by Ellie Hall
At last, the lightning crackling between them found a place to strike. Directly to the chest as their hearts thundered against one another.
It lit her up from within and the electricity came off him in waves.
The pressure in his kiss was intense as their mouths moved together, daring each other to withstand the heat and the passion between them. Her foot popped, lifting off the floor.
His fingers threaded through hers, pulling her closer then they slid to her back. He cradled her head. It was as though he wanted to explore all of her but wasn’t sure where to start.
She’d memorized the contours of his frame, but he was larger and more muscular than the first time they’d been together. His lips had left an impression on hers that she’d never forgotten, but that time there was something behind them that she hadn’t felt before. It was something more permanent, more lasting, and it scared her more than the first moment she’d stepped onstage because she had to ask herself if she could she trust him.
She had no answer so she deepened the kiss, wanting to enjoy it while it lasted.
Chapter 10
Blake
Blake recalled the first time he’d kissed Cece and the overwhelming emotions that came with it. He’d never felt that way about a girl and it terrified him. It was like a storm was coming and instead of waiting it out, he’d run. But not again.
His lips on hers wasn’t just a kiss. It was a promise to be true. To give himself to her because he knew nothing in the world would ever feel so good, so right. For so long, he feared he didn’t deserve that kind of joy.
As her soft, tender lips danced against his, he was ready. Ready for her. For their future. He hoped.
The sweet movement of her mouth turned demanding, hungry, almost like she read his thoughts and answered with a dare.
She dared him to wrap his arms around her.
To tighten his grip.
To deepen the kiss.
To see where it led.
To trust it would be someplace good.
Not to run.
Not to escape.
Not to be afraid.
Not to let go.
His hands brushed from her waist to her upper arms, then curled around her jaw, holding her in place as the kiss continued.
She gripped his hands then, lacing her fingers around his.
They were in it. Holding onto each other through the storm.
Blake could feel the hum of energy, of electricity like the kind before a hurricane, tornado, or some other force of nature. It sent tingles through his body as he continued to kiss Cece. But they were the storm. Two people: wild with emotion, with histories, with fears colliding together.
His heart thudded in his chest, pounding like thunder.
Their arms brushed. Zing.
Their knees knocked. Zap.
Blake had four brothers and had endured numerous battles over footballs and girls. He’d sustained ski injuries, broken three bones, and once got a concussion. There’d even been a freak accident involving a hammer, the swimming pool, and his wrist, but he’d never been struck by lightning. The crackling energy that had grown between them during the last month of Cece’s stay finally exploded in one, long, electrifying kiss and he wanted more.
He wanted so much more but wasn’t sure he could trust himself.
Still, he kissed her, never wanting it to end.
As the next week passed, Blake and Cece settled into a routine of watching the sunrise and praying together. Then she’d walk the grounds, collecting seashells before retreating to the mini music studio while he tended to his responsibilities at the resort. They’d meet up in the afternoon for a nap in the hammock, a swim in the pool, a game of ping pong, or any number of other activities ranging from the simple to the luxurious. Then in the evening they’d dine and watch the sunset together.
However, there was nothing routine about their kisses. Each one was different from the last but equally powerful and filled with desire.
Blake sat in a beach chair, in much the same place as he was when Cece arrived and she’d nearly drowned. If he was alone with his thoughts for too long, he’d dip into questions like what if he hadn’t been there? Hadn’t seen her? What if he’d been too late?
The soft humming of her angelic voice came from down the path before she joined him to watch the last light of the day before it sunk into the sea.
“I haven’t heard that one before,” he said as she settled next to him, snuggling close.
The two were like magnets, drawn together and if for some reason they were in a room but unable to be by the other’s side, the force between them sizzled. It was almost tangible like a live wire, drawing them closer and closer until they connected.
“It’s a new song.”
“Care to share it?”
“It’s about you.” She gripped his side and squeezed.
“Then all the more reason. Let’s hear it.”
“Remember, the last time I wrote a song about you an entire legion of women banded together, raging against the jerk who broke my heart.”
“Do they still hate me?”
“Definitely.”
“Maybe you could change their minds. Prove to them that I’m lovable.” It was almost as if someone else was speaking. Was he lovable? He’d never experienced that before. Lust, sure, but not the other L word. “Come on, I dare you.”
“Remember what happened last time you dared me to do something?” She lifted an eyebrow.
“Was it something like this?” He craned his neck and kissed her cheek, then her temple, then her chin. In moments, the sunset was nearly forgotten and they were in each other’s arms, smooching.
“Wait,” Cece suddenly said, pulling back.
His eyes met hers and then followed her gaze to the horizon. They caught the thin crescent of the sun as it seemingly melted into the sea.
“Didn’t want to miss it.”
“A storm is coming,” he said, feeling the thick humidity and shift in the air pressure.
“But the sky is clear.”
