by Adele Niles
“What’s up?” he asked. “You okay?”
I nodded. Slowly, I reached out, touching the back of his hand. I took a step closer.
He lifted his hand to my waist, and I put mine on his shoulder.
He leaned down, and I closed the distance between us.
The spark was obvious. I suddenly understood what romance authors meant when they talked about that instant feeling of desire. I’d never been kissed like this, not once in my life.
I closed my eyes and leaned into it.
I felt that warmth again, low in my body.
Between my thighs.
I pulled back from the kiss.
Cooper looked at me, eyebrows raised.
I started to speak. “I—um—”
What was I supposed to say?
Finally, I forced some words out. “Thank you!”
And I ran back to the room.
Chapter Six
Cooper
I woke up feeling good.
I was exhausted, but after Libby had kissed me like that, it was hard not to smile.
I got up and put my trunks on. I loved surfing as the sun came up; the beach was always quiet, and the few guys I surfed with were always out then. It was a great way to start the day.
I went down and retrieved my board from the equipment shed. The other guys were already out, but that’s not what caught my eye.
Libby was sitting on the beach.
She was in her pajamas still, sitting on a towel and watching the sunrise.
She looked gorgeous in the golden light.
I approached her, holding my hand up in greeting. “Hey. How’s the new room?”
She looked up and smiled. “Oh, hi. It’s really great, actually. I’m gonna go back up soon, but I want a few more minutes here, first. I like watching the sun come up.”
I nodded. “That’s why I like coming out to surf this early. It’s so quiet out.”
She nodded. “It’s really peaceful. And I like the gulls.”
That made me chuckle. “They’re bastards when you’re around them every day. But they are funny.”
Libby laughed. “I think they’re kinda cute.”
I shrugged. “I’ll take your word for it, I guess.” I paused, then smiled down at her. “Have you ever gone surfing?”
Slowly, she shook her head. “I’m not, uh, the sportiest girl out there.”
“You don’t have to be sporty. How’s your balance?”
“Mediocre, at best.”
She had a quick wit. I liked it.
“Okay, well, how about this—I’ve got a free spot in my lessons today. At seven. As the sun starts to set. You want it? No charge.”
Libby hesitated. “I…um…”
“Please? I’d hate to have an empty spot in my schedule go to waste.”
She sighed. “Okay. I’ll surf with you.”
“Great. Meet me here at seven?”
“Seven, got it.”
I nodded. “Well. I’m gonna go catch some waves. See you tonight?”
“See you.”
As I turned to jog down the beach, I could feel her watching me.
It was a good feeling.
* * * * *
Libby was waiting on the beach at seven exactly. She looked cute; she had a pink one-piece on, with her hair pulled up in a ponytail.
She waved when she saw me. I jogged toward her, leaving my board on the beach. Nobody would mess with it.
“Hey. You ready?”
She nodded. “I think so. Is there, like, a bunny slope in surfing?”
I laughed and shook my head. “No. But I won’t take you far out. Okay? And we’ll stick together. And if you want a life jacket, I’ll get you one.”
“I might not have great balance, but I’m a strong swimmer. I’ll be okay.”
I nodded. “Cool. Well, let’s go, huh?”
Together, we walked out into the water, about to our waists. I brought my board with me. It was better than the ones owned by the resort, and I knew how to balance it properly in the water.
“So, first step is lying on the board.”
“Lying on it?” Libby looked at me, head cocked. “That’s it?”
“It’s step one. Climb up.”
She climbed up, astride the board in the center. The back tipped under the water.
“Okay, so when that happens, you’re too far back. We call it corking.”
“Corking?” She chuckled. “Why?”
“I dunno. It’s just the lingo. I guess because corks float in the water? Here, let me help you.”
I helped her slide forward, an inch at a time, until the board floated evenly in the water. I pulled a piece of yellow wax from my pocket and marked the spot where her chin sat.
And I said I silent prayer of thanks to whoever might be listening that I was mostly underwater.
Touching her, seeing her laid out like this, had me rock-hard in my trunks.
We spent an hour out on the water. I taught Libby how to paddle, how to get herself sitting, then kneeling, on the board. She actually managed to stand up once before tipping herself into the water. She came up laughing, even as she wiped salt water out of her eyes.
I went to her then, putting a hand on her shoulder. “You okay?”
Libby nodded, still laughing. “I’m really bad at this, but it’s fun!”
“You’re not bad! You’re actually getting the hang of it pretty quickly!” I looked at my waterproof watch and smiled. “We should head in. But, hey, are you busy after this?”
She looked up at me, shaking her head. “No. Kylee’s going to the karaoke thing tonight, but I was just gonna stay in and read. Why?”
I shrugged. “You want to have dinner?”
She lit up. “Yeah, I’d love to!”
“Awesome.” I nodded. “The restaurant here is pretty good.”
“Sure. Um, can I go clean up first?” She gestured to her hair, which was a mess from falling in the water.
“Yeah. I’ll be at the bar, okay? You come meet me when you’re ready.” I smiled.
So did she. “I will. I’ll see you in a little bit.”
