by Amy L. Gale
I hop down the few wooden steps to the edge of the sand. The soft breeze and salty air instantly frees my mind. The beach is so therapeutic. Like all my troubles wash away with the crash of a wave.
“Come on, I want to show you something.” He entwines his fingers with mine.
“Is it Jaws?” Not that it matters. At this point, I’ll pretty much follow him anywhere.
“Better.”
We walk through the gritty sand to the shoreline. The almost full moon lights up the night sky, casting golden shadows on the dark water. I stop and take off my sandals, letting my feet sink into the soft sand.
He stops near a jetty made from rocks and plops down onto the sand, pulling me into his lap. I wander back to junior prom. When the dance was over, we all headed to the beach for an after party. The moon looked just like this one. Josh pulled me into his lap as the fire crackling in the fire-pit took away the chill in the air. One of the best times of my life.
“Look out ahead.” Tyler points to the ocean, bringing me back to the moment.
“What? All I see is water.” I sweep the beachline.
“Exactly. See how the wave makes a wedge shape from hitting off the jetty?”
“Yeah, the waves are pretty high.”
“Makes for great surfing. We surfers look for those breaks.”
Ah, I heard about surfers protecting breaks like it’s their territory. I guess that’s what it’s all about. Keeping the best waves for their crew.
“What beach do you like best?” I turn toward him.
“The one you’re on.” He tips my chin and presses his lips to mine.
I lean in, following his twisting tongue like a moth to a flame. He eases me down onto the sand and hovers above me. Tingles sweep my body. A slew of memories hit me like a freight train. Josh, setting me down on blanket on our most secluded beach. I stole a bottle of pink champagne from Chateaux Blanc after my shift in an effort to make the night special. He delivered. The first time we were together was more exquisite than fireworks shooting from every mountain in the world simultaneously.
My stomach drops. I pull away. “Maybe we should go. There’s some places not meant for sand to get into.”
He jerks his head back for a moment, then rolls over. “Okay, I guess you’ve got a point.” He stands up and brushes the sand off his jeans.
I shake a few grains of sand from my hair and join him. He probably thinks I’m a tease. I mean, I want to be with Tyler. But not here, not like this. There’s a few memories I’m not willing to recreate. Plus, I really don’t need a fuck buddy, and I’m starting to think that’s what this whole deal may be all about.
He takes my hand and walks along the water line. Cool water rushes across our feet. I sink into the gritty sand with every step. It reminds me of quicksand. Am I about to be swallowed?
Pain radiates through my big toe like a bolt of lightning just hit me. I jump like a startled cartoon character. Oh no, did I step on glass?
Tyler bends down to assess the damage. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Oh God, what is it? Did I step on some poisonous creature and now I have seconds before it’s venom kills me? Maybe I shouldn’t have stopped Tyler from having his way with me. It might’ve been my last chance.
“What? Do we need to go to the hospital?”
He pulls something from my skin. “Nah, but you’re the first person in the history of the world to be bitten by a shark on land.” He holds up a white shark tooth.
It looks beautiful glistening off the moonlight, like a treasure from the sea. Of course, I wouldn’t feel that way if it was still attached to the shark. “I’m a shark attack survivor.”
Tyler slips the tooth into his pocket. “Yep, barely made it out alive.”
I cringe when the salt water flows over my fresh wound. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get hurt like this on a date with Tyler.
He stops and scoops me up in one quick swoosh. I instinctively wrap my arms around him. It’s kind of romantic in a twisted way.
“You don’t have to carry me. I can walk.”
“Are you kidding me? Next, Moby Dick will show up and swallow us both whole. Better safe than sorry, babe.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, better not take any chances.”
Tyler marches along the sand like I’m weightless. The soft breeze flows sending the faint scent of salt and Tyler’s musky cologne through the air. Everything about him screams sex. From his looks, to the way he talks, to the way he can drive me wild with one glance. I’m in serious trouble, and it has nothing to do with the shark bite.
