Kyle’s fingers combed the sodden strands, his forehead finally coming to rest on mine after his warm lips had worshipped mine.
“Thank you,” I said, stroking his face lightly with my fingertips.
“What for?” he asked, pulling back slightly, his mouth a quirk of intrigue.
“Firstly, for being honest with me. That’s all I’ve ever wanted from anyone. I need to trust again. It’s been so hard but meeting you has given me faith that there are good people out there. Secondly, for wanting to spend time with me. I mean that. I don’t know what I have to offer you but I believe in fate and this feels like something good.”
He nuzzled his nose into my neck. “I know one thing.”
“Oh, and what’s that?” I angled my head, offering more of my neck, a tickle of tingles embracing my skin.
“You look incredibly edible when you’re wet.”
“Gosh, I’d almost forgotten that I was soaking in the tub when you arrived. There’s a trail of water all over the floor.” I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped.
The mood had changed and we both chuckled some more at the misunderstanding.
“So, is the bath big enough for two people?” His head was cocked suggestively as I watched two adorable dimples appear at the sides of his mouth as his smile broke.
My eyebrows rose towards the roof and a flicker of hesitance had me biting my bottom lip.
“It’s okay. I’m not going to steal your virtue. I just want to caress you and massage those tight shoulders of yours. I promise to behave. Besides, why waste all that water?”
Why, indeed? I must admit, the thought of being naked together in the tub both frightened and ignited me. He was offering me affection without the pressure of sex. Not many men would be able to offer that kind of restraint. Kyle was so different to the stereotypical male that I couldn’t help but wonder if he was just a figment of my imagination.
“Okay,” I screeched, leading the way into the bathroom. “You need to turn around though. No peeking.” I wasn’t ready to strip down to bare skin while having him watch me. That was pushing me a little too far out of my comfort zone. As it was, my inner monologue was protesting about getting in the bath with him.
Without pause he turned his back on me while I dropped my robe to the floor and quickly climbed into the tub. The water had turned tepid and many of the bubbles had dissolved.
“Don’t turn around yet. I need to let some water out and put some more hot in.”
Kyle chuckled. “Yes, Ma’am. Hot is just the way I like it.”
I bit my lip at the innuendo, feeling his words affect me down below. With a shaking hand I reached to the bottom of the tub and pulled the plug, feeling the suction of the drain pulling the liquid out.
I hadn’t bothered peeking to see if Kyle had snuck a look in and wasn’t game, especially now the water level had dropped enough to reveal my bare breasts. Instinctively my arm flew across my chest in an effort to cover up as I pushed the plug back in tight, stopping any more water from disappearing.
Turning the hot faucet on full, it didn’t take long before the water level rose again and the suds re-bubbled up, giving me the privacy I needed.
Nervously turning off the water, I said, “Okay. You can get in now.” Still, I kept my gaze to the front, not game to watch him undress. As it was, I wasn’t sure how I would react to seeing his exposed body so close to mine. My thumping heart threatened to break my rib cage as I sensed him approach. Lowering my eyes to the water, I felt the level rise as he stepped in.
There was nothing for me to grab except my own legs, so I stabilized myself by squeezing both legs, hard. My breath accelerated and I wasn’t sure if it was nerves or desire.
As he sat down and placed his feet on either side of me, I looked up. He was grinning madly.
“Don’t worry. I’ve left my boxers on. You can relax.”
Christ, was I that readable? Poor little, scared Dakota can’t handle anything too scary or she might just crumble in on herself. Ugh, was it really too far from the truth?
“I…um…you didn’t have to.”
“Yes, I did. I don’t want you to feel any pressure with me. We said we would take things slowly and that’s exactly what I intend to do. Now, give me one of your feet.”
“Excuse me?”
“One of your feet. Let me have it so I can rub some of the tension from you. You’re wound as tight as a rubber band.”
Offering him my foot, which I’m glad had fresh nail polish applied, I sank back against the wall of the tub, basking in the sensation of his thumb and fingers probing into the sole of my foot. I never imagined having my feet rubbed could drag some of the tension from me. I allowed my shoulders to droop. A moan fluttered out of my mouth and my eyes closed.
“Feel good?”
“Mmm. I’ve never had this done before. It’s amazing.”
“We have many pressure points in our feet that are connected with different parts of our body. It’s called Reflexology and has been used by the Eastern cultures for centuries.”
I was surprised at his knowledge, opening my eyes to look at him as he dropped one foot and picked up the other.
“How did you learn that?”
“I’ve always had an interest in alternative medicine. If I hadn’t stumbled into acting, I would have studied Chinese Medicine. I’m always reading up on the subject. It’s such an old method of healing that has been tested and proven over thousands of years. I swear by it. Rather than pumping us full of synthetic drugs which many times only relieve the symptoms, the Chinese believe that there is energy or ‘chi’ flowing through our bodies. Most times illness derives from a lack of or disruption of that chi, and so in order to fix the illness, they restore the chi flow by a number of different methods including acupuncture, acupressure, herbs, and reflexology. ”
Moving my gaze to my foot that was delicately being held in his hands, I asked, “And how do you think my chi is?”
