Driving around the beach front of Durban brought back fond childhood memories for Samantha. She remembered her dad bringing them down to the coast during July school vacations. In December it was unbearably hot, so they used to travel to the Southern or Western Cape for Christmas. But Durban was magical for her.   She loved the tropical atmosphere, the friendly people, and just the busy vibe of the city.

'You're very quiet,' Blake murmured, as he placed an arm at her lower back, guiding her through the uShaka Marine resort, the popular tourist hang out.

'I have not done the tourist thing for a while, but I have some fond memories of this place,' she smiled.

Samantha was amazed at how pleasant a companion Blake was. He was courteous, and unassuming. Did not attempt to make any possessive claim over her, even when on more than one occasion he observed men direct more than what was an acceptable cursory glance her way. She'd just discovered that he actually had a wonderful sense of humor. Perhaps because she was always on guard, she did not make allowances for people to relax around her, nor did she relax around others.

She'd already spotted Trent discreetly blending in with the crowds earlier. They had been in the amusement center of the resort. She and Blake were arguing about who deserved to play the final stage of a slot machine game when she was alerted by Trent's presence, a discreet distance away. He called just as they were departing Blake's apartment, and she had informed him of where they would be.

Samantha was having an enjoyable day. She had to admit Blake was an amazing companion, and she was thoroughly enjoying their time together. It shocked her that at odd times, she was searching out for Blake, missing his presence, when he strayed away to look at something for too long. Twice she had become bored with the game she had been playing and went in search of Blake just to be close to him. She'd better enjoy today, because come tomorrow, she had to kiss the relationship goodbye.

'So you're ready for our boat ride?' Blake asked enthusiastically, 'I can't wait to see you in that sexy costume again,' he murmured.

She wanted nothing else either. She wanted to be alone with him, to lose the crowd, and for them to bask in each other's presence. And if the boat he had chartered was private enough, she would not have an aversion if he relieved her of her delectable costume, and had his way with her.

'Yes, I'm looking forward to it,' she spoke softly. Anticipation and desire overtaking her, she slipped her hand into his.

He would never have guessed that she would be openly demonstrative.   He was astounded, but delighted and returned the hold firmly clasping her hand into his.

'Is that the boat?' Samantha half cried out, half moaned in horror. If she was expecting a luxurious yacht that could sail the ocean she was mistaken.

'Yeah six hundred horsepower. I believe it has the take off speed of a light air craft! And only the navy has possession of such a high powered baby.'

'You're taking me on a speed boat!'

'Your friend Jordan tells me you're pretty nifty on one of these,' Blake smiled.   If he accurately read her disappointment, he was smugly not acknowledging it.

'I could have worn a wetsuit for this damn you!'  Her eyes narrowed accusingly.

Blake pointed to a ladies room, 'how about you get changed in there?'

Silently sulking she walked away to the change room, Trent caught up with her.

'Hey Sam, wait up.'

She'd seen him approaching.   But in the foul mood that had just enveloped her, she'd ignored Trent.

'It seems to me you're having fun for the first time in like years Sam.'

I was until two minutes ago.

'How you doing Trent?'

'I'm good.  You want me to hire a boat as well?' he offered.

'No there's no need.   We're probably going to be thirty to sixty minutes.'

Now she recalled he had said "boat ride before lunch" which meant he'd already secured a reservation somewhere for them. Blake always planned things stylishly, she would concede.

'How about joining us for lunch Trent?' she needed to get even with Blake.

'Three's a crowd Sam.'

'We're spending the rest of today and the whole of tomorrow together. You won't be a crowd sharing one meal with us,' she murmured.

'In that case, I accept,' he grinned.

Blake was waiting for Samantha as she walked back from the change room in her bikini. If she was getting the "bedroom eye" from men before they saw her in a bikini, now they were drooling. She got a few wolf whistles, and backward glances from more than one boldly admiring male. She was unaffected and indifferent to the attention, seething and silently cursing at Blake's coup de grace. He'd already changed, into washboard shorts, and was blatantly exhibiting his broad well toned upper torso.

'Samantha you look gorgeous,' he groaned.

'Can I drive?' she ignored his compliment.

'Sun block first,' he lifted the tube and spread liberal amounts on her arms, shoulders and her face.

'Turn around,' he instructed, pretending not to notice her foul mood. 'You going to return the favour?' he questioned.