He sets me down onto the pavement near the car and opens the passenger side door. “I think you’re safe now.”
“My hero.” I blow him a kiss.
He swings around faster than the speed of light and slams his lips into mine, pressing me against the car. I weave my fingers into his hair and put all the passion I’ve been holding back into the kiss. A low groan escapes from his throat. He moves forward, so close that not even air exists between us. Ah, he wants me now more than ever.
What am I thinking? We’re in the middle of a street. Okay, so it’s deserted, but still public property. I slide my hands down and slowly pull away. “I think I better get home, you know, tend to my wound.”
He exhales loudly. “Whatever you want, babe.”
What I want is usually never what I need. At least when it comes to guys. I hop into the seat, swinging my legs around so I don’t put any pressure on my toe. It hurts, pretty bad. Of course, a few seconds ago I hadn’t noticed.
I fidget with the radio trying my best to impress Tyler with my musical tastes. He’s quiet, not his usual self. It’s not like I can blame him. In his eyes, I’m probably some tease that doesn’t know what she wants. Could he be right?
I crank up the volume letting Detroit Rock City blast through the airwaves. “Kiss fan?”
He nods. “Saw them back in Kansas. Best stage show ever. Tons of fireworks.”
“I know what you mean. I saw them once in Maine.” The summer after junior year Josh’s brother Trent insisted he introduce us to “real music” and bought us third-row tickets. The energy flowed through me, showing me the passionate combination of kick ass rock matched with an amazing stage show. It was life-changing. Kind of like the last few weeks.
“Let’s say I had some face paint, who would you be?” Tyler nibbles on his lip, holding back a smile.
“Definitely Paul Stanley. Gotta love that star. How about you?”
“The demon, Gene Simmons. You know I’m a bass player.”
“The demon, huh. Is there something I should know?”
He pulls the car to the curb in front of my apartment. “Yeah, lots but it’s more fun if you find out on your own.” He steps out and pulls open my passenger door.
Am I going to get the chance to find out his secrets? I step onto the sidewalk and hobble on my wounded foot. I should really win some award for being the most accident-prone person on earth.
Tyler shuts the door and swings me up into his arms. His strong biceps, decorated with intricate artwork are turning into my safe haven. I can’t let him go. Not tonight.
“Thanks for the lift.” I nuzzle into his chest.
“You know I’m a sucker for a damsel in distress.” He marches up the steps and stops outside my apartment. He sets me down slowly. I quickly slide the key in the lock and open the door. It’s the last moment of our first official date. I turn back toward Tyler.
Whatever comes out of my mouth next can make or break us. “I don’t want to get hurt again.” Dammit, where’s the filter from my brain to my mouth?
“I’m all about the pleasure, babe. Not pain.”
I nudge the door, opening it a bit more with my heel. I’m at a crossroads. Should I listen to my rational mind or trust my heart? Just like that, my brain shuts itself down like my defense mechanism has lowered the shields. Nothing exists but passion for the man standing in front of me, searching m
y face.
“Then why end the night here?” I grab his shirt and pull him toward me, backing us both into my apartment.
Is this the end or just the beginning? I guess I’ll find out if Tyler is really about the pleasure or if I’m destined for pain.
CHAPTER 9—BLISS
Every touch sparks a vague memory of our first night together. It’s all familiar but completely new. Was it really the alcohol that erased my memory or did my brain go into self-defense mode? Right now, it’s just about shut itself off.
Tyler bends down and grabs the back of my thighs, hauling me up. I wrap my legs around his waist, squeezing him against me. Ah, he really wants me. It’s been forever since I was an object of desire… all my own fault. That changes tonight.
He navigates through the kitchen and into the bedroom like he’s got a schematic of my floor plan etched in his mind. Just one of his many talents. Still lip-locked, he slides his fingers underneath my sundress. The hard callouses create an invigorating sensation, like little electric shocks shooting energy down to my core. I squeeze my legs around him tighter, desperate to feel him pressed against me.
