“I’m fine for now. I’ll see you at dinner.”
Nodding, I gathered my clothes and took my leave.
The interior of the boat was air-conditioned and as soon as I stepped inside I shivered, my damp swimsuit still cold from the ocean. The glass doors slid open behind me and I turned as Hale came inside.
I grinned and paused at the top of the steps. “Are you following me?” I asked teasingly.
His gray eyes held a touch of mischief. “Yes. Keep going.”
I took the stairs, glancing back every few seconds. His pursuit made me giddy and unsure in the best way. My hand glided over the railing as I made my way down to the staterooms.
When my fingers closed over the doorknob to my bedroom, he caught my wrist. I stilled and waited, my back to his front. Why was his body burning hot when I couldn’t stop shivering?
“Are you going to shower?” he whispered, his breath teasing over my exposed shoulders.
My nipples pebbled under the damp material of my suit and I trembled, slowly nodding.
His hand pressed into mine, releasing the catch of the handle, and the door opened a crack. His fingers barely grazed my back, but suddenly my top was loose and the bikini strings dangled at my sides.
He stepped closer, his hot mouth pressing into my shoulder as he helped himself to my breast and my knees went weak.
“Let me come with you,” he rasped, his lips working over that sensitive spot at the base of my neck.
His fingers pinched the tip of my nipple and I shivered. I’d never been around a man so domineering and assured. His confidence was incredibly sexy. It fed my curiosity and made it incredibly easy to give him more than I usually offered.
“Okay.”
“Go inside.”
Making my legs move was no easy task. I took a step and he walked with me, one hand under the skimpy top, another resting on my hip. The moment I crossed the threshold into my room, he spun me into the door and kissed me, his fingers working at the ties at the back of my neck.
The door snapped closed, and a fuse seemed to light between us, hot and urgent. “I want you,” he rasped, peeling my top away and closing his mouth over the sharp point of my breast.
I gasped and pressed into the door as his soft lips sucked my flesh hard. My hands caught his shoulders as I breathed in the briny scent of his skin. His tongue dragged from one breast to the other as his fingers wedged beneath my damp bottoms and massaged the cool skin of my ass.
Somehow he always kept me teetering on the sharp edge of anticipation and when he pushed for more I was ready and willing, hardly giving our actions the consideration I usually did with other men.
Heart racing, I tried to keep up. He lifted me off the ground and my legs wrapped around his hips as his mouth found mine. He was hard beneath his swim trunks, his erection digging into my core.
As his palm cupped my breasts, almost bruising, he turned and tossed me onto the bed. His eyes were dark and wild, pinning me in place.
Without asking, he peeled my bottoms down my legs and tossed them on the floor. When my knees knocked together, he yanked them apart and jerked me closer to him.
There was no time to prepare as his mouth descended on my sex, penetrating and licking me into a frenzied mess. My fingers tangled in his hair as he went at me. When my moans were unstoppable, I grabbed a pillow and shoved it over my face.
Arching and twisting beneath him, I tried to fight the overwhelming onslaught of pleasure, but he was a guru who knew exactly which buttons made me squeal. I came hard and fast, too soon to even track what he was doing to me.
He wasn’t finished. Working his mouth up my body, he closed his lips over my breast and caught my hand, pulling it down to his hips. Somehow his shorts were gone. He thrust his cock into my palm, the heat of his body almost scalding my hand. Folding my fingers around what might as well be a drinking glass, my eyes went wide. He was so damn thick.
“Touch me,” he rasped, working his mouth to my throat.
Jesus Christ, we could never have sex if this was the sort of heat he was packing. I blindly stroked him, trying to measure his length as I did some off the cuff science equations about the depth of my vagina and the mass of his dick.
I jerked to attention as his fingers brushed my sensitive clit and his other hand closed over mine, tightening my hold over his cock.
“You’re really big down there,” I said, hoping his size might work as an excuse for my lack of finesse in the penis department.
