Jenn watched the scenery down below the seaplane as it approached the island. She'd been gone for a couple of weeks, taking care of business on the mainland, and it was wonderful to see the green, scenic land come into view. She'd missed the place she now called home. The first home of her own she'd ever had, really.

She still remembered the call she'd gotten late that one evening a few months ago, telling her that her uncle had passed away. She was even more astonished to find out a few days later at the reading of his will that he'd left her this island resort, complete with cabins, harbor, ferry, stables, and a fantastic little bar and restaurant, part of the main building, which was breathtaking.

She'd made a few phone calls to her friends Erin and Kenna, offering them partnerships in the resort, and after they'd agreed to join her at the island, they were in business. Well, just starting out, but in business all the same. She'd spoken to Erin on the phone earlier that day, making the necessary arrangements for the salaries of the seaplane pilot and doctor that were on their way to the island. She left the staffing up to Erin, as she had a way with people that was simply amazing. Jenn was quieter, preferring to work behind the scenes, dealing with the finances, advertising, and general aspects of the business.

She smiled as she saw the ferry docked down below. Tomorrow she'd get to meet the new ferry pilot, Ben Parker. According to Erin, he was something else. She grinned, having detected a note of interest in Erin's voice that hadn't been there before. //Can't wait to meet him, especially if he's caught her eye.//

The chartered seaplane landed softly, stopping at the dock, and Jenn got out, making the short walk up the path to where her little cabin was nestled in the start of the woods. Cabin wasn't really an appropriate term, the building was more like a house, beautifully decorated. Jenn wished she could take credit for how nice it was, but apparently several years ago an interior decorator had stayed on the island, and had made the little cabin her pet project.

It was early evening, and she settled in to relax and unwind. Pouring herself a glass of wine, she cooked a light meal, then curled up on the couch to catch up on her reading. She'd received an email earlier that day from a man wanting to take up residence on the island for a few months. Apparently he was a writer and was looking for someplace scenic and peaceful where he could concentrate on his work. He'd sounded nice, she thought, and had agreed to meet him on the mainland tomorrow to discuss the necessary details.

The phone rang, interrupting her musing. It was the young man who'd been tending the bar, asking if someone could come watch it for a couple of hours, since he wasn't feeling too well. //I wonder if Erin's free?// Shaking her head, she decided not to bother her. After all, she could manage to pour a beer or two, which was likely to be all the business they had for the evening. Things weren't yet in full swing for the resort, and with just a skeleton crew so far, it was pretty tame.

She slipped on a light sundress and sandals, then made her way down to the main building, just a short walk from her cabin, although hidden from view by a grove of trees. She took the side entrance into the bar, and noted with relief that there wasn't anybody inside. "Quiet night?" She asked Greg, who was doing some bartending part time while going to school. "Yeah. It's been dead, but it usually is mid-week." He thanked her for taking over and scooted out the door.

Jenn leaned her elbows on the bar, looking around the room. It was nice, she thought, with a beautiful wood interior, very quietly and tastefully decorated in burgundy and dark green. They had a banquet hall adjoining the bar, which had been used for everything from company parties to weddings back in her uncle's day. They were in the process of redoing the sound system there, hoping to attract a band or two for the guests.

Ben Parker found himself at the main building, and decided to go in and have a drink. After all, the night was still young. Walking up to the bar, he noticed the young lady behind it smiled at him shyly. She was young, probably in her late twenties, with honey blonde hair and a beautiful pair of blue-green eyes. He returned the smile, and she blushed slightly.

She looked up as someone came in the front door. He was a nice looking guy, longer brown hair, dressed in jeans and a workshirt that was open to reveal a gray t-shirt that hugged an athletic, nicely built body. She studied him from under her lashes as he approached the bar, not wanting to be caught staring. //He must be new around here. I would've remembered someone like him. Probably one of the work crew.// He smiled at her as he slid onto one of the barstools. //Oh, very nice looking! And hazel eyes!// "What can I get for you?" She smiled, a bashful little grin. //I'm not good at flirting, but it would be worth it with this one.// She cocked her head slightly to the side, waiting for his reply.

"A beer would be great." The smile he gave her made her weak at the knees. She turned to get the glass. //What a gorgeous voice. Husky, soft...// She nearly spilled the beer as she got to thinking how it would sound in her ear, whispering words of passion. //Geez, Jenn, what's gotten into you? A few months without a boyfriend and you're lusting after strangers.// She handed him the beer, starting slightly when he took it from her, letting his fingers brush hers ever so lightly.