I leaned on my board as I watched her walk back up the sand, grabbing her towel as she went.
I climbed on to my board and turned, paddling out. I needed to calm down before dinner. If I didn’t, I’d be in trouble.
Chapter Seven
Libby
I burst into the room, scaring Kylee, who was sitting on the couch. She looked up, eyes wide, then relaxed when she saw me.
“How was surfing?”
“Great, but that’s not important! He asked me to dinner!”
“Cooper?”
“Yeah!”
She leapt off the couch, walking toward my room. “You go shower and do your hair, I’ll pick your outfit. Okay?”
“Okay.” I nodded, hurrying to the bathroom.
I hadn’t felt butterflies in my stomach like this in so long. I was excited, and nervous, and I wanted it to be happening and be over at the same time.
I showered quickly and dried my hair. I didn’t usually wear makeup, but I’d brought an eyeliner and lipstick with me; I applied them carefully and walked out into my bedroom, wrapped in my towel.
Kylee had an outfit laid out on the bed for me—a pretty sundress I’d packed, one of her cardigans, and a flower clip for my hair. She’d even picked out a necklace and bracelet to wear with it, and a pair of sandals. She smiled proudly, gesturing to the outfit with both hands. “Ta-dah! What do you think?”
I smiled. “It’s perfect.”
“Good! Get dressed, huh? Don’t make him wait.”
“Okay, okay! I’ll show you when I’m ready.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
When I walked out of the bedroom ten minutes later, Kylee grinned. She got up and came closer, adjusting the flower in my hair before nodding. “Gorgeous. You look like a million bucks.”
I nodded and reached toward my purse for my pho
ne. But it wasn’t there.
Right, it was in the safe.
I hadn’t thought about it all day.
“Hey, can you take a picture? Because I actually feel really pretty.”
Kylee had more self-control than I did. Her phone wasn’t locked up.
“Of course!” She grinned and went to get it, snapping a few pictures and showing them to me.
I did look really good.
I hoped Cooper would like it.
* * * * *
He was waiting at the bar, just like he’d said. He cleaned up nice; he was wearing jeans and a burgundy button-up, his hair combed back and still damp from a shower.
It was a good look on him.
And when he saw me, he smiled.
“Hey, you.” He opened one arm to me, giving me a side-hug. It wasn’t too much, and I appreciated it.
I leaned into him.
He smelled good—a little like coconut, but still masculine.
It made that same heat pool between my thighs.
“I got us a table at the restaurant, so are you ready?” he asked.
He took my hand, and together we walked to the other side. The hostess seated us immediately, calling him Mr. Vance. I assumed they knew each other from working here, and didn’t comment on it.
Neither did he.
I wasn’t surprised that the menu was mostly seafood. We were on the beach; it was what people wanted.
And I wasn’t going to say no to a plate full of coconut shrimp and pineapple rice.
Cooper ordered us a bottle of wine without asking, and I didn’t mind. I showed my ID cheerfully, glad to still get carded.
“So, did you have fun surfing?” he asked.
I felt my face get hot. “I was worried about it at first, but it ended up being pretty fun. I’d love to try it again sometime.”
He nodded. “If I have any more slots open up, I’ll let you know. People drop all the time, and I don’t rush to fill the spots that get cancelled. I’d rather give them out for free.”
“That’s really nice of you. But if somebody else seems interested, let them have it. Okay?”
He shrugged. “I guess I’ll just have to take you on my time off.”
I blushed.
Because my mind did not go to surfing when he said that.
Dinner was wonderful. The conversation was easy, and Cooper kept slipping in little comments that sounded, well…sexual.
Was it just me? My mind was in the gutter.
Maybe Kylee was right.
Maybe I did need a hookup.
And maybe Cooper was the answer.
Time passed quickly. We ate dinner and ordered a piece of key lime cheesecake for dessert. Around us, the restaurant emptied out. It wasn’t until our waitress approached and whispered to Cooper that he looked at his watch.
“Holy shit. They closed ten minutes ago.” He laughed nervously and smiled at the waitress. “Can we take a bottle of wine to go? And you can bill my room.”
She nodded. “Of course, Mr. Vance. I’ll grab that bottle and you’ll be good to go.” She looked my way and smiled.
I felt important. Which was weird, but I liked it.
Cooper removed his wallet from his pocket. He folded a bill and tucked it under his dessert plate. We chatted for a moment longer, until the waitress brought him the wine.
When we stood, he took my hand again. “Come up and have a drink with me?”
“I’d love to.”
The elevator was empty. I stood close to Cooper, looking up at him.
My mind was made up.
I was sleeping with him. Tonight.
He let us into his suite and put the wine down on the kitchen counter.
While his back was turned, I took off my cardigan. Without it, the dress showed a lot of cleavage. I hoped he would like it.
When he turned around and saw me, he grinned.
I guessed he did like it.
“Make yourself at home,” he teased, coming closer.
I smiled shyly, holding my arms out to him. He came closer, pulling me into an embrace.
“You look like you want something.” He shifted, nudging me to take a step backward toward the couch.
