by S. E. Rose
I feel myself getting lost in the moment like a boy, the stars, the fluorescence, Vanessa. I look into her eyes. She’s amazing, so amazing.
Our intimate moment is lost as a ray comes gliding near us and lights up the water. It’s truly breathtaking to see it, and we float apart as it swims right between our legs, rubbing against us as it does so. I internally groan at the stupid ray, it’s like a pussy blocker. And just like that the mood is killed.
I can see Vanessa’s eyes go from dilated with lust to heavy with fatigue.
“Let’s head up,” I suggest. “It’s getting late.”
She nods, and I follow her back to the ladder. Once inside my bungalow, I hand her one of the robes I’ve left for us, and she gladly puts it on and sits down on a chair, tucking her legs beneath her. Her wet hair drips down on the robe, and I head to the bathroom and bring back a towel.
“You’ll catch a cold with wet hair like that,” I say as I dry the ends of it for her. She closes her eyes and lets me.
“I’m pretty sure it’s too hot here for me to catch a cold from wet hair,” she smirks. She’s caught me again.
I lay the towel down and watch as she stands. “I should get to bed,” she says with a yawn.
“Yes, we have a big day tomorrow,” I say with a wink.
She looks at me with mild irritation. “Let me guess, you’re not going to tell me where we are going.”
I shake my head. “You’ll see in the morning,” I say, and I walk her to her bungalow. She turns when we get to the door and gives me a kiss on my lips. I am momentarily taken aback by this, and I feel my body tense before quickly melting into her touch. Her lips are soft, and I can taste the saltwater on them. I feel the blood rushing to my groin, and I pull back and look down at her with hooded eyes. I can’t let myself go because once I start I know I won’t be able to stop myself. The last two days have me getting more and more sucked into her gravitational pull.
“Goodnight, Jesse,” she coos softly as she turns to go in her room.
“Goodnight, Vanessa,” I reply as she closes her door with a cute little smile on her face.
Back in my room, I lie in my bed staring at the ceiling fan as the blades spin around and around. Why am I letting myself get sucked into this woman’s magical spell? I am Jesse Fucking Ryder. I don’t date women. I hook up with them while I’m away on weekend getaways. I think back on the past ten years of my life. I was launched into pseudo-fatherhood when my sister needed me to help her with the twins. Then once they were settled, I became the head of a multibillion-dollar company. I have thousands of people depending on me now. I don’t have time to date. I put on my game face and give myself a pep talk. I can do this. I can have fun with this woman and then head home in a few days and go back to my life. Yes, that is exactly what I’ll do.
Chapter 4
Jesse’s Playlist: “Half the World Away” by Oasis
I’m not sure when I fell asleep, but I wake to my alarm going off at 6:00 a.m. The sun is just rising, and I grab a quick shower. I call the front desk to confirm that Ms. Tourney has gotten her wake-up call. Then I go and knock on her door. She opens it and smiles up at me. She’s in another sundress. This one is long and flowing with large flowers on the fabric.
“Ready?” I ask her.
She grabs a bag, and we head to breakfast where Kev and Dave meet us. It’s my first time hanging out with them. Dave explains that he flies back out tonight, so he can be in LA in the morning. He won’t be joining us today. Kev, on the other hand, seems stoked for our day trip.
After breakfast, Dave says his goodbyes and the three of us head toward the dock. Our dinghy awaits. Vanessa gives me a curious look as she eyes the catamaran from yesterday.
“So, the ‘My Fair Lady’ again?” she asks, pointing to the vessel and calling her by name. I grin at her.
“Yep,” I say. She nods and the three of us board the dinghy. The captain and his crew are on board today. He’s a nice guy named Henry, an ex-pat who has lived here for two decades. Once aboard, he introduces us to Michelle, his wife, and Luc, his first mate, who will be helping us on the dive today. Kev confirmed that both he and Vanessa are certified. When Vanessa hears that we’ll be diving she claps her hands together and jumps up and down like a small child.
“Oh My God! This is going to be awesome!” she squeals and leaps at me giving me a big hug.