“Well, I’d certainly say you’ve got some blockages as most people do but after this, your chi will be flowing better.” His seriousness about the subject brought a snicker from me.
“What?”
“You really believe in it, don’t you?”
“I do. Why, do you think it’s all a bunch of nonsense?”
“No. I believe, for sure. It’s just not usually something a guy would focus on in the Western world. I think it’s great!”
“Yeah, well, you know what I think is great?” His lopsided grin told me he was now in cheeky mode.
“And what would that be?”
“You.”
Tugging on both my legs, he pulled me towards him so I was practically sitting on his lap. Water slopped over the tub onto the floor.
My breath hitched as our faces aligned. I could feel his warm exhalations on my lips and mine parted in response.
I wasn’t sure where to place my hands, so settled for his shoulders. He hadn’t been lying when he’d told me he’d kept his boxers on. The silky, wet fabric danced playfully against my thighs.
My body was all sensation as I leaned in, wanting to kiss him more than anything.
His plush lips cushioned mine, sensually slow. Kneading, pressure increasing naturally. Kyle gave a throaty growl which met with my own as our tongues caressed.
My fingers dug into his flesh as I squeezed him tighter, pushing my chest against his. The skin to skin contact, combined with warm water and bubbles, thrust me into the zone. There could have been an earthquake and I wouldn’t have flinched.
Tentatively my hands moved to Kyle’s pectorals. I skimmed my palms over his nipples, bringing goose-bumps across his skin. He hissed in a breath, leaving my mouth to explore his neck. At this point I was putty in his hands. For so long I had yearned to feel. To experience erotic butterflies in my stomach that came with passion and excitement. To let myself fall into the gap. The in-between. A reality that only focused on sensation. I was in that place and oh, how the wait had bee
n worth it. Nothing came close.
Kyle nipped my neck with his teeth, his tongue following. “Baby, you’re so sexy. You smell amazing.”
My back arched into him, soaking up his praises like a sponge. My mouth was open and I could hear my loud breathing above Kyle’s. The muscles in his torso seemed to flex beneath my touch as I let my fingers fall to his waist.
I couldn’t tell if I was moist between my legs because we sat in water but my whole lower body was throbbing like hell. Noises were spilling from my mouth that I’d never made before.
With a much emphasized groan, Kyle whispered, “We really need to stop.”
“Uh huh.” We really should.
“You need to push me away.” His mouth had now found my collarbone. His fingers were working their magic up and down my spine.
“I do.” I let my head roll back, the ends of my hair touching the water. “I will.”
Just a little longer.
He was about to move to the other collar bone when he pulled back, obviously stronger than I in that moment. When the haze cleared, I’m sure I would thank him.
“We’re not going to do this tonight as much as I want to. I need you to know that I’m not interested in you just for sex.” His forefinger brushed across my bottom lip, his eyes pointed lasers on mine.
That rational side of me knew that this was for the best. I was caught up in the heat and I was burning hot. Taking a few deep breaths in order to focus, I moved back to my side of the tub to let the buzz simmer.
“I appreciate your patience with me, although if you hadn’t pulled back I don’t think I would have, either.”
Standing up, giving me an eyeful of his desire, he reached for a towel and stepped onto the bath mat before wrapping it around his waist, then running a hand over the back of his neck. He seemed to be in pain as his jaw flexed, “I. Just. Need. A. Moment.”
I couldn’t control my smile. He wanted me. Truly wanted me. I’d never felt so desired. This stunning, sculptured man was having difficulty quelling his erection because of how I had affected him. My poor, neglected ego had opened her eyes in wonder.
“I’ll go change in the other room so you can have some privacy.” Kyle bent to pick up his clothes off the floor, stopping to offer me his megawatt smile and a wink before leaving me sitting in a blissful stupor.
Chapter Six
Kyle
Who was this glorious creature that had stumbled into my life? Had she been placed in front of me to tease me? If so, it was working. My very existence had been shaken hard and turned upside down since she stole my attention at the restaurant. It felt like I’d been hit by a lightning bolt.
Lying here in my bed, absentmindedly staring at the ceiling, I knew that my life had changed forever. Dakota was beautiful and funny, warm and caring. At the same time there was a distressing vulnerability about her that I couldn’t quite fathom.
Her light brown eyes with flecks of gold held sadness like I’d never seen before. Whatever had happened in the past still haunted her. That was obvious. Her reluctance to give herself freely, the shyness in her mannerisms… all posed questions to me. Who the hell had hurt her? Why had someone hurt her, if that were the reason for her reluctance?
I would need to tread very carefully and gain her trust. She couldn’t be pushed. I would take as much time as she needed, although with an expiration date on our stay, it made time our enemy.
Damn Gina! I’m going to have words with her. Who does she think she is, spreading rumors like that? I’m past all that shit! And that’s why we aren’t dating anymore! She’s vindictive and manipulative.
It was no wonder Dakota seemed refreshing. She was the total opposite of Gina. Blind Freddy could see that!
