Navy Quinn. He glanced around but didn’t see Ryan anywhere. Holden could hardly believe his good fortune and instantly forgot all his pep talks about not becoming a Navy-worshipper.

Ripping open his suitcase he pulled out a swimsuit and changed quickly. The master suite opened onto a balcony that had a separate staircase down to the long stretch of beach and ocean below on the north side of the island. It was removed from the main beach on the east side that had its own staircase up to the pool area. He hurried out into the balmy air and jogged down the stairs. Navy was swimming around to the back of the island. He wondered if she was planning on going all the way around, past the south side where he’d docked his yacht. Would she be happy he was here? Excited to see him?

Holden pushed into the lukewarm water until he was waist deep and dove. Slicing through the water with his freestyle stroke, he dredged up all his swimming skills from the past and focused on reaching her. He wanted to catch her at the back of the island, away from the eyes of the crew and contestants. He should have been second-guessing why he wanted Navy Quinn all to himself, but he rationalized that she was the most important face of one of his companies so he needed time alone to talk shop with her. He berated himself as he pushed faster through the salty water. Whatever excuse he gave himself, he knew … he just wanted to be close to her. And given the opportunity in this beautiful and remote spot—he would probably throw all his reservations to the tropical breeze, kiss her, and admit how long he had yearned for her. It might be a stupid move on his part, but he knew how fast life and opportunities could pass. It was as if his sister Callie was cheering him on from heaven as he plowed quicker and quicker through the ocean.

* * *

Navy took a break from freestyle and changed to breaststroke. She loved the warm water gliding past her body and decided she would swim all the way around the small island. If she got lucky, she’d see Holden sailing in once she made it around to the south.

Water rhythmically splashed behind her and Navy turned to look. A man was swimming toward her with quick, powerful strokes. Her first reaction was panic, thinking Ryan was chasing her. She didn’t think the buff trainer would try to attack her, but she had never let herself be alone with him, just in case. Out here at the rear of the island, she could hardly even see the house. There would be no help coming if it was Ryan or another man who might hurt her.

Looking closer, she realized the man’s coloring was much darker than Ryan’s. She’d assumed it was only the Muscle Up crew on the island this week but maybe there was a caretaker? She squinted, wondering if it might be Holden, but she couldn’t be sure. Whoever it was they must be some swimmer to be moving that fast.

She wasn’t willing to risk being alone with an unknown man so she fell back into swimming and pushed herself around the back of the island, hoping she could make it to the bay where Holden’s yacht would pull in soon and everyone would be busy unloading supplies. Her brother, Griff, a former Navy SEAL had taught her how to protect herself, but he’d been adamant that the best protection was to never be in a situation where a man could take advantage of her. She was tough, but she was small, and men were naturally stronger.

“Navy!”

She surfaced at the sound of the familiar voice calling her name. The man had gained on her quickly and now was treading water a short distance away and grinning at her. The air rushed out of her body and Navy was grateful for the saltiness of the water making it easier to stay afloat. Holden Jennings was here and apparently chasing her around the island in the water. It might not mean anything to him, but it made her heart beat faster. He probably wanted to have a business meeting. In the gorgeous Caribbean ocean. In swimsuits. This water was really warm. She was sweating and splashed some water on her cheeks.

“Hey,” she called back.

Holden did the breaststroke toward her, giving her the advantage of staring at his lovely shoulders and arms as he swam and his even lovelier face and smile as he approached. “Lovely” was a silly word to describe such a tough and perfectly handsome man, but she liked to use it. She could convince herself that “lovely” was mocking her perfect boss. He was too perfect. That was his fault. His manners were impeccable; he was wealthy, accomplished, hard-working, kind, funny. … Too perfect. She definitely didn’t want a man who was too perfect. How boring would that be? Boring or not, she couldn’t resist staring and sighing softly as he got closer.

“How are you?” he asked as he finally reached her. She suddenly felt stupid. She’d made him swim the entire distance toward her as she treaded water and stared unabashedly at him.

“Fabulous. You?” Navy slowly milled her legs and arms in the water.

“Better now,” he said, his grin growing. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

“The island?”

But he wasn’t looking at the island. He was staring straight at her. Holden gave a short laugh and splashed some water at her. “Yes, the island.”

Navy dragged her arm through the water and gave him a mouthful. “Not as beautiful as that,” Navy yelled, surprising herself with her impetuous response. She’d longed to be impetuous with this man and given the slightest opportunity, impetuous came very naturally.