He touched her hand as she handed him the beer, noticing how she blushed again. //She's so shy. I wonder what she's like when she opens up.// He decided to find out. "Thank you. Is it always this quiet here?" She leaned her elbows on the bar, clasping her hands in front of her. She must not have realized he could practically see down the v-neckline of her dress. //Or did she know and was playing coy?// He waited for her response.

"I don't really know. I'm not usually here, but the kid who does the bartending went home early, so I'm filling in for him." She was watching him watch her, and it made her a little embarrassed, but there was also a tinge of excitement starting to flow through her. He seemed nice, and was very good looking. She watched him take a drink of the beer, feeling a thrill course through her as he licked his lips, almost tasting the beer as she imagined kissing him.

He licked the beer from his lips. She was watching him more intently now, and he wondered what she was thinking. He shifted slightly on the barstool as she parted her lips, her eyes following his every move. He felt a pang of guilt at his sudden desire for this girl, but he pushed it away. //Erin made it clear that she's off limits.// He'd been alone far too long, and after Erin had rejected him, he hadn't wanted to go back to his cabin. He understood her reasons for keeping their relationship professional, but an empty house and an even more empty bed made his heart ache tonight. Maybe he'd been seeking someone who shared this aching inside. Reaching out, he lightly ran his fingers over her forearm, smiling to himself as she inhaled sharply, her eyes raising to meet his.

She wanted him, she realized with a shock. //Is that so wrong?// It wasn't her usual style, moving so quickly, and with a man she didn't know, but then her life had hardly been normal for the last few months. She missed being held, being touched, and this was the closest she'd gotten in a long time. Even if she could only have the dream for one night, she wanted to share it with someone.

His hand continued to trace small circles on her arm, and he could almost see those expressive eyes of hers change color. //I don't want to sleep alone tonight.// He held her gaze, wordlessly asking, seeking an answer. He didn't know who moved first, but they leaned together across the bar, lips meeting in a surprisingly soft kiss.

She leaned forward, wanting to be closer to him as his lips caressed hers, maddeningly slow kisses that stoked the fire building within her core. Her hands raised to his shoulders, curling to feel the muscles there. Needing more, she slipped them under his denim workshirt, touching his chest, feeling the heat radiating off his body.

Wanting to be closer, he tangled his fingers in her hair, holding her head as his tongue slid slowly along her bottom lip, then slipped inside to taste her sweet mouth. The kiss went from slow to passionate in a heartbeat, both trying to feed the rapidly spiraling hunger building between them.

Pulling back, she looked around the bar. It was late, past the last call, and the place was deserted. She decided she had to do this now or regret it forever. "I live a couple of minutes away from here. Want to come over for a drink?"

He knew she wasn't referring to liquid refreshment. His voice was husky with passion as he replied with a simple "Yes." She flashed him a grin, coming around the bar to lock the front door. He put his hand on her shoulder as she walked back by, pulling her close to him. Her arms slid up around his neck as he wound his arms around her, nuzzling her neck. "Are you sure you want company tonight?" Her answer was confirmed by a deep, luscious kiss, tongues dueling while their bodies strained together, eager for more. Again, pangs of guilt assailed him, images of Erin flitting through his mind. //Enough, Ben.// Pushing all thoughts aside except for the woman in front of him, he took her hand and let her lead him out the back.

They walked up the path towards her cabin, Ben nuzzling and kissing her every few steps. She opened the door, not turning on the light, leading him to her room. Standing before him in the moonlight, she reached up and brought his face to hers, her soft lips claiming his in an intense kiss. He reached around her, locking his fingers together under her soft buttocks, pulling her up against his hard body. Rocking his hips hard against hers, he felt her arch into him, matching his every move. Her head fell to the side as he licked and nipped her neck, murmuring in her ear. "Mmm, you taste so good..." Her hands gripped his workshirt, tugging it down over his shoulders.

He let go of her just long enough to slide the shirt off his arms, then reached up to play with the straps of her dress, slipping each one off her shoulder, kissing where they had been. He trailed a line of kisses over her shoulder, down her chest to where the dress started. He murmured against her skin, "I want to see you in the moonlight..." His hands found the bottom of the dress, reaching beneath it and slowly pulling the material higher, until the dress came off over her head. Her bra and panties joined the dress on the floor, and he stood back, just looking at her for a moment. "I want to explore every inch of you..." he breathed softly. Pulling her back into his arms, he kissed her again, controlling the passion, wanting to make this last.

She put her hand on his hip, pulling his t-shirt out of the waistband of his jeans and lifting it up over his head. Tracing her fingers over his muscular chest, her mouth followed the same path, licking and teasing his sensitive flesh. He moaned as she gently sucked first one of his nipples, then the other. "Oh baby... that feels so good..."

