by Emma Tharp
We step out onto the back deck where my parents had a Mediterranean grotto pool and hot tubs with fountains installed. It's all very ostentatious. That's why it's better if she doesn't know it belongs to my family.
We walk past the pool area to take in the view of the ocean. The familiar smell of briny sea air floats past my nose and I immediately relax.
"Look at how white the sand is," Lily sighs as the warm ocean breeze pushes the hair off her shoulders.
"It is amazing here. Shall we get settled in?"
"Sure."
It's really nice seeing the place through her eyes. A fresh perspective.
I carry our bags upstairs and show her to her room. This one is perfect for her with its Venetian accents, from the chandelier to the hand-carved wood bed and an unobstructed view of the ocean.
And there just so happens to be a door that connects her room to mine.
"I'll set my things in my room." I point to the left. "Then we can have a snack or walk on the beach. I hear it's pretty spectacular."
She glances up at me with eyes so clear and open. "I’d love to check out the beach."
"Great." I take my bag and set it in the room next door. We walk together down the staircase and out the back door past the pool.
"Take your shoes off," Lily says, removing her sandals and wiggling her toes in the white powdery sand. "It feels so good."
I shrug and remove my shoes and socks, feeling only slightly awkward. The cool sand does feel nice on my feet.
We walk together side by side and her pinky finger grazes mine. It moves something in my chest like it's waking me up. I do my best to keep my expression neutral and continue walking.
"Thank you for bringing me here. It's gorgeous," she says and her fingers tickle the underside of my hand.
It's the oddest type of pleasure when her fingers fold in on mine. I don't hold hands. Ever. But her small, cool hand feels just right in mine. "You're welcome. I think we’re going to have a good time here."
I'm afraid it might be too good. Far too good.
Thirteen
Lily
A shiver runs down my spine as we make our way down the beach back toward the house. The sun has almost completely set and I'm missing its warmth. I didn't even think to bring a sweater with me.
"Are you cold?" Oliver asks with concern.
"A little."
He slings his arm around my shoulder and runs his big, warm hand up and down my arm. It's nice, the comfort it offers. Earlier, I got brave and held his hand. My heart was in my throat when I reached for it. I wasn't sure how he would take it. There are people who aren’t into public displays of affection, and Oliver seems like he is one of those people, but I wanted to try anyway because it felt right in the moment. It pleased me that he didn't pull back.
"Let's get in the hot tub," Oliver suggests when we get back to the beach house. "That should warm you up."
"Okay," I say with a note of eagerness in my tone. I can't deny I'm excited to see what Oliver looks like under his tailored suits.
We go inside and make our way to our bedrooms. I open my suitcase and look at my bathing suit options. I brought four. Two bikinis and two one-piece options. All four of them are flattering, but after the intense kiss we shared after our second date and the handholding today, I'm eager to see where this can go. Bikini it is.
I change quickly and put my hair up into a high ponytail. Out of the corner of my eye, on a side table, I spot a framed picture.
My heart beats faster when I get closer and lift the photo for a better look. It's an eight by ten picture of the VanDoren family, taken maybe ten years ago. I run my fingertip along Oliver's youthful, boyish smile. The background is unmistakable. It was taken here.
Could it be? Is this Oliver's family's house? And if it is, why didn't he tell me? My mind begins to race. He told me that he’s here on assignment and not once mentioned that he’d been here before. None of this makes sense. Why hide it from me?
I need to know why, but I’m going to try hard not to pass judgment until I have an answer.
There's another photo across the room. Curiosity has me moving toward it quickly. My eyes nearly bulge out of my head. Oliver's family is standing behind the counter at one of the Gambina wineries. What does this mean? Do they own it? I have to find out.
I pad down the stairs and out the back door to the hot tub, where I find Oliver pouring two glasses of red wine.
When he hears me coming, he lifts a glass to me with a deliciously handsome smile on his face. "To Hilton Head."
