by Drea Stein
She kissed him harder, feeling him grow hard against her as his hand traveled down her shirt, to her waistband. His hand was as warm as fire on the bare flesh of her stomach. One of his knees pushed into her legs, spreading her open. His strong arms lifted her up so that she was balanced on the edge of the counter. He pushed in between her and slid a hand down inside her shorts, finding heat and her wetness. Phoebe moaned for him and wrapped her legs tightly around him.
She heard a small crash, realizing it was just the sound of a knife falling into the galley sink.
With a practiced, swift movement, Chase put both hands under her, pulling her close to him. She wrapped her legs around him and he pulled her back from the counter. In a few short strides, he had her in the cabin, throwing her gently down on the bunk.
Above her, she could see rain bubbling and dripping down the clear hatch cover, see that the world outside was gray. Inside, though, in the dim light, all she could see and smell was Chase, the mix of his soap and aftershave, as he pushed her back on the berth. He stood above her, and he took off his t-shirt, revealing the solid-muscled chest she had only glimpsed before. She sat up and ran one hand over his chest, the slight dusting of dark hair, tracing it down to the waistband of his pants.
Chase stopped her, took her hand and kissed it, then nibbled on her fingers. “Take off your shirt,” he said, and Phoebe, after the merest hesitation, peeled it off.
Before she could cover herself, he stopped her. “Let me look.” She felt emboldened under his scrutiny, and she reached behind her and unclasped her bra, throwing it off to the side.
Chase smiled at her and his hands skimmed across her breasts, bringing them to life, her nipples tightening further under his touch. His other hand found her shorts, and he undid them, pulling them off her, taking his time. Well, her body ached for him.
He was above her, knees on either side of her, dark and handsome. He caressed her breasts, kneading them so that her back arched. Her hands came up to reach for him, and he took them, pulled them over her head, pinioned her there, while his mouth found one nipple, then the other. One hand trailed down her body, finding the thin scrap of fabric between her legs. He moved there, and Phoebe knew he could feel her heat, her need. Slowly, teasing, he brought his hand inside her, and she bucked with pleasure.
He touched her then, finding her spot, while his mouth ravaged her body. His fingers kept pushing her to the peak, a wave building and building until she was there, her body writhing and twisting underneath him, his weight pinning her, until she reached it, reached the crest and let it wash over her.
She opened her eyes, saw him watching her, his hands lightly stroking her. She saw that he was ready for her, his pants straining. Phoebe sat up, her hair spilling across her shoulders and pulled him towards her, opening his zipper, pulling down his underwear, until he burst free.
She stroked him and his eyelids fluttered as he bent down to kiss her, his knees spreading her apart. His hands moved over her, bringing her back to arousal, as he slid himself into her, testing, gently, as she pulled him towards her, and he thrust into her, the two of them rocking together, the boat bobbing in the waves underneath them as he brought her again to the edge, their rhythm driving them both to the edge. This time Phoebe kept her eyes open, as Chase’s eyes gazed into hers, as they both went closer and closer. Her hands wrapped around his back and when he came, she went with him, both of them tumbling down the sweet sea of pleasure.
Chapter 27
Chase opened his eyes. He was on his back, staring up at the roof of Windsway’s cabin. Phoebe was half next to him, half on top of him, tangled around him. He could smell the flowery scent of her shampoo, the slightly spicy whiff of her perfume. She moved and one of her breasts grazed against his chest, and he felt himself grow hard again.
He ran a hand through her hair, while his other hand trailed down her back. She shivered against him, the movement sending waves of desire over him.
“Wow, babe,” he said, and she turned to him, so he could see her eyes, which looked more green than blue in the light. Above them, he could see that the skylight was less wet and that the dark gray seemed to be giving way to a lighter sky.
Her hand lay on his stomach and he could feel it sliding, stroking.
“So that was good?” He thought he detected a note of satisfaction in her voice.