She surprised him by kneeling down in front of him, unbuckling his belt and unfastening the buttons on his jeans. He looked down on her as the moonlight illuminated her skin, watching as she slipped his jeans down past his thighs. Reaching up, she tugged his boxers down, freeing his hard, throbbing cock.

He inhaled sharply as her hands caressed his thighs, moving higher up the inside of each until they cupped his balls. He held his breath as she leaned forward, his whole body jerking in reaction as she slid her hot, wet tongue from the base of his shaft to the head. "Yeah, that's good... Oh yeah...." He groaned as she continued to tease him with her tongue, circling the head, then slipping back down to bathe his sensitive sack.

She felt his body react as she licked him, and she chuckled. She loved having power over this strong, handsome man. Knowing that he wanted her, that he needed her touch, was fueling her passion, making her burn with her own aching need. She could feel his legs straining to hold himself upright and still as she sucked gently on his cock, sliding him in and out of her mouth, slowly taking him deeper each time. She glanced up at him, marveling at his beautiful face in the moonlight, his eyes closed, mouth parted, his expression one of both delight and need.

She was driving him insane. He couldn't stand it any longer. Reaching down and picking her up in his arms, he lay her down on the bed, moving beside her, resting on one elbow. "My turn." He began a slow exploration of her body, inch by inch, his hands and his mouth worshipping every inch of her skin.

Writhing beneath him, she felt like she was on fire. She cried out as he took one breast in his mouth, his hand teasing the nipple on the other. His strong, callused hands stroked her silky thighs, parting her legs. She moaned as he began tracing kisses down her stomach, breathlessly giggling when he tickled her navel with his tongue. She arched off the bed as his hand teased her moist center, his tongue finding her clit and circling it gently.

His whole body ached for release, cock throbbing unbearably as he explored her with his hands and mouth. He wanted to be inside her, filling her, but he was a man, not a boy, and he wanted it to be good for her too. Her hands gripped his shoulders as he laved her pussy with his tongue, her soft cries driving him on, even as he fought for control.

Reaching up and gripping the headboard, she cried out again and again as his mouth and hand brought her to the brink of release, then over the edge. He came to his knees between her legs, body moving to cover hers. "Wait." Her voice stopped him. "In the drawer, towards the back." Nodding his confirmation, he reached over, finding a foil packet. She reached out and took it from him, her eyes bright with desire as she opened it and unrolled the condom along his hard length.

He slid between her legs, his hand finding her hot and ready for him as he guided his shaft to her moist core. They both moaned as he eased inside her, burying himself deep inside her. He felt her arms reach round his neck, and he claimed her mouth for a passionate kiss, tongue sliding in and out of her mouth, matching the actions of his cock as he thrust into her.

She wrapped her legs up around his waist, giving him full access to her body, meeting his hard, driving pace movement for movement. He felt so good inside her, so hard and strong, and she could feel the tension building fast in her lower body. She moaned as he buried his face in her neck, his husky voice sending her passion spiraling. "Mmm, that's it... oh sweetie, you feel so good..." She cried out in response, his words and his beautiful body sending her to the brink once again.

He felt her insides grip him tightly again and again as she found her release, her cries fueling his own spiraling need. His back arched, body tensing as he thrust hard and fast, shouting his own pleasure as he came. He moved in and out slowly, drawing out the feeling as long as he could, wrapping her in his strong arms.

She watched him as he reached his peak, his passionate cry and expression etched on her memory. As he slowly withdrew from her, ditching the condom, she pulled him down next to her on the bed, laying her head on his sweaty chest. She tugged the covers up from the foot of the bed where they'd been kicked, covering them both.

He put his arms around her, kissing the top of her head as she lay half on his chest, half on the bed. He felt incredibly content as they drifted off to sleep. //It's so nice not to be alone.//

When Jenn awoke the next morning, he'd already gone. She was a little hurt, but the feeling turned to a little tingle of happiness as she walked out to her kitchen. On the counter was a single wildflower, with a small note. "I had to get to work, and didn't want to wake you. Thank you for a wonderful night. Kisses."

Humming softly to herself, she showered and dressed for the day, making a light breakfast. She was taking the ferry to the mainland, and although she didn't usually get seasick, she didn't want to take the chance.

