Slipping out of my shorts and tank top, my nerves made my insides shake. Why was I so…scared? Probably because I was taking my clothes off in front of a Greek god. Trace was already wearing his swim trunks, but when he removed his shirt, I was rendered speechless. Every muscle was defined. I had only seen abs like that on underwear models in magazines, not up close and personal. His arms, chest, and back were incredible, too. Then my gaze landed on his sexy, perfect V cut. A surge went through me as my mind wondered…
“Ready to go in?” he asked, reaching for my hand.
I answered yes, but all I could think about was if my butt looked cute in my bikini bottoms. Ro had insisted I get a new bikini for this trip. Strangely, she’d had a feeling I might meet someone. But she was always optimistic. I had waved her off at the time, but it looked like she was right. I was never going to hear the end of this. Inwardly I smiled, thinking about my best friend and how much she had been there for me over the years.
Thinking the water would be cold, I dipped my foot in. “I was expecting it to be freezing.”
“We’re closer to the equator, so the water is warm,” Trace said as he walked us deeper into the pool of water.
So much for cooling down. “I guess I forgot about that from my first visit.” My thoughts immediately turned to Dane. I had taken a sabbatical from thinking about my husband. Was I disrespecting him by getting to know Trace? After all, my reason for being here was to lay Dane to rest. I had done that, but shouldn’t I be sad, wallowing in my grief? That’s probably what a good wife would be doing. I chided myself. Happiness hadn’t come easily for me. Every time I reached for it, I couldn’t quite catch it.
“Lindy, you seem like a million miles away. You okay?”
Very perceptive. “I’m not sure. Everything that’s happening is so unexpected. I assumed today I would be sitting on the beach, pondering my life, not here at a beautiful waterfall…with you. I don’t know why or how this is happening.” I expected my heart to feel broken, but being with Trace somehow made it feel whole again. It sure was beating fast.
Trace put his hand around the nape of my neck and pulled my body close to his. Only thin cloth separated us as he hugged me. “You’re supposed to be here with me, Lindy. Believe it. Just trust that we were supposed to meet.”
Trace’s words made my spine tingle, drawing me even closer to him. Little by little, the chards of brokenness that was my heart were being put back together. I was letting him in. I was moving forward. And it felt good. Right.
Chapter 17: Trace
Nothing felt better to me than having Lindy in my arms. She let me hold her for a long time, resting her head on my chest, as we stood in the gently moving water. Not being able to imagine what it was like for her to spread her husband’s ashes, all I could do was hold her, make her feel safe. My feelings for her grew each second. I didn’t want to let her go. She’d already become important to me in less than a twenty-four-hour time span. I wanted to share my life with her and know about every nuance of hers.
It made me realize the affection between Angelina and I had changed in the last few months. She had still appeared warm and caring, but she hadn’t come across like she loved and adored me. Not how I had seen my mom love my dad. I couldn’t pinpoint when things had changed. Were there signs I hadn’t seen?
We swam in the pool and drifted under the waterfall. It was amazing to experience this with her. She fit so nicely in my arms and I kept her body close to mine the entire time. Early afternoon was changing to late afternoon and our time was growing short.
“Lindy, do you have any plans for tonight?” I asked, hoping her answer would be no.
“Not really.”
“I thought we could go into Lahaina and have dinner, watch the sunset. I’ve heard The Lahaina Fish Company is really good.”
“That sounds great,” she said, looking up through her lashes. She had a demure way about her that I was very drawn to.
We packed up our picnic and began making our way back to the hotel. Maui was so relaxing that time had just slipped away without either of us really noticing. Lindy and I each went to our perspective rooms. Deciding to meet at six, it gave me time to reflect on our day together. Lindy was the most compassionate person I’d ever met. My connection to her was intense considering the short span of time we’d known each other. Somehow, it felt like nothing existed in my life without her.
