The Remingtons_Leap, Laugh, Love

by Rachelle Ayala

  Great start. She’d ruined Day Two already, just like Day One when she’d driven him off the premises.

  # # #

  The thing about females is they’re unpredictable.

  Finn’s buddy, Lonnie, was always spouting wisdom, and boy did that kid know how to get laid. His friend had had charisma and an attitude that had women doing him favors without hope of being rewarded anything more than a smile or a peck on the cheek.

  Meanwhile, Finn was left with women who’d take him under their wing for his body and sexual prowess. They’d spend most of their time rutting like rabbits, and when it was time to go, it was time to go, except for that employee of Dex’s. She’d wanted to keep in touch, and she’d hinted at a ring.

  Maybe that was the missing piece. High quality women like Kerry wouldn’t be satisfied to be playthings. Wasn’t that what Dex had drilled into him?

  Attacking Kerry with that public kiss in the surf and grinding himself against her on the board was demeaning to her. As for going down on her in the outdoor shower? What would his father think?

  Finn picked out the longboard from the shed and followed Kerry down the trail toward the beach. He stayed well behind her and focused his gaze on the horizon and not on her shapely ass. She was so freaking sexy, she could redefine sexy, and if he wasn’t careful, he’d jump her and get himself arrested.

  Earlier, when she’d taken his hand, it had been sheer willpower to move away from her, especially when she’d been thanking him for the good time she had last night, and saying she loved to hang with him.

  “Looks like some nice rolling waves,” Kerry said, shielding her eyes against the rising sun.

  “Let’s go for it.” Finn jogged across the short sandy expanse and threw his board into the water. Even the shock of the initial chill did nothing to dampen his spirits. By the end of the morning, he’d show Miss Surf Pants exactly how a Ranger surfed—with no fear.

  And he did. No matter how far she paddled out, he followed her. And while he didn’t catch half the waves she did, he also kept his wipe outs to himself, grabbing his board quickly and paddling back as fast as he could.

  “Woohoo, that was awesome,” Kerry whooped at the end of a long, rolling ride. While he jumped off the board, she simply hung a U-turn and rode over the breaking wave, then landed back on her belly to paddle.

  How did she do that? She headed out past the breakers as if she were on a motorized board. He was behind, but his burst of paddling soon brought him level with her.

  “Not bad, soldier boy.” She swiped her wet hair back and winked. “Maybe tomorrow we hit some bigger swells, although this isn’t really the season for surfing Long Island. You have to come back in the winter or during hurricane season. You brave enough?”

  “No fear.” He slapped his chest and bragged. “Name the time and place, and I’m on it.”

  She gave him a wry smile and hooked her thumb at a wave rising from the southeast. “Ready?”

  “You got it.” He watched the swell rise and rise. It was bigger than the ones he’d caught before. Kerry was right by his side, and when she shot forward, he paddled with a powerful burst, then popped-up and dropped into the wave.

  Where was she? The water surged and carried him down the trough. He leaned and rode across the wave as it curled behind him. This was awesome! Maybe even more so than cliff skiing.

  “Whooo!” He raised both hands and crouched to stay on as long as he could. His face ached in unfamiliar places, and his cheeks scrunched as his mouth stretched upward. At the last second before bailing, he turned and caught sight of Kerry sitting on her board. She’d missed the wave and was pumping her fists at him, a big grin marking her face.

  “You’re fucking awesome, dude!” she cheered. Turning, she caught the next wave and cruised to his side, carving and pumping up and down to show off her skills.

  She jumped off her board and into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. Before he could take another breath, she was kissing him. Her mouth opened wide, and she probed him and sucked on his tongue, then angled her head for deeper access.

  Finn’s heart expanded, and he held her tight. He loved her aggressiveness and strength. Even though he’d vowed to restrain himself, what was a man to do when the woman of his dreams pounced over him?

  He poured his soul into the kiss, caressing the back of her head and sucking on her lips and tongue. The rubber of his wetsuit did nothing to hide his growing erection, and he didn’t care. All that he’d ever wanted was in his arms.

