by Hole, Carrie
“Yes,” she whispered.
He took his time, lips caressing hers slowly, thoroughly. His tongue making promises that her body was ready to accept. He nipped her bottom lip, and took a step back, eyes dancing. He entwined his fingers with hers, leading her back down stairs, while her eyes were glued to the sinewy muscles of his back beneath his taut shirt. He gave her a knowing look over his shoulder. “Let’s go check out the town, shall we,” he smiled.
He held her hand as they walked, looking into quaint knick knack shops, touristy stores and places filled with surfing and diving equipment. The sidewalks were filled with a meandering mixture of tourists and locals. Pink taxis, tour trains and trolleys passed the leisurely bike riders. A multicultural variety of music floated in the air, creating a beautifully unique experience. They stopped for dinner, deciding on deliciously authentic Cuban food they had coconut shrimp with pineapple marmalade, fried plantains, papa rellena, flan and cafe’ con leche. On the way back Reina pulled James into a shop selling handmade soaps and lotions. Reina loved well scented items: candles, soaps, sprays, lotions you name it, especially with comforting food smells like maple and cinnamon. She bought a couple bars of amazing smelling soap, and matching lotion, in coconut almond and cherry almond. Relaxed, they strolled home to a brilliant orange sunset.
As they entered the house, Reina felt a little nervousness return. The day had been romantic and fun, but now she was alone with him. There was no denying that she wanted him, but that was almost more of a reason to be afraid. He was quickly becoming addictive, dangerous to her heart.
Taking stock of the kitchen, James turned with two wine glasses in hand. “Do you want some red wine?”
“OK. Yes, a little please,” she looked at him from beneath her lashes, as he poured wine and handed it to her. “Thank you.” After taking a few sips, she blurted out, “I’m, ummm, going to unpack a little.” Giving a shy smile, she started up the stairs. She didn’t see his eyes turn predatory, watching her run away, again. She took her time pulling things out of her bag, drinking her wine, trying to make her brain shut up. She put her toiletries in the bathroom and her clothes in a couple of drawers. As she was trying to figure out her next move, James walked in smelling a bar of her soap.
He looked her up and down on his way through. “You should shower with me,” he called over his shoulder. She stood there, looking at the closed bathroom door, debating what the hell she was going to do. She heard the shower come on and the rustling of his clothes hitting the floor. She waited, images of him naked coming unbidden into her mind. She currently had a sex god all to herself and he was showering mere feet away. Her curiosity, and perhaps the wine, got the best of her. She edged her way into the steamy bathroom and was instantly enthralled. He stood in the shower with his back to her, washing his hair. Her eyes were drawn to the rivulets of water and soap streaming down his muscled back, seeming to caress his ass on the way down. He didn’t turn as she entered, but stroked soap over his body seemingly unaware of her. She watched his movements, memories of his hands on her body flooding her. Before she realized it she had crossed the room, fingers pressed against the glass. She licked her lips, imagining them pressed against his body.
He didn’t turn, but continued to rub his body unhurriedly. Desire making her braver, she undressed and stepped in, hot water splashing her swollen nipples. His body tensed as she tentatively reached out, fingers grazing his shoulder. His breathing deepened as she touched him, both hands slowly following the flow of water down his back. He clenched his jaw but kept his body still as she explored him. She caressed his shoulders, wrapped her fingers around his biceps, and then felt her way up and down his back. Heady with arousal she pressed her body into him, rubbing her nipples across his back. She bit him lightly in the shoulder blade, as her hands reached around to his chest and slid down his stomach. When her hands reached his hip bones he grabbed her wrists turning toward her. His eyes burned with sensual wickedness, causing her heart to pound. One arm came around her waist, as the other hand came up to the back of her neck. He pulled their bodies together, claiming her mouth. His hunger unleashed, he ravaged her. His tongue filling and retreating, making her crave more. His breathing erratic, he wrapped her wet hair around his hand and pulled, looking into her eyes. He sucked her bottom lip then nipped her neck releasing her hair. “Turn around and put your hands on the wall,” he whispered in her ear. Body shivering she hesitated, eyes on his, then slowly turned and placed her hands on the wall.