“Good doesn’t quite do it justice,” he said and was rewarded with a pleased smile. His heart jumped a little at that, and he realized that the thought that he had made her happy, made her feel pleasure, made him happy. It was a new sensation for him. No one had ever complained about his lovemaking. In fact, with most women, he was more concerned about how much he enjoyed himself. But he had a need to please Phoebe, to drink in every bit of her long, lean body, feel her move and cry out with pleasure underneath him, know that it was all because of him.
“The boat’s not moving as much,” Phoebe observed.
Chase squinted through the porthole. “Looks like the storm is passing by. We may even see some sun.” The water was calmer now, and the Windsway barely moved beneath them.
“I guess that means we could go home now,” she said. Her hands were still roaming over his stomach and then they dipped a little lower, and he felt himself ready again, ready to have her, this time to take her slowly, lazily, to watch her carefully, to see her enjoy every minute of it.
“We still have a few hours of daylight left,” he said, pulling her on top of him. He kissed her and she returned it, her hair falling down in a gold curtain around him. He rose up and pulled her closer to him, his hands teasing her breasts, lightly pulling her nipples until she threw back her head in pleasure, arching and bowing her back as he slid lower down, finding her sex again, urging her on, higher and higher, until she was almost at her peak. Then he slid into her, holding him tight to her, and thrust into her, watching her eyes fill with pleasure and heat.
She arched her back and grabbed his head. His lips raked down her neck and to her nipple, and he teased it and pulled it tight in his teeth as she called out his name in pleasure. Resting his hands on her hips, he held her tight as she rode him to the crest of a powerful orgasm. He waited and watched until he sensed she was near, could feel her closing like a hot velvet fist around him, see in her eyes as she came. Then, as she crested, he allowed himself to come, following her over the edge until she sagged into him, spent, and he fell back, dazed.
Chapter 28
Dark was falling as they motored into the Queensbay Marina. The weather had broken, treating Chase and Phoebe to a magnificent sunset, the sun streaking the sky above the water a rainbow of purples and reds. They had fallen into a comfortable silence after they had finally decided it was time to return, Chase giving her directions as she guided the boat, while he took care of the sails and coiled lines.
Phoebe loved the feel of the wind ruffling her hair, the way her body felt relaxed, sated. The sex had been some of the best she’d ever had—nope, make that the best she’d ever had—and when Chase came down to stand next to her, one of his strong hands settling on her to help her steer the boat, she sunk into him, loving the feel of him, the presence of him comforting her.
They docked the boat together, with help from a friendly deckhand, and as Chase checked the lines, they heard a voice calling them.
“There you are,” Lynn said as she came up to them. “Nice boat.”
Something in her smile had Phoebe guessing that Lynn had a pretty fair idea of what they had been up to. Luckily, dusk was settling and it hid the flush that was spreading across her cheeks.
“My mom sent me down,” Lynn said, apologetically. “She wanted me to invite you both to dinner. I texted, but with the storm and everything, you know, she got a little concerned. Typical mom.”
Phoebe wouldn’t know, but she wasn’t upset. It was strangely nice to be worried about, even if she had been in capable hands. She sent a look to Chase and he answered with one of his own.
“So,
dinner?” Lynn turned to Chase. “The Randalls are coming.”
Chase looked at her, then laughed. “Noah’s coming?”
“Yes. Noah and his wife are big donors to the hospital and the clinic, so my parents wanted to thank them. When Noah heard Phoebe was staying with us, he wanted to make sure you were back in time for dinner.”
“I’m sure he did,” Chase said drily.
“I don’t know,” Phoebe said, hesitating, feeling nervous. She wasn’t sure she was ready.
“My mom promised to be good,” Lynn whispered.
Chase jumped down lightly on the dock. “A home-cooked meal. Sounds great.” He held out a hand for Phoebe and she looked at him. He was standing there in his khakis and a fresh polo shirt, looking perfectly relaxed, like he hadn’t just spent the afternoon doing that with her.
With Lynn grinning at her and Chase offering her his hand, Phoebe had no choice but to take it.