“I hope so,” I agree as I spin her around and plant her safely back on the deck of the boat.
It takes us about an hour to get to the dive spot. After a short tutorial from Luc, we gear up and jump in for our first dive of the day. We don’t go too deep, but deep enough to see giant groupers, one hammerhead shark, and endless numbers of reef fish.
Luc and Kev buddy up, and I conveniently buddy up with Vanessa. We spend our forty-five-minute dive exploring an old shipwreck. As always, the dive is fun and exhilarating.
After the dive, we start cruising to the second dive spot for the day. We eat a wonderful lunch of fish and fruit prepared by Michelle. The captain and crew are fun people and tell a litany of interesting and humorous stories. Henry is curious about how his vessel handled yesterday, and we talk about the catamaran’s specifics. I regale everyone with a few boat stories of my own, including getting caught in the edge of a hurricane in the Caribbean about five years ago.
The second dive of the day takes us to a slightly greater depth, and we see some larger sharks, rays, a school of tuna, and even a few dolphins from afar. It takes us nearly two hours to get back to Moorea and it’s quickly approaching dinnertime when we arrive. We say goodbye to the captain and crew who wish us a pleasant rest of our vacation.
“That was awesome, man!” Kev says enthusiastically as we arrive at the dock. “Thanks,” he says and nods in my direction.
“No worries, my pleasure,” I respond.
“Kev, why don’t you take the night off,” Vanessa says. He raises an eyebrow at her, and she sticks her tongue out at him. He laughs.
“OK, OK, girl. I get the message,” he chuckles and walks off toward his bungalow.
“Dinner?” Vanessa asks.
I smile at her. “I have other arrangements,” I say to her.
“Oh really?” she asks.
“Yes, go shower, and I’ll come get you in about thirty minutes,” I say to her as we walk back to our bungalows.
I have a text from Rick when I arrive back in my room.
Rick: Weather is clearing. We can get you out of there tomorrow if you like.
Jesse: I think I’ll stay for another few days. Keep the plane on standby.
Rick: Will do. I have your calendar cleared through the week so as long as you leave by Saturday, you’ll be good.
Good, I think to myself. That gives me two more days. Thirty minutes later, I am knocking on her door. She is wearing a flowing skirt and a sleeveless top that shows off her beautiful neckline and arms. She has a silver necklace on that has a moon pendant hanging from it. She follows me to a car that is waiting for us. A driver takes us around the island to the far side where an old ship has been converted into a restaurant. We walk down the gangplank and are greeted by a hostess who shows us to a table in the far corner. I can see some other tourists have spotted Vanessa and whisper to each other. The staff then whisper about the “vedette” or “star” in French. I tease her incessantly during an amazing dinner of locally caught fish. I figure out they mean she’s famous, but my French isn’t as good as it used to be. I remember the word for “star” being “étoile” and I tell her this. She explains the difference. I tell her I like the word étoile better and insist on calling her “mon étoile.” I explain it’s not just because she’s famous, it’s because she shines bright and beautiful, just like a star. She blushes, which she asserts is because of the wine.
We toast to an amazing place and an amazing few days, unexpected, but amazing nonetheless. Vanessa leans her head against my shoulder as the driver takes us back the long way around this very small i
sland. She closes her eyes, and we sit in silence.
“We’re back,” I whisper as we pull onto the hotel property. She lifts her head and looks around.
“Sorry, I think I took a catnap on you,” she says, looking bashful.
“It’s been a long day, mon étoile,” I say and help her out of the car. I want so badly to take her back to my bungalow, but I can tell she’s wrecked. I pause as we reach her bungalow.
She looks up at me. “Do you want to come in?” she asks, and I give her a curious look.
“You seem pretty beat,” I say, running a hand down the soft skin of her cheek.
“I think I’m getting my second wind,” she answers with a grin.
She unlocks her door, and I follow her inside. “Drink?” she asks as she points to the minibar.
“Sure,” I say. She grabs two beers and pops the tops, handing me one.
She clinks her glass to mine. “To…unexpected acquaintances,” she says.
“Acquaintances, huh?” I smirk at her.
