Sweet Bliss

by Helena Rac

  “So fucking sweet,” Luke whispers, thrusting with each word. I lean my head against the door, and he licks and sucks down my exposed neck, marking his territory with his mouth. My breasts are swollen from the hunger he’s awoken in me. I moan, chasing the orgasm that’s building, the orgasm that’s now on the verge of breaking me. He’s relentless – in and out, in and out – and really, quite strong. This is so hot. How does he even…? I don’t finish my thought because the thought itself, combined with the latest thrust, brings me to a point of frenzy. And while I’m still in post-orgasmic bliss, he pushes a couple more times and then he’s there with me. Drowning. Gasping for air.

  We hold onto each other like that for a few seconds, or minutes. I’m just guessing, because I’m in no way capable of telling time right now.

  “Well, that was unexpected.” I finally manage to find my voice.

  “That definitely hit the spot,” Luke chuckles.

  I can’t help but smile. He kisses me one more time, then eases my legs down.

  “I guess I better get going,” Luke says as he brings his boxers up and tucks his you-know-what neatly in. I realize I’m staring, unabashedly. His you-know-what brings me joy. Lots of it.

  I also realize I don’t like the feeling of him leaving me. That’s troubling.

  “I don’t…” Hmm. I catch myself before I say it. If I tell him I don’t want him to leave, that means I’ll be inviting him to stay. I’m not ready for that yet. So I settle for a pouty look instead.

  “That look’s going to get you into trouble,” he warns. He pulls on my bottom lip with his teeth and then places a gentle kiss on my forehead.

  “I like getting into trouble with you.”

  He grins and looks at me like he’s torn. I wonder what he’s thinking. I wonder if he’s thinking about how he likes to get into trouble with me too. I wonder if he wants to ask if it’d be okay for him to stay. But instead, he just says, “I’ll see you tomorrow morning, okay?”

  “Okay.” I nod and let go of his hand unwillingly. His fingers linger on mine, letting go just as hesitantly. I open the door and usher him outside. The thought of having him stay the night enters my mind for a split second again, but I know it’s not the right time. I mean, considering we just did it, I’d technically be inviting him to stay the night and sleep with me, cuddle, all that fuzzy stuff. That would be weird. It’s way too early to even consider, yet letting him go doesn’t feel right either.

  He smiles warmly, then says, “Sleep tight, cupcake,” and takes off. I watch him walk confidently toward the elevators. He turns to take one last look at me and blows me a kiss. I pretend to catch it, grinning from ear to ear.

  How do I become this mushy whenever Luke’s around? I’m not a mushy kind of person, I don’t think. At least I don’t recall ever being this swoony over Jason.

  When he’s gone, I close the door reluctantly and lean against it, then slide down to sit on the floor. First of all, I’m not sure I can move – my legs are weak, and I still feel a throbbing sensation down there. Second of all, after this unplanned – though, I have to admit, very welcome – interruption, I’m not sure whether I’m going to be able to get back to sleep right away. I’m so wound up I could do cartwheels if I was at all gymnastically inclined, which I’m not

  Tessa, you are so fucked. My conscience creeps in. And she’s right. I’m fucked, thoroughly, in more ways than one.

  I finally find the energy to pull myself off the floor and go straight for the kitchen cupboards. I grab a few chocolate-covered biscuits – I may keep a stash of baked goodies for times of need – and put on the kettle for tea. All that dessert talk and all those calories burned have left me in dire need of some sugar. After I’ve indulged in the oh-to-die-for delight, I crawl into bed and go off to sleep almost at once, contrary to my presumption. Happily, blissfully exhausted.

  Chapter 16

  “Good morning, cupcake.” Luke’s infectious smile greets me as I open the door. It’s nine in the morning and he’s here just as promised. He’s sporting a casual look – a dark baseball cap that casts a shadow over his smoldering eyes, a t-shirt that hints at the firm definition of his chest and arms, and khaki shorts that hang low on his hips, just low enough to make me want to pull them down all the way. Yummy.

  “Morning, stranger. Long time no see.”