Walking down to the pier, she saw the ferry in its usual berth. She walked aboard, calling a hello. Erin was there, talking with someone. As Jenn approached, Erin turned to wish her a good morning. //Oh... My... God.// She felt her knees go weak, pulse racing as she saw the man Erin was talking with. Erin gave her an odd look, saying, "Hi Jenn. I don't think you've met Ben Parker yet, have you?" Jenn looked up into the hazel eyes of her formerly anonymous lover, the new ferry pilot, the man she already knew Erin had her eye on...

Jenn looked up at Ben, her mind whirling. A look passed between them, of mutual recognition and shock. Her heart was hammering. She'd just put herself, and him, in a very awkward situation, without realizing it. //Oh no... what have I done?// She looked down at the deck, embarrassed beyond belief. She knew she must be turning red. Hearing Ben say "Nice to meet you, Jenn", she shook the hand he held out, smiling nervously, trying to keep her thoughts from straying, and hoping like hell Erin didn't notice anything was too wrong. "Likewise, Ben." She had to stop looking at him before she totally gave everything away.

Turning to Erin, she took a breath to try and steady herself. "So, we're all set then?" Inwardly she winced as she realized she didn't sound as normal as she'd hoped.

Erin looked at her for a long moment, obviously wondering what was going on . "You nervous about the ride or something? I mean, I know you're used to me piloting us, but Ben's the one doing the job now..."

At the mention of Ben's name, Jenn felt a rush of emotion, remembered desire, confusion, and embarrassment all warring for attention. She shook her head to clear it, blinking as if she could wipe the images of his lovemaking from her mind. "No...I mean, yeah, I am used to you piloting. I guess I'm just a little nervous. Don't worry, it'll pass, I'm sure."

Erin nodded, looking concerned. She suggested they go to the bow, where they could sit and relax. "Once we get moving, the fresh air will do you good, trust me."

They made their way to the bow as Ben got them underway. The weather was perfect for a ride to Harding Junction, the little town on the mainland that acted as their main port. There was a nice breeze coming off the water as they headed out for the hour journey, and the waves were mesmerizing. Taking a deep breath, Jenn realized Erin's advice was perfect. She did feel better. Well, as much as she could right now. She turned to Erin, trying to think of a way she could be alone to think. "Why don't you go on up and see if Ben needs a hand with anything? I'm doing ok now." She smiled to try and reassure her.

Erin looked her over, still not convinced. "Are you sure?"

Smiling and nodding, Jenn hoped she looked normal. "Yeah, I'm sure. Go on ö I'm sure he would enjoy the company right about now." //Wonder if he's feeling as guilty as I do?//

She watched as Erin turned away, then stopped. "If you're really sure..." Jenn jokingly tried to swat her backside, laughing as Erin giggled and raced away. //Thank God...I was sure my damn conscience was going to eat me alive if she didn't leave.//

She stood at the bow, letting the breeze ruffle her hair. What a mess she'd made of things, without even intending to hurt anyone. Sighing, she made her way to a seat, trying to let the sun and the sound of the waves relax her. Idly, she wondered what this Mr. Tyler James Boyd would be like. He said he was a writer. Probably older, balding, pale from being indoors all the time. She pictured George from Seinfeld. Erin would lock her up if she could see her sitting there, giggling to herself.

The rest of the journey to the mainland went along quietly, Ben in the wheelhouse, Jenn keeping to herself at the front of the ferry. Erin came around to make sure she was still doing okay, and they talked about how smooth the ride was, Jenn commenting on Ben's experience. He was a good ferry pilot, and she was determined not to let what had happened undermine his job, or the budding relationship she could sense happening between him and Erin.

She sighed. She needed to talk with Erin about what had happened. If Erin was going to be involved with Ben, she deserved to know. Jenn sighed again. This wasn't going anything like she'd planned. Served her right for letting her hormones lead her head. That wasn't going to happen again, certainly not with Ben, and not ever if she had anything to say about it.

They arrived at Harding Junction, Ben tying the ferry off. He offered his hand to help Erin down, then it was her turn. Blushing, she touched him, barely, still seeing him in another context. //I need to get over this, fast.// Thanking him quietly, she stepped down onto the pier, glancing at her watch. Looking down the pier, she figured she had plenty of time to make her appointment with Mr. Boyd. She turned to Erin and Ben. "Well, I guess I'll see you back here at about 1:30 then, right?"

Ben nodded, looking around. "Yeah, we'll be heading back about then."

"Ok, see you then!" She gave them a small smile and walked down the pier, carrying her small leather briefcase, heading for the little restaurant where she met prospective residents and vacationers. The manager was a friend of theirs, and was always glad to reserve a little table in the back with a fantastic view of the harbor.