His instincts kick in like he can read my mind. He maneuvers the dress up and over my head, pulling away from my lips for only a second. He’s probably done the move a million times and been deemed an expert. What other skills does he excel in?
He lowers me on the bed and hovers above me, tearing through my soul with his stare. The intensity of the moment hits me. For once, I don’t care about the consequences or what happens tomorrow. Right now I want Tyler more than I’ve ever wanted anything and I need to have him.
He slips a finger underneath each side of my bra straps and lowers them down my shoulders. I move forward to allow him to unhook the back and release my breasts, along with my pent up desires. Every move he makes is perfect, like something you’d see in a movie. Josh was rough, and awkward, probably why I went through six bras one month. Not Tyler, he knows exactly what to do and when to do it. Maybe this is the difference between being with a boy to being with a man. Tyler is quite the man.
He runs his tongue from my neck to my breast, circling the nipple and sucking hard as he pulls away. I let out a slight moan. I can’t stand it anymore. I need him. Patience is a virtue that doesn’t exist at this moment. Time to give Tyler a taste of his own medicine.
I grab the hem of his shirt and rip it over his head like it’s on fire. He scoots up on the bed, flexing every muscle of his chest like he’s a peacock spreading out his feathers. I’m way out of my league in the seduction category. Time to step up my game. I slither my fingertips along the curves of his chest and down his abs to his jeans.
The timid Ali who always lets the guy make all the moves is no longer in existence. The caterpillar has shed its cocoon and turned into a lustrous butterfly. I pull the dense denim fabric to release the button, almost ripping it off. Tyler’s heartbeat pounds in his chest so strong it vibrates his skin. No more playing games. I shove my hand down his pants and take hold of all I desire.
He lets out a moan and kicks off his jeans and boxers one smooth motion. My pulse races, like my heart is about to escape and flutter around the room. All of sudden, nervous energy surrounds me. Self-defense? I won’t let it ruin things for me, not this time. Even though we’ve already been together, tonight is truly the first time. It’s the first time I’ve let a guy take me home on a first “official date”, the first time I’m with someone I’m not in a relationship with, and the first time I’m ignoring my rational brain and letting passion run the show.
And just like that, all the doubt and fear erases from my brain. Tyler reaches down into his jeans pocket and pulls a condom out. Was he expecting to get lucky or is he always prepared? Either way, I’m glad he has one.
He hooks a finger on each side of my panties and moves them from side to side, slowly slinking them down my legs. I arch my back to help him with the journey. He rips the condom wrapper with his teeth and eases it on. Am I ready for this?
My breathing increases and heart rate triples. Tyler crawls up, hovering above me and leans down. His hair tickles my skin, creating an amazing sensation. He runs his tongue along my bottom lip before pressing his lips against mine. Dear God, clearly the best kiss of my life. I’m in store for quite a ride.
He traces his fingers along my thigh, spreading my legs open just enough for him to press against me. Slow and steady, he enters. I gasp as his impressive body fills my core. We move in a perfect rhythm like our bodies were meant for each other. I thought this kind of connection only existed between Josh and I. Thank God, that’s not the case. We mimic each other’s movement, increasing the passion between us. I dig my fingers into his back as energy builds inside me. I’ve never felt like this before. Every ounce of my body tingles, like electricity sparks through all of me simultaneously. I thrust forward and gasp as my body surrenders to Tyler. I grab onto him like he’s my lifeline, providing the most amazing pleasure I’ve ever experienced. He’s definitely all about the pleasure. My body relaxes as if I’ve just run a marathon.
He continues moving his body inside me, building up more passion with each passing second. His heart beats like a drum, creating a unique song. I match his movements, desperate to give him the same pleasure. Within seconds, he thrusts hard and lets out a loud moan. His body pulsates inside me as he releases the energy we generate together.
