Taking the Heat by Kate J. Squires Page A

here. If you go in that fantasy cabin once, or a dozen times, it won’t make a difference to me. I know you need your million dollars to help your sister. I would never try to mess with that.’
    His scent filled my head and I closed my eye, dizzy with his nearness. ‘I don’t want to go in the fantasy cabin.’
    â€˜I know.’
    â€˜I don’t want to sleep with anyone.’
    â€˜Really?’ he said, his voice filled with humour.
    â€˜Maybe just this one guy …’
    He growled in desire. ‘Oh, yes?’
    I couldn’t resist. ‘Yeah, his name is Beau. I just love cowboys!’ Giggling, I ducked under his arm and sprinted off, back along the beach to the party.
    â€˜Oi! Back here, you!’ I could hear him slashing through the sand behind me, and gleefully, I ran faster, loving the chase under the stars.
    A piece of driftwood appeared in front of me and I leapt over it, landing heavily. Falling onto my hands, I rolled onto my back as Chris ran up. I was caught.
    I shrieked happily as Chris fell forward towards me, his hands hitting the sand on either side of my body. He was suspended above me, his face close to me, close enough for me to lift my head an inch and meet his lips.
    â€˜Hi,’ he said, blazing blue eyes locked on me.
    â€˜Strike one?’ I said, questioning, begging.
    Before I could do anything that might get us into trouble, a cultured voice called out. ‘Tara? Are you all right?’
    Chris sighed and, resigned, pushed up to his feet. I sat up and dusted sand from my back, trying to still the buzzing heat in my core. ‘I’m fine, thanks Henry.’
    He looked between the two of us, concerned. ‘Well, that’s good then. I came to fetch you; Miles has another announcement.’
    â€˜Cheers, mate,’ said Chris jovially. He slapped Henry on the back. ‘Let’s get back into it, hey?’
    â€˜Yes. Lets.’ Henry didn’t even try to disguise his distaste for Chris, his face sour.
    The two men flanked me for the walk back to the bonfire, and even though I’d sworn I wouldn’t compare them, the proximity made it hard. Henry, with his gentlemanly ways and blond good looks, is everything my head has ever wanted. On the other side, my body wants Chris: wants his tongue, his lips, his hands, his abs, his arse …
    My heart still hasn’t made up its mind.
    We made it back just in time to see Miles take the beach stage. ‘Contestants! Are you enjoying the party?’
    Glasses were raised merrily as the others let out a cheer. The boys on either side of me stayed silent.
    Miles’ round face grinned at us. ‘Good! Now, tomorrow is a little different. It’s time for a date! Over the coming weeks, you will have a nine one-on-one dates—one with each of your prospective fantasy cabin partners.’
    Everyone looked around excitedly. My chest grew tight at the thought of solo time with both Henry and Chris. Will getting to know them better make this easier or harder?
    â€˜Gentlemen, you’ll find a card in your room tonight. On it is the name of your first date tomorrow, and a list of options for you to choose from—activities, locations, dining. Ladies, you’ll discover who your date is when they knock on your door, tomorrow morning at ten.
    â€˜Contestants, should you choose to use your strikes tomorrow, bear in mind, you will have a total of five minutes before strike one crosses over into strike two. Choose wisely!
    â€˜Until then … let the good times roll!’
    Music burst from hidden speakers and a general happy noise filled the air. I slipped away from the boys, needing a little escape from the tension I sensed brewing between them. I plodded over to the log where Meghan and her Italian companion were sitting.
    Meghan was still staring vacantly while the man talked at, rather than to, her.
    â€˜â€¦ because, if a woman can’t cook, she’s not