  If this was love, and love was hell, he’d fall into it over and over again, not caring whether he’d survive or thrive.

  Chapter Eleven

  “I’m so sorry.” Kerry pushed off Finn when she came up for air. “You surfed great, but I shouldn’t have attacked you.”

  “You didn’t attack me, you rewarded me.” Finn’s chest puffed as a flat grin stretched across his face. He looked almost happy.

  “But, are my kisses welcome? I don’t want you to think I’m sexually harassing you.”

  He tilted her chin and peered into her eyes. “Everything about you is welcome. Why would you doubt it?”

  “I know it’s no excuse, but surfing gets me going, and it’s like all the adrenaline and excitement channels into wanting you.”

  He leaned toward her until his forehead was against hers. “You don’t need an excuse with me. I wanted to treat you properly and respect you.”

  “Why would you do that?” No man had ever acted as strangely as Finn. Kerry was a surfing champ, after all, and most men wanted to be seen with her and more.

  “Because you deserve it. You’re a high quality woman.” His breath was like fresh air, laced with the sea. “I want to do so many things with you, and I don’t want you to think I’m only in it to get you in bed.”

  Wow. Just wow. Finn thought she was a high quality woman? This was definitely a first. The way Jared had treated her, it was as if he’d doled out favors as a reward for her performance in the water.

  She was silent, not sure how to respond. How could she have snookered Finn into thinking she was worth it? No man wanted a woman who’d had sex with more men than her age.

  “You deserve someone better.” She unwrapped her arms from his shoulders. “I’m just this crazy girl who can surf, and these days, not even that. The waves here are nothing compared to the big ones we have at the competition sites. I’m a has-been, washed up, afraid of my own shadow.”

  “No, you’re not.” He took her hand, wrapping it in his large palm. “You’re out here surfing in Montauk where the book Jaws was written. You’re being brave every day, and you taught me how to surf. I’m not a quick learner.”

  She swallowed a lump bigger than a golf ball. “You’re a gifted and natural athlete. I bet you snowboard.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” He pulled her along the shoreline, knee-deep in water. Luckily, their boards were tethered to their ankles or they’d have lost them long ago. “I don’t care if you’re afraid of your shadow, or if you’re as crazy as you say. I like you, Kerry Mills, and I want to spend the rest of my time here with you.”

  “Oh, Finn, really?” She wrapped her arms around his muscular torso.

  “Yes, really.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And you can attack me and assault me as much as you want.”

  “Might help if you jumped me a few times, too.” She licked the crook of his neck where the wetsuit left off.

  To her delight, he shivered and hugged her tighter. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. How about we have lunch, and then I have a surprise planned for you.”

  It took her a moment. Then she slapped him playfully. “You’re so arrogant. You knew all along I wanted to hang out with you.”

  “I hoped.” His large brown eyes were round and earnest, like a loyal dog’s adoring gaze. “Kerry, will you be my vacation date and allow me to wine and dine you?”

  Kerry sucked in a breath. So, this was what Siena had warned her about—Finn
acting romantic and sweet while on vacation, only to turn around and forget as soon as he returned to war.

  But then again, this was what she wanted, right?

  “Sure.” She nodded. “I’d love to, on one condition.”

  “Name it.”

  “We don’t pretend this is anything more. When we leave this cottage, it’s over. No strings, and no tears.”

  The sternness returned to his face, hardening the lines around his eyes as he squinted in the sun. He licked his lips and nodded. “Sure, Kerry Merry. When it’s over, we walk away. Is that what you want?”

  “Definitely. I won’t have it any other way.” She stiffened her upper lip. She knew his game, but hell, she’d enjoy every second of him while it counted, especially since he’d just given him a cute nickname—one that sounded almost like his surname, Meriwether. Another trick to hook her in further, if she were the kind of woman looking for romance—which she wasn’t. Right?

  “Deal.” He clasped his hand in a fist, holding it out for a bump.

  “Deal.” She tapped his knuckles, then licked her lips. “Now, let me have it, soldier. And no holding back.”