Closing my eyes with a semi-hard erection, I let her gorgeous features stay in my mind’s-eye, replaying our bath-time earlier. Her kisses were amazing and I think because of her reluctance, it made me want her all the more. We’d ventured further and I’d nearly lost control. Who wouldn’t? A naked woman in a bath. It was like holding meat in front of a shark.
My loins still ached. My blood still surged. This woman had a vise-like hold on me already without even knowing it.
Before I’d left her cabin we’d exchanged cell numbers. I was tempted to send her a text but I wasn’t sure if she would be asleep or not and didn’t want to wake her so I decided to leave it until tomorrow.
That was the last thing I remembered before finally drifting off.
Chapter Seven
Dakota
I awoke to the sound of my phone chiming to notify me of a text. I’d been dreaming about entwined limbs, moist juicy lips, and sweet kisses.
Reaching over to the bedside table with my eyes still half-closed, I glanced at the screen.
Hello Darling,
Thanks for the lovely pictures. The island looks beautiful. Hoping you’re having a fantastic time. We’ve been thinking of you, wondering what you are up to. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. Send us a quick message back to keep us updated.
Mum and Dad. xx
Sentiment beleaguered me. I couldn’t stop the happy tears as I replied. My parents were more than my guardians. They were my support system and my best friends all rolled into one. I’d never have gotten through the past few months if it hadn’t been for their love. Quickly I replied:
Hi guys,
So great to hear from you! I’m having an amazing time. It’s so beautiful here. I’m trying to make the most of all the time I have. Glad you liked the pics. There are more to come. I’ve kind of met someone too, but I’ll fill you in on all the details later. He’s awesome. Not like John at all. He’s warm, funny and kind. All the things John’s not. Anyway, love you both. Hope you are both well. Talk soon,
Dakota. xx
I nervously awaited the reply. What would their reaction be to the last part of my message? Maybe it had been too soon to mention anything about Kyle. Even though I was a grown woman, I still felt the need to gain my parents approval.
Beep! One new message:
Glad you are having a great time. Wish we were there with you. We hope you know what you are doing, getting involved with someone else so soon. We trust you’ll make the right decisions. Love you back. xx
That went better than I’d hoped. They had every right to be concerned in light of the past few months. Kyle didn’t compare to John though, plain and simple. If my parents were here they would see that. I knew they would love Kyle.
Now that I was wide awake it was time to get up. The day was mine to do whatever I chose.
After a quick shower, it was time for breakfast. Not feeling like sitting in my hut, I donned one of the pretty dresses I’d purchased with some sandals and headed out, anxious for my caffeine fix.
The restaurant had a different atmosphere this morning. The smell of toast, hot beverages, and bacon and eggs filled the room. There was no buffet but rather a sit-down menu. Looking for Ramah, I wondered whether I was meant to seat myself. I waited for a few minutes before walking to a vacant table and sitting down.
The breakfast menu had my mouth watering and I couldn’t decide what I wanted, wishing I could sample a little of everything. Not feeling like toast or muesli, I opted for an omelet.
A guy I hadn’t seen before approached my table holding a pad and pen.
“Can I take your order, Miss?”
He had short, choppy, black hair and at a guess was around twenty years old. He looked native to Sapphire Island with his deep brown eyes and olive skin, although his accent sounded American.
“Yes, I’ll have the omelet and a skinny cappuccino, please.”
Now that I was in bikini country, I had to watch my figure. It would be too easy to stuff myself with all the delicious food on offer and pile on the weight so I promised myself I would be good from now on.
While I waited on my breakfast, I thought about what I could do for the day. Even though lazing on the beach was always an option, I’d always loved explor
ing. Maybe I’d take a ride around the island and see what else was on offer.
Beep! Another text. It jolted me out of planning my day. Glancing at the screen, my stomach lurched with excitement to see Kyle’s name on the screen.
Hey beautiful,
What are you doing today?
K xx
I nearly melted at the endearment. Beautiful! He really did think I was beautiful!
I texted straight back with a goofy grin plastered to my face.
Hey handsome,
I thought I’d go exploring.
D xx
It only took a few seconds for a reply to come.
Want to come visit me? I promise I won’t be kissing anyone. ;-)
I thought back to the previous day and was a little nervous about visiting Kyle on set. I didn’t want to run into Gina again even if she wasn’t groping Kyle in a scene. I did want to see him again though.
Depends.
On what?
Will Gina be there?
She’s not in the scene we’re filming today. She shouldn’t be but if she is, just ignore her and come find me. Please?
Was he begging? That was a fresh change for me. Maybe I could have a little fun.
What if I don’t? Will you be disappointed?
I’ll be devastated! I won’t enjoy my day nearly as much.
Can you offer me any incentive for changing my plans?
You’ll have to visit me to find out.
Ha. Now he had tweaked my interest.
Any clues?
Warm lips…deep kisses…
Warmth flooded my core. I definitely wanted more of that.
Mmm, now you’re talking. What time and where?
Haha. I knew I could tempt you. Come around 11 a.m. I break for lunch at 12. You can hang around for an hour and then I’ll take you to lunch. We’re back on the beach today. Head down a little further than last time. Can’t wait to see you. xx
Finding You (Finding You Series Book 1) Page 9