“I love the idea. Is there really food to go with it?”
Chris laughed and flipped open a cooler. “There is. How about we start with a couple of mimosas?”
“Fancy,” Susie giggled as he popped the cork of the champagne bottle, the foam bubbling over the top. “So far I’m very impressed.”
As if he’d been a bartender in another life, he expertly poured orange juice and champagne into a plastic fluted glass before handing it to her. He made one for himself and placed the containers back into the cooler. She sipped at her cocktail, the cool liquid delicious on her tongue.
“Impressed? Prepare to be dazzled.”
Breakfast was impressive. And pretty darn dazzling too. She was overwhelmed that he’d gone to this much trouble just for her. Overwhelmed…and excited.
He’d packed an assortment of fresh cut up fruits, vanilla yogurt, lemon-poppy seed muffins, and even croissants wrapped in cheesecloth and somehow still warm from the oven.
They didn’t say much as they ate instead Susie let the peaceful surroundings lull her into a state of decadent relaxation. The honey-butter on the croissant was sweet, the blueberries on top of the yogurt tart, and the mimosas smooth. All in all it was the perfect way to start the day.
“This was amazing. I’m glad I lost the bet.” Susie shook her head when Chris offered her another muffin.
He fingered the stem of the glass and smiled. “I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about things this morning. I probably shouldn’t ask about regrets.”
Her innate honesty compelled her to tell him the truth.
“I don’t have any regrets, actually. I didn’t sleep much last night but I did come to one conclusion. Maybe spending some time together wouldn’t be such a bad idea.”
She sucked in a breath as Chris reached out to capture a stray strand of hair, rubbing it between his fingers before tucking it behind her ear. His touch lingered for a moment, sending vibrations straight to her bare toes. “That’s quite a leap of faith you’ve taken, Susie Q. I’m proud of you.”
“I’m proud of me too. Trust doesn’t come easily to me but I’ve never had a reason not to trust you.” It was hard to get the words out as the electricity grew between them, her gaze locked with his. There was something soft and inviting in his whiskey-colored eyes that drew her in, made her feel comfortable and safe. It wasn’t her usual reaction when spending time with a gorgeous man.
“I promise I won’t do anything to make you wish you hadn’t.” Chris began packing up their breakfast and stowing it in the coolers and baskets. “I’ll be on my best behavior. Let’s just enjoy the time that we have together and relax. Don’t think of all the reasons we shouldn’t. There will always be reasons to not do something. Extend just a little trust this week.”
“I have good reason for not believing what men say,” she protested. “The last guy I dated turned out to be married with two kids. Asshole.”
“He sounds it. Was that the guy you brought to the engagement party? I didn’t like him.”
Susie couldn’t help but laugh at Chris’s glowering features. “I don’t think his own wife likes him but she’s welcome to him. So you see, if I didn’t have bad luck with men I’d have no luck at all as the saying goes. Hell, I didn’t even go to my own prom.”
Even if she’d been asked, she wouldn’t have gone. Her mother had just had surgery days before.
“I did and I wished I hadn’t.” Chris grimaced. “All dressed up in a tux, a corsage for my date, the whole nine yards. But Tania was just trying to one-up her friends. You know, who had a better limo and who went someplace fancy for dinner. They spent the evening comparing their designer dresses and shoes. I ended up sitting in the limo with Seb and Dane drinking beer and playing poker.”
“You’re kidding,” Susie gasped.
“Sad but true. Although I did win some cash off the guys that night so it wasn’t a total loss.”
“Whatever happened to your date?”
“I don’t know. We broke up a few weeks into the summer and then I went off to college. I haven’t seen her since.”
“It still would have been nice to go to my prom.” It was just one of the many things she’d missed out on. She didn’t have stories to tell the way Chris did. “All my friends went and I had to hear about it for what seemed like forever.”
“It’s just a dance,” Chris reminded her gently. “I barely remember mine.”
