The American Earl by Kathryn Jensen Page A

let Matt possess her body would she be letting him take her heart, too? And once that happened, would she find the strength to walk away from him when the time came?
    Shivering despite the warm tropical breeze off the water, she followed Matt onto the pale crescent of sand. “This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen,” she whispered.
    â€œIt’s a favorite of mine,” he admitted, dropping towels onto the sand. “There are others that come to mind, though.”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œCastle Donan. Haven’t been there in years, but it’s a breathtaking estate. You should travel to Scotland someday. You’d love it.”
    She smiled at the fantasy. Did he really think she would ever have that kind of money? He must, having said it so casually.
    â€œThen there’s Elbia, just the other side of the mountains from Austria,” he added. “That’s where my other brother and his wife live.”
    â€œAnother castle?”
    He chuckled at the skepticism in her voice. “Believe it or not, yes. But only one good-sized private suite belongs to Thomas. I think I mentioned that he’s employed by King Jacob. The mountains there are amazing. You feel as if you’re ten miles in the sky.”
    Abby let out a long breath. “Your family sounds pretty amazing.” She nibbled at her lower lip. “You must miss them.”
    He shrugged, but the gesture was anything but casual.
    â€œHow long has it been since you’ve seen your father?” She waited for a response, but none came. Perhaps she shouldn’t have brought up the subject.
    Instead of answering her, Matt faced the water, pulled his shirt off over his head and marched with purpose toward the turquoise wavelets. Forbidden topic. She decided to give him some space to work out whatever was bothering him.
    Abby flipped a towel flat on the sand and stretched out on it. The sun was warm and yellow above her. Its heat toasted her skin pleasantly. She had smoothed on sunblock back at the house and wouldn’t worry about burning. Wedging her hands beneath her chin, she watched Matt dive into the waste-deep water and swim away from her. The muscles across his shoulder blades kneaded and stretched with each stroke. Her stomach did a funny little dance in appreciation of his fine male physique.
    She smiled. This was nice. No pressure to make a decision yet. No need to do anything but laze in the sun. She let her eyes drift closed.
    â€œTime for a swim,” a voice from above stated.
    â€œUh-uh,” she grunted contentedly, not bothering to open her eyes. “I’m perfectly happy right here.”
    â€œLast warning. It’s in the water or else.” His nononsense tone told her she’d better pay attention. She rolled over and squinted up at him. Matt was standing over her, a child’s plastic bucket dripping water.
    â€œYou wouldn’t,” she challenged him. After all, he wouldn’t drench their towels, would he?
    â€œTry me, lady.”
    She stuck her tongue out at him.
    He tipped the bucket.
    Abby squealed and braced herself for the cold splash. But the water was a pleasant lukewarm and actually felt good after the sun’s heat. Nevertheless, she leaped up and gave chase, as that was one of the time-honored rules for beach play. Matt dropped the bucket and lit out for the water.
    â€œYou’ll pay, Lord Smythe!” she shouted, feeling like a teenager again.
    â€œHave to catch me first!” He dove beneath the mirror of blue water.
    Beneath the surface, Abby could see his body cutting through the shimmering liquid. Then he was gone…without a trace. She looked around in astonishment, growing worried when he didn’t pop up in any of the places she thought he might. The first clue that she’d been duped came at the moment she felt both of her ankles being grasped. Her feet were pulled out from under her. Down she went.
    Abby resurfaced,