by Lea Hart
Chase walked quickly toward the water, because if he slowed down at all, then he was going to go back, scoop Ronnie up, take her to bed, and make love to her for the rest of the day and possibly the month. Seeing her standing in the living room with her messy hair and sleep warmed skin tested every ounce of control he had. He dove into the ocean and felt the cool water offer him a small measure of relief. He’d do a bunch of laps and exhaust himself until he could behave like a gentleman in Ronnie’s company and not a horny seventeen-year-old boy. That was his plan, and he hoped like hell it worked.
The sun warmed her shoulders as she drank her coffee. Sitting on the steps, she watched Chase swim back and forth like a man possessed. Apparently, his dedication to staying in shape hadn’t diminished since he retired, and she didn’t mind the results. He was delicious, and she felt like taking a bite out of him. But he was more than just a good-looking, retired quarterback with a ton of accomplishments. He had a kindness that she was just starting to discover, as well as a wicked sense of humor. Which of course was deadly…A man who could make her laugh was one her favorite qualities. She might as well admit that she was falling for him…again. And the fall was going to last more than five minutes. No matter what stories she was trying to tell herself and him. How annoying. What if she was wrong in the same way she had been wrong about Brian? Her brain had failed her then. What if it did the same thing again? Despite her bravery in her career, she was a big chicken when it came to her personal life, and unfortunately, she had a lot of good reasons to be. She should just have at him and then make a decision. Maybe he was a lousy lover, and she wouldn’t have to worry about anything at all. Fat chance, she thought.
Chase finally felt exhausted enough to act like a reasonable human being, so he got out of the water and started walking up the beach. He saw the waiter walk away from their bungalow with a big smile on his face and wondered what the hell was making him so happy. Seeing Ronnie in her robe told him everything he needed to know. Quickening his pace, he grabbed a towel on his way up to the veranda. He watched Ronnie smile at the spread before her. The way to this woman’s heart was pancakes, waffles, and French toast. He noticed her robe falling off her shoulders and her wild hair and had no doubt where the waiter’s smile came from. There had never been a more appealing woman than the one before him. He would probably think the same thing in fifty years when they were wrinkly and hunched over, because her smile would have the same effect, no matter how many years passed. “Did I order enough food?”
She waved her fork at him and then filled her plate. “This is a holiday, so none of the calories I consume today count.”
“Good to know.” He leaned over and kissed her head before sitting down. Feed Ronnie and she was happy, something to keep in mind. “What would you like to do today?”
Looking up from her waffle, she considered his question. “I was thinking of trying paddle boarding. I’m not really comfortable in the ocean, but I want to try it.”
Filling his plate, he glanced over. “Are you a good swimmer?”
“I can swim in pools and lakes, but I feel a little intimidated by the ocean. Maybe you can do it with me, and then if I fall over, you can save me.”
“Honey, I will always save you.”
Laughing, she cut into her fruit. “I handed that one to you like a cup of coffee. Anyway, I would like to try paddle boarding, and I would like it if you came with me.”
“I would love to.” He received a smile that would make a man do anything just to get another one. The fact that she was no longer plotting his demise, gave him great hope that everything would work out between them.
********
“Did you take the picture?” Ronnie shouted. She tried to stay upright on her board and smile at the same time, which was proving to be difficult. Grinning, she saw Chase give her a big thumbs-up. The board tilted a little, and she decided to return her concentration to moving the paddle from side to side. The large board started gliding through the water, and she was beginning to enjoy herself. It was more peaceful than she’d expected, and as soon as she started taking more regular breaths, she hoped it would be relaxing as well.
“Good job, honey. You look great out there.” Ronnie wore her red swimsuit, a big hat, and a smile of triumph. She started paddling with confidence and moved gracefully in the ocean. She’d been scared when she first got on, but it wasn’t enough for her to want to stop. Observing her move through her fear and gut it out made him fall for her a little bit more. Sure, it was only paddle boarding in the bayside of the resort, but he had a hunch that this was how she faced most things in life. As he watched her paddle, he knew that he’d fallen for her completely. Smiling widely, he gazed out at the woman he hoped to grow old with. “Oh, shit!” He noticed her paddle wobble and then her foot move as she slipped off the board. Throwing the phone on the dock, he jumped into the water.
Swimming to the surface, Ronnie’s head crested, and she looked around for her board and paddle. Spotting it, she swam toward it and noticed that Chase was swimming in her direction. Why was he in the water? They both made it to the board at the same time. “Why did you come out?”
“I saw you go over, so I came out to save you.”
“I can swim, Chase. You didn’t have to come out here, but I’m glad you did. My arms are getting tired, so you can paddle while I relax on the board.” She scrabbled on and waited for Chase to grab the paddle that was floating away. It sure was handy having him around. She rested her head and waited for him to return.
Swimming back with the paddle, he handed it to her and then heaved himself on the back of the board and lay on top of her. Might as well take advantage of the situation. “Are you ready to go back or do you want me to take you around the bay?”
“You are squishing me. Move over a little.” He adjusted himself, and his weight felt like a warm blanket and not a weighty rock. “That’s better.”
