Everything about this man screamed confidence. Not the cocky kind I’d seen in Max. No, this man wasn’t a college kid who specialized in picking up girls. This man dominated every situation. He was a man who knew what he wanted and took it.

Moving my gaze back upward, I sucked in a deep breath at the most stunning light blue eyes I’d ever seen. As if summoned by my gasp, those eyes moved from Max and unashamedly scanned me from my auburn hair and floppy hat to my brightly painted toes. The sear of his gaze peppered my skin with goose bumps and pebbled my nipples as it lingered on everything in between.

Noticing my visible reaction, the side of his scowl moved upward to a lopsided grin. And then he once again turned back to Max and his threatening yet protective tone returned.

“I’m her husband.”

Though I should have argued, I was too intrigued to interrupt.

“That person you mentioned…” he paused for effect and then went on, “is me and I’m not somewhere else. I’m here. Leave my wife alone or I’ll have you thrown out.”

Words came to my mind, ones that could both confirm or negate the charade he was playing, but something in this man’s demeanor held me mute on my chaise while simultaneously lifting me above the clouds. He obviously didn’t need my help to be convincing. Besides, this week was supposed to be about exploring life and the real me. In that instant, I knew that I didn’t want to do that with Max, but if given the opportunity to live out my fantasies, I was confident that the man eclipsing the sun would be perfect for the job.

Shaking his head and lifting his hands in surrender, Max stood. His silhouette dwarfed by that of my husband’s. My insides tingled, wondering what else about this mystery man would outshine the retreating frat boy.

“Bye, Charli with an i,” Max said, adding, “Maybe you should wear your rings?”

“Yes, Charli,” the deep voice scolded, “don’t tell me you’ve misplaced them again.”

“No,” I replied with a smirk, making my decision to play out this game. “I’m most certain they’re right where I left them.”

“SHALL WE GO check the room?” the mystery man asked, his deep voice sending more chills to my sun-kissed skin as he extended his hand.

Although the desire to take his hand and look for my nonexistent rings was growing, the part of me that I was trying to suppress came to the surface, and I shook my head. When I looked up to the way his gaze narrowed at my refusal, my heart clenched. “Why don’t you have a seat…?” I pointed to the chair Chelsea and Max had both vacated. “…dear? I’m sure they’re in the safe. I put them there last night.” My witty response floated away with the rush of the nearby surf.

What is he thinking? Is he questioning me or admonishing me with those eyes?

Holding my breath, I hid behind my painted smile and shifted slightly in my chair, suddenly very aware of the coarseness of the beach towel below the thin material of my bathing suit. His silent glare continued as I caught the back of Max’s blond head in my peripheral vision. I watched as Max approached a buxom blonde. Within seconds he was seated beside her in the pool bar. I shook my head slightly, thinking how he obviously wasn’t plagued by second-grade insecurities.

Before I could divert my gaze, Mr. Deep Voice followed my line of sight. “If you’d rather be graced with his presence, I could go tell him that we have an open marriage.”

“What?” I asked, turning back toward him, my mouth agape.

“My only condition,” he added with a grin, “is that I get to watch.”

Crossing my arms over my too-exposed breasts, I said, “Excuse me? Who the hell—?”

The vein in his neck jumped to life as he leaned closer. “No. The appropriate reply to what I just did would be to thank me for saving you from that leech.”

I opened my eyes wide before moving my sunglasses back up and laying my head upon the chair. “Thank you,” I mimicked in my most snobbishly dismissive voice.

“You don’t know the half of it.”

“No, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.”

His shoulders stiffened. “No, Charli, with an i. Apparently I mistook you for someone who wouldn’t want to be taken by one of the club whores. You see Mike, or Max, or whatever he’s calling himself today, makes his way by seducing new arrivals. He and his friend pick out the new women who they believe will shower them with food, drinks, and whatever else. I’ve watched him work the pool decks and clubs off and on for a while now. You were about to be taken.”

I wasn’t sure if it was his condescending tone or arrogance at believing I would have been taken, but whatever it was, I was done. Straightening my neck, I said, “Well, sir, you’ve done your good deed for the day. Since I’m obviously not smart enough to spot a swindler, I better avoid all possible accomplices.” I reached for my slushy. “You may go.”

I lowered my eyes to the now melted drink and began to suck. With each slurp of cool strawberry and mango over my tongue, I waited for his shadow to move and my legs to once again be bathed in sunlight. By the time I reached the bottom of the glass, my heart was pounding in my chest, and my head was fighting a brain freeze, but the shadow hadn’t disappeared. It’d gotten bigger as he inched closer.

Whipping my face toward his, I asked, “May I help you? Would you like a tip or something for your kindness?”

The annoyance I’d seen earlier was gone. The light eyes, now merely inches from my own, danced with amusement. I wasn’t sure which emotion made me more uneasy.

“Something.” The word rolled from his lips, deep and full of promise.

I let out an exasperated sigh. “What?”

“You asked if I wanted a tip or something. I want something. I want dinner, tonight. Eight o’clock in the presidential suite. Don’t worry, Charli with an i, I’ll take care of the tip.”

“B-But—”

“Tell the doorman your name. He’ll take you up the private elevator.”

I stared incredulously, unsure what to say.

Is this guy for real? Or is this my fantasy? Charli’s fantasy?

I lifted my chin. “What if you’re no better than Max?”

One side of his full sensual lips quirked upward, diverting my gaze away from his chiseled jaw, the one covered with just enough beard growth to be abrasive to sensitive skin. My nipples hardened at the thought.

“I guarantee,” he said, “I’m much better than Max.”

Just then he turned and walked away, leaving me with a view of long, tanned legs, a tight ass covered with swim trunks, a trim waist, and broad shoulders. He wasn’t overly muscular, but definitely fit. Though older than Max and Shaun, I couldn’t gauge his age. By the sound of confidence in his tone and judging by our surroundings, he was successful. Hell, he’d told me to have dinner with him in the presidential suite. I knew how much our two-bedroom suite cost for a week. The presidential suite definitely required money.

As I continued to sit, I contemplated what had just happened or what would happen.

Am I even considering going to dinner with him in the presidential suite?

“Who was that?” Chelsea asked as she slid back into her chair, an icy pink drink in her hand.

I shook my head. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? Weren’t you talking to him?”

“Yes,” I answered, unsure why I hadn’t asked his name or why he hadn’t offered.

“Max whispered something to Shaun, and he asked if he was your husband.”

I started laughing. “Well, actually, he’s not mine. He’s Charli’s.”

“What?” she asked, turning toward me with a big smile. “Wow! Charli moves fast! I think it’s the i. Women with names that end in i get to have all the fun.”