Holden’s eyes widened and then narrowed mischievously. Navy had seen that look on one of her brother’s faces far too often. She dodged away, but Holden caught hold of her arm and dragged her under the water.

Navy came up spluttering. Holden chuckled. “Teach you to throw water at me.”

“Oh, I’ll teach you.” Navy threw caution to the wind as she reacted exactly the way she’d always wanted to with Holden and launched herself at him, wrapped her arms around his head and tried to dunk him. He was too strong for her to push under.

Holden responded by wrapping his arms tight around her waist, pulling her against his firm chest and taking them both under water. They both came up spluttering and laughing, but then Navy realized she was clinging to the beautiful Holden Jennings as he held them both up. Fire raced through her for two reasons—how fabulous his strong body felt against hers and embarrassment that she was acting completely unprofessional. She and Holden had known each other a long time and they were good friends and comfortable with each other, but they’d never grabbed each other or messed around, especially not while wearing swimsuits. No matter that she’d often daydreamed about such moments, she shouldn’t be acting on those silly fantasies.

The moment seemed to slow down as Holden released her and they stared at each other, both treading water, still far too close together for Navy’s susceptible heart. She wondered if she should apologize for acting immature and too familiar with him, but he’d been part of it too. Instead she slowly edged away from him and said, “Do I need to get ready for the first shoot?”

He shook his head. “I didn’t come after you for that.”

“Oh, really?” She arched her eyebrows and dared him to admit why he came after her.

He stared at her for a few beats, his deep brown eyes warm and far too attractive with those long lashes framing them and his dark eyebrows completing the look. His short facial hair outlined his mouth. Oh, how she loved just the right amount of beard on a man. She needed to think of something wrong with him, and quick. His mouth! That was it. She’d finally found his fault. His mouth was too … perfect. Dang it, that was the only word for it. His lips were just thick enough to keep it interesting and the top lip had the most intriguing bow to it. How she’d dreamed of kissing his top lip, then his bottom lip, then …

“Navy?”

“What? What just happened?” She blinked and swam past him toward the shore.

“Are you okay?” He was right by her side.

“No. I’m … dizzy.”

Holden immediately spun her onto her back in the water, secured his arm over her chest, and started tugging her toward the beach. All kinds of wanton feelings rushed over her at his touch.

“What are you doing?” she sputtered.

“You’re okay.” His voice was soothing. “I was a lifeguard. We’re almost to the beach.”

Of course he was a lifeguard. He’d probably starred in Baywatch. She felt ridiculous as he dragged her through the water. The strength in the arm that was holding her was impressive. She wanted to wrap her hand around his bicep and forearm, but what she really needed was some distance or she was going to throw caution to the tropical breeze, act completely unprofessional, and no one could hold her responsible for it.

He stopped in the shallow water and gently lifted her to her feet. The water was up to her chest still but only to his waist. He wrapped his arm around her hip and kept helping her toward the sandy shore. Navy’s body was burning up and she knew she needed some distance, and quick. Yet maybe this was finally her chance with Holden. He’d always been friendly with her but never flirtatious or personal enough for her to think they might have a hope of a deeper relationship. Maybe this week on this beautiful island would break down some barriers around them and she’d finally get the chance to tell him how impressive he was, how much she’d always wanted to date him.

They pushed through the water and Holden assisted her up onto the sand and helped her sit down like she was a fragile old woman.

“Thanks,” she murmured, glancing up at him. He stood there all taut and distant, as if he didn’t dare sit next to her. He looked so good in a pale blue swimsuit with his tanned skin stretched smooth over glorious mounds of muscle. Maybe she didn’t mind him not sitting. He was beautiful to behold. Rolling her eyes at herself for objectifying this accomplished and generous businessman, she patted the sand next to her. “Care to sit?”

He hesitated then eased himself down next to her. Turning her way, he pushed a lock of hair over her shoulder and then wrapped his palm around her shoulder and blinked down at her as if he was in a trance. Navy trembled from his touch and felt like she was in a state of shock. Holden had kept his distance for years. Handshakes were the limit of contact between the two of them, occasionally a lingering pat on the arm when he grasped her hand. She’d lived for the brief moments of physical touch, but knew he was probably smart to keep things professional. What was happening between the two of them today? Maybe it was the change she’d been yearning for.