“It’s a rite of passage that I didn’t get to have. I missed a lot of those.”
“Because of your mom.”
The softly spoken words squeezed at her heart. Of course Chris knew her parents and would have been aware of the circumstances.
“Yes. I loved her so much but sometimes…”
“You just wanted to be young,” he suggested. “But you couldn’t do that, could you?”
“No, she needed me.” Susie shook her head. “I wanted to spend every minute with her that I could. I don’t have any regrets.”
Susie wouldn’t have done anything different, knowing that being there for her mother was as much for herself as her mom.
“But you certainly live life to the fullest now. Looks like you’ve made up for the years you lost.”
She had. Mostly.
“I guess it’s stupid to dwell on the past. I have a great life really. Working with Amanda is fun and the business is taking off just like we’d hoped.”
“But?” he prodded. “What’s missing?”
“The romantic rush,” she answered before she could stop herself. “That feeling, the glow of emotion. I could see it on my friends’ faces when they talked about their boyfriends.”
Chris nodded and smiled. “The rush of first love. The discovery of physical passion.”
Susie’s lips drooped. “I never got that and I guess I’m just pouting. There’s no way to go back and be seventeen again. At least no way I know of.”
Chris stroked his chin, his gaze far away for a moment. “Turning back time is a challenge, but then I’ve always loved those.”
That made her laugh. “Let me know when your time machine is done. There’s a guy that rear ended me on US 19 that I’d like to avoid.”
“Stay the hell off 19,” Chris said, pulling a face of distaste. “I avoid it if I can.”
“I couldn’t that day.” Susie shrugged and fiddled with the hem of her shorts. She’d revealed so much about herself today. A little more wouldn’t hurt.
“You like to be in charge,” she stated, not looking him in the eye, her gaze fixed on the ground.
A small silence and then his fingers were lifting up her chin so she was looking into his golden gaze.
“Yes, I like to be dominant in relationships. Mostly in the bedroom, but I’m probably pretty bossy everywhere if I were to be honest. I think you like it but I might be wrong. Am I?”
Susie shook her head, a lump growing in her throat. “No,” she said, her voice barely audible. “I like it. I’ve always wanted…”
She trailed off, not sure how to put into words some of the dark fantasies she’d had through the years.
“You want a man that you can trust to take control,” Chris said for her. “A man that knows what you need and doesn’t wait for you to make the decisions. Your mind is going a mile a minute every single moment of the day, isn’t it, Susie Q? You want to be able to turn it off and just feel.”
“Yes,” she said, nodding. “But I’ve never…until you…” She didn’t finish the sentence, unsure whether she’d admitted far too much.
“I’m glad you trust me. I’ll never abuse it or you, I promise.” Chris steepled his fingers. “I’m not a stranger to dominant submissive relationships. You may have already guessed that. I’ve spent some time in clubs and with subs but never found exactly what I was looking for.”
For some reason she didn’t want to think about him with other women. “What are you looking for?”
It was a fair question, as he’d asked it of her.
&nbs
p; Chris leaned back on his elbows, his expression thoughtful. “A woman who is strong enough to challenge me in life. I like to compete as you’ve probably already figured out. I want a woman who goes after life the way I do but can still submit without shame in the bedroom. She should be able to passionately embrace her submissive nature but still kick me in the balls when I need it. When I find that woman I’ll make her happy beyond her wildest dreams. I’ll move heaven and earth just for her.”
Susie realized she’d been holding her breath. Slowly exhaling, she wondered what it would be like to be that adored and loved. Could she be that woman for Chris? Did she want to be?
“She sounds very lucky.”
Chris grinned and stood up, holding out his hand to her. “As far as I can tell she doesn’t exist. But it won’t stop me from looking. Are you ready to leave? I made arrangements for us to visit the rifle range on the other side of the island. I know you’ve wanted to go.”
“What about Amanda and Seb? I don’t want to run out on them if they need us.”
