by Piper Page
Cole’s lips were glossy with the wine he tipped back, draining half the glass in one go. He glanced at his watch. What man still wore a watch? It was sexy to me. “It’s getting early, Doll. I should let you get that sleep.”
“Yes, yes of course. Cole, it’s been a lovely evening, really it has.” I didn’t want him to regret what we had done, although it was definitely something we had done, a lot of somethings. Wined me, dined me, dressed me, danced with me, flown me around the midnight stars like a dream.
* * *
Ahhhhhhhh.
* * *
“You’re right, I really should get some sleep and sober up before the morning. The children will be wondering why their Sunday school teacher is confusing Noah and his ark with Cole and his helicopter.” I turned my head to the side to hide my eyes, utterly embarrassed that I had admitted he was having that much of an effect on me.
Cole’s fingers gently turned my face back so that I had no choice but to look at him still hovering above me. His mouth met mine again in a soft, sensual, undemanding kiss. “I’ll take forty days alone with you on a boat any day, Miss Banks. We’d have fun repopulating the earth.” His tongue trailed the long length of my bare-naked throat, and I wondered if he could see the lace of my bra peeking out from the deep cleavage of my bosom. But then he sat up, leaving my body wanting, devoid of the pleasure and the comfort it was relishing only two seconds ago. I felt alone, like Kate Winslet floating on a piece of wood in the middle of the freezing ocean.
* * *
Come back, come back!
* * *
“I promised I would respect your decisions, Sunny, and I meant it. I only ask that if I leave now…”
My heart screamed, don’t go!
“If I go home tonight, you must have brunch with me after church tomorrow. Will you?”
A smile played at my lips. “Of course I will, Cole. That sounds lovely.” I doubted that after this night, I would ever be able to say no to Cole von Larsen again.
9
Cole
Wynton Marsalis’ trumpet wrapped me in jazz and soothed me as I drove down the avenue toward the brick bell tower that loomed in the distance over the rooftops of the various houses. The sun warmed my skin. It wasn’t often that I drove the convertible, but I knew Sunny would love the breeze through her hair and being out in the sunshine this Sunday sunny morning. She had no idea I was coming into Galveston again this early in the morning, but seeing as I was here already, making my early morning shipment check, I decided, what the hell. I’d pick her up early for our brunch date.
I parked beyond the cement steps of the church on the opposite side of the road. The choir of voices inside, singing out their final hymns, echoed out into the morning sky. They did sound like angels, I thought. It was very fitting. I climbed out of the convertible and leaned against the sleek black paint, crossing my arms over my chest and my feet at the ankles. I would wait for her here. Better to shock her outside then in the presence of God and His congregation. I wouldn’t want her to curse in the Lord’s house, then again, I’d never heard Sunny curse anywhere. She was such a good girl, but that was one of the many things I loved about her.
The bells in the tallest brick tower over my head chimed out, and the three sets of double doors opened, expelling joyous members, obviously feeling renewed and cleansed of their weekly sins. I felt pangs of guilt as I watched them spill out around me and head off to Sunday breakfasts, family gatherings, shopping, and some to the local bar to build up a new list of indiscretions to pray about next Sunday. It had been a while since the pews of a church had felt me seated in them. My mother would be scolding me if she were alive. For her, I would need to get back soon, maybe with Sunny. I still made my monthly donations. This particular sanctuary received a check from the von Larsens on a quarterly basis, so I was familiar with it and was surprised I’d never seen Sunny amongst its patrons before now.
A cheesy grin spread across my features. As soon as I thought of her, saying her name in my head, there she was, looking amazing. For being out to all hours with the likes of me, she looked fresh and rested when she appeared in the crowd. I was in awe. I watched as she conversed on the steps with other church members. She shook hands with parents and squatted down, tucking her skirt beneath her to get on eye level with the children they had with them. These must have been her Sunday school students. Each child beamed at her. I could see she was well respected and that the kids adored her.
* * *
Good taste, kiddos.
* * *
Sunny stood up and peered out over the heads of the departing people. She squinted into the sun and shielded her eyes. I watched her expression go from confusion and uncertainty to shock and recognition, and then to elation as she smiled and waved to me from the steps. I pushed off the side of the car and walked the several steps across the road to the base of the church stairs. The preacher took note of me and made the visual connection between myself and Sunny. “Miss Banks, would you like to introduce me to your visitor?”
Sunny fumbled between smiling at me and the embarrassment at being called out by the minister. “Father Flanners, I’d like you to meet Mr. Cole von Larsen. Cole, this is Father Patrick Flanners.”
I extended my hand and watched the recognition dawn in the preacher’s eyes. He grasped my hand and shook it vigorously, closing his other hand around the backside. “Oh, my gracious me, I’m honored to have you here, Mr. von Larsen. We are so thankful for your generosity.”
Sunny gave me a questioning look with her eyebrows raised.
“You’re more than welcome, Father. I’m a strong believer in giving back to community, and a man only needs so much.” I held the handshake, something I was used to from the likes of people who felt indebted to me.