'I'm sure you can manage,' she picked up one of the two pairs of goggles and slipped them on.  Incidentally, I've invited Trent to join us for lunch,' her eyes sought his.

If she thought she would read disappointment or irritation, on his face she was mistaken. His face held a polite smile as he dabbed his shoulder with the sun block.

'Did you hear me?' Samantha questioned him.

'I heard you.' He leaned forward and brushed his lips to hers, taking his own sweet time about it.

With much effort Samantha dragged her lips away, she turned around and signaled to Trent.

'I'll just have our stuff locked away,' Blake spoke.

Samantha shook her head as Trent joined them. Blake and Trent shook hands enthusiastically.

'Trent my firearm and cell phone are in there,' she informed him.

'Go on ahead, I'll take care of it,' Trent responded.

'We'll see you in about an hour buddy,' Blake smacked a high five with Trent.

'Shall we?' Blake slipped his arm around her waist, as they made their way to the speed boat.

Samantha nodded, and tried desperately not to be affected by Blake's arm around her, burning desire through her.  It was a powerful machine all right. The Navy had some mean power boats.   This one was super fast. She had never driven anything this powerful, but there was always a first time right.

'You're going to be comfortable with it?' Blake inquired perceptively.

'I think so,' she nodded.

'Let me start her up for you,' he leaned over flicked the key into the ignition and revved it up.

Samantha was getting excited.  In fact she was itching to hit the accelerator and feel it cutting across the water. Blake helped her on and slid in behind her.

'I'm so going to enjoy this,' he grinned, slipping his arms around her.

She turned around to look at his smug face, and when she did he lowered his head and his mouth covered hers. She hit the start button, and turned around to ride the speed boat into the waves. Blake laughed loudly, then moulded his body so she could lean her back into him.

There was nothing to the controls of this awesome machine.  It was as simple to ride as the others she was already skilled at handling. It was just faster.  A whole lot faster. She was loving the speed.  It was exhilarating, almost as good as making love with Blake.  She leaned into him, thrilled at having his arms around her.  Blake leaned forward, and planted a soft kiss on her throat.   It set her senses on fire, as she masterfully rode the boat over the waves, skillfully negotiating over every threatening wave.  Blake was thoroughly turned on.  She could feel him piercing into her back, as his tongue was caressing down her throat. She wished she could turn around and kiss him, but if she stopped one of the waves would slap them on the face, and dislodge them off the boat.

She leaned her head back against his shoulder.   Blake's hand reached up and cupped her breast.   His thumb gently caressed around the erect nipple. This man's touch was pure torture. How had she allowed him to do that to her? And there was absolutely nothing she could do, even when they got back, she'd have to wait till lunch was over, for she'd unwittingly invited Trent to lunch. Had she not, they could have skipped lunch and rushed back to Blake's apartment, or perhaps not, perhaps he had every intention of stringing her along. This crazy man had an iron will that was unheard of.

Samantha groaned and complained, knowing that Blake may not hear a word over the roaring engine. She turned the boat so they were riding across the waves.   Anything to distract her attention from Blake and compel her concentration. They'd been on the water a while, when Samantha tapped Blake and pointed to the fuel gauge.  With all the sexual frustration, she been hitting hard on the accelerator, and had consumed all the fuel.

'Let's head back,' he yelled into her ear.

Samantha made light work of riding with the waves towards the shore.

'You okay?' Blake spoke into her ear.

She gave him a thumbs up and had her foot flat on the accelerator pedal, just for the fun of it.  She did not cut the engine in the water, instead rode onto the sand grinning from ear to ear, and did a neat three hundred and sixty degree spin in front of Trent.

'Sam!' he yelled as the sand lifted into the air.

She threw her head back and laughed as Blake helped her off. She did not realize she had attracted an audience until she was distracted by the hand clapping behind her. She turned around to see a small group of men and women staring admiringly at her, marveling at her skill with the boat. She smiled politely, then half lowered her head and mumbled, 'I'm going to get changed.'

'I'll walk with you.'

Blake and Trent spoke in unison.

'I'll be ten minutes, both of you stay!'

'Doesn't take long for you to see red, does it?' Blake kissed her lips teasingly.