“I’ve already talked to them and they’re fine with it. We’ll all meet up this afternoon. Amanda said something about a final dress fitting.”
She placed her fingers in his and felt a zing of electricity shoot up her spine as he pulled her to her feet.
“What about all this stuff?” she asked, trying not to think about the attraction that was bubbling inside of her. It complicated everything that she had planned for this trip but was too powerful to ignore.
“I’ve got that taken care of,” he assured her, not letting her hand go even though she was now standing. “Let’s go back to the house.”
They walked back hand in hand, her stomach doing flips in her abdomen and her heart beating double time. Dammit, Christian Rhodes was handsome, sexy, and…nice. He was beginning to look like everything she’d ever wanted and it scared the living hell out of her. Now she realized why she’d crushed on Dane for so long.
Those feelings were simple and uncomplicated. Completely non-threatening.
What she felt for Chris was anything but.
Chapter Six
‡
“How many lessons have you actually had?” Chris asked as they put on their safety glasses and hung their ear protection around their necks. They’d arrived at the island shooting range and he could tell Susie was getting nervous by the way she kept biting her lip.
“Well, um, two,” she admitted. “But my instructor says I’m a good shot.”
“I don’t doubt that. Since I don’t know what you’ve been taught and what you haven’t, let’s begin with a few basics. I think a revolver is a good weapon for a female to start with because the firing process is straightforward and they have a long, hard trigger which is difficult to fire accidentally. I’m going to have you try the Ruger single six. We’ll also fire a Glock 19 pistol today which is lighter, slimmer, and holds more rounds. Any questions so far?”
Susie shook her head and glanced nervously at the targets in the distance.
“I’m sure you already know this but always keep the weapon pointed downward and never point it at anyone unless you are intending to shoot them.” Chris grinned. “In other words, don’t point your gun at anyone. Got it?”
“Got it. Don’t shoot Chris,” she teased.
“That’s a good rule. Now grip the gun in the fire-ready position and steady it with your other hand, aligning the thumbs. Then stand with your feet shoulder width apart, your right arm straight and your left slightly bent.”
Susie easily slid into position, showing him she’d paid attention in her classes. Chris now had much more confidence in how smoothly this was going to go.
“Excellent. Now let’s put on our hearing protection so you can shoot off some rounds.”
The next hour seemed to fly by as they both took turns shooting. Chris was pleased at Susie’s groupings on the target especially after he adjusted her stance. He loved how excited she got when she made a good shot. Right now she was wearing a mile-wide grin, her cheeks pink with glee.
“That was so awesome,” she sighed as he turned the weapons in and they walked back to the car. “Thank you for bringing me. My friends think I’m crazy learning to fire a gun.”
“I don’t think you’re crazy,” he denied. “Maybe your friends don’t understand that you’re trying to live life to its fullest. Grabbing at it with both hands.”
That’s what he adored about her. Too many people were simply going through the motions day to day, not really living, only existing.
“Maybe,” she conceded. “Even Amanda thinks I’m trying to recapture my lost youth or something.”
Chris laughed and grabbed her hand, leading her to a private bench surrounded by hibiscus bushes.
“You’re only twenty-six. You’re still young. I get what you’re trying to do as long as it doesn’t become the focal point of your life. Having fun and embracing life shouldn’t take over, if you know what I mean.”
“I do.” Susie looked off into the distance, avoiding his gaze. “I don’t feel young though.”
That was the crux of Susie’s angst. “I would imagine taking on adult responsibilities long before you should have had to would make you feel that way. But you are young, Susie Q. Hell, you’re ten years younger than I am. Compared to you I’m older than dirt.”
She swung her gaze back to him, her green eyes now twinkling. “You do creak when you walk…”
Her voice trailed away and she was openly giggling. Clearly she was asking for his attention and he was happy to give it.