He put her hair over the front of her shoulder and kissed the base of her neck. He stroked a soapy hand down her back, around her hipbone, caressed her ass, and then ran his hand back up her spine. He squeezed the back of her neck then repeated the motion back down her spine. His hands came around the front of her body, as his body came up against hers. He kneaded her breasts, pinching her nipples then leaving light caresses across the tips. Her head fell back onto his shoulder as her body arched into him. One hand continued massaging her breasts, the other sliding down to cup her wet sex. Small panting moans escaped her as he pinched her nether lips. Her body trembled, legs feeling weak, as he teased her clit.
“James,” she cried out. He stopped, one arm going around her ribs. He placed his other hand on the wall next to hers and tried to steady his breathing. He turned her in his arms, supporting her as he backed them up to the bench. He sat down keeping a hand out to support her. He then took her hands and placed them on his shoulders. “Come here,” he demanded. She was more than willing to comply. His arms embraced her as she placed her knees to either side of him, hand coming to her neck as she boldly wrapped her hand around his cock and eased it into her swollen wetness. One hand braced her while the other rubbed her clit, her nipples brushing his chest with each movement. The pace started out slowly, but she quickly lost control, wildly spiraling toward orgasm. His arm tightened around her, hand coming to her hair making her look at him as pleasure consumed her. He pushed up to meet her with deep, fast, hard thrusts. He buried his face in her neck, softly growling her name. She rested her face on his shoulder, body trembling as he soothed his fingers across her skin, brushing sweet kisses across her shoulder. Even while the world came back into focus, she felt adrift, unease winding through her. Her heart yearned to let James be her anchor, her mind urging her to push him away.
Chapter 8
Reina stirred faintly as the hint of sunrise began to stream through the windows. As she shifted she became aware of James’ body pressed into her back, arm thrown over her. She considered moving away, but as she began to inch forward his arm tightened around her ribs until she stilled. She lay there groggily until, lulled by the feel of his steady breathing and warm body, she fell back to sleep. She awoke some time later to full sun, an empty bed, quiet reggae music and the smell of bacon. Intrigued she pulled on a t-shirt, brushed her teeth, put her hair up and walked downstairs. James was shirtless at the stove, a fresh pot of coffee on the counter near him. Beside the coffee pot was a large white mug with “I heart coffee” written on it, and a small bowl of caramel creamer, making her smile. She watched him as she fixed a cup.
“You cook,” she remarked.
“Yep. My mom loves to cook, so I picked up a few things. You?”
“Not really. I mean, my mom worked a lot. I have a few recipes up my sleeve, but mostly no...I don’t really cook.”
“There’s always takeout,” he winked at her. She couldn't help but grin at him. She took a few sips of her coffee then topped it off before heading back around the breakfast bar. Might as well be comfortable while I check out the view, she thought. On her way by she ran her hand across his back. His muscles tensed, hand tightening on the spatula. Just as she was almost clear, his other hand reached out a lightly grasped her wrist.
“I like it when you touch me,” he said, eyes serious. She bit her lip, heart instantly racing. There was no question about how her body responded to his touch. His thumb brushed across her pulse for a moment then he release
d her.
“Now stop it before I burn the eggs,” he joked. Such a perfectly normal, yet completely surreal thing for him to say. She chuckled at him as she scurried around the counter. He set out a couple of plates, “What would you like? Toast, eggs, bacon, more coffee?”
“A little of each, with an extra side of bacon please,” she replied. “You don’t have to do this you know. I mean, thank you, but really.”
“I was hungry,” he shrugged, popping bacon into his mouth.
“Well, a man has to eat.”
“Yes,” he said, looking at her lips then back to her eyes.
She rolled her eyes. “What am I going to do with you?”