“OK, friends,” she says, smirking back at me.
I raise an eyebrow.
“OK, what would you call this?” she says, motioning between us. She sets her drink down on the table and stares at me.
Fuck it, I say to myself. I’m fucking done with self-control. I place my drink down and pull her against me. I run my lips over hers.
“No labels,” I whisper and then I claim her sweet mouth with mine. She responds immediately, allowing me access, meeting my tongue with hers. She moans into my mouth and suddenly my pants feel constricting. I need her, now.
I walk her back toward the bed, holding her face with my hands. I feel her tense, and I pull back.
Shit, I let this go too far, too fast. “Sorry, mon étoile,” I breathe against her mouth, our foreheads touching.
She shakes her head. “No, it’s not that,” she says barely audibly.
I pull back and look at her face. She’s embarrassed. But why? “What’s wrong, mon cheri?” I ask her, searching her eyes for an answer.
“I…it’s just…,” she huffs and sits down on the edge of the bed. I kneel in front of her, my hands on her thighs. Her eyes become glassy with tears.
I run my hand over her cheek, her jaw. “Tell me,” I demand.
She looks into my eyes. “I don’t want you to be disappointed.”
“What?” I say completely bewildered.
“I…I’m not that…experienced,” she stutters. “I mean, not how most people probably think. I’m not a virgin or anything, I just, it’s been a while, and it’s only been with a few men. I know you have been with many more women, many more beautiful women.”
I internally groan. Damn it! My earlier lifestyle is coming back to bite me in the ass. In between the time when I was pseudo-dad and the current time that I’ve been a frigid CEO, I may have taken my newfound money and fame and gone gallivanting around the globe with my friends. I slept with several famous models, one actress, and a few heiresses, although, I’m sure the tabloids linked me to many more. I can only imagine what she’s thinking.
I caress her face. “I’m not exactly what the tabloids paint me to be,” I say. “And nothing you can do or say will make you any less beautiful and appealing to me.” I pause because I don’t want to lead her on, so I add, “I’m not in a place for a relationship right now, but I want you. I’ve wanted you since I saw you in the restaurant this week. You’re gorgeous and you’re funny and you’re smart and I desperately want to make love to you, if you’ll let me.”
I feel her relax and her eyes go wide. “OK,” she whispers. I lean up and kiss her and gently tug her top off as I pull her up on the bed. I’m on all fours hovering over her, kissing her neck, the swells of her breasts, her stomach. I gently pull down her skirt and remove her sandals. She’s lying there sprawled out on the bed for me like a damn gift. She’s breathtaking. I suck in air hoping to calm myself. I can’t go all “wham bam, thank you, ma’am” with her. She deserves more and damn it, I’m going to give it to her.
I remove my pants and shirt and then crawl back up on the bed. She shivers under my touch.
“Are you cold?” I ask her as I kiss her. She shakes her head. I reach behind her and unclasp her bra, slowly pulling it away and exposing her breasts. I’ve wanted to see them for days now. They’ve been teasing me, taunting me from behind small triangles of fabric. They are perfect, and her nipples call for my attention. I bend down and take one in my mouth, suckling it, grazing it with my teeth. She moans and arches off the bed. I roll her other nipple in between my thumb and forefinger, and then I switch to the other breast. She squirms beneath me, and I know she wants more.
I can smell her arousal, and I want to be inside her. Thank God I always keep a condom or two in my pants for such an occasion. Call me a Boy Scout, but damn if it isn’t worth it right now.
I slowly pull her panties down and remove my boxer briefs. I look up at her. She’s a sight to behold. Her tanned skin glows in the lamp light, and she looks angelic. I look at her body, and I want to see more of it. I lie down in between her thighs, our naked bodies completely touching. Her skin is smooth and soft. I run a finger down the slit of her sex and I can feel she’s already wet for me. I groan against her lips. My cock is so hard, I feel like I’m on the edge of bursting. I take a steadying breath.