He exhales loudly and eases himself out of me. I squirm, the motion causing electricity to shoot through me once more. Tyler is truly a talented man. I mean, I’ve heard of earthshattering sex that makes you beg for more. I just never thought I’d experience it… ever.
When I was with Josh things were different. We were two kids in love, destined to be together for the rest of our lives. When we made love it was all about expressing our emotions to each other. Soft touches, sweet caresses, and it was perfect. I would’ve been happy if it was the only sex I had the rest of my life. Of course, toe curling insane pleasure is a close second. One I can’t wait to experience again.
Tyler rolls over and lies next to me on the bed. He turns toward me and props himself on his elbow. I catch my bottom lip in between my teeth, replaying the last half-hour in my mind.
He tucks a stray hair behind my ear. “Best first date ever.”
I playfully slap him. “Um, definitely not our first date.”
He crinkles his forehead. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure it was.”
I shake my head, holding back a smile. “Nope, not even our first time.” Why did that sound so much better in my head?
“You got me there.”
Why do I suddenly feel like a groupie? “I get it. This is all part of your one-night-only show.”
“Not even close.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I think it’s more like a tour.”
Yeah, not funny. “How do you do it?”
He holds back a smile. “I think you know the answer to that and you seemed to like it, babe.”
That’s the understatement of the year. More like dying to have more if it. “Not what I mean.” I prop myself up, facing him. “How do you go from show to show, hooking up with random girls you’ll never see again?” Oh God, did that just come out of my mouth. Please don’t let him refer to the article. “I mean, you’re a great guy and care so much about your fans. How can you use them?” Yeah, that might sound worse. Definitely not the best after sex conversation.
“I see it as giving the fans what they want.”
“No one wants to be tossed out like yesterday’s trash.” For the love of God, Ali, stop talking. “I mean…”
“Think about it. Half-naked girls do just about anything to come backstage in the hopes of banging a guy in a band that they hardly know. For what… bragging rights? I’m not the one doing the using, babe.”
Okay so he’s got a point. It still just seems so wrong. “But these girls listen to your music like it’s gospel and feel so strong and passionate about the band. It’s like they’re in
love with you before they even meet you.”
He nibbles at his lip. “I guess I never thought of it that way.”
“You have fans that worship you. If you use the love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude they’re bound to get hurt.”
“The whole point is so no one gets hurt.” He rolls over and sinks his head in the pillow.
Great, now I’m hitting a nerve. It’s not that I expect him to change or declare his love for me. He needs to know what it’s like from the woman’s perspective. I guess this is some of the spice I added to the article that made him want my head on a platter. He may feel that way now.
“I wish it worked that way.” I roll over and stare up at the area of chipped paint on the ceiling.
He turns his head toward me. “You know I don’t think of you like that, babe. Right?”
I have no idea what he thinks of me or what the hell we’re doing. He’s made it more than clear that he never wants to settle down or be in a relationship. He wants to be free like the wind. Maybe he should be a Hell’s Angel instead of a surfer.
I nod.
He pulls me close, and I lay my head on his chest. I really don’t care about what the future holds. Maybe we’ll never see each other again after he’s finished recording and leaves L.A. Right now, I want to stop thinking about the future and burrow myself in his strong body that makes me feel like I did forever ago… happy.
***
“Ali.” A soft touch caresses my cheek.
I barely muster enough energy to open an eyelid. “Hmm.”
“We need to get up.”
I blink a few times, willing my eyes to stay open. The dark room only lets in the slightest bit of moonlight from the window. It’s probably the middle of the night. Is he trying for round two?
I jump up from the bed into a sitting positon. The clock radio reads 5:00 a.m. I search the room for Tyler. He stands by my dresser pulling a T-shirt over his head.
“Is something wrong?” Oh no, please don’t let my building be on fire. From the heat sizzling off Tyler, I wouldn’t doubt the whole town could burst into flames.