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followed Marco out.
    Jared sneezed. “That’s why you selected this place, isn’t it?”
    Ian didn’t answer, just grinned. “How long have you known her?” He indicated the direction Dani had taken.
    “Years,” Jared said around his tissue. “Her aunt took her in when her parents died in a plane crash. She was only fifteen or sixteen at the time. I used to let her sweep up around the bar in exchange for sodas. Got the feeling she needed the company. Anyway, auntie spends most of her time in New York these days. Dani keeps the house going when she’s not off freelancing for Vogue or some other slick rag.”
    “Journalist?”
    “Photographer. She’s good too, if you like that sort of thing.” Jared wiped his nose again. “Personally, I prefer landscapes and animals to pretty humans.” Jared popped a few peanuts into his mouth. “She’s in pain.”
    “That woman, my friend, is in a world of hurt,” Ian agreed.
    “Think maybe you could help her out?”
    Ian finished off his beer. “You know how I am about getting involved with locals.”
    “She’s good people, boss. Besides you don’t have to get involved.” Jared made quotes with his fingers around the last words. “I’ve never seen her with anyone. Losing your folks at such a young age, I suppose it can mess you up. Just tell her you know some techniques to help with the pain.”
    Ian cast another look at the retreating woman. “Why are you so concerned? Is there something I should know about you two?”
    Jared harrumphed and crossed his arms. “I’m old enough to be her dad.”
    “So?”
    “I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for her, but it’s more like a daughter. Like I said, she’s good people.”
    Ian couldn’t deny his attraction to her, and he was curious to see if he could figure out why he found her so appealing. Probably those blue eyes. I’ll talk to her for a while. She’ll have nothing to say, and I’ll get her out of my system. “Fine. But just enough to ease her pain. I can’t do more, obviously.”
    “Obviously. Thanks, boss. Hey, when you get back, I’ll buy you a beer.”
    “That’s real generous, considering I own the place.”
    Jared chuckled and ate another handful of peanuts.
    * * * *
    Dani had finally gotten herself situated on the raft, her drink within reach on the deck, when she noticed Ian heading her way. A deep thrill rippled through her and she bit her lip. The pool area was empty except an old couple eating ice cream at the far end.
    Ian sat next to her cup, and dangled his legs in the water. Nice, muscular legs.
    “Hello again,” he said.
    “Ian.” Dani nodded in greeting.
    “I’m guessing you’re in a fair amount of pain right now.”  
    “Nothing I can’t handle.” Where was he going with this?
    “If you’re interested, I’m proficient in an ancient Chinese art of pain management.”
    Dani tilted her hat to get a better view. “Seriously?” She’d heard some lines in her time, but that had to be the cheesiest.
    “Seriously.” He shrugged and took a sip of her drink.
    Dani huffed and scowled at him. “You better not drink it all or you’ll have to get me another one.” His smoky green eyes were an intriguing contrast to his olive skin. The way he looked at her made her body tingle. “How exactly does this Chinese voodoo work?”
    Ian pushed off the side and into the water with a smile on his face. “Certain places on the body can be manipulated to ease pain and do other things like lower blood pressure.” He stood next to her, causing a slight wake to bob the raft up and down.
    “Hmm…I don’t know.”
    “Really? Jared’s worried about you and I promised I’d help.”
    Dani glanced back toward the bar. She couldn’t see Jared from here, but she knew he’d be worried. It’s what he did under all that gruffness. When she looked back, she found Ian’s gaze had shifted to somewhere south of her eyes. A flood of pleasure washed over her at the thought of his lips on her