Live This Love

by Jamey Moody

  Riley sighed. “Because when you let someone in your heart, that’s when you get hurt.”

  “It is, but you also get to love and be loved. That’s the best feeling there is.”

  “But what if Alex doesn’t feel the same way?”

  Kara said, “Well, obviously I don’t know Alex very well, but I can see how she looks at you. There is more than lust in her eyes. I see the connection you two have. Why not see where it goes? Nobody says you have to go home after two weeks. If you’ll remember, you’re retired.”

  Riley said, “I know, I’ve been thinking the same thing.”

  “Then quit thinking and just enjoy.”

  Alex walked into the hotel bar and sat at a table near the entrance. She was wearing a linen pair of pants with wide legs that flowed when she walked and a sleeveless top to match. Her sandals were flats that would be perfect for a beach wedding. She laid her small overnight bag at her feet as she got out her phone.

  Alex: I’m in the bar.

  Riley: On my way.

  Alex smiled and shook her head as she read the text thinking how much she’d missed Riley last night. And this morning she couldn’t get Riley off her mind. She finally gave up and got her things ready for this evening. When she looked up, Alex lost her breath.

  Riley was standing in the entrance to the bar looking for her. She had her short locks styled in sassy, red curls. Her long dress had a subtle pastel print with spaghetti straps that accentuated her toned and tanned shoulders. Alex couldn’t wait to slide those straps down and slowly kiss her shoulder, making her way up to her neck.

  Then Riley found her. Their eyes met, and the smile on Riley’s face brightened the room. That’s when Alex knew she was a goner. In such a short time Riley James had captured her heart. She could fight this feeling, but she knew it was a losing battle. All Alex could do was hope that Riley wanted her heart and wouldn’t break it.

  Riley walked toward Alex, and her eyes widened. She took her hands and said, “You look beautiful!”

  “No, you look stunning,” Alex said, breathlessly placing a kiss on Riley’s cheek. They looked into one another’s eyes, and both took a deep breath and sighed.

  Riley laced her fingers through Alex’s hand. “Come on.” She pulled her through the door, out the lobby, and onto the walkway toward their cluster of rooms. On the left was a bench. Riley sat down pulling Alex beside her and putting her arm around her shoulders.

  “I want you all to myself for a minute before we meet the others,” Riley said.

  “Oh, you do?”

  Their eyes met, and they stared, relaying unspoken emotions. Alex leaned in, giving Riley a sweet kiss. When their lips parted, Riley smiled into Alex’s lips and kissed her again, deeper this time.

  “Mm, that will have to get me through until later,” she said a little breathlessly.

  “Hey, what are you two doing?” Kara yelled as she walked toward them.

  They looked at one another with guilty smiles. “Who, us?” Alex said.

  Kara laughed. “I’ve come to take you to the beach. Let’s get this wedding started!”

  They got up and all walked down the path past their rooms and out to the beach. The rest of the group was there, including someone new with Lee and another woman Riley didn’t know. She asked Kara, “Hey, who’s that?”

  Kara replied, “That’s my date for the wedding, and if she’s good, I may let her hang around after.”

  “You’re terrible,” Riley said. Alex smiled and shook her head. “Do you know her?” Riley asked Alex.

  “I do. She grew up here and works on one of the day boats. She comes in the bar occasionally,” Alex answered.

  Riley narrowed her eyes, not quite sure Alex was telling her everything. “Uh-huh,” she murmured.

  “Okay, there might have been one night that she drank a little too much and decided I was going home with her,” Alex said.

  “Well, don’t stop there… And?”

  “And I said she decided, but not me. I politely declined and made sure she made it home alright. She’s been back in the bar since and was embarrassed, and that’s the end of the story.”

  “Hmmm, I see,” Riley said looking the woman up and down.

  “What are you doing? Why, Riley James, don’t tell me you’re jealous?”

  “Jealous! How could I be jealous?” Riley said defensively.

  Alex raised her eyebrows.

  “Okay, I might have been a little, but honestly I don’t know where that came from,” Riley confessed.

