by Tia Louise
“Oh!” My nose wrinkled. “I forgot! I did it last week right after we worked together. I was testing that theory about change doing a body good.”
I helped her get her form right as she curled the small dumbbells. “Did it?”
Twisting my lips, I thought about her question. “It sort of did. Then I had this setback. Then… I don’t know. I feel like I’m almost right back to where I started last week.”
Lowering the light weights, she patted me. “It is a bit of a wave-pool when you venture back into the water. Don’t be discouraged.”
Slayde entered the fitness room headed in the direction of the men’s lockers. On their own, my eyes flew to his, and when they met, my chest clenched and I looked away.
Mrs. Clarkson didn’t miss a bit of it. When I turned back to her, her eyes narrowed. “Interesting,” was all she said, and I almost died of embarrassment.
“Sorry. I-uh… that’s the new maintenance guy, Slayde.”
I led her over to the resistance ball to finish her session with balance moves, but when I turned to face her, a tiny grin was at the corner of her mouth.
My arms were straight out, palms up to meet hers. “Ready?”
She nodded, placing her cool hands in mine. “He’s very handsome.”
Squatting with her as she sat down, I tried hard not to think about it. I tried instead to focus on the way he turned tail and ran at the mention of my sweet little boy.
“He’s not my type.” I rose with her and prepared to take her down again.
Her laugh was high. “Oh, honey. A man like that is everybody’s type.”
Wavering between an eye roll and a growl, I shook my head. “Looks are one thing, but I’ve talked with him a few times.”
She pressed her lips together, but her eyes still danced. “Judging by the look you exchanged, it must’ve been quite a conversation.”
I thought about last week, and how we’d discussed her husband and surviving the pain of loss. She was someone I could trust. I thought about how to ask my question as scientifically as possible.
“In your experience,” I started, “do you think men usually like children?”
Her face lined as she considered it. “Children in general or their own?”
I hadn’t really thought about it that way. “Umm… in general?”
“I’m not sure I understand why you’re asking me this. What was your experience with your friend Patrick?”
Reflecting on how that played out, I wasn’t sure it was a fair comparison. “He sort of freaked out.” I remembered Patrick shooting his and my whiskeys the night I told him. “Of course, it had been months since I’d seen him. And he was pretty serious with another woman at the time.”
“Hmm.” Her lips pressed into a thin line. “That was his reaction to his own child?”
Now who was the clever one? She’d figured out my question before I’d even asked it. “I guess I see your point. It depends on the man?”
“And the situation and his experience with fatherhood, his own father. So many factors come into play with men and children.” We were slowly walking toward the juice bar. “What is consistent is the way most all men melt the first time they hold their own baby in their arms. It’s a game-changer.”
Game changer… As usual, she’d changed my outlook as she walked out the door.
The rest of the day, my chat with Mrs. Clarkson was on my mind. Mariska had begged for details about Slayde, but I told her the truth. Nothing happened. Then I left and drove myself to the pier where Patrick and I had sat after we told my parents about Lane. It was a special place to me.
The sun was setting over the water, and the sky was turning shades of blue, pink, and orange. It was beautiful, and I needed to bring my canvass down here more often and paint. Just because I took the semester off college didn’t mean I’d given up on my art.
Standing, I dusted my black jeans and turned only to stop dead in my tracks. Slayde waited at the end of the pier. His expression was a mixture of surprise and curiosity, and I decided I wasn’t angry with him. I wanted to go to him.
“Are you following me?” I teased as I got closer to where he stood.
His chin dropped, and with a slight grin, he cut those stomach-clenching eyes up at me. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”
Taking a few steps closer, I stopped when I was right in front of him. “You can’t because I asked you first.”
Where my show of bravado was coming from, I had no idea. I was doing good to breathe normally this close to him. It was the first time I’d seen him outside the gym—when he wasn’t saving my life—and he was so relaxed and casual. Still guarded, but almost happy. And oh, so sexy.