He grunted and pumped his fingers with mine, using more pressure than I’d ever think to use on a man’s most sensitive part. His forehead pressed into my shoulder as he used my hand to jerk him off, his breath beating against my chest. When he grunted again, his body tensed and sticky heat coated my stomach.
Come. He just came on me. Was that something normal people did without asking? Because I sort of thought that was reserved for pornography.
His grip loosened as he held himself over me and panted. I lay beneath him, worrying the mess might drip onto the comforter, wondering if Pinterest had any pins for removing come stains.
His lips found my thrumming pulse and pressed a kiss there. “You okay?”
Oh, I was just dandy. “Mm-hmm.”
He eased back and kissed my lips briefly, before hauling me off the bed. Come was literally dripping down my belly.
I hitched a thumb over my shoulder. “I’m gonna grab that shower now.” Without waiting for a response, I ducked into the bathroom and started the water.
As soon as the water warmed, I rinsed off and had another surprise as Hale opened the glass doors and stepped in behind me.
His arms closed over my waist as his lips rested on my shoulder. It was really hard to think of casual conversation after being ejaculated on.
“So…how about this weather?”
“Was that too much for you?” he asked gently, his arms loosening around my waist.
I couldn’t possibly discuss what just happened because post-coital analytics were simply out of my repertoire. “Do you think we’ll have any more storms?”
“I didn’t expect to come at you like that, but you fucking turn me on, Rayne. I can’t remember the last time I wanted someone with that sort of urgency.”
And come at me he had. “Did you ever see a rainbow at sea?”
He turned me so I was facing him, but I couldn’t meet his gaze. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, but I didn’t want to make eye contact, so I shut my eyes.
“Rayne.” His fingers brushed my cheek. “Why won’t you look at me?”
“Because I have the maturity of a teenager and I’m naked.” If I kept my eyes shut, I was invisible, right?
“Please look at me.”
I forced my eyes open and blurted, “Your father knows about us.”
His brow creased. “What?”
“He called me out on it upstairs.”
“What did you say?”
I shrugged. “I told him we were friends and he told me not to bullshit him.”
Kudos for Hale acting like this wasn’t anything to worry about, but I still noticed the way his hands eased away from my body and he took a subtle step back. “Are you upset he knows?”
“Well, it isn’t like he has all the details, but he is my boss, and you’re his son, so it’s a little awkward.”
“And you’re a grown woman.”
I wouldn’t be too sure. Currently, I couldn’t think clearly because there was a penis in my shower.
“Can you pass me the shampoo?”
He chuckled. “Hey. We’re talking.”
“I’m not used to having naked conversations. I can be out in two seconds and then you can have the shower to yourself.”
He made a strange face and laughed. “I’m not in any rush.” He caught my hips and yanked my body flush to his. “You shouldn’t be either.”
“Okay there, soldier,” I squirmed out of his hold. “I’m not used to all this… attention. You’re going to h
ave to be patient while I find my bearings.”
Reaching behind him I snatched the shampoo off the shelf and turned around because it was easier to pretend I was alone if I wasn’t looking directly at him.
“Why do you get so nervous around me?”
I never had such a hard time getting shampoo out of the bottle, but I was shaking, and now I had way too much in my palm.
“How am I supposed to act?” I shook the extra off and shoved my fingers in my hair.
“Don’t you like when I touch you? I like when you touch me.”
I vigorously scrubbed my scalp and rinsed. “I’m just not used to this.”
“Rayne, please chill with the shampooing for a second and talk to me.”
Taking a deep breath, I lowered my hands and turned, my eyes pleading. “I don’t know how to do this.”
“Are we moving too fast?”
Maybe we were, but I didn’t want to go any slower. It wasn’t the sex stuff it was all the in between. “I suck at intimacy.”
Voice calm, he said, “But you’re not shy.”
“I know I’m not.”
He smirked. “And you’re certainly not cold. I’ve watched you come.”