“Sunny, because of your generous friend here, we will be able to continue with the new building construction and be finished by next spring.”
Sunny swelled with pride. “He is a very kind man, Father.”
The man gave his attention to Sunny now, releasing my hand and grasping hers. “Thank for all you do as well, Sunny. I saw your siblings with you, but not your father this morning.”
“No, he’s on duty today, Father.”
The thought that her family would be here too never even crossed my mind. Of course they would, why wouldn’t they be? It was comforting and only added to my enchantment with this woman. If I were being honest—and on the steps of the church, who wouldn’t be—I was glad her father wasn’t present this morning.
“Do tell him we missed him and give him my best, will you, dear?”
“Of course, Father.” Sunny gave the older gentleman a quick hug, and then reached for my hand and started down the steps, pulling me behind her. “What are you doing here?” she whispered.
“We have a brunch date, remember?”
She stopped at the driver’s side of the convertible and threaded her hands through her hair. “Yep, that does ring a bell.” Her body turned when she realized what she was standing next to. “You’re going to tell me this car is yours, aren’t you?”
“Well I don’t have to, but I think telling a lie in front of a church might get me struck down by lightning, or at least bring down a small swarm of locust.”
Sunny laughed and moved to the passenger’s side, climbing in while onlookers from the sidewalk slowly started a bit of a gossip chain of envy. “Let’s get out of here. I’m starving.”
* * *
Hungry and no hangover? You are my kind of woman.
* * *
The car sailed around the curves to the marina while my man Wynton played out tunes from the classic Lucy and Linus album. “I like this music.”
“’This music’ is jazz, and I’m glad you like it.” Sunny would have to get used to it even if she didn’t like it. Jazz was about the only genre of music I could tolerate. Growing up in a house with two younger brothers who played music that made my ears want to bleed was like chewing on nails. Ja
zz was my motivation, it was my tranquilizer, and it gave off my sensual atmosphere. Jazz could encompass all my emotional needs, so Sunny saying she liked it was a mark in the bonus box for me.
“Where are we going? I know this great little café, if you’re into Belgian waffles and extra crispy bacon.” Her eyes were sparkling as she watched the road ahead of us.
I parked the car in the private lot of the marina, handing my keys to the valet before moving to Sunny’s side and opening the door for her, offering her my hand. “Are you ready?”
She stepped from the vehicle. I watched her forehead furrow, with her brows knitting together in confusion. “I thought we were going to brunch?”
Her arm folded over mine as I led her down the steel plank to the dock. “We are—on my yacht.”
“What?”
I smiled. My heart leapt each time I was able to amuse and surprise her. I took great joy in seeing her amazed and giving her the new experiences she deserved. As we arrived on the deck of the yacht, our chef handed us both glasses full of exquisite mimosas. I raised my glass to Sunny in a toast. “To a beautiful boat, a beautiful day, and a beautiful woman to complement them both.”
Sunny tipped her glass back and sipped at the breakfast drink. “Thank you.”
“Shall we go sit?”
She nodded, “Lead the way, Captain.”
I held her chair out for her and fluffed her napkin before resting it on her lap. After I was seated, a young man in white brought us our appetizers: plates of marinated and roasted chili peppers with a dusting of cocoa powder. I watched as Sunny nudged it about the small dish with her fork. “It is pretty, but am I supposed to eat it?”
I smiled and popped a pepper into my mouth. “Do you trust me? They aren’t as hot as you might think, and the chocolate complements it perfectly. You must try it.”
I gazed at her as she mulled over the thought of eating it for a few moments. “I do trust you.” Without further hesitation, she dove in. Her eyes went wide, and she licked the sweet cocoa powder from her lips. “I would have never imagined that would be so good.”
“Trying new things can be fun.” I winked as the young waiter took our plates and returned. He lifted the silver covers away from our main course to reveal seared salmon with walnuts and pine nuts in an aromatic sauce, as well as a side of fennel salad.
“It looks delicious,” she said, digging in without question this time. “Do you always eat this healthy?”
“Always. I’m a firm believer in healthy body, healthy mind. Food controls your mood, you know.”
“I can understand that. What mood are we trying to control with this meal?”
I gave her a devilish grin, but held my tongue. No need to make her nervous. Our dessert consisted of bananas, pomegranate, watermelon, strawberries, and a vanilla honey dipping sauce. I dared to feed her the first bite. Sunny surprised me by licking the sticky residue from my fingers. “I think I like the mood this meal puts me in,” she whispered.
* * *
You’re driving me crazy, doll.
* * *
I needed to cool down, and as the steward took away our dessert plates, I took Sunny’s hand and asked, “Are you ready to set sail?”
“Really? We are going to leave the docks?” I could hear the excitement in her tone.
“Yes, that’s the idea behind a yacht,” I teased.
She nearly squealed with delight. I thought she might clap, but instead, she got up from the table and ran to the stern of the boat. I followed behind her, our mimosas in hand. She pulled a pin from her hair and shook her head, letting the gold silk of her hair fall free and blow in the ocean air.