“I have plenty of ideas,” he murmured suggestively.
She shook her head chuckling. “Stop it. I’m trying to eat.” She put a fork full of eggs in her mouth.
“What would you like to do today,” he asked.
“Honestly? Be lazy. Let’s have a lazy day.”
“So, you’re saying you want to lie around with me all day?”
“Maybe I do,” she replied playfully, blushing. “The last few days have been such a whirlwind. I just, I need some downtime.”
“Ok.”
“Yes,” she questioningly teased. She almost regretted it when she saw his eyes heat in response.
“Yes,” he replied, with unveiled promise.
After breakfast Reina insisted on cleaning up. James sat watching her, asking random questions.
“What would your dream job be?”
“I don’t know. I like designing. It’s rewarding, it’s fun, and I get to be creative. I didn’t realize I was creative until I started designing. I don’t really sing, not well anyway. I can’t draw. I’ve written poetry, but wouldn’t say I’m a writer. So, it feels pretty awesome to find that expressive outlet.”
“If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
She raised her eyebrows at him, “Ummm, invisibility I guess.”
“Have you traveled much?”
“I’ve mostly only traveled between here and Indiana.”
“If you could travel any place, where would you go?”
She thought about it a minute. “I’d go to Rome, London, Tibet. There’s so much great architecture. Mind you, I don’t technically know anything about architecture but I like to admire it.”
He cocked his head at her, studying her. With everything in the dishwasher, she sat down next to him. “Wait, what would your superpower be,” she asked.
“Telepathy,” he smiled. She rolled her eyes at him, and he continued. “Do you like pets?”
“Sure, I love them. Dogs, cats, hedgehogs…”
“Hedgehogs?”
“They’re crazy cute! I don’t know about owning one, but they’re adorable. I like cats best. I like dogs too, but cats are low-maintenance.”
He shook his head at her. “How do you feel about children,” he asked.
She hesitated, “How do I feel about them, or do I want to have them?”
“Both.”
She took her time, thinking about how to answer. He’d lead her from easy to complicated. “I like kids. I like being around them, I don’t mind babysitting them. I never really wanted to have them though. I think part of me is just afraid of screwing up someone else’s life,” she gave a mirthless laugh. “Now, I’m pretty settled, it’s not really in my plans.”
“Would you ever move to a new city, or different country?” His demeanor was laid back, his eyes took on an intense shimmer.
“I don’t know,” she answered. “It’s not something that’s come up; I haven’t thought about it. I feel like I have a home though. I’m not sure what I would do without Amy,” she joked.
He reached out and touched her face unexpectedly, then leaned over and kissed her softly, sweetly. “Do you like sushi?”
“I love sushi,” she smiled. “Shrimp tempura and Philadelphia rolls are my favorite.”
“What kind of movies do you like?”
“Probably action or paranormal movies, but they must have at least a decent story line. I don’t mind romance or drama, but usually not my first choice.”
“A girl after my heart.”
“Ha Ha,” she stuck her tongue out at him.
They checked out the game shelf in the living room, deciding on Jenga and checkers. They sat on the patio, shaded by umbrellas, enjoying the ocean breeze and easy conversation. When it got hot, they’d cool off in the pool splashing each other and sharing playful kisses. They played gin rummy and sipped mimosas. As the sun began to set, they sat on the front porch enjoying the colorful sky and watching the night come to life. They had sushi delivered for dinner and rented a movie. Reina lay on the couch with her legs draped over James’ lap. She found herself watching him, wondering what he was thinking, as his fingers absentmindedly rubbed her legs. The day had left her relaxed. She actually felt relaxed with him, as long as she didn’t think too hard. Watching him like this made her worry though; her comfort made her worry. She wanted him. Her heart was starting to think it was safe, that she could keep him, but that just wasn’t reality. She wanted to take advantage of their limited time together, but they were definitely on borrowed time. She couldn’t let herself get hurt by thinking differently. He caught her looking and held her gaze, making her want to forget, to lose herself. Her heart was obviously a fool ruled by desire. The man was sinful; she’d never been tempted this way before. She’d always been able to rein it in, keep herself in check. He made her want to lose control. He looked as if he was about to wreak havoc on her senses, when his phone rang. He got up to check it.
