In Forbidden Territory by Shawna Delacorte

most enchanting woman he had ever known and one he knew he couldn’t stop seeing no matter what it might cost him.
    â€œTy…this is a surprise.” She stepped aside to let him in. “What are you doing here so early? It’s barely nine o’clock. Shouldn’t you be at work?”
    He flashed a warm smile as a soft glow of contentment spread through his body easing the memory of his clash with Mac. “You sound like you’re not happy to see me.” He pulled her into his arms and held her. It all felt so right.
    â€œOf course I’m glad to see you. I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
    â€œI’ve decided to take the day off and go sailing.” He drew back just far enough to place his fingers beneath her chin and lift until he could look into her eyes. He brushed a sensual but brief kiss across her lips. “And I would be honored if you would go with me.”
    â€œTaking the day off work? You didn’t say anything about that last night. Was this a sudden decision?”
    â€œYes, very sudden. I need to get away and clear my head. Do you know how to sail?”
    â€œI’ve been sailing a few times, but only as a passenger. I’ve never been part of the crew, but I’d love to learn.”
    His grin told how pleased he was with her answer. “I’ll wait right here while you get dressed.”
    â€œI’ll only be a few minutes.”
    He watched as she disappeared down the hallway toward the guest bedroom. He wandered around Mac’s living room as he waited for her, his mind dashing from one topic to another almost faster than he could keep up with it. A moment later his cell phone rang. He checked the caller ID—the call came from Mac’s private line in his office. He debated whether to answer it, then turned off the phone. He didn’t want a confrontation with Mac, especially not with Angie in the next room. And he didn’t want to say anything he would regret later. All he wanted was to get out on the water with Angie and let the ocean breeze carry away all his troubles, doubts and fears.
    â€œI’m ready.” Angie appeared in the living room. “Did I hear a phone ring?”
    â€œIt was just my cell phone, nothing important. I’ve turned it off so we won’t be interrupted with any business matters. It will be a fun-filled day without any intrusions.”
    He glanced at his watch. He wanted to get away from Mac’s house as quickly as possible, before Mac decided to get in his car and head for home to check on Angie’s whereabouts. The realization that he was purposely ducking his business partner sent a wave of sadness through him, a feeling he didn’t like. His relationship with Mac had always been open, honest and aboveboard.
    Another thought forced itself to the forefront. It was not a new thought. It was one that had run through his mind several times since he had walked out of Mac’s office. Should he tell Angie what had happened? Tell her about his disagreement with Mac and what it was about? It was yet another question for which there was no simple answer, another question left floating around in his mind. He tried to push it aside. He wanted the day to be a carefree time spent with Angie, not a day filled with dark clouds and anxiety.
    They drove to Ty’s house. “I’ll change into my sailing clothes, then we’ll head out.”
    â€œIs there anything I can gather together to take to your sailboat? Food or drinks…anything like that?”
    â€œNope…” He waved his hand toward the large window with the view of his private dock where two sailboats were moored, a large gleaming blue-and-white ketch and a small fourteen-foot white racing sloop. “We’ll be going out on the large one. It’s hooked up to dockside power and I keep it stocked at all times, ready to go. The only thing missing is us.” He brushed another kiss on her