A Tricky Proposition by Cat Schield Page A

gravel crunching beneath the tires. Silver Mist Inn was composed of a large central lodge and a collection of small cottages that clung to the edge of the cliffs. The spectacular views were well matched by the incredible cuisine and the fabulous hospitality of the husband-and-wife team who owned the inn and spa.
    Rosemary was behind the check-in desk when Ming entered the lodge. “Hello, Ming,” the fifty-something woman exclaimed. “How wonderful to see you.”
    Ming smiled. Already the relaxing, familiar feel of the place was sinking into her bones. “It’s great to see you, too, Rosemary. How have you been?”
    Her gaze drifted to the right of reception. The lodge’s main room held a handful of people sipping coffee, reading or talking while they enjoyed the expansive views of the ocean. Off to the left, a door led to a broad deck that housed lounge chairs where waitresses were busy bringing drinks from the bar.
    “Busy as always.” Rosemary pushed a key toward Ming. “Your friend checked in three hours ago. You’re staying in Blackberry Cottage.”
    The change of plans revived Ming’s earlier uneasiness. “I booked my regular room in the lodge.”
    Rosemary nodded. “After your friend saw all we had to offer, he wanted to upgrade your accommodations. It’s a little bigger, way more private and the views are the best we have.”
    “Thank you.” Ming forced her lips into a smile she wasn’t feeling.
    Why had Jason disrupted her arrangements? Whenever she vacationed here, she always stayed in the same room, a comfortable suite with a large balcony that overlooked the ocean. This weekend in particular she’d wanted to be in familiar surroundings.
    Ming parked her car beside the one Jason had rented and retrieved her overnight bag from the trunk. Packing had taken her three hours. She’d debated every item that had gone into the carry-on luggage.
    What sort of clothes would set the correct tone for the weekend? She’d started with too much outerwear. But the purpose of the trip wasn’t to wander the trails by the cliffs but to explore Jason’s glorious, naked body.
    So, she’d packed the sexy lingerie she’d received as a bridal shower gift but never gotten the chance to wear. As she’d folded the silky bits of lace and satin, she realized the provocative underwear sent a message that Ming hoped to drive Jason wild with passion, and that struck her as very nonfriendlike.
    In the end, she’d filled the suitcase with leggings and sweaters to combat the cool ocean breezes and everyday lingerie because she was making too big a deal out of what was to come.
    Ming entered the cottage and set her suitcase by the front door. Her senses purred as she gazed around the large living room decorated in soothing blues and golds. Beyond the cozy furnishings was a wall of windows that revealed a deck gilded by the setting sun and beyond, the indigo ocean.
    To her right something mouthwatering was cooking in the small, well-appointed kitchen. An open door beside the refrigerator led outside. Nearing the kitchen, she spied Jason enjoying the ocean breezes from one of the comfortable chairs that flanked a love seat on the deck.
    For an undisturbed moment she observed him. He was as relaxed as she’d seen him in months, expression calm, shoulders loose, hands at ease on the chair’s arms. A sharp stab of anticipation made her stomach clench. Shocked by the excitement that flooded her, Ming closed her eyes and tried to even out her breathing. In a few short hours, maybe less, they would make love for the first time. Her skin prickled, flushed. Heat throbbed through her, forging a path that ended between her thighs.
    Panic followed. She wasn’t ready for this. For him.
    Telling her frantic pulse to calm down, Ming stepped onto the deck. “Hi.”
    Jason’s gaze swung her way. A smile bloomed. “Hi yourself.” He stood and stepped toward her. “You’re later than I expected.”
    His deep voice and the intense light in