He leaned down toward her, the sun sparkling off the water droplets on his face and chest. He glowed, and she could not remember any reason why she shouldn’t be close to him as his hand ran from her shoulder to her back and she placed her hands on his muscular chest. He pulled her in tight so fast she let out a gasp. Holden smiled and then bent his head and those too-perfect lips captured hers before she could encourage the kiss or protest it. His mouth lit up her world and every pleasure receptor in her lips.

Navy’s hands swept up along the sides of his neck and then she buried them in the short hair at the nape of his neck and pulled herself even closer to him. His mouth continued to work that magic on her as he wrapped both hands around her lower back and cradled her in tight.

He tasted of salt and happiness and when he parted his mouth—her own mouth exploding with incredible sensations—she realized she had never experienced a kiss like Holden’s. What had instigated the change in him, she had no idea, but she wasn’t one to complain. She clung to him and enjoyed each second of this unreal connection.

Holden suddenly yanked back and the loss of his mouth on hers made her whimper, as if she were in physical pain. She was in physical loss, that was for sure.

“Holden?” she whispered, still pressed tight to him and clinging to his neck.

“Oh, Navy.” He pushed out a breath, released her, and jumped to his feet.

Navy had lied about feeling dizzy earlier, now she was certain she had vertigo. The world spun from the abrupt loss of his touch.

Holden folded his arms tightly across his well-built chest and muttered, “I apologize.”

Navy blinked up at him. The bright sun made a halo around him, but he wasn’t acting like an angel right now. Ten seconds ago she would have agreed with the halo.

He started to reach out a hand to help her up, but pulled it back, jammed it through his hair, and folded his arms tightly again. “I’m so sorry. It would be wise for me not to touch you again.”

Navy’s head was gradually clearing and righteous indignation at him was rushing in, for kissing her so beautifully then rejecting her so quickly. Holden was well known for being detached, private, and not letting anyone close, but she’d been given that unreal moment of thinking she might be the one for him. It was more painful than her aching knees at the end of a marathon to have that attachment severed.

She stood, only wavering slightly, and glared at him. “‘It would be wise?’ I’ll tell you what would be wise. You telling me what just happened, and quick.”

She bit the words out too sassy, but she was confused and still reeling from his kiss and his abrupt ending of said kiss. No man had ever kissed her like that and no man had ever been the first to step away. She stepped away. She was Navy Quinn. Okay, Holden Jennings was several levels out of her league, but she was hurt and humiliated right now. All of her dreams were crashing at her feet much louder than the waves on the beach.

“Navy, I’m sorry. I’ve never let myself … touch you before.”

She wanted to beg him to touch her again but she simply arched an eyebrow and folded her own arms across her chest. “And, what? You simply couldn’t control yourself?”

Please say yes. Tell me how irresistible I am and I’ll confess I’ve always felt the same.

“There is no excuse for my actions.” He blew out a breath. “You in that suit, this beautiful island, the way you felt against me in the water …” He shook his head. “I acted completely unprofessional and gave into longi— I mean silly infatua— Never mind. I just shouldn’t have kissed you and I beg you to forgive me.”

He stared at her. Those deep brown eyes filled with an appeal to forgive him, and, she could have sworn, a longing for her. Yet he was such an expert at keeping people at arm’s length she was probably simply imagining what she saw in his eyes. She hoped he couldn’t read the yearning deep inside her.

Navy’s embarrassment grew and right along with it, her anger. “Think nothing of it,” she snipped at him. “I’m used to men pushing themselves on me. You’re just another one to add to the growing number I’ve had to reject.”

Sadly, she hadn’t rejected him and hadn’t wanted to. He’d rejected her, and that stung, especially with how impressive he was. She was the one with an infatuation and it was worse than silly, it could be the end of her career with Superior Sports.

She stomped around him in the sand, plowing her way toward the house. It was a decent walk from this point of the island, but probably not long enough to bury her humiliation. Her dignity was shattered—she’d not only been rejected, but given the chance, she’d kiss him all over again.

She didn’t risk looking over her shoulder, but there were no footsteps pounding after her in the sand, no Holden desperately calling her name and begging her to stop. He kissed her, then apologized, and then didn’t have the guts to chase after her, plead with her to kiss him again? She’d been right to ignore her longings and keep her distance from Holden Jennings. The week stretching in front of her on a small island with the only man she craved suddenly seemed horribly long.