  He leans in to kiss me, and I savor Luke’s lips, those same lips I haven’t been able to wait to kiss again since I got up this morning. We stay at the door making out like teenagers who can’t get enough of each other.

  “Mmm, I’ve missed you since last night,” Luke whispers.

  “I’ve kind of missed you too.”

  “Just kind of?”

  “Fine. I’ve missed you too.”

  Luke smiles in response, and as he steps back, his eyes travel from my lips down the rest of my body. “Fuck, Tess. Is that what you’re planning on wearing the entire day?”

  “What?” I ask with feigned innocence. “You said wear something comfortable.” I point to my washed-out jean shorts and simple pink tank, which I’m wearing over top of my somewhat skimpy bikini. I have my hair pulled into a ponytail and am wearing very little makeup, au naturel–style.

  “I know what I asked for,” Luke says. “I just didn’t think ‘comfortable’ would turn out to be this fucking sexy.” He pulls on the strap around my neck. “I can’t even imagine what’s hiding underneath.”

  “If you’re lucky enough, you just may get a glimpse.” I love being playful with him.

  “I better. But how am I supposed to manage this situation in the meantime?” He points to his crotch, where his “situation” seems ready to tear a hole in his shorts. Tempting.

  “Hmm. I guess you’ve got yourself in quite a pickle. We may have to do something about that,” I tease as I reach down and rub my palm against his irresistible problem. He makes a hissing sound and I … I’d better restrain myself. Although there are not too many things I’d rather be doing right now than dealing with his situation. “Of course, that will depend on how the day goes and whether you behave,” I taunt as I pull my palm away, giggling at Luke’s pouty look.

  “We’ll see about that. You just may be the one begging for it by the end of the day,” he challenges.

  “You’d be so lucky.” There’s no way I’ll be the one begging. I am the epitome of self-control.

  “Oh, I’m pretty sure I’ll get lucky today. Just a matter of time.”

  Cocky. But I’m pretty sure he’s right.

  Luke hasn’t given me many clues as to what we’ll be doing today, but when we pull into a marina, I have a pretty good idea of what he’s planned for us today.

  “Are we going sailing?”

  “You got it.”

  “I’ve never been sailing before.”

  “Never?” He seems pleased, like it’s his chance to show me something new, make it our adventure.

  I shake my head. “I’ve lived here my entire life, but it’s just something I’ve never had a chance to try, though I’ve always wanted to,” I clarify. I have no clue what sailing involves and if I’ll know what to do. Then a thought occurs. “Do you sail?” I ask a bit nervously. Maybe it should be obvious, since this is what he chose for our date today, but if I’m going to be stuck alone with him in the middle of the lake, I kind of want to be sure.

  “As often as I can. My dad taught me. It’s safe to say you’ve got nothing to worry about,” Luke replies as we make our way down the dock.

  “That’s reassuring.”

  He grins smugly. “Whenever I’m back in town, I make it a point to go sailing. It’s just something I really enjoy.” He squeezes my hand tightly, like he’s letting me know how much having me here means to him, just as he stops in front of a sailboat.

  “That’s a nice boat.” It’s pristine-white, simple, and not overly big, yet large enough for several people to hang out on. “Is it yours?”

  “No, it’s my dad’s.”

  “H
ow long has he had it?”

  “For a while,” Luke says as he deposits the backpack and a cooler he’s brought with him in the boat. “Since Mom left.”

  “Oh, I see.” I didn’t expect that as an answer, and I don’t want this to turn serious, so I go with a casual, “Anything I can help with?” as we settle in.

  “I think I can teach you a thing or two.” He winks, then explains a few key things. It seems simple yet complicated; I wouldn’t dare do it without his lead.

  As he prepares the boat for sailing, I try to help as best as I can, but I’m kind of distracted because it’s hot – I mean, I’m hot from watching Luke move around the boat, his strong arms and broad shoulders displayed for my viewing pleasure. I can’t help but ogle him and drift off for a minute as I imagine all the parts of his body I have yet to explore. Damn, he’s sexy.

  “I wanna fuck you today.” Luke’s voice brings me back from my trance.

