Netting Neptune (Southern Cross, #1) / Southern Cross (ePub)

When a sexy stranger rises from the surf, Colby knows it's time to net his very own Neptune.

Theron Bowman is in the throes of a life crisis. Wanting to leave his past behind, he splurges on a two-week vacation in the Caribbean, and like everything else in his life, things quickly go awry and he ends up working at the Southern Cross resort to pay for his room.

Colby Denton drifted until he came to rest on the island of St. Lucia. With nothing to lose, he rolled the dice and bought a run-down hotel and turned it into a popular resort. To celebrate his tenth year on the island, and his birthday, Colby arranges for a series of festive beachside parties. When a sexy sea god swims out of the ocean in front of him, Colby has a brand new birthday plan - netting Neptune.

* * *

Theron scooped up a healthy helping on a wheat cracker and took a bite. I watched his pink tongue flick bits of dip off his lower lip. His gaze locked with mine. Very slowly he licked his upper lip. I squirmed in my seat. He didn't even try to stop laughing at me as he went for another cracker. I held his gaze.

"If you tease me like that again, babe, I'm gonna lick the extra off for you."

He broke the cracker in half and handed a portion to me. "I wouldn't want you to go to any more trouble for me."

I took the cracker. "You're a slick one, Mr. Bowman, but I'm known for my persistence."

He popped a melon ball into his mouth and swallowed. "I sorta figured that out about you."

Before I could reply, Josie tapped me on the shoulder. "Sorry to interrupt, but you're needed at the front desk, Colby."

"I'll be right there." I turned back to my guest. "Please. Finish your meal, then come inside and find either Josie or me. Josie, if you can't find me, please take Mr. Bowman to my suite so he can get a shower and relax for a while."

I didn't linger. The sooner I took care of whatever problem had occurred, the quicker I could get Theron alone. After that, I was already too worked up over this guy and it wouldn't be smart to speculate.

Right. I planned to cast a net over my Neptune and give him a Southern Cross night to remember.

The problem at the front desk was minor. I inputted my password, the software reset, and all was well. I slipped into my office and called the local airfield. Better to start with folks who were friendly. If they had off-loaded Theron's suitcase, then I'd grovel.

They were certain Theron's luggage had not been removed from the plane and had no idea how it had been missed. It was likely back in Charlotte, North Carolina by now. I made another call, this one to the States to a travel agent friend of mine. He agreed to make a few stateside calls. The suitcase had to be somewhere, and I wanted to know where. Once I had the information, a decision based on my guest's plans was possible.

Meanwhile, Theron could borrow some of my clothes for tonight. Maybe, just maybe, I'd manage to steal a kiss, or more, before the party started. I checked the patio and he was gone, so I headed for my suite with all due haste. The sound of the shower spray zinging against the tiles greeted me.

My knees quivered with the knowledge he was behind the door, naked. I had to let him know I was here. I couldn't let him stroll out of the bathroom in his birthday suit, all clean, smelling fresh like soap, and dripping wet. Could I?