Pleasure Cove: Where love is hot on the beach! by M. G. Nash

Pleasure Cove, “Any news from Jose?”
    “No, I’ll see him this weekend to get updates. I’d rather not discuss any more issues on the phone. I did call my lawyer who is referring me to someone in San Diego. I’m hoping there is a simple legal maneuver we can do to delay things to give us time to strategize.”
    “Just out of curiosity, I did go explore the Bahia de Suenos website,” Carrie admitted, “I wanted to see what I could find out about the owners if they were connected to the timeshare company.  It’s not an obvious connection but I know that real estate developers form a corporation for each project so if one doesn’t succeed, they can just bankrupt it. So, I started studying the individual names of the managers at both companies. I did find a connection there with same last names. It’s very common to include family members in the Latin culture. You might check out that angle.”
    “Thank you, Carrie, I know you want to help and I appreciate it, but I really don’t want to get you involved in this.”
    “But Bob, I’m already involved,” Carrie interrupted as she sat up straight, “I care about you and Jose’s family. And, this is something I do well. I research companies all the time to write my marketing reports.”
    Bob nodded in agreement and reached for her hand to soothe her, “Let me go down this weekend and talk to Jose. His cousin, Alfredo, is coming to go fishing with us. I’m sure he will have some new information, too. I promise to tell you all about it next week.”
    Carrie relaxed and returned to her food, “OK, Bob. Just so you know I’m not some bimbo looking for a good time. I can make a contribution.”
    Bob chuckled and leaned forward to kiss her nose, “Not once have I ever thought that you were anything but brilliant, Carrie.”
    She grabbed his face in her hands and kissed him quickly, “Thank you, Bob. I want to be a part of your life.  Please don’t shut me out. Let me be a part of this.”
    Bob nodded and tried to change the subject. "Look, why don't we drive up the coast next weekend and go to Santa Barbara?” Bob asked cutting a piece of his ham. “There are a couple of wineries nearby that we could visit.”
    “I thought we were going back to Pleasure Cove,” Carrie replied as she cocked her head and studied Bob’s face.
    Steeling his face not to give away his anxiety for her safety, Bob smoothly replied, “I really need a change of scenery. Jose is beginning to rely on me a little too much with this tournament. I want to set some goals with him this weekend then leave him to oversee the work. You and I should take off and explore something new.”
    “Santa Barbara sounds lovely,” Carrie sighed, “I love the drive up 101.We should plan an early start to avoid the LA traffic.” Settling back onto her cushion she finished her dinner.
    Bob let out a slow breath and turned his attention to drawing her back into the sensual web that was so intense just moments ago.  He began by lacing his fingers with her free hand and raising his glass to give her a toast, “Another marvelous meal, sweetheart, you spoil me in the most wonderful ways.”
    “It gives me pleasure to spoil you, Bob, you work too hard,” replied Carrie playing with his fingers. “I think you’re ready for dessert.” She got up and went to the kitchen returning shortly with a plate full of chocolate covered strawberries. Sitting next to him they both leaned back on the sofa to enjoy the fire.
    Holding a strawberry at the stem she offered the fruit to Bob. He took a bite and closed his eyes. “Mm-m, you put Grand Mariner in the chocolate, didn’t you?”
    She nodded feeding herself a strawberry and reaching for her wine. He waited patiently ‘til she finished then he took the plate from her hands and moved it into his lap. Pulling her under his arm Carrie rested her head on his shoulder. He took a strawberry and rubbed it across her lips before feeding her the tip. Then he licked