They were both silent a beat as the stars slowly appeared
“All the same. It’s quiet here…when your phone isn’t on.” He elbowed her.
She bumped her shoulder against his. “Hey, I’ve been better about leaving it in the cabana.”
“But I know you rush back to it and check your notifications and leave status updates.”
“How do you know?”
He didn’t want to tell her his security team was monitoring the internet closely. Not the content of the messages she left because that was an invasion of privacy, but after the incident with the drone and the threats, he wanted to be sure no one breached her location. In doing so, he was alerted when she was on her phone, which was often.
“How do I know there’s a storm coming?” he asked, sidestepping her actual question. “When you’ve been here long enough, you start to notice things. Like the feel of the air.” He turned and brushed his nose against her cheek in a playful and affectionate gesture. His gaze settled on her. “Like how your eyes crinkle when you laugh. How you have a freckle behind your ear. How you smile against my mouth when I do this.” He went in for a kiss, relishing the way her lips felt against his. How she felt small yet safe in his arms. How he could feel the beat of her heart pounding against his.
Her breath caught. She smiled against his mouth. They kissed as the stars blinked on.
They laid in the sand, hand in hand, watching the night sky before the clouds filled in.
The next morning, Blake woke to the sound of whipping wind. The staff at the resort took the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the guests and grounds. The lounge cushions were stowed, the Bermuda shutters closed, and anything that could blow away or blow through a window was battened down.
Blake’s pulse quickened as he quickly dressed and then hurried to Cece’s cabana. He knew she was safe but had the inexplicable urge to want to be sure, to always want to protect h
er.
He knocked on the door.
“Come in.” Her reply was muffled.
Glancing around the cabana, he didn’t see her. He paced toward the kitchen. Then doubled back. She was little more than a lump under the covers on the bed.
“Are you hiding from the storm?” he asked, peeling back the blanket.
Her hair was growing in and ruffled from the fabric. She snapped the blanket back and burrowed deeper. He rocked back on his heels and let out a low chuckle.
“It’s not funny.”
“You’re cute.”
She peeked out from under her covers. “Okay, I won’t disagree with that.”
“What are you doing under there?”
“What are you doing in here?”
“Making sure you’re okay.”
“Remember when we were playing truth or dare and you told me you’re afraid of the dark.”
“I’m no longer afraid of the dark.” It was true, he’d forced himself to overcome it. No, he was afraid of falling. Not like tripping over a sandal, which he narrowly avoided as he sat down in a chair opposite the bed. He was afraid of falling in love. Much like she’d mentioned she worried about the unknown, whether anyone would be in the audience or whether they’d like her music, he feared falling in love because it was unknown territory. He knew it would change him, and he wasn’t sure of the person he’d become.
She went on. “Well, I’m afraid of storms. The kind with loud wind, thunder, and lightning. I grew up in Florida and we had terrible hurricanes.”
“This one won’t be that bad.”
“How do you know? You could be wrong.”
“I could be right.” He got to his feet and pulled off the covers before wrapping them around his shoulders like a cape. “I’ll protect you.” Then he scooped her up and brought her to the couch. “We’ll hunker down together. Watch old movies. Make brownies. And wait it out.”
Mostly, they cuddled and kissed on the couch as the wind howled and thunder shook the cabana.
When lightning illuminated the dim room, followed by a cracking so loud Blake’s ears were ringing, she clung to him and then swiftly pushed away.
“You okay?” he asked, confused at her abrupt change in demeanor. “It’s passing. It’ll be over soon.” The double meaning of that comment wasn’t lost to him. His chest squeezed.
She took his hand.
It was like they both knew their time together wouldn’t last, but their real fear was admitting it.
The wind eventually slowed and the rain continued to patter outside. They watched a movie and ate half a pan of brownies. Blake was trim, fit, and never one to overindulge, but Cece’s brownies, even though they were out of a box, were delicious. Probably because she made them.
As they snuggled together, she suddenly put her phone down and sat up. He wanted to smash the thing and draw her back into his arms. The websites, posts, and constant rumor feed had the ability to make her light up with excitement and gratification, or crush her in an instant. It was like her emotional state was tied into whether the fans and media were raving about her or reviling her.
“You know how people are speculating that my sister was abusing drugs and overdosed?” A beep indicating an incoming message sounded and she checked it, interrupting herself.
She may have had an unhealthy relationship with her phone, but other than that Cece was virtuous. She was a great role model for younger fans, aspiring musicians, and everyone who listened to her music. She had an inspiring message, minus that one song about him. Over the years, he did pay attention to her celebritydom and music. How could he not? She was talented and amazing. He couldn’t ignore her, but unfortunately neither could her haters. He didn’t believe any of the rumors.
She set the phone down. “Anyway, as I was saying. My manager and record label love the new song I wrote about Serena. But they’re not necessarily going to love what I want to do with it.”
“Which is?” he asked with anticipation.