When she'd noticed the appraising audience, she came as close as one would get to seeing her blush, and suddenly she was all cool, collected and in control again.  Samantha returned in the sexy designer shorts Blake had packed.   But she chose her own shirt with it, so it could conceal her firearm. She observed a few men around the boat chatting to Blake and Trent.  She slowed her pace taking her time, not wanting to join in the conversation with the men. But Blake had spotted her, excused himself and met her halfway. He'd changed back into his denims and a figure hugging polo shirt.

'Worked up an appetite for lunch?' he smiled.

I've worked up an appetite all right!

She nodded, cupping her hands over her eyes.

'You look sexy,' he murmured.

'Thank you,' she avoided his eyes, she did not want to see the smirk she knew would be emblazoned there.

'We require an additional seat,' Blake greeted the Maitre d.

'Not a problem, Mr. Tresscott.'

It was the most beautiful restaurant with a picturesque view.  Its architecture included hardened frameless glass that offered an unhindered view of the sea life a little below the surface, with a depth of about thirty meters into the ocean.

'I'm not having fish,' Samantha made a face.

Blake and Trent laughed, 'the fish served here is caught at deep sea,' Blake informed her.

Samantha shook her head, 'if sea food is all they serve, I'll stick to a salad, thank you.'

But she was pleasantly surprised, when the menu was presented to her, it was a full al la carte menu, she delightfully opted for grilled lamb in a mouth watering mint sauce, with a green salad.

Blake and Trent both sensitively opted for man size steaks with all the works added to it.

'You can go say hi,' Samantha murmured to Trent under her breath when she observed his interest stray more than once at a pretty brunette alone at the bar.

'So what's next on the itinerary?' Trent asked conversationally ignoring Samantha.

Samantha smiled conspirationally, then thought to answer quickly before Blake could have his say, 'we're heading back to the apartment.'

But as she spoke, Blake simultaneously answered, 'we're going to see the local Zulu tribe perform a cultural concert at the Aquarium's main arena.

No damn it!

'You two synchronized your plans, or have your own agenda?'

Samantha's eyes held Blake's, demanding that he agree to her plan.

Unfazed Blake responded, 'Samantha promised to spend the time with me. So we're doing the concert,' he spoke with finality, his gaze holding hers.

Why the hell did I agree to his preposterous plan?

She glanced at her wristwatch studiously, 'You have a little more than twenty four hours, and then__'

'Save it Samantha!' Blake cut her off with a thunderous glare.

She lowered her head and fiddled with her cutlery, but the corner of her eye caught the smirk on Trent's face.

'Can we get out of here?' she spoke softly, directing her gaze at Blake.

Her interest in the meal was ruined, and judging by Blake's attitude so was his.

The only reason she wanted to head back to his apartment was because he had so turned her on, whilst they were on the speed boat, caressing her and sending her hormones soaring.   All that was on her brain right now, was to make love with him, but if he was being so pompous, she'll watch the bloody concert for the next twenty four hours if she had to. She was going to be rid of him by then and then there'll be no more sex and no more Blake Tresscott. Best she think of other diversions like cold showers or thirty six hour shifts at work. Yeah work was the solution. She will spend the day at NPS and head onto her moonlighting career as a waitress at the club. The waitressing would occupy anything from six to eight hours of her nights. After eighteen hours shifts every day, she should be dog tired enough to pass out.

Samantha was so preoccupied with her thoughts, she had not observed that Blake had slipped his fingers through hers as they departed the restaurant. It was only when Blake planted a soft kiss at her temple did she realize her hand was entwined with his, and that Blake was murmuring something to her.

'What?' she enquired.

'Chuck says he will catch up with you later.'

She supposed it was his discreet way of allowing them some privacy.

'That's fine, she looked across at Trent, and nodded.

Trent saluted and slipped into the crowd, but she knew he would be within calling distance, if she did call out to him.

She tried to remove her hand from Blake's but his grip tightened.

'Why did you want to go back to the apartment?' he asked innocently.

Samantha's eyes narrowed.  She glared at him and hissed, 'I'm not in the mood anymore, so it does not matter!'

'I promise you'll be in the mood tonight,' he assured her in a seductive tone, his lips brushed her earlobe softly.

She sighed inwardly. Oh boy she was so in the mood again!

'What time is this concert?' she asked irritatedly.

'In about fifteen minutes,' he glanced at his wrist watch, 'that gives us enough time to walk over there, and I can treat you to a delicious spicy dessert'.