“It’s the studio; hopefully it’ll just be a minute.” She turned down the television as he paced around the kitchen talking business. She watched him walk back and forth; occasionally he’d pause to lean on the counter. He moved like a jungle cat, magnificent.
She wasn’t sure how long she slept, but she must have dozed. She opened her eyes to James smoothing her hair and stroking her face. She looked at him dreamily, only half awake. Without thinking, her hand touched the side of his neck. His eyes closed briefly, muscle working his jaw. “Maybe I will keep you,” she whispered.
His eyes burned. “I’m definitely keeping you,” he replied, thumb skimming her lips. The touch sent fire down her spine, jolting her completely awake.
She sat up quickly, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.” She decided to pretend she hadn’t said something stupid, which included ignoring his reply. She couldn’t figure out his end game, but she was only playing so far. His hand came to the back of her neck; he looked at her as if he was making a decision. Whatever his internal struggle, he released her and stood up, holding out his hands to her. She took them, and he tugged her up, pulling her into his body. For a moment he once again looked undecided, and then he gently rubbed his lips along hers. “Go ahead to bed, it’s cool. I’ll be heading that way soon.” He stepped away from her smiling.
“Goodnight,” she mumbled, on her way up the stairs.
James watched her, wanting to follow. He rubbed his hand through his hair and over his neck, memories of her whimpers echoing in his head. Even he wasn’t completely sure how this would play out. One thing he was sure of, his instincts screamed mine when he was anywhere near her. He was constantly on edge trying to get beyond her formidable defenses, without spooking her. He didn’t want only her body’s responses, he wanted everything.
Chapter 9
In some moments, time seemed to stand still between them; endless stretches of fun and pleasure. Other moments seemed to bring a sense of urgency, of time passing way too quickly. Reina was having one of those moments. She leaned against the frame of a living room window, watching the afternoon shift to evening and feeling the press of time. The clock was winding down, time was running out. In six days Reina would go home, while James would be flying over 2500 miles away. They’d be on opposite sides of the country, back to their normal lives. Her warning bells wer
e on high alert today. Her life had flipped upside down and she wasn’t sure what it would look like when she turned it back over.
They’d enjoyed almost everything the island had to offer. They’d walked on white beaches collecting shells and admiring crystal blue waters. They’d explored on jet skis, taken a tour in a glass bottom boat, gone dolphin watching, and meandered through the historically cultural galleries. They’d searched the eccentric shops for keepsakes, visited the Hemingway House, and had even walked through the fantastic Key West Cemetery. Each day had been filled with both comfortable companionship and endless sexual tension. The truth was she couldn’t get enough of him. It didn’t matter what they were doing, or where they were. She tried to keep a level head, to keep her heart to herself, but she was slowly drawn in. An irresistible pull, like gravity. It was getting harder to talk herself down. Some internal part of her had grown wings and was beating against its cage. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. The back of her mind kept wondering what the withdrawal price would be.
She cocked her head as she heard him come down the stairs, but she didn’t turn. She shivered as he swept her hair to the side and rubbed his lips across her neck. She closed her eyes, letting the desire tingle down her spine and temporarily sweep away the world. She turned into him, rubbed her hand up his chest and grazed her lips across his. She danced away as his arms came around her, laughing mischievously over her shoulder. She was feeling slightly reckless today, must be something in the air. He watched her, predatory. He always seemed to be reading her, gauging her responses, like he knew something about her that she didn’t.
She opened the front door. “Are you coming,” she asked. He stood there for a moment, just looking at her with an unreadable look. She ducked her head, smiled, and then coyly looked up at him. “Guess I’ll go without you,” she goaded him, looking him up and down.