Chapter 29
Dinner was surprisingly normal. They’d pulled into the Masters’ house and Chase took a beer from Lynn’s father. The two men sat on the back deck overlooking the water, talking boats and sports.
Phoebe had run up to her room to change and freshen up, trying desperately to get the “I’ve just had the most amazing sex of my life” look off her. Her lips were swollen and her cheeks reddened from where his stubble had roughened them, and when she looked in the mirror, all she could think about was them, naked and twisting.
She splashed water on her face, changed into a sundress, sandals, and a sweater and ran down to help in the kitchen. Lynn shot her a look and there was a knowing smile on Mrs. Masters’ lips, but neither one of them said anything as they brought drinks and appetizers outside.
The Randalls had arrived by then. Noah was almost as tall as Chase, but with light brown hair. Caitlyn gave Phoebe a hug, explaining to Noah that they had run into each other in town. She was wearing a sundress and Phoebe could see that she was glowing, whether from her condition or the way Noah’s gaze lingered over her, she couldn’t tell.
Chase introduced them and Phoebe could feel Noah appraising her with his eyes, while one arm held his wife close. Apparently, she passed because he smiled and shook her hand easily. The sun was setting, turning the water into liquid gold, and a light wind rustled the tall trees in the Masters’ yard. It was a great view and Lynn had snuck in and changed the playlist on the radio to something fun and upbeat.
Chase made room for Phoebe to sit next to him and she did. His arm lay casually across the back of the settee as they made conversation.
“So,” Caitlyn said, sipping a club soda, “how are you enjoying our little town of Queensbay?”
Chase’s knee brushed against her, and Phoebe had to fight to keep her attention on Caitlyn. “It’s very relaxing,” she answered.
“Glad to hear it. Chase said you’ve started work on the house. How is that going?” Phoebe nodded. “Yes, that’s the plan, at least.” Phoebe wasn’t quite sure what else to say, since she didn’t know what she planned to do with it.
“Hey, Phoebe,” Lynn said, sitting on the arm of one of the wicker couches, “the clinic is running a kid fair soon to raise money. Think you could run the art booth for them, you know, since you’re creative and all that?”
“It’s for a great cause,” Caitlyn said, her hand unconsciously rubbing her belly. “Noah’s agreed to be in the dunk tank.”
“That I’ve got to see,” Chase said, punching his old friend’s arm.
“Only if we take turns,” Noah said.
“Hey, Chase, maybe North Coast Outfitters could donate some things, to use as raffle prizes? It is for a good cause.” Lynn said hopefully.
“Lynn, you’re hopeless,” her mother said, as she passed around a plate of hors d’oeuvres, but Phoebe could tell she wasn’t upset by her daughter’s forthright comment.
Chase laughed. “Well, if Phoebe’s in for being creative, I suppose I’m in for some dough. Just don’t make me finger-paint.” There was the general sound of laughter, and Dr. Masters reappeared with fresh beers for the guys and more white wine for Lynn and Phoebe.
Phoebe caught the look that had passed between Caitlyn and Lynn, plus Caitlyn’s knowing wink, and knew that one of the goals of the dinner had been to get her and Chase to agree to help out with the fair. She guessed that Lynn knew it wouldn’t hurt to have the granddaughter of Savannah Ryan running a booth. The girl was relentless when it came to protecting and guarding her clinic, she had to give her that. At least it was for a cause Phoebe could get behind.
The rest of the evening passed quickly, with steaks and salad eaten al fresco, laughter, and good conversation. Noah and Chase even told a few stories from their days at school, which had even Dr. Masters roaring with laughter. Phoebe felt alive, a warm glow suffusing her, from the good food and the company.
She saw the way Lynn’s parents looked at each other with affection and the way Noah was overly solicitous of Caitlyn and her comfort. There was no fiery passion here, just warmth and love. For a moment, Phoebe’s heart constricted and she knew this was what she wanted, more evenings like this, sitting out by the water, surrounded by friends and family.