I needed to take a shower and get a grip. My mind was running wild with all things Lindy. My gut told me she was someone special to hold onto, but I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. The last thing I wanted to do was scare her off. But, she’d stayed in my arms for most of the afternoon, so I had a strong indication she was having feelings for me too.
The shower was a good stabilizer, clearing my head. Staying focused on Lindy was my priority now. I had no room in me to ponder anything that had happened with Angelina, which was weird. I should be obsessing over the woman who’d cheated on me, but I wasn’t. I should be feeling so…broken. But, instead I feel…free? Had things not been as good as I had thought? Just like that, I was over her. I had only given her two years of my life, and thinking back, had I really felt as close and connected to Angelina as I’d thought? Could I really switch off that all-consuming love so easily? I wouldn’t have thought it possible. But, it was true. I didn’t feel like I was grieving and I could only attribute that to Lindy. She was…light. I wasn’t ready to wish Derrick and Angelina love and happiness. What they did was fucked. I didn’t hope they’d end up happily ever after. They deliberately lied to me and deceived me. With no remorse. Meeting Lindy reminded me life was short. I lost Jake too soon. I didn’t want to waste any more time on anger…
Lindy was only here for two more days and then she would be going back to Louisiana. I had already decided I didn’t want that to happen. Apart from her two close friends, she didn’t really have any other ties to Lafayette. Would she move? Watching her fly away from me was something I couldn’t fathom. I’d only known her for a short time, but it seemed like years. We fit together like an old married couple who finished each other’s sentences. I had it bad. Lindy was under my skin and there was nothing I could do about it. Nor did I want to.
After showering, I made reservations for dinner. It would be a night watching the sunset, the radiance from the sun glowing on Lindy’s stunning face.
Chapter 18: Lindy
Before seeing Trace again, I had to call Ro. My day with him had been so wonderful and when he’d shared his story about his best friend Jake, he’d captured my heart. He had me. I didn’t know how it exactly happened, but I was his. Life kicked me in the face when I lost Dane and now I wanted to make every second count. Trace had pulled me from the ivory tower where I’d kept my feelings hidden, delivering me straight into his strong arms.
“Hey, Lindy,” Ro said. “How’s it going with your new beaux?” I could hear the happiness in her voice. She was enjoying this I told you so moment way too much.
“Ro, we shared the most amazing day together. The picnic at the waterfall was incredible. We made out like teenagers. He opened up to me about losing his best friend. It was the perfect day.”
“That sounds so romantic. I’m jealous.”
“Ro, I think I’m in love with him. When he opened up to me about his best friend dying when he was nineteen something happened inside me. I don’t know how to explain it.”
“Sounds like you’ve connected to him because he can understand what you’ve gone through, Lindy. He’s lost someone, too.”
“He does seem to understand me. He’s very empathetic.”
“Where is he now? Are you seeing him again?”
“He’s in his hotel room getting ready to take me to dinner.”
“Another date. Sounds like he’s into you, too.”
“He is. We just…somehow…go together.”
“Then, why are you talking to me? Why aren’t you with him?”
I didn’t answer her right away. Fea
r washed over me. I was scared of what was happening between us and it being ripped away from me. Everything always seemed to be taken away.
“Lindy?”
“I’m here,” I said with a shaky voice.
“What’s going on?”
“I’m afraid. I’m just afraid.”
“Of what?”
“Of getting hurt. Losing again.”
“Lindy, what I’m about to say may sound harsh, but I have to say it. It’s time you get out of your own way and live again. I’ve watched you for three years mourn the loss of Dane. I know you two loved each other very much and I know you needed to grieve. But, now’s the time to live. You’ve done what you went there to do…let go. Now you need to grab on to Trace. I have a gut feeling you two are meant to be.”
“You don’t think it’s all too fast? How can I already be in love with him?”
“Life is mysterious, Lindy. I don’t know how anything happens, but it does. It’s happened for you. What are you waiting for?”
“You’re right. I don’t want to wait another second. I’ve gotta go.”
I hung up the phone before saying goodbye. Ro would understand. I had already showered and gotten ready. I was going to Trace’s room. Early.
