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step-sister’s fiancé.
    She claimed she didn’t care about Ryan. What was it she’d said? Something about wanting a nice man.
    “The beach is magic.” Grace slowed and looked out to sea. Moonlight glinted off the softly lapping waves. “Next stop, Africa.”
    “It would be a long swim.”
    “I’d hitch a ride on a whale or maybe on one of those giant tortoises.”
    He wasn’t in the mood for whimsy. “Grace.”
    “Yes?”
    “Oh hell.” He abandoned common sense, second thoughts and all attempt to regulate his chaotic emotions, and reached for her.
    She was shorter than him, but the sand was uneven and he lifted her onto a low ridge, bringing their mouths almost level.
    “Is there a problem?” she asked, breathless from his nearness.
    He moved his hands from her waist to her hips. “Not if you kiss me.”
    The moonlight showed her expression. Surprise. Confusion. Sudden decision. She touched his face and he stood still for the slow caress. She shifted slightly, rising on tiptoe, and fitted her mouth to his.
    He forgot to breathe.
    Her mouth was soft, warm and sweet. Tender.
    Slowly he took control of the kiss from her. He coaxed her lips apart, licked and sucked the plump lower lip, then slid his tongue into her mouth.
    She moaned and twisted her hands in his hair.
    He widened his stance and fitted her between his thighs. She was leaning forward now and he was taking most of her weight, glorying in it. Her skirt ruched up and he cupped the fullness of her bottom, kneading it and enjoying the way she writhed in response, rubbing against him.
    She sucked on his tongue and his hips jerked in unstoppable instinct, but it was a mistake. Precariously balanced as they were, the action set him staggering. He might have kept his balance, if he’d released her. Instead, he let himself fall backwards and she toppled with him into the shelter of the dunes.
    ”Are you okay?” she asked huskily. Her hands could have been checking him for injuries. But that little arch of her hips, that full body shiver, that was pure turned-on pleasure.
    “Never better.” He tugged at her dress, lost patience and broke a strap. One small, perfect breast tumbled free. He lifted her up, positioning her in total, selfish greed and sucked on the tight nipple.
    The world exploded around them and lighted up the beach.
    Grace yelped and pulled away. She grabbed at her dress and held it up. Behind her, fireworks lit up the sky.
    “Fireworks.” He closed his eyes a moment in frustration. It was fairly obvious the mood was broken, but his body was still in the zone. He exhaled deeply, trying to unclench muscles ready for action. “Damn kids.”
    With the bushfire risk, fireworks were banned, but a few idiots always seemed to find some anyhow — and let them off.
    “Anyone could have seen us,” Grace whispered.
    He decided he resented the horror in her voice. It would have been embarrassing, but not the end of the world. “We’re in the shadow of the dune.”
    She scrambled to her feet awkwardly since one hand still held her torn dress in place. “That was a mistake. I shouldn’t have kissed you. You shouldn’t have asked me to.”
    More fireworks exploded.
    She must have seen his grim expression. “Are you very upset?”
    ”Upset?” He caught her elbow and started them walking again. A fast march, this time. “As you said, this was my idea. There’s no reason I’d be upset, is there?”
    She regarded him doubtfully, then faced forward and they completed the journey home in silence. In equal silence, they separated at the door and went to their lonely beds.
    Saul frowned at the ceiling. He hoped Grace had enjoyed a cold shower because he sure as hell hadn’t.

Chapter 5
     
    Grace woke early but lay listening to the small sounds of Saul moving around the house. Only when she heard him leave did she get up and see about her own breakfast. Thank goodness he was a surfer and the lure of the waves never failed. She didn’t know how