  Did he just…? “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

  “The wind is working in our favor today.” Oh, of course. That’s what he said. I swear I’ve got heat stroke from all the ogling. I need a drink of water.

  “It should be smooth sailing. We’re heading up the shore, so make yourself comfortable and enjoy the ride.”

  “I’m sure I will.” Especially given the, um, view.

  Sailing really is wonderful; liberating, energizing even. It’s an escape from the crowded and hectic city that I know and love. From the distance, downtown Chicago looks somehow pristine and quiet. There’s just the right amount of wind, which makes it feel as if we’re gliding on the water. The sun’s rays are reflecting off the lake, and the sky is ocean blue, with barely a cloud.

  Luke’s definitely in his element: poised, confident, happy. He twirls my ponytail, all the while gazing at me with that purposeful look, like he knows something I have yet to discover. Though the tingling I feel all over has me questioning if I’ve discovered something I’ve been afraid of finding. I remind myself to take a mental picture of Luke right in this moment, because it’s a moment I should treasure. And then Luke pulls out his phone and takes a few pictures of the two of us wrapped in each other – a tangible treasure to add to our collection.

  After sailing for a while, we dock near a beach and spread a blanket on the sand. We manage to get through lunch without any unplanned distractions. I’m lying – Luke has been plenty distracting in swim shorts and nothing else, just brawn and skin that I’ve barely been able to keep my hands off the entire time we’ve been eating and talking.

  Though I made sure to hold up my end of the bargain and distract him just as well, with my not-so-subtle skimpy-bikini display and such. I think I’ve got him all wound up and ready to beg. I know it’s coming. I can feel it. The way he’s looking at me, the way he’s probably thinking how much he’d like for the bikini to disappear, the way he’d like to taste what’s underneath. Oh yeah, I’ve got him.

  “Are you ready?” Luke asks. Here we go.

  “Ready for what?” I play it coolly. I’m so ready.

  “Come on.” He pulls me up and drags me toward the water.

  “Oh no no no NO!” I shriek, realizing what he’s about to do. Not even in the slightest what I thought he had in mind. “The water will be freezing!” It may be July, but I know the lake is not nearly the temperature my body welcomes. As far as I’m concerned, it might as well be January.

  He just laughs and keeps dragging me with him. I try to fight him off, pushing against his chest, desperately trying to break away, which I do, albeit ungracefully, and then start running, all the while laughing with him. But before I make it even a few feet, he grabs my hand and tries pulling me back toward him. I pull in the opposite direction and manage to get free, except the motion propels me forward, my feet stumble, and I fall. How familiar. At least the sand is soft. Luke lands on top of me and tickles my tummy, making me giggle uncontrollably.

  “Stop it! Stop, please,” I plead through laughter. “You’ve got me.”

  The tickling stops suddenly, his eyes lock with mine, and after a moment’s thought, he says, “I may have you pinned, but you’ve got me trapped, Tess. I don’t think I could escape you, ever.”

  How can a girl not get all wrapped up in a guy when he says things like that? I’m a lost cause, it appears – I’m really starting to believe his words, and I don’t think I could escape him either.

  “Never,” I whisper, almost convinced by my own reply.

  “Never,” he breathes, still gazing at me.

  Then his lips tangle with mine and I forget what I may have just promised. Instead, my brain decides to take a short vacay, leaving my heart to control my thoughts and emotions for a change. I realize that the heart somehow makes everything more exhilarating than the brain does, especially when the heart is overwhelmed by Luke’s sexy moves.

  Exhilarating move number one: Luke’s hand travels up my body, from my hips toward one of my breasts. My skin tingles from his touch. My nipples take notice.

  Exhilarating move number two: His other hand connects with my palm as he brings it above my head, pinning it down. My body blends with his. My breath hitches.

  Exhilarating move number three: Luke pushes my legs apart with his knee, and I feel his thickness nestled just where I want him. I pant, desperate for more than the current offering. Luke’s response, a groan from the back of his throat, only makes me crave him more.