Knocking briskly on his door, my heart began pounding furiously in my chest. I was breathless with anticipation. Thoughts of him doing things to me played out in my head.
The moment Trace opened the door, I leapt into his arms.
“Lindy…is everything okay?”
“It will be,” I said as my fingers found the buttons on his shirt. I started off clumsily attempting to unbutton them, but that was beginning to take too long. Mustering all my strength, I pulled the fabric apart as hard as I could, buttons flying everywhere, exposing Trace’s chiseled chest. Another pull and his shirt was completely undone. I slid my hands under the shirt, onto his shoulders. Instantly, his shirt was rumpled on the floor.
“Oh fuck, yes.”
I’m sure I heard him mutter, “Oh fuck, yes,” which made my need double. He wanted me too.
Trace stared at me with an intensity that made my insides turn to goo. Without saying a word, he closed the door behind us, scooped me up in his arms, and carried me toward the bed.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he held me so close I could feel the pounding in his chest. Before I could say a word, his mouth was on mine. His soft lips covered mine until he parted them with his tongue, invading me. His hot tongue swirled with mine while his hands began lifting my knit top. Before long, it joined his shirt on the floor. His kisses continued while he unhooked my bra. My heart raced knowing we were going to do what we had both been thinking about all day. The pulsing between my legs became stronger.
“Lindy, you’re so fucking beautiful.” He kissed my neck, placing little nips behind my earlobe. “I’m absolutely crazy about you. My skin felt alive as he dragged his lips across my collarbone, kissing me as he went. I was already so turned on. “I want you so much.”
His hot mouth plunged to my breast, taking in my nipple, sucking until it turned into a tight bud. My head fell back from his onslaught, soft groans escaping my lips. I could feel him, hard as stone, pressed against my bottom.
He swung us around, moving on top of me in the process. Trace sat back on his knees as he began pulling off my jeans. I lifted my hips to help him. Gazing down at me, he had pure love emanating from his eyes. “I could look at you forever. Every inch of you is perfect.”
Before I could respond, his pants were off and I could see his entire male prowess. This man was gorgeous. Gazing into his hazel eyes, I couldn’t catch my breath, but I didn’t want to. I wanted all of him connected to me…forever.
“I’ve been thinking about what I want to do to you all day, Lindy,” he said, as he made his way between my legs. Spreading me apart, he drew in a breath. “I love your scent.”
“Trace,” I uttered. But I couldn’t say anything else, because his mouth descended upon me, his tongue licking my clit. Moaning was all I could muster as my hands grabbed at the bedspread tightly. Light pulses surged through me as his tongue continued circling my clit.
My legs were shaking from the pleasure of his tongue massaging the spot that would soon make the earth fall away. Trace slowly slipped two fingers inside me, escalating the intensity I was already experiencing.
“Come for me, beautiful,” he said between licks.
Within seconds, I did exactly what he wanted of me, I came…hard. Screaming out was all I could do. The waves of ecstasy crashed over me again and again as I squeezed his fingers inside me. Sounds escaped me that I hadn’t made in a long time. Barely being able to move, I said, “That was…beyond words.”
My eyes locked with Trace’s. He had a shiny grin on his face as he moved toward me, hovering over me. “Lindy, every sound you made was so sexy to me. Everything about you.” His hand caressed my face. “Everything.”
The look in his eyes seared my heart. Could he be in love with me too? Was any of this really possible? I wasn’t going to ask. I was going to feel. Feel him fill me up and take me over the edge again.
“Everything about you is perfect too,” I murmured, and still recovering from what he had just done to me, my words were barely audible.
Trace didn’t waste any time. His lips found mine again. I could taste our sex from the stickiness that covered his lips. Sliding his hand down the side of my body, I quivered beneath his touch. “Make love to me, Trace,” I whispered.
Trace grabbed a condom out of his suitcase, and within seconds, he was rolling it on.