“Alrighty then.” I quickly turned and he caught my arm.
“Hey. Talk to me, Rayne.”
“About what? Orgasms? I don’t know how to talk about that stuff. I’m totally freaking out about the fact that you’re in the shower with me.” I risked a look at his erection. Dear God.
He frowned. “You’ve never showered with a man before?”
“No. I’ve never even considered showering with another person. I’m a hot water hog and I’m totally uncomfortable when naked.”
“Why? You’re beautiful.”
Now it was my turn to frown. “Thanks, but I have no grace. It’s hard enough being around you in clothes. Forget being naked.”
His mouth hooked in a half-grin as he brushed his thumb over my lower lip. “I happen to like being naked with you.”
I fidgeted. “I like it too, sort of. But I just don’t know what to do.”
He laughed. “Just let it happen.”
Letting it happen did help, especially when he took control, but when things slowed down, and reality set in, all my gawkiness came hurtling back. “Maybe we should have sex.”
His brows shot up. “Now?”
“Well, not this very second, but soon.”
He studied me for a long moment. “And what will that prove? That we can? I don’t want to plan out our every move, Rayne. Don’t get me wrong, I want to sleep with you, but if this is moving too fast for you, I have no problem slowing down.”
“But we only have a few days left.”
“What are you talking about, a few days?”
“Well, once we’re in Florida, you’ll be at your place, and I’ll be with Remington and—”
“And nothing will change. Did you think this was some sort of travel fling?”
My hands waved out in frustration. “I don’t know. Is it? I don’t usually do this sort of thing and when we were in the ocean, you said you didn’t want to overcomplicate maters.”
Reaching behind me, he shut off the water and whispered, “I’m not looking for a one night stand. I like you, Rayne. I want to get to know you and spend time with you.”
I had the hardest time accepting that a guy like this could actually like me. Maybe I was a little more damaged from my failed sexual exploits than I realized.
Closing my arms over my chest I murmured, “I like you too.”
“If it’s assurance you need, I’ll give it to you. You have my full interest and this is more than me just filling time.”
I found great relief in his confession, but it bothered me that I couldn’t match his confidence. “The truth is, I’m really inexperienced when it comes to relationships. Not just guys. People in general. I’ve sort of built my entire life around my mom and a few close friends.”
His smile was gentle. “That’s okay. My life’s been in the shadow of my father’s legacy for so long any bit of exposure comes with scrutiny. You can feel safe with me, Rayne. No one’s judging us here. Talking is how people get to know each other. I’m interested in knowing the real you.”
I never expected him to be so genuine, but he always seemed to surprise me with more incredible patience. “Okay. That helps. Just an FYI, I’m the sort of girl that needs things spelled out or I panic, especially when I’m in unfamiliar territory.”
“Then I’ll spell it out for you. I don’t care who knows I’m interested in you. I wasn’t necessarily hiding my feelings. To be honest, I’d prefer it if everyone knew. That way others won’t feel so inclined to…” His words drifted off and he shook his head. “If it doesn’t bother you, I’d rather not treat our relationship like a secret.”
Chills chased up my spine as we stood there. “But I work for you.”
“You work for my father. There’s a difference.”
“Is there? If you needed something, you wouldn’t hesitate to make Eric get it for you, but you’ll take me snorkeling with the dolphins.”
“Eric’s a grown boy. Let him worry about himself and you worry about you.”
“He’s my colleague and he’s judging me.”
“So? Let him. So long as he keeps his eyes where they belong, I don’t care what he thinks.”
I grimaced, recalling the way Hale snapped at him on the dock. “What did he do earlier that made you say something?”
“He was looking where he shouldn’t.”
And Hale corrected him. There was something really flattering about that—in a caveman sort of way.
Stepping close, he cupped my ass and whispered, “So long as we’re doing this I don’t want anyone else looking at your ass that way. Eric should know better.”