Straightening, he pushed his fists into the pockets of his jeans. “I live right over there.” He nodded toward a run-down apartment complex. “It’s a shitty place, but this is my living room. Every night I walk on the beach.”
Winking one eye, I smiled. “Are you saying this time I interrupted your routine?”
“I guess you did.” He exhaled a laugh, and he was so handsome with the fading orange light brightening his face. All signs of the troubled guy I’d seen this morning were gone.
“Since I let you box with me, will you let me walk with you?” I’d kicked off my shoes, and we had already taken a few steps together in the soft sand.
He shrugged. “It’s a free country.”
Laughing, I crossed my arms over my chest. “That’s not a very encouraging answer.”
Small waves broke along the shoreline as we walked, occasionally covering our bare feet. It was like ice, and I squealed. Slayde laughed, and it was the greatest sound. I caught his arm and traded positions with him, and for a while we only walked, watching the water. It was thrilling, and at the same time so easy being with him.
“What brought you to Bayville of all places?” I asked, stealing a glance at his profile. He was stunning in the twilight with the light breeze blowing his dark hair across his forehead. “There are plenty of better options.”
He looked out at the sky and exhaled. “I was looking for a place that was simple. I wanted to be close to the water. I rolled the dice, I guess.” He looked at me then, his blue eyes forcing me to blink away. “Why are you here?”
“I grew up here. Left as fast as I could.” I took a deep breath. “Then when I got pregnant, it seemed like the thing to do. Come home, be near my parents, regroup.”
“But you stayed.”
Pressing my lips together, I nodded. “I guess I found more to stay for coming back than I thought I would.”
We walked in silence a few moments. He cleared his throat, his voice more serious now. “Are you doing okay? Since the other night, I mean? Any… problems?”
I pushed my hair away from my face. “None that I’ve noticed. I haven’t been in a similar situation, so I don’t know if I’m scarred or anything.”
I stopped short of telling him whenever he was with me, I felt incredibly safe. Our eyes met, and he held mine a moment.
“You’re kind of in a situation like that now, walking with me here on the beach… Are you afraid?”
Stopping, I put my hands on my hips. “Are you saying you’re going to try something?”
His eyes went wide. “I would never hurt you!”
“I was only teasing,” I laughed, touching his arm as we resumed walking, feeling bolder somehow. “But I guess you have a point. It is sort of a similar situation.” I stopped again, but this time, I took a breath and said it. “I don’t think I could ever feel afraid if you’re around.”
His expression relaxed and that warm smile returned. It was amazing how it made him look so different—approachable, kissable. I felt the side of his hand brush against mine, and I allowed my pinky finger to curl with his. My chest was so tight. I didn’t want to do or say anything that might break our connection.
After several paces, he pivoted to face the direction we’d come. “We should probably head back.”
The way he stood put him directly in front of me. A few steps more, and I walked right into his arms. Our chests touched, and he lifted his hands to the sides of my face, smoothing back my hair. “We’re pretty far from everything.”
My body was on fire pressed against his, and his thumbs lightly traced my cheeks. My voice was a soft whisper, my chin lifted. “It’s like we’re the only people on Earth.”
His blue eyes penetrated my gaze, and I parted my lips. Blinking to my mouth, I could almost see the internal struggle waging behind those eyes. I remembered Rook commenting on his kickass control, and all I could think was Stop fighting.
A low groan was the last thing I heard before his arms were around me, lips roughly covering mine. He consumed me in a desperate kiss that spun my head. Reaching to hold him, I barely registered him lifting me from the sand. My mouth moved quickly, again and again with his, as a hum of satisfaction ached from my throat.
The noise seemed to enflame him, and I felt his hand scoop under my ass. My legs went around his waist, and I kissed him deeper, as if my life depended on it, as if this moment were the only thing keeping me alive.
Our lips sealed together, bodies touching everywhere, from my hands clutching his neck to his arms around me—everything was united in this incredible kiss. When at last he lowered me again, I held on, not wanting us to part.