Trace slid his hard cock up and down my hot core, with each stroke building anticipation inside me. He gently slipped inside me, then pulled back, taking his time. Each time he reentered my body, he went a little deeper into my wet interior. “Trace, it’s okay. I want all of you,” I said, my hands grasping onto his firm ass.
With that, he slid all the way inside me, filling me like I expected. “Lindy, you feel so damn good, baby.”
“So do you,” I groaned out. Trace was moving in and out of me ever so slowly.
“I have a feeling you know exactly what you’re doing,” I said before his mouth landed on my left breast. How did he know that was the more sensitive one? Between his tugs, swirling, and light scrapes with his teeth, I thought I was going to explode. Again.
“I want you to come again for me. I want to feel you squeezing me, hear you screaming out, and watch your beautiful face.”
I loved that he talked so much during sex, telling me what he wanted. And of course, all I wanted to do was exactly what he asked for. In my heart, I was his…utterly and completely his. Being anywhere else, with anyone else, was unthinkable. Trace Michaels was my man.
Within seconds, my undoing happened and an orgasm ripped through me. Trace was right behind me, groaning as he came. Our eyes never left each other’s. He gently stroked my face with the back of his hand, not moving from my body.
“I don’t want this moment to end,” he said.
“Neither do I.”
Trace nuzzled my nose with his. His mannerisms were so adoring. I hadn’t felt adored in so long. Trace had managed to connect with me on a much deeper level than I thought possible. Pushing my fears away, I gave my heart to him completely.
Chapter 19: Trace
I had been completely taken by surprise when I opened the door, but it was the best surprise of my life. Lindy laid her head on my chest and wrapped her arm and leg over my body. She had drifted off and I would have joined her, but I wanted to savor every moment of her in my arms. Glancing over at our room service dishes, I couldn’t help but smile.
Our quiet dinner in had been just what we’d both needed. She had impressed me with her take-charge attitude when she’d entered my room. Being with her made everything else I had been going through seem a million miles away. Lindy had become my air. I not only wanted her, I needed her. As I surrendered to sleep, I couldn’t imagine life without her.
> A crack in the drapes allowed a hint of morning to shine through, drawing me from my sleep. I remembered a farmer’s market we had passed and thought fresh fruit would be a great way to start the day. Not wanting to wake Lindy, I carefully removed myself from our bed. Slipping on my jogging pants and T-shirt, I was out the door in under a minute. Fresh fruit and juice sounded like a great way to start the day. I’d also see what local delicacies I could find. Hopefully, Lindy would still be sleeping by the time I returned. I wanted to surprise her.
The farmer’s market didn’t disappoint and I managed to fill my basket quickly. They even had a griddle where they were making macadamia nut pancakes, so I got us each an order.
My plan today was to take Lindy parasailing. It was something I had been looking forward to for a long time. I just didn’t know I’d be doing it with someone…else.
“There’s my gorgeous girl,” I said walking through the door. Lindy was just beginning to stir. She stretched and moaned slightly, getting my full attention as the sheet pooled around her waist.
“Looks like you’ve been busy this morning,” she murmured.
I placed the bags on the table and made my way over to Lindy, climbing back into bed. “I got us fruit and macadamia nut pancakes, but you look way more appetizing.”
“I am starving,” she said as she looked up at me through her long lashes, “but not for food.”
I didn’t need any further hinting or encouragement. Lindy looked so sexy with her mussed up hair, naked in my bed. Before I could make a move, she was kissing me. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her on top of me. Lindy slid her hands up my chest, moving my shirt up along with them. Taking my shirt off, she then began kissing my neck, continuing down my chest. I watched intently as her mouth made its way to my cock. Her tongue swirled around my head, her hands slipping down, gripping my shaft. My head fell back as her mouth took me in, its warmth cocooning me, making me hard. It felt so damn good to have her mouth on me, her teeth slightly grazing me. For several minutes, I let her continue to have her way with me, but I didn’t want to come in her mouth. No, I wanted that reserved for her perfect tight spot between her legs.
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