“Serena never wanted to be photographed or be in the public eye. She was private like that. And I was always the ham, dancing and singing around the house, at school, everywhere. I don’t know if it would go against her wishes, but I have loads of personal recordings of us over the years. I want to create a video of her life, leading up to when she got the diagnosis and then to the end. I want to put it to the song.” The corners of her eyes tightened and her chin trembled.
“I don’t think she’d mind that.”
“It’ll be sad, but it’ll also show everyone there’s no shame in a diagnosis. Nothing to hide. She laughed up until the end.” The tears flowed freely toward Cece’s chin.
Blake wiped them away with his thumbs and held her close as he’d wanted to do for so long but had fought against it, keeping his distance.
“I want to show everyone her real-life story. The highs and the lows. To inspire and connect. All the proceeds from the song I’ll donate to girls who’re dealing with the same thing. I’ll visit them in the hospital or hospice. I’ll sing to them and hold their hands and be there.” Cece sniffed. “It might not be glamorous. It’s definitely not glitzy or whatever, but it might bring joy. It might make them feel less alone.” She took a deep breath. “It might make me feel less alone.”
“You have the biggest heart, Cecelia.” Blake squeezed her hand and met her tear-filled eyes. “But you’re not alone. You have me.”
She smiled a sad smile. “It was always up to me to prove everyone wrong about Serena and me.”
“Wrong about what?”
“Who we were based on our parents’ reputation. They were known for fighting and drinking. Because of where we came from that we were somehow less than.” She shook her head. “They all thought I’d never amount to anything. That we were somehow tainted. I faced rejection after rejection. But Serena urged me never to give up. She was the wind beneath my wings. She was the fuel. She kept me going. And she still does now. I worried I’d forget her, but I know I never will. It’s not possible.”
“That’s the funny thing about people we love. They stick with us, always.” Blake rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb.
Even though he referred to the people they’d both lost, in many ways she’d stayed with him through the years. It was as though when they’d first kissed, they’d imprinted each other with indelible ink, never to be erased. It merely took time for them to each find their way back together.
“I realize that now. But even when I made it in the music business, I still had to prove that I wasn’t just a pretty face—”
“Though you do have a pretty face.” He smiled at her and kissed the inside of her wrist.
“That I wasn’t a talentless hack.”
“Nope, that voice of yours is every bit real. In fact, every time I hear it, I have to pinch myself otherwise I’d think angels have descended upon the island and were bringing me to heaven.” He worked his way up to the fold of her elbow, leaving a little trail of kisses.
Her lips quirked. “I realize now I have nothing to prove other than my love.”
His eyes swept hers and landed on her lips. A mouth that he loved, belonging to a voice that he loved, part of a woman that he…loved. “Cecelia, you have so much of that to give.”
As they kissed, he forgot about the storm outside and the one that had been raging in his life. His heart pounded in his chest. The blood heated in his veins. He was on the verge of telling her how he felt, telling her everything when the door flew open.
Chapter 11
Cece
Jaxon stood in the doorway, dripping wet and looking lethal. “I knew it. I knew there was someone else,” he bellowed.
Cece flinched as her stomach swam with anxiety. It was almost like she’d picked up with Blake where’d they left off after an exceptionally long hiatus. It felt so natural.
She and Jaxon were broken up so what did it matter if there was someone else? What was he doing there? How’d he find her?
B
lake merely stiffened and slowly got to his feet, but didn’t seem overly concerned until Jaxon stepped fully into the cabana. “You’re not allowed on this property.”
Jaxon wiped the rain from his face and spat. “I just came here to talk to my girlfriend.”
“Your ex-girlfriend,” Cece corrected. “I made it clear it’s over between us. In fact, you broke it off.”
“Then why have you been texting me?”
“You’ve been texting me.”
But the truth was that she avoided being alone and her phone, even with Jaxon on the other end, provided company.
He sneered. “You moved on quickly enough.”
“You’re one to talk. I saw photos of you and other women on all the gossip sites. Let’s see, three weeks ago you were out with that model, Khara. And I think a couple of days after that you and the girl you dated before me were spotted at Nori Nori eating sushi—”
“We were just catching up.”
“Were you also just catching up with the unidentified woman you were kissing while you were DJing at Madly, the new club in Manhattan?”
Jaxon scowled. “It’s part of my job to be seen with other celebrities.”
“And it’s part of my job to protect Cecelia from guys like you.” Blake straightened to his full height.
Jaxon chuckled. “Cecilia? You protect her from guys like me?”
“People who want to take advantage of her.”
“Then you should check your security because she’s been getting threats.” Jaxon tilted his head defiantly.
“That’s nothing new,” Cece said. “It gets handled.”
“I’m not so sure considering I found you on this island, got on land and all.” He glanced around, deftly avoiding Blake’s steely gaze.
Cece gave Blake a sidelong glance as nervousness bubbled in her belly.