McCade's Wish (The McCade Family Series Book 2) (22 page)

He brushed her whipping hair off her neck, coiling it in his hand. She laughed realizing that it had to have been flying in his face.

“Sorry!” she shouted over the wind. He kissed the side of her neck in response and she laughed, pushing the throttle up a little higher. The feeling of freedom was intoxicating as they flew across the water. Sweeping around the end of the lake where her aunt lived, she straightened it out and pushed the lever up all the way. The cottage and pier were a blur and something inside of her broke loose. She screamed her pure joy, and she felt his laughter vibrate through her as he held her close to his chest.

His hands were sure over hers as they circled the lake, and they didn’t slow until she reluctantly pulled back on the handle. She brought it down leisurely until finally the powerful toy floated silently in the water. She turned, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“That was amazing,” she whispered.

He returned the embrace, his long fingers stroking the nape of her neck.

“That could be addictive,” she said, pulling back from him with a shaky laugh. “I can’t tell you the last time I felt that free.”

“Anytime you feel the need to fly, come on over, little girl,” he said, finger combing her hair gently.

She laughed. He was perfect. She hugged him again, relishing in the way his arms closed around her. She loved the way he just held her. There was no groping, no expectation, just easy warmth. His white t-shirt molded to his barrel chest and was soft against her cheek. Her fingers traced the curve of his powerful pectoral muscle as she listened to the steady beat of his heart. She’d never felt this comfortable with anyone, ever. It was unfathomable that she’d only known this man a matter of hours. Grady was like no one she had ever met.

She was all too used to dealing with powerful men and their egos, but this was no arrogant asshole with an Ivy League degree or a polished pretty boy with a Hollywood star. Grady was different. He seemed comfortable with who he was rather than how he was perceived. He was refreshingly honest and had a great sense of humor. There was none of the entitlement that generally accompanied professional athletes. The big man was humble, even self-deprecating at times, and he was such a gentleman. His southern manners were so sexy.

Pushing back from him, she leaned against the steering wheel. He stayed where he was. Though his eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses, she could feel him watching her as he lounged in the sun. She tilted her head back, welcoming the rays as they reflected off the water like the frantic flash of the paparazzi cameras. She shrugged off a shiver. That was one aspect of her career that she had never come to grips with, and Neil’s insistence on pushing her into Hollywood had only made it worse. They terrified her.

Pushing aside the negative thoughts, she stole another peek at her gentle giant. His head was moving with the country tune playing on the radio, and his lips were curved in a contented grin. Her slender shoulders lifted with a sigh of happiness. She loved it here. There were no car horns, no droning voices, no madness and bustle. The only sound she heard was the gentle splash of waves as they broke against the side of the boat. It was a little slice of heaven.

You can find the remainder of Grady and Eden’s tale on Amazon in paperback or eBook!

Mara McBain grew up in tiny LaGrange, Indiana, population under three thousand. With little in the form of entertainment in the farming community, she haunted the quiet corners of the local Carnegie library. A love of reading soon led her to writing short stories and novels. She still calls the rural area home and when not writing or reading she enjoys spending time with her husband of twenty odd years and their son. You can check out her other books on Amazon or on her website at MaraMcBain.com !