"Why do you mind the idea of kissing me so much?" he asked her.
"I . . . don't think it's a good idea," she said with a conviction that sounded forced.
"Come on, Laura, we both know there's a physical attraction here." His lips quirked. "It might explain why we fight half the time."
"That's not why we fight half the time! The reason we fight is that you . . ."
"We're both adults," Daniel cut in, suddenly frustrated with her—and himself. "Why can't you just admit there's some chemistry between us?"
She glared at him, defiant. "Why? What's the point? Even if I did admit it—which I don't—it wouldn't make any difference. It wouldn't mean I want to act on it."
He wouldn't allow her to lose eye contact. "We just did. Or did I imagine that kiss?"
Laura threw her hands up. "Oh, you're impossible! What is it you want from me?"
"All I want is a little honesty."
"Daniel, that's not . . . you're not . . . what I want." There was a pleading in her voice to let the subject drop.
Daniel sighed. What had started out lighthearted had become a battle of wills again. Why push her further than she wanted to go? He'd thought she was as attracted to him as he was to her. He'd thought her response to his kiss had confirmed it. But if the past few days had taught him anything at all, it was that he was losing his touch. He hadn't managed to hide his purpose at the hotel, he hadn't dealt with Natalie well, and he couldn't work Laura out. If he was losing his ability to read other people, his business was in big trouble.
"I don't believe you," he said stubbornly.
Laura pursed her lips and folded her arms across her chest. "Do you know what I think, Daniel? I think that you think you're irresistible to all women, and you don't like the idea that someone might actually possess some resistance to your much-practised charm!"
His eyes widened in surprise. If he ever found the time to practise his charm on someone, it would be a miracle! But by the mutinous look on her face, she wasn't in the mood to believe it.
"For the record, you couldn't be more wrong," he said carefully. "But I wouldn't dream of forcing my attentions on a woman. I never have so far, and I'm certainly not going to start now."
With nothing left to say that wouldn't make things worse, and irritated with himself for letting a perfectly pleasant conversation and a little teasing turn into an argument, he made his way to the front of the boat, leaving Laura to gather her things.
She waited until the last possible minute to join him at the ramp. "You go on ahead," she told him as they left they boat. "I have some shopping I need to do in town. I can get a taxi back when I've finished."
Daniel frowned but didn't argue. "You're sure?" When she nodded, he said, "Fine. See you later."
Reaching his car, he started the engine, then threw his head back against the headrest so hard it hurt. What on earth was he doing, pursuing a woman who didn't want to be pursued? And even if she did, what would that achieve? A quick summer fling? A few years ago that might have held a certain appeal, but he was surprised to realise it didn't anymore.
"Must be getting old," he muttered as he threw the car in gear.
****
Laura wandered the streets, glancing unseeingly at window displays of linens and towels, pottery, and wine, her mind in turmoil, depressed at her own dishonesty with Daniel. Of course she was attracted to him—how could she not be, when his presence somehow squeezed the air from her lungs and caused her usually logical brain to scramble? It had taken every effort she possessed to control the spiralling anticipation she'd felt as he stood so close to her at the railing, his voice like velvet, his lips dangerously near hers …
But she'd made her decision; she couldn't let him know there was any shred of truth in what he said about the chemistry between them. Everything she'd fought for – her independence, the shield she'd worked so hard to build – she couldn't change it all now.
It wasn't only a matter of self-preservation. She had the Silva family to think about, too. During their chat with Carlos and his wife, Daniel had surprised her with his relaxed charm. It was obvious he was good at that sort of thing, but she couldn't allow his easy manner to lull her into a false sense of security—it didn't mean he couldn't be ruthless. His company's success proved he was a hard-headed businessman.
He'd indicated his interest in the hotel, but she had no idea what direction that interest might take. It was nice to think he might recommend the Quinta to his clients, but since his company arranged and booked every detail, he might want to negotiate the lowest rate he could with Paulo. And that put Laura in an uncomfortable position. She'd already decided to keep this from Maria for now—the poor woman had enough to worry about with the upcoming wedding at the weekend. And so, as she and Daniel walked away from Carlos, she'd rushed back and hurriedly asked him not to mention anything to the family. Thankfully, he'd agreed without any awkward questions.
Laura toyed with the idea of phoning Paulo, but she wasn't sure what that would achieve. He would either spend the rest of his holiday worrying about it, or cut the trip short and come dashing back—and that might make him seem desperate in Daniel's eyes. Besides, he and Rachel needed their break. Let them enjoy it!
Her head was spinning with all the threads she was trying to juggle in