We clink our classes together. "To Hilton Head and a lovely weekend so far." I grin and have a sip of the rich red wine. Taking a quick peek at the bottle, I’m not surprised to see it’s Gambina wine.
I don't miss the way Oliver’s eyes scan my body and I can't help but do the same. His chest is strong and toned leading to a six pack that points down to the sexy V just above the waistline of his trunks. My mouth waters.
Instead of staring too long, I walk toward the hot tub and ease in. Oliver follows me. The warm water instantly relieves all the stress and tension in my body. I sigh as the jets pound on my upper back.
Everything about today has been easy and fun. I hope asking him about the photos in my room doesn't ruin the vibe, but I can’t wait another minute. I need the truth.
"Lily," Oliver says, moving to sit next to me. "I don't know if you know who I am."
Was he reading my mind? "I think I do. Are you related to the Gambinas?"
His chocolate eyes widen in disbelief. "How did you know?"
"I figured it out when I saw pictures in my room upstairs. Your wine selection tonight sealed it for me."
There’s a knot of concern between his eyebrows. "Oh, I see. Are you upset with me?"
"I’m not sure yet. Why don’t you explain to me what’s going on?" I’m so hungry for his explanation. A small pit forms in my stomach. This is a lie, or more of an omission. Either way, I hope he doesn’t disappoint me. If he does, I have to prepare myself to get up and leave and that’s the last thing I want to do.
Oliver drains his glass and leans over the edge of the hot tub to set it on the ground. He takes my hand in his and looks me straight in the eye. "I use a different last name at work. Nobody there knows I’m a Gambina. If they knew the truth about my family's money, they’d make assumptions about me. They’d think I bought my way into my position, that I didn't work my ass off for it.” He swallows hard. “And I want people to like me for me and not for my money. That’s why I didn’t tell you. I hope you can forgive me for that."
It stings a little that he didn’t feel like he could trust me with that information. I have to look shell-shocked.
“This must come as a big surprise to you, Lily. I’m so sorry for that. Tonight was the night I wanted to open up and tell you. It takes time for me to trust people. Now, I know I can trust you. Please say you understand.” There’s hurt in his eyes and sincerity in his tone and it softens me.
It’s clear that Oliver wasn’t being malicious when he withheld the truth from me. "I think I get it," I tell him. Even though I didn't grow up with money, I can imagine the judgment people pass when they hear that you do have it. Locally, the Gambina name is synonymous with fine wineries and other properties they own, equating to massive wealth. And I can’t forget that I’ve been holding on to a secret of my own.
He breathes out a long sigh of relief. “Good. I’m sorry I didn’t come clean sooner. And all of this”—he gestures toward the house—“belongs to my family.”
“None of this changes the way I feel about you,” I say, and mean it. I like Oliver for the man he is, not for his bank account.
The way his eyes assess me makes me forget to breathe.
Oliver strokes my chin with his fingertips, sending a thrill up my spine. "You're so smart and beautiful. Why are you wasting your time with me?"
I shrug and decide that since he's opening up, I can do the same. "Well, my best friend Sa
vannah is a matchmaker. I work at #MatchMade. This wasn't my idea, it was hers, as part of the terms of my employment."
“Oh, really?” Oliver’s deep gaze bores into me, but there’s humor in his tone. “That is surprising.”
I nod and raise my hand out of the water, watching the droplets drip down my fingertips. “Yeah. Sorry I didn’t tell you. At first, I didn’t think it mattered, but I want you to know now.”
"So, are you saying you didn't want to date me?" he asks in mock surprise.
"No, I didn't really want to. You were always kind of a jerk to me. Are you telling me that you wanted to date me?" If he says yes, I'm going to call him out on it.
He shakes his head with a giant smirk on his face. "Well, no, not really."
"Then we’re even. But what about now? Are you happy we got matched?"
"I am. Because I haven't really been getting to second or third dates lately. I should also apologize for being an asshole to you in the past. It was only because I was jealous about how well your column always did. My competitive side got the better of me. I envied you for your success and that translated to me acting like a child.” He gives me an apologetic smile.