* * *
I want you.
* * *
I took a moment to admire her form framed by the clear blue, sun-filled sky. How I wanted to hold the vision of her like this forever.
“Will you be sailing the boat?” she asked, eyes wide.
I passed her drink to her. “No, not today. I hired someone. I want to spend the afternoon concentrating on you.”
Warm color filled her cheeks. She looked positively radiant, as if she belonged right where she was, perched in the center of the finer things in life.
* * *
Let me give this to you, beautiful.
* * *
“After we set out, would you like a tour?” I moved up to her and stood close behind her, wrapping my free arm around her waist from behind. I felt her body tense, then relax.
“I think I would.” Her voice came out in a whisper. My heart picked up its pace. We stood there at the front of the yacht, sipping our late-morning drinks and letting the sun gently tan our faces.
Thirty minutes out, our glasses empty, I took her hand and guided her back to our brunch table. “Where would you like to start?”
“The bridge? I’d like to meet the person sailing this monster of a boat. What did you name her—the ship, I mean? I was so stunned by the surprise I never actually saw the name.”
I smiled, happy to tell her both a very true motto for my life and what I thought was a very clever pun. “We decided to go with Seas the Day.”
It took her a few moments of honest thought on the way to the boat deck before she caught the play on words, and she laughed, “Clever. Who do you mean when you say we? Are you a co-owner?”
I laughed at her curiosity. “I own the yacht outright, but my brothers do use her when they get the chance. So, we would be my younger brothers, Jake and William.”
We entered the bridge and exchanged niceties, then took a tour of the galley, where she thanked the chef for a delicious meal. From there, I showed her the lower deck which housed four guest staterooms, crew quarters, and a community bar and lounge. The main deck was our last level. She turned in a wide circle. The main deck was my miniature home away from home. There was more space here than in some of the smaller town houses in Houston.
“Do you go out for really long trips in this?”
I shook my head. “Honestly, other than a few gatherings for some cooperate people and of course the use my brothers have, I have yet to go much further than were we are now. I’d like to sail off for a vacation,” I paused before adding, “hopefully with someone special.” Would she pick up on my hint?
Sunny turned to me, and an alluring smile spread over her features. “Did you have someone in mind?” she teased.
* * *
Only you.
* * *
I shrugged. “Maybe one day, if the right person ever comes along.” I followed her into the master bedroom.
Sunny perched on the edge of the king-size bed, crossing her legs and leaning back on the palms of her hands. “Well, I hope you find that someone, Cole.” Her eyes danced with knowing amusement.
I knelt on the Berber, champagne-colored carpet in front of her lap. My hands slid up the satin comforter, my fingers entwined in hers. “I was kind of thinking I may have already found her.” Before she could utter another word, I covered her mouth with mine. My body ached for her. I felt her fingers tense around my own, and I knew she was feeling something as well—maybe it was all the natural aphrodisiacs from our meal, but I wanted it to be so much more. How far do I take it? Last night was intense, and if she hadn’t maintained her control, I certainly would have moved forward. Would she keep that wall up? If the way her mouth was responding to mine right now was any indication, I doubted it very much.
My hands released hers, and I stood up to my feet, keeping my lips in constant contact with hers. The taste of her mouth was sweet and innocent and laced with orange and champagne flavor. I felt her moan into my mouth, and the passion it exuded drove me forward. I cupped the back of her neck, beneath her fine, silky locks, and I leaned her back onto the comfort of the mattress. I anticipated her resistance and prepared my body to stop the moment she gave any indication of hesitating. That moment never arrived.
Maneuvering my weight so that I wouldn’t crush her lithe frame, I managed to lay half my body on th
e mattress beside her and the other half along the length of her form. Feeling her under me was a gift I hadn’t experienced in a long time. She felt right, fitting, perfect. I wanted to feel this forever. My fingers brushed against her cheek, and I lifted my face away, my lips instantly feeling the loss of her touch. Her eyes searched mine. “What’s wrong?”
I continued to drown in her stare. “Sunny, you’re more beautiful than I know how to say. I want to be with you, but only if you want that as well.”
I watched as she bit her lip and became pensive. My heart stopped. She was going to say no. Okay, I could respect that. Could I? Yes, of course I could, it wasn’t my choice. I was raised right. This woman’s choice was my law. I pushed up, lifting my weight from her side. Her hand grabbed my upper arm. “No.”
* * *
And down comes the hammer.
* * *
I smirked, respecting her as difficult as it was.
“Don’t stop. Cole, I don’t want you to stop.”
“Sunny,” I breathed, and my mouth fell back on hers and greedily kissed her with all the need, the hunger, and the happiness she had created in the very pit of my being. “I want you.”
The need that moved like energy from her to me was equal to my own, and it took me by surprise. When she bit my lower lip with such aggression, I took a sharp breath and drew back, looking down at her with shock, awe, and approval. “Wanting little wench,” I growled.
She bit back on her own lip. “I’m sorry. Should I…should I not do that?”