He cupped my cheeks and kissed my lips, my chin, my cheek, my nose, my closed eyes, before pulling me tight against him, enveloping me in a hug that was more than warm. It was passionate and protective and so intimate. God, I wanted him so bad it hurt.
Slowly the waves of emotion in my brain subsided. I was acutely aware of us, breathing rapidly, his cheek against my head. “I’ve wanted to do that for two days.”
Lifting my face, I traced a finger down the line in his chin. “I’ve wanted to do that for two days.”
He smiled, revealing straight, white teeth. “That’s all you’ve wanted to do?”
“No.” Our eyes joined. “I’ve wanted to do a lot more.”
“A lot more?” His voice turned daring. “I was pretty sure you were mad at me this morning.”
All of that seemed miles away now. In this place it was just the two of us, holding each other, breathing each other’s breath, no conflict.
“I can’t remember this morning.”
A low noise rumbled in his throat just before his mouth covered mine again. This kiss was even more intense, and I felt his hands moving from my cheeks to my waist to my back and then lower, cupping my ass. A little whimper came from me as he clutched me against him, and I could feel his erection hard at my stomach. Yes. The word ached from deep in my core. My inner muscles clenched, and all I wanted was for him to fill that need in me.
He kissed me again and again before pulling his head back with a deep breath and another groan. “Kenny.” He hugged me against his chest, working to calm his body’s responses. It was so sexy, I struggled not to tear his shirt off.
“I need to get you back to your car.” He grasped my hand firmly in his and started walking the way we’d come. I followed trying to keep his pace, skipping along the sand. Every minute or so, he’d glance back. I could’ve flown at this point.
Once we were at the boardwalk, he stopped and faced me. The lights were all on now, and they cast shimmering-white circles on the black water. Moths and other bugs flew wildly at the lamps, seduced by their humming glow. I was seduced by him.
Pulling me against his chest, he leaned down and kissed my cheek, the side of my ear, before whispering, “I want you in my bed so badly.”
“Okay.” I didn’t even hesitate, but he did.
He leaned back, holding my cheeks. “God, you’re killing me. You know that?”
“Why? What’s wrong?” I wanted nothing more than to spend the night wrapped in his arms. “Isn’t your place right over there?”
“Yes.” His gaze raked over my body and back to my eyes. It was thrilling. He ran his thumbs over my throbbing lips, and I wanted him to kiss me again. “I need to take care of a few things first. I’m not ready for you to see my place.”
I put my fingers on his square chin again, running my thumb down that sexy line. “You make it sound like you’re hiding something illegal.”
“No.” Pulling my face to his, he kissed me deeply one more time, sliding his tongue to mine, tracing the rim of my lips before pulling the bottom one between his teeth.
I couldn’t help a little whimper. “You’re a horrible tease.”
“You have no idea how this is killing me.”
“You could always come to my place.”
He was quiet a moment, thoughtful. “You have a point.” Looking up at my car and then back to me, he grinned. “Give me twenty-four hours.”
My brow lined and he kissed it, lowering his hands to my waist. Then his lips moved to my temple, and he took a slow inhale. “You smell so good. I can’t wait to have my mouth all over your body, Kendra Woods.”
A thrill surged through my core. “I can’t wait either, Slayde Bennett.”
He pulled my face up and kissed me several more times before stepping back. “Now get out of here before I forget I’m a gentleman.”
“Are you a gentleman?” I squinted.
“Not really.” A naughty gleam hit his eye, and I was sure I’d have to change panties when I got home. “With you I try to be.”
Stepping forward, I caught his cheeks and kissed him hard. “Don’t try too hard. I’ve never been much for gentlemen.”
“Go. Now.” His voice was almost a growl.
“If you insist.” Shaking my head, I skipped away to my car. If he wanted to delay our gratification, I could play that game—as sucky as it was.