They passed many rickshaws enroute to the dessert kiosk. Samantha was fascinated by the men in tribal wear, carting passengers in the bicycle like contraption, harnessed onto their shoulders. Many tried to cajole them into accepting a ride, but Blake had politely told them their journey was ending a mere few meters ahead.  He stopped at a vendor on the street who was selling spicy food, candy floss, and various types of seasonal fruit. Everything looked delicious but they'd already had lunch and she was not hungry.

'You're game?' Blake grinned at her.

'For what?' she asked suspiciously, a smile on her face.

Blake pointed and she followed his finger to chunky slices of chilled pineapples on sticks, spread liberally with potent looking chilly power.  The strong aromatic flavour of the spice tickled her nose.

'It looks dangerous,' she replied warily.

'We'll get you one with the teeniest sprinkle of the spice,' he urged.

'Okay, but I'm not making you any promises about finishing it,' she warned.

Blake grinned, nodded and ordered two of the pineapple sticks and handed one to her.

Samantha guardedly nibbled on a tiny bit of the pineapple. It was deliciously sweet, very cold and the spice blending nicely into the pineapple, without setting her palette on fire.

'Not bad,' she murmured, as she adventurously took a bigger bite.

'I'm glad you like it. I love it,' he laughed, leaned over and kissed her lips.

She tasted the juicy pineapple and the spicy flavour on his lips.

'I said, "it's not bad," she murmured, reaching up and kissed his lips seductively.

'Hold that thought till tonight,' he whispered in her ear.

'I won't want to talk about pineapples tonight,' she grinned, looking away.

Blake threw his head back and roared with laughter.

This man was amazing. He could have tried to impress her with his wealth, or what he could achieve with it, but he had not. She had thought, the one item that would be interspread with their activities, was lots of love making, but it was the single most conspicuously lacking item on his program. He could have taken her to fancy exclusives restaurants, theatres, or fashion shows, but he had not. Instead they'd spent part of the day on a speed boat, and the boat was definitely an absolute thrill, then they had lunch in fairly average restaurant and now he was escorting her to an ethnic tribe's concert. The concert was not exclusive or a premier event. The seating was like the inexpensive wooden  variety like in sports stadiums.  But his company was delightful. Samantha did not regret any of her time with him. It did not matter what they did together.   Just being with him was pure bliss. His presence was overwhelming and commanding. She also observed women give him the "once over" but he was oblivious to the attention. As they walked he would constantly place his arm at her back out of courtesy. When they were seated, he was always attentive to her very need.

The concert was magical. It was enthralling to hear music from home made horns, and sea shells and lively beats of drums like war cries. Young children aged between six and eight danced beautifully as if choreographed by professionals. One play had a young native lady enacting a search in vain for her lover, who went to war and had not returned. It was poignant and mesmerizing, and absolutely riveting. Samantha was seriously disappointed when it had ended, and she was more surprised that more than two hours had past.

'Wow, that was truly breathtaking, especially that last act,' she smiled.  'Thank you.'

'It's my pleasure ma'am,' he curtsied elaborately.

'She laughed softly. 'You're something else, Blake Tresscott,' she murmured soberly.

'If that's a compliment, I'll take it,' he teased, as he guided her out.

They were on a street in the city.   Crowds of people were around them when she stopped and draped her arms around his neck, 'take me back to your apartment,' she pleaded.

His eyes held hers.   He read her request loud and clear, but he had to ask, 'you're not inviting Chuck for dinner then?'

She grinned and looked away, 'you saw through that ruse?'

'I figured I'd go one better and do the concert,' he confessed.

'You scoundrel!'

Blake laughed, 'I've been called many a names, but that one's the first.'

'Tell me the only item left on your itinerary is making love to me,' she whispered.

'I thought we could take a helicopter ride to__'

'Blake I swear this deal is off right this second,' she hissed angrily, and at the same moment her eye caught Trent fold his arms across his chest, seat himself on a concrete pillar.   A broad grin covered his face as he studied the two of them. So entranced was she in arguing with Blake, she forgot where they were.

'Lead the way to the helicopter,' she waved her hand provokingly.

'What's the point of having a mind, if you can't change it,' he grinned, 'the apartment it is,' he replied huskily, threading his fingers through her hair.

'That's the stupidest thing I've heard, but I'll buy it,' she laughed happily, turned around, indicated to Trent that they were calling it a night, and tucked her arm into Blake's. Trent nodded and slipped away, she knew he would follow them to their next destination, before he would retire for the night.