“I want to taste you,” I say against her lips and slowly begin to trail kisses down her neck, her breasts, her stomach. I spread her thighs wide and position myself at her sex. The glistening pink that awaits me has me begging to be inside her. I run my nose along it, and she bucks against me. I press my hand down on her belly holding her in place as I slowly run my tongue in circles around her clit and then down to her opening. She tastes fucking amazing. It’s like the universe made me my own brand of honey, and I never want to stop tasting it. I plunge my tongue inside her, and she cries out and wiggles beneath me. I begin a slow assault, first I run my tongue up to her clit and then I use my finger. She’s panting, and I know she’s close, but I want to make her come with my cock.
I grab the condom I have on the bed and rip it open, sliding it on with the finesse of an expert, I position myself and look down at her hooded eyes. She pulls me closer with her legs, and I thrust inside her. She cries out, and I still for a moment, letting her acclimate before I begin to move. After a few thrusts, she begins to meet my rhythm. I can feel her muscles starting to undulate around me, and I know she’s close. I pound into her again and again. She closes her eyes tightly and stills beneath me as her body begins to shake uncontrollably.
“Yes, mon étoile, come for me,” I whisper, and I pull her legs wider and thrust deeper as she releases around me, crying out incoherent things. I keep going. I start again until she’s on the brink once more, and then I pound harder. Just as she begins to come her quivering channel pushes me over the edge, and I pour myself into the condom as her muscles milk every last drop out of my cock. I collapse in a sweaty, heated mess onto her, and we lie there in silence catching our breaths for the longest time.
“Let’s get a shower,” I say to her as I feel our sweaty, sticky bodies rub together.
She nods and looks up at me as I lift my head.
“You are beautiful,” I add as I give her a slow kiss on her lips. She smiles against me, and I jump off the bed and hold out a hand. She takes it and follows me into her bathroom. I dispose of the condom and turn on the shower. She follows me inside, and we let the warm water rain down on us.
I grab soap and lather it in my hand before starting to suds her skin. Her skin is soft and slick from the soap and my hands glide over it. She trembles under my touch, and I bend down and kiss her hard. She responds immediately to my kiss and her hands move up my chest and wrap around my neck. There’s a tiled bench behind us and I sit down on it bringing her with me so she’s straddling my lap. I smile as I remember I had grabbed the other condom and laid it with the soap. I reach over, and tear open the package, while I continue my a
ssault on her mouth. She tastes incredible.
I slide on the condom and guide her body down until I am buried deep inside her. She begins to move, up and down, over and over. She feels so amazing. She’s tight and wet and hot around me, and I don’t ever want to leave her. I want to stay buried inside her for the rest of my life. That thought startles me, and I quickly push it aside.
I begin to feel her coming undone and her pulsing pussy clenches my dick, and I know I’m not going to last much longer. She’s moving faster and faster against me, searching for her own release. I know the minute she finds it because her body stills, and she trembles. She clenches my cock so tightly I see stars, and then I’m exploding, calling out her name as I come.
It takes me a minute to get my senses back. My head is leaning on her shoulder, and she presses a kiss to my forehead.
“Let’s finishing washing and go lie down,” I suggest, and she smiles against my cheek.
I get more soap and clean her once more, and she returns the favor. I help her towel dry her long blonde curls, and then we crawl back into her bed. She wraps herself around me like ivy climbing a wall.
“Goodnight, Jesse,” she says as she yawns and closes her big blue eyes.
“Goodnight, Vanessa,” I whisper and kiss the top of her head before I too fall asleep, sated and relaxed for the first time in a very, very long time.
Chapter 5
Jesse’s Playlist: “One More Time” by The Helio Sequence
I hear a phone buzzing. I reach for my phone and remember I’m not in my room. Then I feel Vanessa. Her body is wrapped around mine, her head on my chest, her leg sprawled across mine and her arm draped over my abdomen. The phone buzzes once more and stops. I open my eyes and glance down at her, but she hasn’t stirred. She must be exhausted.
I contemplate what to do. I don’t want her to get the idea that I want some kind of relationship, so I decide to get up and head back to my bungalow. I unwrap my body from her and start picking up my clothes. When I’m half-dressed, a voice breaks the silence of the room.