“Mrs. Lederman hides a feminist side?”

“Mrs. Lederman’s had some say in hotel business. Granted it’s just a breakfast selection, but my gut tells me there’s more. Maybe she’s so calm about this divorce because not only does she not want it, but because if she’s forced into it she knows she’s got strong legs to stand on when dividing assets.” Mallory leaned back in her seat, folding her arms across her chest. “Maybe Mrs. Lederman’s smarter and more on top of things than she’s letting on.”

Her perception impressed him and he admired her sharp mind at work. “Definitely something worth exploring.” He took a sip of his black coffee, needing the rush of caffeine to clear his head and get through this meal with his colleague who’d become much more to him in a very short time.

Last night she’d set out to teach him a lesson and she had. Tonight, he decided, would be his turn. He was a man who worked best on challenge and spur of the moment inspiration. Mallory provided both.

He wasn’t through exploring her hidden depths. Not by any stretch of the imagination. “So after breakfast are you interested in joining me for a walk on the beach?”

She glanced down. “I’m hardly dressed for the outdoors.”

He recognized the excuse. “But your room’s right upstairs.”

“I didn’t bring any kind of beach clothes.” She averted her gaze and he knew she was attempting to avoid him.

He wanted to smile but held back. Apparently she liked being in control and ran when she wasn’t. “There’s a shop in the lobby.” He pressed his advantage.

“They may not have my size.”

This time he did grin. “Okay, Mallory. You’ve forced my hand. I’ve learned something about you this trip and you don’t like an insult or a challenge. Are you afraid to take that walk on the beach? Does being alone with me scare you?”

She stiffened in her seat and Jack was pleased to realize he’d hit a nerve.

“That’s ridiculous,” she muttered.

Just then the waitress returned with their meals and Jack waited as she placed their breakfasts down on the table.

“Can I get you anything else?” she asked.

“No thank you,” Mallory said.

Jack shook his head.

“Then enjoy.” The waitress headed to the next table, leaving them alone once more.

Jack picked up his fork. “Might as well get started.” He glanced at his watch. “And plan on joining me on the beach in an hour.”

Mallory opened her mouth then shut it again, apparently realizing she’d been had.

He dug into his eggs, knowing he needed all the fortification he could get. Because Jack had learned another lesson last night.

When it came to Mallory, he could expect the unexpected.

MALLORY’S EGGS sat cold on the plate while Jack had devoured his meal. How could she eat when she’d been backed into a corner-a corner, heaven help her, she wanted to be in. But as much as she wanted to be with Jack, she couldn’t lose control of herself or the situation.

She was caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. If she changed into her normal swimwear, the bikini she had hidden in her drawer, she’d not only be giving Jack what he wanted, she’d be ceding control. But he was right and she wouldn’t walk away from a challenge, or the plain fact that she wanted this time alone with him.

She placed her napkin on the table. “I’m ready, are you?”

He raised an eyebrow, obviously surprised by her willingness to pick up and go after the roadblocks she’d thrown up earlier. “Don’t you want to change?”

She stood and slipped open the button on her jacket, then took the garment off, leaving herself dressed in a camisole. “I’m fine.”

He shook his head. “You’re a stubborn one, aren’t you?”

She shrugged. “It’s part of my charm.” Leaving him to sign the check, which was a business expense anyway, she headed for the back door to the restaurant leading toward the beach.

No sooner had she opened the door than the fresh air and saltwater smells assaulted her. She blinked into the bright glare of the sun, focusing on the scene in front of her. Blue water stretched out to the horizon, disappearing into an equally blue sky with barely a cloud and only the sun to disrupt the soft banded hue. Mallory shook her head and took in the beauty. She’d lived in the bustling, congested city for too long. She’d also denied herself the luxury of relaxing vacations on tropical islands and beaches. The tangy scent of the salt, the soft breeze and the incredible view were heaven for her deprived senses.

Jack caught up with her on the sand, completing the perfection of the setting surrounding her. Not that she’d tell him that. She leaned down and slipped off her low pumps and slung them over her shoulder along with her suit jacket, letting her feet luxuriate in the cool, soft sand.