  “Change of plans,” he grunted. “I’m having you for lunch.”

  Oh yeah, now we’re talking.

  Kerry grabbed his face with both hands and pressed a rough kiss over his lips, smushing his nose with hers and nipping his lower lip hard.

  Bending over, she grabbed her surfboard and ran, splashing through the tide up onto the beach. “Last one in bed is a soggy surfboard.”

  # # #

  Finn’s blood surged to his extremities, especially his cock. Kerry had said not to pretend this was anything more. Well, hell’s bells, he wasn’t pretending.

  Kerry was the one meant for him. He was sure of it. She’d only need a little convincing. He picked up the longboard and ran after her, catching her as soon as she was out of the water.

  “Since we’re vacation lovers, anything goes, right?” He dropped his board and picked her up.

  “Right. Anything.”

  With one heave, he threw her into the water. The leashes around their ankles tangled, and he fell on top of her. Surf sprayed over her face as he wrestled with her in the line between sand and sea.

  She dunked his head, laughing and giggling, then piled a lump of wet sand on him. He caught her by the wetsuit and unzipped it partially, just enough to shove sand in between her breasts.

  “You, brat.” She shrieked, digging her fingers into his scalp and rubbing sand in his hair.

  “Looks like we have to get cleaned up in the shower now.” He wiped a gritty palm across her face.

  “Looks that way.”

  Her laugh was infectious, and soon, he was rolling in the shallow surf, holding his belly as he swallowed seawater and choking back the laughter bubbling through his throat.

  Kerry yanked a long rope of brownish green seaweed from the water and wrapped it around him, tying it to his neck like a leash. “Got you, prisoner of war. You’re under my orders for the rest of the day. Pick up the surfboards and march.”

  Finn marched to the cottage in record time and helped Kerry clean the boards and dry them on the racks. The two of them raced to the outdoor shower, unzipping and tripping over their wetsuits.

  The chilly water hit them like an ice truck, but Finn’s blood was boiling hot. He hadn’t had sex since his last vacation. To make love to the woman he was sure belonged to him would be even more awesome.

  He washed the sand from Kerry’s hair and skin, while she dragged her hands over every inch of his body. Being naked together out in the sunlight was unreal. She was so freaking beautiful, a perfectly sculpted female, soft in the right places, but in top athletic shape.

  He shut off the water and took both of her hands. Her gaze was heated and sultry, the blue eyes stormy with desire, but for some reason, he wanted to see more before he took her. He studied her, silently asking her if this was different, if he was different from any other man she’d ever been with.

  “Finn? Is everything okay?” Her eyes remained glued to his, dilating with concern.

  “I’m not pretending with you.”

  “I know. We agreed not to pretend.” Her smile only lifted one side of her lips. “Come on, let’s go in. Your bed or mine?”

  “Our bed.” He laid a kiss on her forehead, and led her across the deck and into the cottage. “I want to fall asleep with you, hold you all night, and wake up next to you. If you think I’ll fit with you on the daisy bed, then we’ll go upstairs.”

  “Silly, of course we’ll take the big bed.” She walked with him across the living room to the master suite.

  “Why didn’t you take it first?” He opened the double doors. “You didn’t know I was coming, did you?”

  She stopped in the middle of the room, surveying it, her eyes sweeping the curves of the cherry wood sleigh bed. She pressed her fingers against the padded headboard and dragged her hand over the plush, burgundy red velour bedspread. She pulled the covers back and fingered the satin sheets.

  “I can’t do this. Not here.” She seemed to shrink, and her gaze lowered to the floor. Shaking her head, she bit her lower lip. “After I got out of the hospital for the shark bite, my boyfriend dumped me like I was yesterday’s news. I’m actually not sure I should start anything with you, even if it’s temporary.”

  She swiped a hand over her eyes. “I mean, look at us. Buck naked like Adam and Eve in front of a sexy bed—satin sheets, velvet bedspread, padded headboards, the works. I’m really a mess, aren’t I?”