“Are you laughing at me, young lady? I don’t think you want to do that,” he warned as he lifted her onto his lap, his fingers tickling her ribs. She practically collapsed on him laughing, a few tears leaking from her eyes.
“Stop!” She batted at his hands and chest, still giggling. “Stop! I’m sorry! You’re not old! You’re young and manly! Virile!”
He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close, the heat of their bodies mingling. “That’s better. But I’m not sure I believe you. How about a kiss to make it better?”
Susie’s lashes fluttered and a smile curved her lips. She made flirting an art. “A kiss? I guess I could do that. A small one.”
Chris didn’t intend to settle for a small one. Leaning her back, he laid a burning kiss on her lips that neither one of them would forget in a hurry. He took his time and she didn’t seem to be in any hurry either. By the time he lifted his head her cheeks were red and her lips swollen.
Then the little she-devil fidgeted her bottom on his hard cock, drawing a painful groan. “Yep, virile. It’s good to see you can…um…perform…even after last night.”
If they’d been in a more secluded area he’d show her just how capable he was but anyone walking down this path could come across them. A kiss was one thing but sex in public was something else.
“I wouldn’t tease me about something like this. If we were back at the house I’d play pirate and toss you over my shoulder, take you to my room and lock you in for the duration of this trip.”
Her green eyes were soft and dreamy. “I don’t think I’d mind.”
Groaning again, he lifted her up and placed her back on the bench. “I always thought you’d be this way.”
Susie leaned back, her hands on the smooth concrete. “What do you mean? I don’t follow.”
It was confession time for Chris. Susie had opened up and it was only fair that he did as well. It wasn’t in his nature to talk about his feelings but he needed to make an exception with this woman, especially if he thought the relationship might have a future.
“Do you remember that Halloween party about five years ago? I was home on leave and we were both there.”
Frowning, she nodded. “We watched horror movies and then you and I sat outside on the porch swing and talked for awhile.”
Chris rubbed the back of his neck and stood, walking a few steps away. “I thought it was a special night. I’d never been able
to talk to someone as easily as I did you that night. We had so much in common too.”
“You let me hide my eyes in your shirt when the scary parts were on.” Susie smiled at the memory and Chris did too.
“I was happy to. That was the night I realized I was attracted to you,” he admitted, watching her reaction closely. “As more than just a friend.”
Her brows flew up and her eyes widened. “That was five years ago. You couldn’t have been too attracted to me.”
“You were barely twenty-one and I was already over thirty. I wanted to give you a chance to grow up and live a little.”
Susie studied him for a long moment. “And you were in the Middle East.”
He drew in a ragged breath at her bald statement. “Yes. I didn’t want to start something that a stray bullet might put an end to. You’d already had so much tragedy in your life. I didn’t want to add to it.”
She stood and walked over to him, placing her arms around his waist and laying her head on his chest. His heart seemed to skip a beat at the simple gesture. He was falling for this woman fast and hard.
“Thank you.” She looked up at him and slid her hands up his arms to his shoulders. “I wasn’t in any place in my life to be able to be with someone but I didn’t know it at the time.”
He gazed deeply into her eyes, hoping the emotion he saw there was real and true.
“And now?”
“I think I’m finally at a point that I can welcome someone into my life.”
“Me too.”
The timing for the two of them was finally right.
*
“Did you have fun at your breakfast with Chris?” Amanda asked, a piece of fabric dangling from her fingers.
“It was good. We had a picnic on the beach and then went to the rifle range. What’s that in your hand?” Susie asked, grabbing a bottle of water from the table. She and Amanda were in one of the living rooms getting ready for the final fitting of their dresses. Tracy was supposed to be there as well but hadn’t yet shown.
“That sounds…romantic.” Amanda’s eyes were twinkling with mischief. She was like a dog with a bone when it came to Chris and Dane. “And this? This is your swimsuit that Seb found when he went to do his laps this morning. It must have…slipped off or something.”
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