Ethan picked up the life preserver and handed it to her. “Sorry, Ruby. I framed that as a suggestion, but it wasn’t. Put this on.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you putting yours on?”
Even from all across the resort in Portia’s office, the screen was filled with Ethan’s smile. “Sure, Little Red. I’ll put it on.”
“He’s very handsome,” Lou commented, munching on popcorn again.
Portia nudged him with her elbow. “Hey! Conjure me up some.”
Lou did just that, and the pair of cousins settled themselves comfortably on the couch … materialized into existence by Lou … to watch Ethan and Ruby row back to shore on choppy waters in light rain.
If the tide turned? Well, that was Portia and Lou’s business.
And oh, what a business it was.
THIRTEEN
RUBY
Ruby’s teeth wouldn’t stop chattering. Even rowing was difficult to do with her trembling arms and fingers. The temperature kept on dropping, or at least, it had dropped a few degrees.
“I’m not helping, am I?” she asked Ethan.
He shook his head as he continued to row. “No, sorry to say. You’re too cold. Come here. Sit on the bottom of the boat between my legs. Steal some of my body heat, and I’ll block the wind for you.”
She pointed to the oar. “And what, Hot Blue? You’re gonna row us back to shore with those big rippling muscles of yours.”
“Yup. That’s the plan.”
Ruby licked her lips. “Not gonna lie, I kinda wanna see that.”
“Then get over here already.”
Ruby wouldn’t be told twice. It took some doing, but she eventually managed to scoot across the canoe before folding herself into a sitting position. Her back was pressed against the seat, and on either side of her was Ethan.
Rather, Ethan’s legs.
Amazing legs. The kinds of legs that made Ruby wonder just how in the hell people worked out. She had a more lax approach to her fitness regimen. Apparently, Ethan didn’t just lead a pack and run a business. He found time to build himself into one hot man.
“This is so nice,” she sighed, instantly warming up a bit. “Thanks.”
“At least you’re not shivering as much. As soon as we get back to shore, we are getting you some soup, a hot shower, and some blankets.”
“Same to you!”
“I’m a shifter. I told you I’m not vulnerable. I don’t even feel cold. This is a nice stroll on the water for me.”
Ruby snorted. “Aren’t you from California?”
“We get rain in California,” he assured her. “You’ve ever been?”
She laughed. “A succubus in California? Are you kidding me?”
“Oh, right. I bet that was prime real estate for corruptible souls.”
“Corrupted,” Ruby corrected.
“Anyone I know?” His tone was a little rough. Ruby wondered if he really wanted to know or if he was just making conversation.