Chapter 265

As soon as Dorothea stepped off the plane, the glassy coastline took her breath away.

“This ocean is gorgeous p>

She stood at the shore in a blue sundress, grinning so wide she felt it in her bones. The sea breeze whipped her dress around her calves, showing just enough of her pale skin to catch anyone’s eye.

Latham’s gaze darkened as he watched her. He licked his lips. “Do you like it p>

Dorothea, totally oblivious to any underlying danger, smiled even brighter. “I love it p>

He nodded toward a row of beach chairs. “See over there? Didn’t you say you wanted to sunbathe? But what if you get a tan? Need me to help with sunscreen?” She didn’t even hesitate. “Hold on, let me go change into my swimsuit first p>

Latham could hardly hide his excitement. “Go ahead p>

But when Dorothea came back out from the house, she was wrapped from neck to wrist in a long-sleeved swimsuit. Latham’s smile faded a little.

“You’re really going to sunbathe in that p>

She fluttered her long lashes at him. “Yeah, why not? Is that a problem p>

“At this point, you barely need sunscreen. Just your face p>

He was on to her. She was definitely protecting herself from him, not just the sun.

Latham tried to coax her again. “Aren’t you going to get hot? It’s gotta be ninety degrees out here. I don’t want you to get heatstroke p>

“I’ll be fine. I don’t mind the heat p>

She didn’t leave him any room to argue.

Dorothea stretched out on a beach mat, lying on her stomach, her face tucked into her arm while the sun warmed her back. She looked totally at ease, almost melting into the sand.

Latham strolled over in his sandals. Even with her conservative swimsuit, he noticed the drawstring at her neck.

He knelt beside her, poking her gently. “Want a massage p>

He started working on her shoulders and neck, strong hands kneading into her tense muscles.

“Mmm p>

It hurt, but in a good way. After the last few days with him, a massage was exactly what she needed.

“Latham, just a massage, okay? You try anything else, and you’re dead p>

He put on his best innocent voice. “Alright p>

But his hands didn’t let up. He pressed his fingers along her shoulder blades, working out every knot.

Dorothea let out a soft sigh of relief.

“Anywhere else sore p>

He sat behind her, his hands sliding down to

warmer slim waist, his p she couldn’t tell if it so aking her skins

or surf

him

het

Suddenly, Latham straddled her calves. Dorothea twisted around to glare at him. “What do you think you’re doing p>

He let out a low, rough laugh. “Come on, babe. You want me kneeling on this scorching sand? It’s burning my knees p>

She frowned at him. “Fine, but don’t put all your weight down. Squat or something. You’re heavy p>

Latham bit back a smile. This girl was impossible.

“Whatever you say p>

He kept massaging her, just the way she liked, and Dorothea closed her eyes, letting herself relax.

Then, out of nowhere, she felt the drawstring at her neck loosen and slip free. She jerked upright, surprised.

“What are you doing p>

In one swift move, Latham pulled her into his arms and rolled over

she was sitting right on his lab of them tangled on the mat..net>

His hands stid lower, no longer pretending to be innocent. He’d been

patient, but now it was en

turn to

get something back.

“Baby, you’re so light. It’s your turn to sit p>

A soft blush crept over Dorothea’s cheeks. “Latham, quit it We’re outside p>