  Finn grabbed a towel from the dresser and draped it on her shoulders. “You’re not a mess. You’re normal.”

  “I’m sorry I’m such a tease.” She wrapped herself in the towel. “You asked me why I didn’t take the master bedroom. It’s really stupid. I couldn’t stand the thought of sleeping on a bed where someone else made love and meant it. Real, true love, the kind that happens once in a lifetime if you’re lucky, and never, if you’re most people.”

  “It’s only a bed.” Finn grabbed a pair of sweats and pulled them on. “Don’t feel obligated, no matter what agreement we made on the beach.”

  She sniffled and heaved a long sigh. “I’m really too messed up for you, even for a vacation fling. Maybe you should go out alone tonight. If you want to bring someone here, don’t mind me. I’ll just be upstairs and make myself scarce.”

  “Kerry.” Finn reached out and brought her into his arms. “I don’t want anyone other than you, and if you’re not ready, I’m not ready. Can we still do things together and go places?”

  “I was supposed to come here to find myself.” She trembled and shook her head. “Reconnect and reenergize—figure out my next steps and what I want to do with life.”

  “And I’m in the way.”

  “No, but you’re a complication. Oh, gosh, I’m not making any sense. I’m sorry if I’ve disappointed you.”

  “I’m not disappointed.” He rocked her from side to side. “I mean, my body might need another cold shower or two, but I’m actually happy.”

  “Happy? How?”

  “You trust me, and when we do get together, it’ll be extra special—not strangers having sex, but much more. When I finally make love to you, it’s going to come from my heart.” He took her hand and placed it across his chest. “I want to be more than any other man you’ve ever had. I want to fill places in your heart you didn’t know you had and be the one you’ll never forget.”

  She gawked at him and put her hand on his forehead. “You’re so old fashioned. You don’t have to pretend this is more than a sexual interlude.”

  No wonder. He’d sounded like an idiotic boy scout. He’d played out his hand, hadn’t kept his cards close to his chest. Oh well, he was never good at hiding his feelings except on the battlefield. It was why he’d ended up screwed when it came to women.

  “I’m not pretending,” he protested. “I meant everything I just said.”

  Her eyes wide
ned along with her mouth. She clutched the towel tighter to her body and eyed him as if he were a poisonous snake. “You are a killer. A lady killer. I think I’ve underestimated you, soldier.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Were you in love with him?” Finn held Kerry’s hand as they lay side-by-side on a couple’s massage table. Above them, two expert masseuses were pounding and grinding their taut back and shoulder muscles. Despite her misgivings, she agreed to go with him to a day spa since he’d already purchased the massages.

  Kerry gazed into Finn’s eyes, warm like dark lager beer. Her throat squeezed along with her heart. The skillful hands pressing into her back kneaded against the tightness wrapping around her chest. Why was Finn looking at her like he cared? Was this part of his vacation loving act? A weeklong drama to relieve the dangerous life in the war zone?

  “I thought I was.” She managed to choke out the words between the deep rubs on her back.

  “What made you change your belief?” His thumb caressed the back of her hand.

  “I don’t know. Maybe it was the way my heart didn’t break. I mean, I’m more pissed than anything. Yeah, okay, hurt when he cared so little—but then what did I expect? He’s a surfing promoter.”

  “He used you.”

  “Or people say I used him—slept my way onto the tour.”

  “I don’t believe that.” Finn’s jaw tightened. “Of course, I’m biased because you’re the only surfer I know, but I think he picks the top girl to sleep with, not the other way around.”

  Kerry swallowed and blinked. Hopefully she wouldn’t get teary again. “Maybe my pride’s hurt, but yes, he didn’t waste time getting into Marina’s bed. I thought she was my friend, or at least a frenemy. We’re tough on each other in the water and compete hard, but I always thought she liked me.”

  “I feel sorry for her. He’s taking advantage of her, too. I saw the publicity shots and gossip. He’s trying to turn all of you into reality stars.”

  “Well, I’m not playing. There are other competitions and tours. Less well known with smaller purses. Some for charitable causes.”