Had everyone been thinking that she'd been stuck in a state of grief for too long? It certainly seemed that way, which made her wonder what she'd opened herself up to by announcing that she was ready to date again.

"Definitely no more wine for me tonight." With that, Kayla signaled a waiter and ordered several bottles of Pellegrino for the table.

Kayla looked around the table at her staff, and felt grateful for the life she had. In her mind, it turned out to be the perfect way to start this new journey of hers, surrounded by good friends and family, for many of her staff were like family to her.

Quite a few had known Tate, her late husband, since before he'd started TW Holdings, and hence had been a part of her life for years.

As they laughed, chatted, drank and broke bread with each other, her chest filled with unexpected emotion.

Her eyes came to rest on Rifle, who was seated directly across from her. Deep in conversation with Ryland, she took a moment to drink him in for the second time this evening.

The crisp whiteness of his short stood out against the strong column of his neck, which was darkened by the sun he worked in almost daily. Rifle spent as much time doing actual construction as the men he oversaw.

A silver diving watch was his only jewelry. The metallic of the metal rested on a powerful wrist and large, strong calloused hands. His dark brown hair, which he wore short, curled a bit at the nape.

His height made it hard not to notice him, but the broadness of his chest and arms, coupled with the slight bow in his legs as he walked, made his presence felt wherever he was.

She could see why the island women found him hard to resist. Hell any woman would find him irresistible!

Sensing her eyes on him, Rifle turned and caught her in mid-stare.

Now that she'd announced her grieving period was over, come hell or high water, he would have her - in spite of what she'd said earlier.
***

"I've been wanting to do that for two years now -- since the first day we met," Rifle declared.

Kayla's shaking fingers desperately tried to adjust her thin, cotton blouse through which his lips had devoured one nipple mere seconds ago. She could still feel his hands between her legs, moving her panties aside to deftly stroke the inner most part of her - where no man had been since her husband died over two years ago.

"I know you want me just as much as I want you Kayla. I have proof in the form of your woman's scent on my hand right here."

Kayla swiped at her kiss-swollen lips. If Rifle hadn't pulled away, she would have let him take her right there on the over-sized drafting table. They both knew it was true.

While she stood and stared at him speechless, he continued, "I don't want the first time I take you to be where anyone can walk in and interrupt."

"But just know ... I will have you Kayla. It's inevitable. I know it and you know it too."

Kayla stumbled out of the office, burning with desire ... and something else she couldn't put her finger on.

Rifle had let her go this time.

But not for long, a little voice whispered to her ... not for long.

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