Blake hardly had the apartment door locked, when he pinned Samantha in his arms and ripped her shirt open. She hurriedly removed his shirt, and their lips locked in a long demanding kiss. Blake was gently nudging her towards the bedroom, but she tore away from his embrace to ensure he'd secured the lock on the door, before she returned to his embrace. He unhooked her bra, but was distracted by the holster on her shoulder.

'I'm sorry.   Give me a minute,' she smiled apologetically, walked into his bedroom and slipped the firearm under the pillow.

Blake followed her into the room, his eyes trained on her, but looked distracted.

'I see the mood's broken, I'll --- go take a shower,' she murmured, disappointingly.

He walked to her quickly, 'not broken, just delayed,' he smiled, 'and I'm joining you,' he demanded.

He looked down over her on his bed.   Her beautiful blonde curls draped over her pillow, her eyes dark with desire, she was smiling, she looked so gorgeous. He wanted to take her right now. God knows he was ready, but he was disciplined, he will not hurry, not tonight. She reached up, and drew him to her. Her lips parted, inviting his kiss.  Blake closed his eyes and got lost in her sweet embrace. Samantha lifted herself up, forcing him on his back.   She leaned over him, her hair cascading over his face, as her fingers trailed over his cheeks, down his throat and settled on his chest.  Her nails  caressed against muscles and raked over his skin. She heard his agonized groan, as her tongue trailed on a similar journey, over his nipple, down over his stomach, until she found the part of him, she most wanted to feel against her lips.

Blake cried out her name, as her tongue caressed over his engorged shaft.  She cupped him in her hand, driving him crazy with her erotic teasing until he hauled her up and forced her astride him. His mouth reached up, captured her lips. His hands raked into her hair as he looked up and smiled into her eyes. When his fingers trailed over her thighs and moved upwards until he found that moist center, she gasped in anticipation.  When he touched her, she groaned loudly, throwing her head backwards. Blake could not wait another second, cupping her by the waist, he raised his pelvis and thrust into her. Samantha was in a hurry for more of him, and raised herself up to take her fill of him. They continued to take their time and pleasure each other until they exploded in each others' arms.  Blake rolled over so he was atop her, planting a tender kiss on her lips.

'I love you,' he whispered, gazing into her eyes.

She tendered a half smile, knew he had deliberately switched positions, so she had no recourse, not unless she was going to physically shove him off her, which she knew would invite a strained showdown.  So she stayed put.  24 hours and counting ...

As she lay still under him, his head moved, his lips brushed softly against her throat, his tongue reached out and caressed her earlobe. She shut her eyes, it was a good thing he was not looking into her eyes any more, she was having difficulty holding his gaze.

'You can't deny what's between us Samantha,' he murmured, 'we are good for each other.'

Yes the sex is good.  Damn good, but it ends tomorrow.

'Don't you agree, we deserve to be together,' he rolled off her, and turned her so they were facing each other.

'Blake__ you don't know what you're asking for,' she whispered.

'I know what I want Samantha, I want you in my life,' his fingers caressed over her cheeks and one finger traced over her lip.

She longed to get out of his arms, get out of the bed where she felt too vulnerable, but she knew his arms around her would only tighten if she made an attempt. His gaze bore in hers, challenging her to respond.

She licked her upper lip and attempted a response, 'I come with baggage,' she started, 'like Trent and Gavin. I work ungodly hours. I get called to testify in courts all over the country at very short notice, you won't put up with that,' she whispered, remembering how he'd previously freaked out at her hectic schedule.

'You're a control freak Samantha. If you delegated some of your cases to your subordinates, your workload would not be so huge,' he complained.

'I can't delegate my responsibility,' she countered.

'I'm prepared to give us a chance, can you?' he challenged.

There is no "us" and there will never be a "us."

'Are you Samantha?' he repeated, when she remained silent.

The claustrophobia was overwhelming, she tried to move away, but she'd already anticipated the vice grip.

'Please let go of me Blake.'

'You're not going to run again,' he instructed, 'we're going to talk about this.'

'The only deal I have with you, is to spend forty eight hours with you, and nothing more,' she yelled. Using his weight as a platform, she performed an acrobatic maneuver out of his arms                                                                                   

                                                                               -end chapter fifteen-