He wiggled his hips and was cradled nicely between her legs. “Much better, but I better get up, because I’m not going to last if I stay like this.” He felt himself instantly harden and wondered how he was going to not embarrass himself.
“Take us back then, because I’m interested in hearing about the thoughts that are making you think you won’t last.” She felt him lift himself up and place his feet on either side of her. She glanced up as she handed him the paddle and felt her eyes pop out. He was affected by lying on her almost naked body, and his swim trunks did nothing to hide the evidence. Chase was clearly a big man all over. She knew that staring was impolite, but she couldn’t peel her eyes away from the man standing over her. Noticing his eyes crinkle in amusement made the last of her reserve fall away. Definitely time to see if Chase was the man she hoped he was.
“Ronnie, you are staring at me like a bowl of chocolate ice cream, and I need you to stop, because we’re in public. My feelings are being broadcast to anyone who happens by, and I need you to help me out.” Hearing her snort told him that she wasn’t going to do as he asked. Her eyes were devouring him as a shy smile lit up her face.
She turned her head toward the water and laughed to herself. “Take us back to the dock, sir.”
Moving the paddle through the water, he hoped like hell that they had the same idea about what they should do when they got back to the room. It was time. “Your wish is my command.”
Laughing, she responded. “As it should be.” The board moved through the water quickly as Chase paddled them home.
********
Ronnie lay on the chaise lounge on their private veranda and watched Chase close the curtains. It would afford them a small measure of privacy if anyone happened to walk past their private beach. “What is it you plan on doing that you don’t want other people to see?”
Closing the last of the curtains, he moved in her direction and flopped down next to her on the chaise. “I’m going to smooch you in privacy.” Lifting the drink out of her hand, he set it on the floor and then rolled up next to her, alig
ning their bodies perfectly. All of their important parts matched up, and he grinned as his hand moved up the side of her leg. “I’m the only one who gets to see you naked.” His hand moved around back and rested on the bow that was keeping her suit in place. Dipping his head, he dragged his mouth along her shoulder and tasted salt. Slowly, he drew his tongue over the skin along her neck and felt her shiver against him. “It’s Valentine’s Day, and I need to kiss my sweetheart.”
“Is that what I am to you?” The heat radiating from his skin and the touch of his lips turned her cautious desire into flaming need. “I’m salty, sandy, and a little bit sweaty. Let me rinse off, and then we can make out like a couple of teenagers.”
Lifting his mouth from her skin, he smiled into her eyes. “I like you just the way you are. And to answer your question…you are my sweetheart.” He felt her leg wrap around his as her body slowly relaxed into him. Lifting her head to his, she kissed him in much the same way she did the first time. Openly and without reservation. His mouth moved against hers as his tongue slicked along her lips until she opened for him. Tasting pineapple and rum, he lost himself in the flavor of her. A light wind blew the curtains open, and the breeze drifted over their bodies, doing little to cool the fire that had begun to rage between them. Releasing her mouth, he took a long gulp of air and gazed into her eyes.
“I wanted to kill you a week ago, and I don’t feel like that anymore. What have you done to me, Chase?” Running her hand along his face, she finally admitted to herself how much she desired him. He answered something in her, and she no longer felt like resisting the call.
“Love and hate are two sides of the same coin, so I’ve been working real hard to flip the feelings you’ve had for me to something positive.” Her hand ran down the center of his body and rested on the tab of his swim trunks. “Where your hand is resting is telling me that it may have succeeded. Moving his hand on her round behind, he held her firmly against him and shifted his hips so that he was cradled in her warm, welcoming heat. All that separated them were thin strips of nylon, so the feelings they were having for one another could not denied. “I just need to be clear; we’re going to make love, not have sex. This is more than a roll in the sheets, so when I strip you naked in a couple of seconds, don’t be confused.”
“Chase, I would agree with anything that came out of your mouth right now.” Holding his face in her hands, she pressed her mouth to his ear and whispered, “Show me what you got, Chase. I have a feeling that it’s going to be spectacular. Just like that first kiss you gave me.” Watching his eyes crinkle made her heart turn over. She felt herself being flipped over as Chase stood up. He lifted her over his shoulder and grabbed her butt. “Are you going to give me what I want?” She laughed.
“More than once,” he stated.
He carried her into the bedroom and kicked the door shut. Tossing her over, he dropped her on the bed, and looked like a man who was going to eat her alive and enjoy the process. Gone was the gentle giant. His big hands ran up her legs and slipped inside her bathing suit. Giving her a grin, he slowly slid it down her legs. “You have to go slowly, because it’s been a long time for me.”
“I’ll go slow, honey. Don’t you worry.” He quickly released the bow on her top and slipped it off. Dropping his mouth to her breasts, he nibbled her skin before letting his tongue slide along her skin. When he heard her intake of breath, he lifted his head in question.
“This feels like the first time I took my horse over a fence. I’m scared and excited and hoping I’ll land in one piece on the other side.”