I went willingly. “I do.”
“Yeah? What do you want?”
“You. And me. In your bed.”
Cooper raised his eyebrows. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
He ran one hand up my back until he found the zipper of my dress.
He pulled it down, as slowly as possible.
I rose up on my toes to kiss him.
Cooper pulled the straps of my dress down my shoulders. I let go of him, shrugging it off and letting it fall to the floor. Immediately, he unhooked my bra and pulled it off, too.
And then he bent down, wrapping his arms around my thighs, and lifted me off my feet.
I gasped, wrapping my arms around his neck.
He carried me down the hall, not stopping until he could drop me on the bed. I bounced once on his king-size mattress, laughing.
Cooper pulled his shirt off before leaning over me, kissing me hungrily. I wrapped my arms around his neck again, trying to pull him closer.
I wanted him. I wanted him more than I’d ever wanted anyone.
“Cooper, please,” I mumbled between kisses.
He responded by sliding one hand between my thighs, pressing one finger against my clit through my panties.
I gasped, pressing against his hand.
He laughed softly, rubbing in slow circles. “Do you always get this wet?”
I shivered, heat flooding my face. “I—”
“Shh, shh. I like it. Don’t be embarrassed.”
“Okay.” I nodded, but I was sure I was still blushing.
But then he slid his hand inside my panties.
I saw stars.
“Libby,” he said. “Holy shit, you feel wonderful. So wet for me.” He pushed two fingers inside me.
It was almost enough to make me come on the spot.
I looked up at him. I was sure I looked as desperate as I felt. “Please don’t make me wait.”
Cooper laughed and pulled his fingers out. He finished undressing fast. I pulled my panties off and tossed them to the floor while he got a condom.
He came back to me, the condom already on, and wasted no time taking me.
He felt huge.
I moaned, wrapping both arms around him and pulling him down for another kiss.
His hips moved against mine, his cock sliding almost completely out before he buried it back inside me.
Ryan had never fucked me like this. It had always felt like a chore to get him in bed.
Cooper was incredible.
Every movement made me gasp, moan, beg for more. I couldn’t help the way I pulled him closer, dug my nails into his back—it felt incredible.
I was so close already.
“Cooper!” It was the most warning I could give him. My legs lifted off the bed, wrapping tight around his waist. I pulled him as close as I could, all the need and desire inside me coiling tighter before bursting.
I felt him still inside me, then his whole body dropped on top of mine.
We lay still in the dim light, holding each other.
He pulled out slowly, tucked me into bed.
I watched him walk toward the bathroom, still awed at his incredible body.
And I fell asleep before he came back.
Chapter Eight
Cooper
My alarm chimed at five a.m.
I always woke up this early. It was the right time to get out and surf.
But this morning, it was harder to leave.
Libby was in bed beside me, naked, the flower still in her hair.
I sighed softly, leaning to kiss her forehead.
She’d be all right.
I got up and made coffee, pouring a cup for her and leaving it on the counter. I wrote a note, too, leaving it with the cup—Went out to hit the waves. Hope
you slept well. Dinner tonight? Come find me on the beach. -C
There. That was good.
I glanced back at her one more time, then headed out to start my day with the sun.
* * * * *
I came in from my morning surf. Libby was down in the lobby of the resort, sitting at a table beside the little cafe.
I smiled at her.
She didn’t smile back.
I approached. “Hey. Morning. How’re you?”
She looked up from her coffee and muffin, then back down. “Well, I didn’t expect to wake up alone this morning.”
Shit.
I opened my mouth, then closed it.
There was no way for me to get out of this except to apologize.
“Libby, um, I’m sorry.” I smiled weakly. “I should’ve stayed, you’re right. I’m kind of a creature of habit, and I didn’t think about it.”
She did it again—glanced up, then back down.
And then she sighed.
“I just, I dunno. Maybe last night was a mistake.”
“What do you mean?”
She shrugged. “I’m getting over a breakup. A pretty rough one. And Kylee kept saying I should have some fun, have a fling, but I’m not a fling kind of girl. And I was drunk, and…”
And she regretted it.
I hadn’t expected that to sting so much.
“Okay, so what do you need? From me?” I sat down at the table across from her.
Libby shrugged. “Space, I guess? Time? I just need to think about whether this is smart or not.”
“Okay.” I nodded. “I can do that. Like, no contact kind of space?”
“For now?” She bit her lip nervously, still avoiding my eye. “Is that okay?”
“Yeah, it’s fine. Whatever you need. I get it.”
“Okay.” She sniffled softly. “I’ll see you later.”
“You know where to find me.”
She nodded and grabbed her muffin and cup. I watched her go, taking her breakfast with her.
As she walked away, it hit me.
I was already falling for her.
And I might already be losing her.
Maybe it would work out. Maybe she’d figure it out and we could try again.
I could hope, anyway.
Chapter Nine
Libby
When I got back to the room, still in clothes from last night, Kylee was awake. She sat at the table on the balcony, eating French toast from the room service. She smiled when she saw me, but her grin faded fast. “Libby? Are you okay?”