  Alex chuckled. “You’re kind of cute when you’re jealous. And I bet you’re downright adorable when you’re mad, but I don’t really want to find that out tonight.”

  Riley looked down sheepishly and took Alex’s hand, putting her head on her shoulder.

  “It’s okay, Riley,” Alex said, putting her arm around her waist. “You know that first day you came in the bar and Lee kept hovering around you?”

  “Yeah, of course I remember.”

  “I didn’t like it one little bit and I hadn’t even met you yet,” Alex admitted. “I was trying to come up with a reason for you to come back to the bar with me so she’d leave you alone. Next thing I knew, there you were asking me to mix you a pretend drink.”

  “Best move I ever made,” Riley said proudly.

  “I’m so glad you did.”

  “Do you mean if I hadn’t come up there you would have found a way to get me alone and introduce yourself?” Riley asked.

  “I kept telling you my name every time I came to your table! And yes, I would’ve found a way.”

  “Alex Adams, you little charmer,” Riley said.

  Alex shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

  Kara had made her way over to them and introduced her date.

  “Riley, Alex, this is Mandy. Mandy, my best friend, Riley, and her new friend, Alex.”

  Riley extended her hand. “Hi Mandy, nice to meet you.” To Kara she said, “New friend?”

  “Hi Riley,” Mandy said, taking her hand. “And I know Alex. How are you? I haven’t been to Peaches in a while.”

  “I’m good, really good,” Alex said looking at Riley. “Peaches is good, too. Come by sometime.”

  “I’m sure we’ll be over there again soon since you’ve charmed my friend. She can’t go a day without her Peaches fix,” Kara said.

  Riley looked at Kara and shook her head.

  “Would you take your seats? We’re ready to begin,” Lisa announced. She was the officiant and stood under an arch laced with fragrant flowers. The sun was beginning to set and cooperated with a beautifully lit sky with reds and oranges that would change to shades of purple by the end of the ceremony.

  Kim and Kerry made their way down the aisle between the chairs set up on the beach hand in hand. They looked lovely in pale, lemon-colored outfits. Kim chose a skirt just below knee length with a loose-fitting camisole that flowed below her waist. Kerry was in wide leg pants with a flowing, three-quarter-sleeve blouse.

  This ceremony was just for their close friends that had been with them from the beginning. Their families would all be in attendance at a separate reception later in the month.

  Lisa started the ceremony, and as Kim and Kerry began to exchange vows Alex had an unexplainable need to touch Riley. She reached over and took Riley’s hand and held it in her lap. She stole a sideway glance at Riley and saw tears glistening in her eyes.

  Riley didn’t know why she was tearing up. She didn’t cry at weddings, but for some reason the tenderness of the moment watching Kim and Kerry stand there making promises to one another shot straight to her heart. She’d never thought marriage was for her, but in this moment she thought that maybe she was wrong. How wonderful it must be to stand there in front of family and friends and proclaim your love and promise to live life together, to live your love. She was glad Alex took her hand and held it close. It steadied her and calmed these thoughts racing through her mind and heart.

  Lisa introduce
d the Mrs. and Mrs. to applause and whoops of congratulations. The ceremony was touching in a beautiful setting and full of love. The beach party to follow was just getting started.

  As evening turned into night there was good food, music, and laughter. Couples twirled on the makeshift dance floor. Alex looked across the beach and saw Riley with Kim and Kerry. Riley threw her head back laughing, and Alex’s heart skipped a beat. She is so beautiful, Alex thought. When Riley looked her way and their eyes met, Alex couldn’t keep from smiling. She went to her and took her hand.

  “Would you dance with me?” Alex asked.

  “I’d love to.”

  A slow song started, and Riley wrapped her arms around Alex’s neck, looking into her eyes. Alex had her hands around Riley’s waist and pulled her close. She bent down and placed a kiss on Riley’s shoulder.

  “I’ve wanted to do that all night. You are absolutely gorgeous.”

  Riley took a deep breath and said, “You do know how to charm a girl.”