“Honey, you can land on me. I’ll always be there.” He got rid of his trunks and dropped down next to her on the bed. Facing her, he let his hand trace the skin along her hips. Their eyes met and held. He felt her excitement and let his gaze drift over her face, watching and waiting. Something told him that she needed him as much as he craved her. When her hand moved to his face and her smile met his, he knew that whatever happened between them was going to be a lot more than causal sex. Moving his mouth to hers, he began to show her all of his feelings as he slipped his tongue inside of her mouth.
As Chase ate at her mouth and began to kiss her senselessly, she felt herself give up the last of her reserve about what was about to happen between them. The feel of his hands moving against her skin as he cupped her breasts sent shock waves of pleasure running over her skin. Releasing her mouth, he slid his tongue down her neck and left a trail of goosebumps as he moved to her shoulder and then collarbone. He was the first man to lay his mouth against her body and have it respond so quickly and completely. Smoothing her hand over his enormous shoulder, she felt the heat of his skin and the strength of him. He was a physically imposing man, but his focus was the real gift. And the attention he was giving her was about to send her into the stratosphere. His hand moved slowly down, and as he touched her, she felt herself begin the slow free fall into release. That’s all it took, his fingers sliding around, and she went off like a bomb.
“That’s just the opening act. I have a whole lot more in store in for you.” Watching her eyes flutter open, he smiled and dipped his head to kiss her sweet mouth. Moving over her, he nudged her legs apart and positioned himself at her entrance. Slowly entering her tight heat, he slid in slowly and completely. Something about being inside of her felt perfect, like never before, and that’s when he knew they were made for one another.
His entire heavy weight was pressed against her, their mouths fused, and he began moving inside of her. His strokes, slow and gentle, soon became heavy and insistent. The pleasure of having him move inside her excited her beyond reason. What had started out as polite first-time sex soon turned into a frenzy of two bodies mating. Before she knew what was happening, every muscle she possessed went into lock-down as her orgasm approached like a summer storm. Breathing stopped as her eyes closed and she concentrated on his heavy strokes. One particular deep thrust...and, oh sweet Lord. “Chase…”
“That’s it, honey. Let it go. Come for me.”
Body quivering, she tightened around him as her legs and arms clung to him, trying to draw him as close as possible. Letting a breath out in a low, ragged moan, she shuddered in time to his sharp thrusts, faster and harder until he swelled inside her and exploded. One last wave of exquisite pleasure rolled through her as the last of his orgasm moved through his body. The feeling was so intense that she almost blacked out. Never before had a man owned her like Chase Bedford. That was the last coherent thought she had before her eyes closed and she passed out.
He felt her arms release their hold on his shoulders as she melted off of him. Her legs fell from his waist and gently landed on the bed. He lifted his head in time to see her eyes flutter closed as she fell into a deep sleep. Smoothing the hair off her face, he gently kissed her cheek and rolled off. Gathering her in his arms, he felt the last wave of satisfaction roll through his body. “That was just the beginning of us,” he said quietly against her head.
Chase had a lot of sex in his life, but it was never like what he’d just experienced. Ronnie had responded to him in a way that made him hotter than any woman had ever made him, and it was because it came from her wanting him. It wasn’t a show. It was just the way she felt with him, which made it sweeter than anything he’d ever experienced in his life. He knew it was going to be crazy good between them, and he was right. She was a perfect fit in every way. Looking over, he watched her sleep. Kissing her shoulder, he rested his head against her for a second and breathed the perfect moment in. And held it in his heart.
********
Ronnie lay in the tub and stared out over their little slice of paradise. The sun was starting to lower in the sky, and the breeze had picked up as the branches of the palms moved overhead. She heard footsteps and twisted in time to see naked Chase walking toward her with two glasses of champagne. She knew she had a dopey grin on her face, but she didn’t care, because he had given her more pleasure than any man before him. She might have to keep him…fo
r a while.
“I sure like the smile you’re giving me.” He handed her a glass and then stepped into the tub; sliding down, he faced her and gave her one of his own. Lifting his in a toast, he waited for her to join him. “Happy Valentine’s day, sweetheart. I look forward to the next fifty.” He tipped his glass against hers and leaned forward so he could give her a kiss. Her hand moving to his face made a bubble of happiness explode in his head. Her show of affection meant more than her desire, because it meant that she liked him as much as she wanted him. It might be a strange way of looking at it, but that’s what he felt. “I think it all worked out, Ronnie.”
Rubbing her foot along his leg, she grinned. “My goodness…yes. Your parts and my parts fit together perfectly.” Her brow furrowed as she thought about it. “It was more than that, though. Wasn’t it?” Sex was sex, but what they did together felt like something else entirely. She had no idea how to process it and understand where it fit in her life. “My brain never seems to work in these situations.”
“Honey, it’s not that enormous brain of yours that’s going to help you. It’s your huge heart that you’re going to need to listen to. We connected in a way that has never happened to me before. I was inside of you with more than my body. For a couple of moments, I felt like we were one with nothing dividing us.” Observing her eyes close as the impact of his words hit her, he wondered what she was thinking. He needed her bound to him with a thousand silken cords so they would always belong to one another. Forever.