I can’t help but giggle. Never did I realize that he was jealous of me. “Thanks for the apology. But you don’t need to be competitive with me. I’ve read your work. It’s fantastic.”
“Thanks for that. You don’t know how much I appreciate it. Tell me something. Why aren’t you in a long-term relationship?"
His question surprises me. I finish my glass of wine. My entire body is hot from the wine, the hot tub, and now from Oliver’s gaze on mine. "Two years ago, I went through a bad breakup with my ex. We were together for three years. We lived together.”
Oliver runs a finger down the length of my arm, soothing me. "What happened?"
"We were both busy with our jobs. He was stressed out all the time. When he had a bad day, he’d take it out on me."
Oliver’s face looks like he's ready to hop out of the hot tub and go find my ex to kick his ass. "He didn't touch you, did he?"
"No. But when he was like that, he didn't say the nicest things and he drank too much. It wasn't a good cycle and I knew I needed to get away from it, but it was hard for me because I loved him. In the end, it was the best decision, and I haven't looked back."
"It sounds like you made a good choice. Thanks for opening up to me. I can tell it wasn’t easy for you."
Looking into the depths of his brown eyes, they’re so tender and comforting. Everything about Oliver is such a surprise to me. Never in a million years did I dream that I'd be sitting next to him, sharing personal details about my past, but I feel safe with him and I want him to know how much I appreciate him.
Leaning forward, I hold his stare. Lips parting slightly, my breathing picks up. His gaze burns into mine seconds before my mouth presses against his and I’m lost in the feel of him.
Fourteen
Oliver
Lily’s fingertips burn my skin. Heat mixed with a heavy dose of want courses through me. Every inch of me explodes with desire as the kiss deepens.
When she hikes her leg up and over mine, straddling me, I grip her firm round ass and my blood starts to boil.
The kiss grows hungrier as her mouth devours mine. I react, giving it right back to her. The intensity of her mouth on mine is the knowledge that she wants this just as much as I want her and it wakes up my entire body.
I need to do this right—she isn’t a random hookup for me. Pulling back, her gaze lifts to mine. "Come here." My breath is ragged as I stand and reach my hand out for hers. She takes it and gives me a disarming smile. I help her out of the hot tub and bend down, grabbing her under the knees. Lifting her up, I carry her inside, up the stairs to my bedroom.
Once in the room, I set her down gently on my bed. Seeing her lying there in nothing but a skimpy bikini with her chest heaving, I can't remember a time I've wanted anyone more. Joining her on the bed, I lie on top of her and cup her flushed cheeks in my hands. "Are you sure this is what you want?" I ask the very loaded question.
She nods and runs her nails through my hair. The feeling zings down the back of my spine. "I do." The lust in her voice and the certainty in her stare reassure me that she really wants this. Wants me.
Lily giving herself to me tonight is like a gift and I'm not going to waste it.
I tug the tiny strings of her bikini top. It slides off so easily, I can't believe she trusted it to stay on in the water. Her breasts are perfectly round and perky with small pink nipples. I take one in my mouth as I peel off her bottoms.
She writhes against me and I’m overwhelmed by her sweet floral scent—the combination is enough to drive me wild. My body aches for her.
"You're beautiful,” I tell her as I ease my way down between her legs.
"So are you," she moans when I kiss the sweet skin of her thighs.
If I thought I was turned on before, it's nothing compared to hearing those words coming from her mouth.
"I can't wait to taste you," I whisper as I hold her intense gaze.
Dipping my head down, I take her clit in my mouth, caressing it with my tongue.
"Oh, God," she cries out.
I slip one finger inside her. She’s so wet. So responsive. Her body tenses when I work her from the inside, curling my fingers and sucking her sweet flesh.
Our eyes are locked and my blood pumps hard, so damn hard as we share this intimate moment together. My tongue massages her clit with teasing strokes as I bring her closer to the edge. All I want, my only focus, is to get her off.