  The few beachgoers that are nearby are probably witnessing what one could almost describe as sex on the beach. Not quite full-throttle action, but it’s as close as we can get without the full exposure. If I were a passerby, I’d probably take another route altogether. Or maybe I’d just cough for effect – it seemed to work when we got carried away during our first kiss at the park. Or I’d have us arrested for public indecency. Oh. My. God. What are we doing?

  Frankly, though, I’m not really in a state to process this realization with any kind of weight, so I am most thankful for Luke and his uncanny ability to maintain control, because I am a complete mess.

  And completely unaware of what his sneaky self is about to do next. When he pulls me up by my hands, grabs me by my waist, and lifts me over his shoulder, I realize almost instantly I’ve been played. Damn it!

  He hauls me toward the lake, splashing us as we get deeper and deeper. The cool water is enough to bring me out of the la-la-land I was lost in. I fight him with all my womanly strength, my legs kicking against his stomach, my fists punching his lower back – I’m like a kung-fu master. In reality, my attempt at escaping this predicament is kind of pathetic. I can’t stop laughing, so I’m barely in control of my motions.

  “Don’t you dare,” I snort-scream, but it’s of no use. I sense the dreaded fate that awaits me.

  Before I know it, Luke dumps me into the water. I shriek and take a few seconds to orient myself, figure out my arm from my leg, my leg from my arm. When all the parts appear to be in their rightful places, I surface as gracefully as one can having just been tossed into the water like a beach ball. When I do come up, I’m smiling; beaming, in fact. That was so much fun. I’m startled by my reaction, because I don’t normally enjoy surprises, yet I love how unpredictable Luke is. He’s laughing so hard his whole body is shaking.

  I run my fingers down my hair to drain it. “Was that just some evil plan of yours to get me wet?”

  “Possibly.” He smirks. “I like you wet.” Suddenly I feel warmer. “I know of a few other ways to do just that.” A lot warmer.

  “Nuh-uh. No more movie-worthy make-out sessions.” I don’t think I could handle any more without risking arrest.

  “Movie-worthy?”

  “Hmm, did I say that?”

  “You did.” His lips are pressed in a tight line, but the corner of his mouth twitches like he’s completely amused by me.

  “You know, like those ridiculously hot kissing scenes in chick flicks.” I can’t believe I’m trying to explain this right now.

  He rea
ches over to move a wet strand of hair behind my ear. “God, you’re adorable,” he says, and I’m that same swooning girly-girl I was when I first ran into him. I’m also very, very distracted by the trickles of water running down his naked chest. Drip. Drop. I’m suddenly thirsty and more than willing to risk spending a night in jail.

  “But if kissing is off limits, there’s only one thing left to do,” he continues. What could he possibly be–? I don’t get a chance to finish my thought because he actually splashes me.

  “Oh, you’re in so much trouble.” A splashing war commences, and I’m laughing like I haven’t laughed in a long time, loving the playfulness that Luke brings out in me. Absolutely loving it.

  After the water adventure, we make our way back to the beach and crash down on the blanket. Luke’s on his back and I’m resting on my side, absorbed with Mr. Delicious. Even though I’ve seen Luke a lot over the last few days, I can’t get enough of his masculine, edgy beauty, of his flawless body. I’m making small circles on his chest with my fingers and he’s playing with the wet strands of my hair.

  “Tessa, I know this will sound crazy, and I’m not sure how I’ve gotten to this point so quickly, but when I’m not around you it sucks.”

  Umm, is he serious? Sure, I’m infatuated and more than captivated by Luke, but am I at the same point as he is? Not quite. Though I have a feeling I’m getting there faster than I ever thought I would again. Yet the image of a ticking clock flashes in my mind, taunting me. Five more days and he’ll be gone. Don’t go there, I remind myself.

  He smiles softly. Before I’m able to think much more about what his words mean, Luke continues. “I can’t bring myself to think about losing you, Tess.”

  “You won’t.” I react on impulse. It’s like my brain doesn’t want to consider the probability. I’ve done it again – provided false assurance. I question whether I’m truly being honest or just worried about hurting him.