Pausing, I looked back one last time. He stood there in his jeans and white tee with his hands in his back pockets. That sexy grin was on his lips, and he was yummy enough to eat—or at least run my tongue all over.
I blew him a kiss, and with that we said goodnight.
13
“Take every chance.”
Slayde
My head was on fire; my whole body was on fire as I stood there watching her drive away. I couldn’t believe I let her go. Everything in me wanted to carry her back to my place and make love to her every way I knew how—on the bed, on the table, in the shower, against the wall… Would she scream when she came? Was she quiet? Did she make that sexy little moan? Fuck! What was I doing?
I was being smart. I had to let her go. I didn’t have condoms for one thing; my apartment was a shithole for another. It might work for me to eat, sleep, and shower here, and call the beach my living room. With Kenny, I wanted something better—clean sheets, for starters. Flowers would be a bonus. Maybe I could grill something for her to eat. Or not. I couldn’t tell what her appetite was like.
All I knew was she filled my mind like the most powerful drug. Only boxing felt this good. Lying back on my bed, I stared at the ceiling remembering her mouth. She tasted like sugar and mint, just like she smelled, and she felt like heaven. I was counting the minutes until I’d see her again. I didn’t work on Sundays, but I’d be in early for our training session. Pulling out my phone I wished I’d gotten her number.
I needed to buy more minutes.
Tension ached in my throat the next morning. Would she be different when I saw her again? Would she change her mind? Half the night I’d tossed and turned, reliving the feel of her lips against mine, the amazing sensation of lifting her small body in my arms, her legs wrapped around my waist. She weighed next to nothing, and I could’ve held her that way for hours exploring that mouth. Delicious.
I rounded the corner at the gym and there she was. Her gorgeous blue eyes flickered to mine and then away again like little birds.
“I wasn’t sure you’d come in, since it’s your day off.” She smiled, that dimple appeared, and my tension released.
I walked over to where she sat on the bench, doing my best not to look like I was ready to j
ump her. “You didn’t think I’d miss our workout?”
“But you’re not training me, remember?”
“I can make an exception in this case, I guess.”
“You guess.” She stood in front of me then, facing me with a grin. Those gel gloves were on her hands, and she was so small and fierce. I wanted to sweep her up and kiss her until she couldn’t see straight. “What happened to ‘I don’t fight anymore’?”
Our bodies were so close, I couldn’t resist wrapping my finger in the ends of her long purple ponytail, giving it a little tug. “I’m not fighting. I don’t fight girls.”
Her eyes flashed, and my stomach tightened. Damn she was sexy. “I’ll kick your ass, Slayde Bennett.”
“Oh, yeah?” I smiled and her eyes darkened.
She punched my shoulder with one of the gel gloves. I barely even felt it. “See that poster? I’m the tiger. Me!”
I couldn’t help laughing. “That all you got, Tiger?”
She punched me harder, still bouncing. “How bout that?” Then she did it again, right, left, right. I caught her around the arms and lifted her, pinning those little fists against her chest.
“Put me down!” She struggled for a second before her chin lifted. Our mouths were a breath apart, and if this was a test, I didn’t give a shit about passing it.
“Fuck it.” I lowered her and caught her face, covering her mouth with mine. All the frustration from last night flowed into that single act, and she let out that sexy little moan as her arms wrapped around my neck.
Mint and sugar were on my tongue, and I moved my hands to her waist as our tongues curled together. I wanted to consume that smart mouth.
She gasped and broke away, turning her face. I took that opportunity to touch her neck with the tip of my tongue before closing my lips against her skin.
“Oh, god,” she gasped, before catching my face again and pressing her lips to mine. Our kisses were fast and desperate, almost as if our mouths were chasing each other’s.
My hands fumbled with the edge of her tank until I found her bare skin and slid my palms across it, cupping her lower back and drawing her close to me. From there, my hands moved lower, scooping her up by that fine little ass as her legs went around my waist. She moved against me in a way that I knew was getting her off. Another little whimper, and it was like gasoline on a fire already raging in my chest.