Lily’s muscles start to tighten and quake.
She wriggles under me and throws her head back. "Yes! Yes," she pants before her body trembles and her hips buck against my mouth.
Getting her off is one of the hottest things I have ever seen.
I need to be inside her.
The intensity in her blue-eyed gaze locks with mine and the electricity between us tells me she’s ready, too.
Pushing off the bed, I slide my trunks off and don't miss the way Lily's eyes widen when she sees me naked, hard as stone and bared to her. I fumble through my suitcase and pull out a condom. Rolling it on, I can't tear my eyes away from hers. I'm still baffled that this insanely beautiful, smart woman wants me as much as I want her.
I ease myself back onto the bed, some of my weight against hers. The ache to be inside her is almost too much. My mouth claims hers as I rock my hips against the smoothness of her curves. "You drive me crazy, Lily. I want you," I hiss.
"What are you waiting for?"
The anticipation is so intense, but that's the only invitation I need.
Locking my lips with hers, I glide inside her. My breath leaves my lungs in a rush and I train my eyes on Lily's.
Nothing has ever felt as good as her soft, wet heat. Pulling almost all the way out, I drive back in.
Lily's nails dig into my shoulders. "Oliver!"
The sound of my name racing past her lips spurs me on. I thrust inside her and her hips rise to meet mine.
Her hands are everywhere, drifting down my chest to my abs, and around my waist to grip my ass. Her touch fuels the fire burning inside me.
Her eyes stay focused on mine as I glide in and out at the perfect angle. There’s an undeniable connection crackling between us that feels acutely intense.
Reaching down, my thumb massages her soaked clit. "Yes," she pants against my mouth. Her muscles start to tense as I pound into her deeper. So. Damn. Deep.
When her sex tightens and her walls constrict around me, she throws her head back and lets out a fervent moan. I watch with rapt attention as her body shudders underneath me. She’s so unbelievably beautiful.
Jaw clenched, I tighten my grip on her hips seconds before I let myself go, my release ripping through my entire body.
We stare at each other and I bring my forehead to hers. It takes a minute before we both stop panting.
Slowly, I pull out an
d lie beside her. The desire to wrap my arms around her is so strong, I can't resist.
What is this woman doing to me?
I never want to cuddle after sex. Fuck, cuddle isn't even in my vocabulary. In fact, I prefer to sleep alone.
Wrapping her in my arms, I bury my face in her hair, breathing in her sweet floral scent mixed with sex. Intoxicating.
It isn't long before her body is limp and relaxed against mine.
I relish the way her warm skin feels against mine and realization hits me. I want her here in my bed, not just now, but as many nights as she’ll have me. I care about her in a way I haven't cared for anyone since Laura.
Even though I know that I don’t deserve her and she can do so much better than me, I don't let myself over-analyze it. Not now. Not after the best sex of my life. No, tonight I sink into the bed and let myself fall asleep with Lily in my arms.
Fifteen
Lily
My heavy eyes want to stay shut, but the bright sunlight peeking through the curtains has my lids easing slowly open. The smell of black cherry and amber has my insides stirring. But what jars me is when I look at Oliver’s side of the bed. He’s gone.
My belly sinks.
Reaching over, the sheets are cold. Where is he?
For a fleeting second, I wonder if he left me here alone.
It can't be possible. Not after last night. There's an undeniable connection between us and I felt it in every touch, kiss, and the way his deep brown eyes with flecks of chestnut stared into mine. Oliver worshiped my body, and in turn, I worshiped his.
I lost track of how many times we had sex.
A muffled sound comes from somewhere in the house. Could that be singing?
Easing my naked body out of bed, I'm not surprised I’m slightly sore from last night. Grabbing Oliver's T-shirt off the floor, I throw it on and make my way down the hall. The unmistakable sound of Oliver's voice gets louder.
The bathroom door is wide open. I tiptoe inside. Emboldened by confidence from all the things I felt last night, I tug the T-shirt over my head, throw it on the floor, and step inside the shower.