The words so long as we’re doing this snagged on something painful in my chest, but I shoved it aside. “He shouldn’t know anything—”
“That’s why I said something. He knows now. I catch him looking at your ass again and he’ll have real problems.”
Smirking, I rested my palms on his warm chest. “You’re a little bit territorial, aren’t you?”
“I’m a lot territorial.” His hands slid to my waist where his fingers rested on my hips. “Consider your ass claimed.”
“Do you have a flag? I feel like you should have a flag. Sort of like the moon landing.”
He arched a brow. “Are you suggesting I find a suitable pole, too?”
Glancing between us, I muttered, “Maybe a verbal declaration’s enough. I’m a little afraid of your penis.”
He laughed. “That’s a shame. I was hoping you two could be friends.”
My mouth twisted. “I’m going to need a few trial play dates before I commit to anything.”
He chuckled. “Fair enough. Let’s find you a towel. You’re shivering.”
As I dressed, Hale returned to his room. He knocked just as I was slipping on my flip-flops.
Opening the door, I was suddenly breathless. It was a toss-up which Hale I preferred, the one in a dress shirt with cuffed sleeves or the bare chested one. They were both devastatingly handsome.
“You ready?”
Taking a deep breath, I nodded. Everything was normal as we walked to the dining room until we reached the end of the hall and Hale took my hand.
Stepping around the corner, both Remington and Eric looked up from their plates. If they missed the way Hale held my hand, there was no missing how he pulled out my chair and purposely sat by my side rather than by his father’s like he usually did. Feeling their eyes on me, I cut into my chicken and kept my head down the entire meal.
Later that night, as I got Remington settled he watched me carefully. He’d been uncharacteristically quiet, which made me uneasy.
“Say what’s on your mind, Remington.”
“Why didn’t you want to be a teacher, Meyers?”
I shrugged. “It just didn’t fit.”
&
nbsp; “You’d rather take care of crabby old men?”
“You’re not that old.” I wouldn’t debate his crabbiness. Handing him a water bottle, I went in the bathroom to get his pill.
When I returned, I said, “Besides, I’d rather be on a yacht than stuck in a classroom.”
“Your job does have some perks, I suppose.”
“A few.”
He waved away the pill I offered. “I don’t want that. My foot’s not bothering me and I’d rather not take it if I don’t need it.”
I placed the pill on a tissue by the lamp. “I’ll leave it here in case you change your mind.”
“Hale said you were on the phone with your mother earlier.”
I smirked. Nothing was secret for long on The Lady Parr. “I owed her a call. I think she’s starting to miss me.”
“Does your mother work?”
“Yes. She’s in medical billing.”
His brow lifted. “One of them.”
I wasn’t sure what that meant, but in his condition, I was certain he had some pretty hefty doctor bills. “Were you scared when you had the heart attack?”
“Not scared. Pissed.”
“Why pissed?”
He looked so relaxed, leaning against the headboard in his navy blue pajama set that probably cost more than my prom dress. “I wasn’t ready.”
“Oh, I’m sure it was an oversight that God didn’t clear His schedule with you.”
He laughed. “It’s too soon. It always seems too soon.” His humor faded into something that looked like remorse.
I settled onto the edge of the bed. “Do you miss your wife?” It didn’t need clarifying, which one I was referencing.
“Rachel was young. My youngest bride yet, but the only one I ever lost.” He shook his head. “Doesn’t seem fair. Sometimes I think her death had more to do with me than it had to do with her.”
“Why do you say that?”
He shrugged. “She was a good woman. She loved me even on my worst days. Her leaving this world was the greatest loss I’ve ever felt. Perhaps I’m being punished.”
That was a little deep for me, so I focused on the parts I could handle. “You obviously loved her too.”
“I loved all my wives, but there was something special about Rachel.”
It was nice to know he hid a heart in there somewhere. I patted his knee through the covers. “Get some sleep.”
Calamity Rayne: Gets A Life Page 18