She hazarded a glance at Chase, saw him laughing at something his friend said and wondered if he could ever want the same thing. He wasn’t a settling-down type and was cynical about love. Would he want to be sitting with her here, a year from now, hanging out on Ivy House’s own terrace, listening to music, laughing with friends, or would she already be old news to him, another one in his long string of flings? Though he had made it sound like he wasn’t as bad as everyone thought.
He caught her looking at him, and he flashed the smile, the one that made her toes curl and her stomach clench. She held his gaze and she could feel herself frown, the sadness growing on her face. Before she could dwell on that anymore, Lynn pulled her into a movie trivia game against her mother and Caitlyn.
“That was awesome,” Lynn said at the end of the game. Phoebe had won hands down, easily beating Lynn’s mother, who was shaking her head in disbelief.
“I’ve never beaten her,” Lynn said. “Not once.”
Caitlyn laughed, but Phoebe could see that she looked tired. Noah wandered over at that moment.
“I think it’s time I took my wife home.” Noah thanked the Masters and then turned to Chase. “You heading back to the village?”
“Yes, in a moment,” he said. He too thanked the Masters, told Lynn to give him a call about the kid’s fair, and then turned to Phoebe. They stood awkwardly. She was aware that everyone seemed to have drifted off to give them some privacy, but Phoebe kept her distance.
“I had a nice time,” she said, her voice even. He looked at her, a strange smile playing on his lips. He glanced over her shoulder and then took a step towards her. When she began to move back, he pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his for a hot kiss. He broke away and whispered in her ear, “I feel like a teenager saying good night to my prom date.”
His head gestured and Phoebe turned. Mrs. Masters was hovering, her motherly instincts kicking into overdrive.
“Not at my prom,” Phoebe whispered. “I was eighteen and a legal adult and no one cared what I did or who I did it with.”
“Does that mean you’ll come back to my boat with me?” Chase asked.
Phoebe took a step back, remembering what she had felt earlier. She and Chase had an undeniable attraction, which they had officially satisfied. And that was it. It had to be. They couldn’t possibly want the same things. She had to be careful here; otherwise, she would get hurt.
“Not tonight,” Phoebe said.
“You’re sure you don’t want to see where this takes us?” Chase said, his look smoldering into her.
Phoebe jerked her head in the direction of the Masters’ house.
Chase glanced over her shoulder and Phoebe could all but feel Mrs. Masters’ concerned gaze boring into her. “Perhaps tonight is not the best night for it.” He agre
ed, and she felt a rush of disappointment.
“I could always sneak out after they’ve gone to bed,” she said as she leaned up into him, “…come meet you.”
“Tempting as that may be, I don’t think you’ll get far. Until next time?”
His lips brushed quickly and fiercely against hers and he was gone, disappearing into the dark of the night, towards the street, his car, and the short drive to the marina.
Chapter 30
Chase could kick himself. He tossed and turned in his bed, thinking how easy it would have been to go back and wait for Phoebe to slip out of the house. She was a grown woman and he was a grown man. Neither of them were teenagers, but he knew that Dr. Masters wouldn’t go for it. He barely let his own daughter out of his sight, and he wasn’t going to let Phoebe go wandering off either.
She had seemed happy tonight. A bit skittish at first, sitting there with his friends and with Lynn, but later she had begun to relax. He wondered if she could be happy away from her life in Hollywood. Queensbay wasn’t exactly a backwater, but glittering parties and palm trees weren’t a part of their repertoire. Would dinners at the Yacht Club and afternoon sails be enough for her?
Chase wondered why he was worried about that. This afternoon had been intense, more than intense; it had been the best sex of his life. He wasn’t a choir boy, by any means, but he’d certainly been pickier than he’d let people believe when it came to actually getting into bed with a woman. Sure, the image of a playboy suited him and his company: a sailor with a girl at every port. The image had been created a long time ago to help him get endorsements for his sailing career and it had seemed to work when he took over North Coast Outfitters.