  “I actually can’t wait to get you out of this dress later tonight.”

  “Is that so?”

  “You did ask me to stay the night with you, remember?”

  “I seem to remember something like that, since you so kindly let me stay at your place,” Riley answered. “Let me warn you that it won’t have the view yours has, though.”

  “There’s no better view than the one I have right now,” Alex said, watching Riley’s eyes darken.

  Riley gazed into Alex’s eyes longingly, then said, “We’d better talk about something else before I take you straight to my room and lock the door. Kim and Kerry might find that rude since I’m here for their wedding.”

  Alex smiled. “Understood. So, let’s see, have you ever wanted to get married?”

  Riley said, “Well, I never really thought marriage was for me, but after today I might have to reconsider. But to answer your question, no, I’ve never wanted to get married. I seem to have a three-year expiration date.”

  Alex looked puzzled. “A three-year expiration date? What does that mean?”

  “Well, I’ve had three separate relationships that each lasted about three years. I don’t know what happens, but three years and it’s over. What about you?”

  “So, if I still know you after three years, then there’s hope?”

  Riley furrowed her brow. “Hope? Then this would turn into the longest one night stand in history! But you didn’t answer my question. Have you ever wanted to get married?”

  “Sorry, I was distracted by your three-year expiration date thing. But no, I have never wanted to get married. Honestly, and I can’t believe I’m telling you this, I haven’t had a relationship long enough to even think about it. How big of a loser does that make me?”

  “That doesn’t make you a loser at all.” Before Riley could say more Kim asked for everyone to gather round for a toast. Alex was relieved because she certainly didn’t want to talk about her past.

  After a few toasts there was more dancing and laughter as the group celebrated the brides into the night. When the brides declared the honeymoon was beginning, Riley quickly finished her drink, said goodnight to her friends, and pulled Alex off the beach and onto the path to her room.

  Neither one of them spoke on the short walk. Riley opened the door and went in. As soon as Alex cleared the doorway, Riley shut it behind them and pushed Alex against it all in one move. Her lips landed where they’d wanted to be since she’d kissed Alex on the bench earlier. While her hands found their way under Alex’s shirt, she put her knee between those long, muscular legs, and Alex groaned. They both moaned as their tongues connected and explored.

  Their lips parted so they both could breathe. Alex gently lowered the straps of Riley’s dress. She kissed her left shoulder, making her way across to the hollow of her throat and licking and nipping her way across to the other shoulder.

  Riley moaned, “Oh Alex.” She looked into Alex’s darkening eyes questioning, seeking approval. Alex nodded with fire in her eyes, and Riley lifted her shirt over her head and tossed it on the floor. She smiled when she saw Alex wasn’t wearing a bra. She placed her hands on the waistband of Alex’s pants and pulled them and her panties down in one motion. Her lips found Alex’s as she turned, pushing her gently to the bed. When the backs of her knees found the mattress, Riley pushed her down.

  “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Alex.”

  Alex smiled and said, “You have on way too many clothes.”

  Riley quickly took her dress off and slowly unhooked her bra. She slid her panties down her legs, giving Alex a little show.

  “You’re beautiful,” Alex said, her breath quickening. Riley stepped between Alex’s legs, placing her knees on the bed, her hands on either side of Alex’s head, and lowered her lips to Alex’s. She kissed her way down to Alex’s left nipple, swirling her tongue around and taking the hardening bud into her mouth. Alex moaned and arched her back.

  “I can’t leave this other beautiful bud out,” she said, so she kissed her way to the other nipple while taking the left between her thumb and finger and pinching it softly. She continued her way to Alex’s stomach, nipping and licking while raking her fingernails through Alex’s short, curly hair. Alex pushed the back of her head into the bed and raised her hips. Riley hovered over Alex’s sex and said, “Alex, look at me.”

  Alex raised her head as her heart pounded and breath came quickly, seeking Riley’s eyes. When she found them, Riley gently slid one finger in, never breaking eye contact. She added a second finger, then slowly went in and out. Alex’s eyes closed momentarily then opened, pleading with Riley. She buried her head between Alex’s legs and circled her tongue around and around. Alex grabbed Riley’s head and moaned, “Oh, god!”