In silence they made their way down to where the water lapped at the shore. Leaving her shoes and jacket on a vacant lounge, she walked side by side with Jack, down the long and empty stretch of beach.

“When’s Mr. Lederman due back?” Mallory asked, breaking the silence.

“Sometime this evening is my guess.”

“I wonder what his real story is. I know we’re missing crucial pieces of information.”

A high squeaking noise sounded above them, white seagulls diving through the air, above the water. She glanced back down and caught sight of Jack, taking in his appearance and not caring if he noticed.

He’d shoved his hands into the back pockets of his swimsuit and his powerful legs propelled him along. She was grateful for the early morning hour and the lack of company joining them on the beach. She wasn’t ready to share the man or the moment, she realized, surprising herself.

“Divorce is never easy or honest,” he said. “Not between the spouses and not between client and attorney. Most relationships are the same. I ought to know considering I lived it as a child.”

“That’s so sad.” Her mother and father may not have been the best parents she could ask for, but they loved each other and honesty existed between them.

Mallory had never allowed her thoughts to veer in the direction of marriage and family. How could she when her career goals came first and didn’t mesh with the concept? That didn’t stop her from believing in the institution, though, or the possibility of a real and honest relationship between a man and a woman.

“It’s not sad, it’s fact.”

She shook her head. “No, I meant your attitude is sad and so is the fact that you can base it on one kind of life experience. Not all relationships are difficult or based on lies or the divorce statistics would be even higher.”

“Maybe they should be. Did you ever consider the fact that many of those who don’t divorce merely stay together out of convenience?”

“Did you ever consider the notion that couples stay together out of love and respect for each other and the lives they’ve built together?” She glanced up at him, suddenly wanting him to view relationships and possibilities as she did.

Not for them, she assured herself, because there was no them, but for him. Because he’d be a happier man if his mind and heart could soften toward the idea of honest relationships.

He shook his head. The ocean breeze disheveled his dark hair, blowing strands across his forehead. His laid back, sexy appearance was at odds with the determined, grim look in his eyes.

She supposed his attitude ought to turn her off, but instead she felt more drawn to him than before. A distinct fluttering took up residence in her stomach. She recognized the yearning as sexual desire, the tug at her heart as a more emotional connection.

He’d obviously suffered as a child. So had she. He’d apparently built high walls and defenses. Glancing down at her linen skirt and camisole, she realized she’d done the same. They had more in common than she’d ever believed. His effect on her had always been potent but instead of quenching her desire, last night’s sensual give-and-take combined with this morning’s beach walk had whet her appetite for more.

More of Jack Latham.

More about Jack.

“I never would have pegged you for an optimist or a dreamer,” he said at last.

She smiled. “I hadn’t thought of myself in those terms either. If asked I’d have called myself a realist.” But apparently a romantic lurked beneath the illusion she’d spent years creating.

“The woman I met last night was no hard-edged realist.” His voice took on a gruff edge.

At the reminder of their sensual evening, her body softened and warmed, much the way her mind and heart had already thawed toward Jack. Mallory wondered what would happen if she freed the dreamer inside herself, the one he was obviously drawn to, at least for the nonbusiness parts of this trip. Could she still rein it back in when this excursion ended?

She shook her head, letting the breeze push fallen strands of hair back from her face. Even if she desired more, she couldn’t risk her job nor could she potentially risk her heart. She inhaled the salty air, regret infusing her deep inside.

Mallory decided the time for revelations and intimacy had ended. Back to safety. “The woman last night may not have struck you as a realist but the attorney who’s helping you on this case is definitely one.”

“Return to business.” Disappointment flickered in his eyes and laced his tone.

She nodded, knowing she had no choice. “So, will you confront Lederman about your suspicions?”

“I was thinking of a more behind-the-scenes quest for information. Whatever you and I can find out before we hit Paul up for details. If our imaginations are acting overtime and he’s truly involved with his son and a business deal, then accusing him of an affair or hiding something more will force him into giving the case to another firm.”