She entered the restaurant, a little early for the appointment. There wasn't much of a lunch crowd inside, and the manager indicated that Mr. Boyd hadn't arrived yet. Sitting down, she readied a few papers, wondering how long he was thinking of staying. He hadn't been specific when they'd talked on the phone, stating only that he needed someplace quiet to write his next book.

She looked at the door, seeing a man enter. He was certainly very good looking, about mid-thirties, short, dark sandy blond hair, nicely dressed in a navy suit with a light blue shirt and navy tie. Turning away, she concentrated on her papers, not wanting to get involved with even looking at another handsome man right now. She'd been badly burned the last time she'd done that, smiling wryly as she thought of Ben Parker.

Tyler James Boyd entered the small restaurant, liking the quiet atmosphere, and noting the impressive view. The manager came by and he gave her his name. Obviously expecting him, she led him over to a table by the window, a petite blonde in a sundress seated there, looking at some paperwork. Not what he expected. Inwardly, he steeled himself, not wanting to let himself notice how attractive she was.

She looked up in surprise as the manager came by the table. Standing up, she saw the man she'd just seen right behind her, briefcase in hand. //Oh, no. This CAN'T be the doddering Mr. Boyd!// Taking a deep breath, she pulled the professional side of her personality to the forefront, trying not to notice the beautiful blue-green of Mr. Boyd's eyes as she met his polite look.

"Mr. Boyd? Nice to meet you. I'm Jennifer Keeler." She suppressed a gasp of surprise at his warm, firm handshake. This man definitely was not like she'd been picturing him.

"Nice to meet you too, Ms. Keeler." His deep voice with an accent she still couldn't place rumbled through her. Why hadn't she noticed how vibrant it had sounded on the phone? He sat down across from her, smiling slightly. "I have to admit, this is a nice little town. If the island is half as delightful, I'll be very happy to live there while I'm working on my book." //She has pretty eyes.//

She smiled, feeling a little more at ease. //This might not be so bad.// "It IS delightful, Mr. Boyd. I hope we can convince you to come stay for a while."

"Please, call me Ty. Everyone does." He gave a wry little smile, his eyes crinkling just a bit around the edges. She was a little younger than he'd thought she would be, and certainly more pretty. He'd been picturing an older, more frumpy woman, one who was content to bury herself on an island because she had no reason to hope for a better offer elsewhere.

"Ty." She had to glance away before she said something stupid. "Most of my friends call me Jenn." //He's too handsome. That kind always breaks your heart.// She locked the little glimmer of attraction she was feeling firmly away.

Formalities past, they ordered lunch, and she went over the details of the island with him, describing the living conditions, the resort, grounds, cabins, and answering the questions he had. They discussed the financial details over the very fine lunch, and by the end, they'd come to an agreement. He would live there for a minimum of six months, renting one of the cabins, the only things he needed to bring to the island would be his vehicle and a few boxes of personal items.

"So tell me, Ty ... Why would you want to leave everyone and everything behind to stay with us?" Jenn was genuinely curious. After all, most people had lives, and being on the island meant leaving that behind or bringing it with you. Ty didn't sound like he was bringing much.

She had hit on a subject he didn't feel like sharing with anyone, at least, not yet. He tried for an answer that wasn't too far from the truth. "I've moved around a bit in the last few years, Jenn. The only things I have with me are possessions I don't want to give up. And as for the people in my life, well..." He trailed off, a faraway look in his eyes. "My father's in Australia, but we haven't spoken in years. I'm used to being alone."

She sensed there was much more to that story, but didn't want to press him. "Australia? Is that where you're from?"

He smiled, finding this an easier topic. "I was born there, yes. When I was 18 I left for America, to live with my mother." He decided to turn the tables. "What about you? Are you all alone out here?"

"No, I'm not alone." She took a drink, and he waited for what surely was coming next. She was too attractive to be single. "Erin, Kenna and I all run different aspects of the island and resort. Erin's here right now, meeting our doctor, Micah Gavriel, and our new seaplane pilot, Seth Ellis. If you'd like to come back with us on the ferry, you can meet them. Oh, and Ben Parker, the ferry pilot." It didn't escape his notice that she blushed slightly when she mentioned the ferry pilot. //So that's the way the wind blows, does it?//

He agreed to come back with her to the pier. Making their way back through the small town, she pointed out things of interest, trying to make him feel at home. He knew what she was doing, and appreciated it. It had been a long time since someone had thought of his feelings, and comfort. They were the first to arrive, and stood talking about the island while they waited. A few minutes later, she spied Erin, Ben, and the two newcomers walking down the pier.