  This exquisite rhythm continued and it wasn’t long before Riley could feel Alex tighten around her fingers and thrust them in and upward and left them there as she sucked Alex into her mouth. Her legs began to quake and her hips bucked as Riley’s tongue was relentless. Her legs stiffened as the orgasm overtook her, but Riley didn’t stop. Her mouth continued its magic as Alex came again. Alex flung her arms out on the bed, her legs relaxed as she lay spent. Riley laid her head on the inside of Alex’s thigh.

  “There are no words,” Alex said. She raised her head and looked down at Riley. “Come here.” She put her hands under Riley’s chin and pulled her toward her and kissed her softly. She put Riley’s head on her chest while her breath recovered then said, “That was, was… well, pick an adjective.”

  Riley chuckled, raising her head to rest it in her hand. “Um, mind-blowing.”

  “Exactly,” Alex grinned. After a moment she continued, “I swear, Riley, I’ve never…” She found she couldn’t finish the sentence.

  Riley smiled and said, “I was really inspired.”

  Alex smiled, turned Riley on her back, and said, “I hope you got plenty of sleep last night because I’m about to show you how inspired I am. I’m going to show you over and over and over.”

  Alex stood in front of the bathroom sink putting her hair in a ponytail.

  Riley walked up and encircled her waist from behind. “What a wonderful night.”

  “It sure was,” Alex purred, leaning back into Riley’s embrace.

  Their eyes met in the mirror. Riley had her chin on Alex’s shoulder and said, “Coffee, I need coffee. The others will be at the circle, let’s go.”

  Alex asked, “The circle?”

  “That’s what we call the gathering spot outside our rooms. Kim and Kerry will be leaving soon, so we’re meeting up to tell them goodbye.” They faced one another, and Riley gave Alex a quick kiss while cupping Alex’s face with her right hand. “I can’t seem to keep my hands off of you.”

  Alex smiled, leaning into Riley’s hand, and said, “I hope that doesn’t change.”

  “I can’t imagine anything that would do that,” Riley said. “Come on, let’s go.”

  Alex thought to herself
that she knew something that could change that but hoped Riley wouldn’t find out.

  They joined the others at the circle. Everyone got something to drink and talked about how wonderful the wedding was. Alex was standing off to the side listening to the chatter when Sara walked up.

  “You two seem to really be getting along,” she said.

  Alex nodded her head. “We are.”

  “I can’t help but notice how you two seem to fit together in such a short time.”

  Alex looked at Sara warily and said, “It’s surprising to us, too, but we’ve agreed to just enjoy it and stop questioning it.”

  “That’s all good, but I can’t imagine how this is going to end in two weeks. I’m not trying to be an asshole, Alex. Riley is my friend, and I don’t want her to get hurt,” Sara explained.

  “I understand, but you need to know I’d never hurt Riley. I don’t see this as a vacation fling if that’s what you’re getting at.”

  “That’s quite a statement for only knowing one another a few days. I’m sure you’re aware of that.”

  “I am.”

  Riley called out to them. “Come on, Kim and Kerry are leaving now.” As they walked over to her Riley looked at Alex and noticed she seemed unsettled. She made a mental note to ask her later what she and Sara had been talking about.

  They all took turns hugging Kim and Kerry and walked them to the lobby. They were continuing their honeymoon through the islands while most of the group was leaving to go back to Florida. Riley and Kara had planned to change hotels but stay for their two extra weeks. After discussing their options they decided to go back to St. John with Alex and find a place there. Alex had agreed to be their tour guide, so it would be easier if they all stayed near her.

  Riley couldn’t help smiling as she threw clothes into her bag. It was shaping up to be a great vacation.

  Five

  Later that evening Riley walked into Peaches like she owned the place. She sat down at the bar right in front of Alex and placed her hands on the top with a smack.

  Alex smirked and said, “Well, what can I get you, ma’am?” Her eyes twinkled in the low light.