by Layla Hagen
“You look so smug. I don’t know if I want to smack that smile off you or kiss you.”
We leave the car, and Eric leads me down a narrow stone path past the cabin that presumably houses the reception desk. Suddenly, unease slithers down my spine, and I dig my nails in my palms. To calm my nerves, I take in my surroundings, inspecting the magenta flower buds lining the narrow alley leading down to the harbor. As we approach the water, the smell of salt and sea is thick in the air. Eric extends his hand out to me, his eyes warm. I can almost read the promise in them: I will take care of you. I can do this. I can enjoy this beautiful day with this beautiful man. Smiling, I take his hand.
There are rows of luxurious yachts and boats, and we come to a halt in front of a six-person speedboat. Eric helps me inside, and that’s when I see the small picnic basket tucked behind the driver’s seat.
I sense that he’s expecting me to say something, but I remain silent for some time. The fact that he put so much effort into this reaches somewhere deep inside me.
“I had someone arrange this for us,” he says, pointing at the basket. “I debated renting one of the bigger yachts, but this is cozier.”
When I still don’t say anything, Eric gently squeezes my hand, and I squeeze it back.
Finally, I murmur, “You’ve still got game, Eric Callahan. You can be sure of that.”
Leaning in to me, he whispers, “I know.” Then he pulls back, tilting his head to the right as if debating something. “Though for a while there, I feared you were silently preparing your exit strategy and were brainstorming for an excuse.”
I laugh, elbowing him. “I wouldn’t do that with you. If I’d wanted to leave, I would be honest.”
“I appreciate that. I’m an upfront guy, and there aren’t many people who respond with the same kind of honesty.”
Within minutes, we’re speeding out into the open sea. The water is remarkably still, reflecting the sunlight almost as perfectly as a mirror would. I admire the water for a while and then resume my favorite activity, ogling Eric. I’ll never tire of doing this. He has a determined expression on his face, and it looks delicious on him.
It seems forever before the boat slows down, and I notice that we’re not that far out into the sea. In fact, we’re remarkably close to a deserted section of the coast.
As soon as Eric stops the boat, I rise from my seat, stretching. He produces an umbrella from under the bench at the back of the boat and opens it. Fantastic idea, because the sun is scorching hot.
“Let’s see what goodies you brought.” I point to the basket, rubbing my stomach.
Five minutes later, we’re sitting on the rear bench under the umbrella, the basket at our feet. I broke first date and nondate protocol when I started stuffing my face with a delicious donut, but in my defense, it’s filled with apricot jam.
“I love apricot jam,” I remark.
“Yeah, I know. I asked Alice.”
I sigh, my heart squeezing. “Stop being so nice to me.” I realize too late that I said this out loud.
Eric puts his thumb under my jaw, lifting up my chin.
“You deserve nothing less.” Shifting closer to me, he swallows, and I watch the dip of his Adam’s apple. “I don’t know where this will lead, but I can tell you I plan to treat you right every moment of it.”
“You’re a classy charmer, Mr. Callahan,” I reply with a smile.
“Not sure about that. If you keep licking your lip, I might lose the class.”
“That’s a sweet challenge.” I close my eyes, leaning my head back as I enjoy the jam’s texture in my mouth, along with the rich flavor. I only open them again after I finish this little piece of heaven, and discover why Eric’s been silent all this time. The bastard’s been too preoccupied staring at my chest.
“So, checking out my boobs is your way of showing me your non-classy side?”
“I’m doing an in-depth study,” he answers seriously. “Can you blame me? They’re exquisite.”
I scoff. “You haven’t even seen them without clothes.”
Finally looking up at me, he wiggles his eyebrows. “I plan to change that today.”
Slowly but surely, my cheeks catch fire. “Okay.”
“But later. No pressure.” He says this with such nonchalance, as if he’s talking about the weather, and I can’t help but laugh again.
“I want to know a secret of yours,” I inform him.
“Why?” He looks at me suspiciously.
“I’m the keeper of secrets in my family. I thrive on them.”
Eric leans back, glancing at me. “I’ll consider it. If you’re done with eating for now, let’s swim. I even brought goggles for snorkeling.” He dips one hand deep inside the picnic basket, retrieving two pairs of glasses and placing them on the edge of the boat. “The water is clear here. You can see the fish, and even some corals.”
“I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” I state, even though he knows this.
“Couldn’t tell you or I would have spoiled the surprise. There’s always skinny dipping.”
I fold my arms over my chest, tapping my foot. “That’s an indecent proposition for a nondate.”
“I figured you might say that, so I bought a suit for you.”
He jams his hand inside the basket again and retrieves a light yellow bathing suit.
“Impressive,” I admit. “What else do you have stuffed in there? A white rabbit?” Condoms, my dirty mind supplies. By the loaded look Eric gives me, he knows exactly what I’m thinking. Blushing, I take the suit from him and inspect the label of the top, which is precisely my size. “Did Alice tell you my size?”
“You’re offending me. I could tell your size by looking at you. Today wasn’t the only day I studied you.”
And behold the return of the blush. This time, the heat spreads to my neck as well. Eric takes in my reaction to him with satisfaction. I lick my lips, stubbornly holding his gaze, until it becomes too much.
“Right,” I say. “Will you change too?”
“Sure. When you do.” He points to some swimming shorts on the driver’s seat.
“Turn around, so I can change. I’ll do the same.”
He does as I ask, and I change quickly, half-expecting him to turn around and kiss me senseless. Except he doesn’t. I can’t decide if he’s being a tease or a gentleman.
“Done,” I announce.
We both turn around at the same time. His gaze is so intense that my knees nearly buckle. His eyes travel up and down my body, leaving no room for interpretation. This man wants me, and the knowledge sets my nerve endings on fire.
“After you,” he says in a low voice, pointing to the small metal ladder that leads into the water. I walk past him, intending to climb down, but I stumble over my own feet and grab both his arms for support. I clumsily pull myself straight and accidentally brush my breasts across his chest. A moan slips past my mouth, as Eric sucks in a sharp breath. We both lose control at the same time.
Cupping my cheek with one hand, Eric pulls me so close to his face we nearly touch. Then he covers my mouth in a raw kiss, his tongue exploring my mouth greedily while his hand slides into my hair. His other hand grips my waist, flattening me against him. I can feel his heartbeat, strong and furious. I can feel something else too, his hot and hard erection pressed against my belly. I become putty in his hands and, driven by blind need, I grind against him. Eric digs his nails in to my skin and cups my ass with both hands, pushing himself hard against me.
“I want you so much it hurts,” he says as we pull apart to breathe before we lock lips again. Lost in his kiss, I barely notice that we’re moving backward. When we reach the couch, we tumble over it, and a striking sound followed by a splash startles me. I pull back, looking around wildly.
“The snorkeling goggles fell in the water,” I remark.
“I don’t give a damn,” Eric says. “I want you.” He leans his forehead against mine, breathing hard against my lips. “You’re all that matters.
” He claims my mouth again. First, he swipes his tongue over my lips, sending a jolt of heat right between my thighs. When he deepens the kiss with unrestrained passion, I become so aroused I barely know what to do with myself. “I’ll never have enough of your lips. You taste so good.”
Pushing my knees apart, he settles between them. I lean back, propping myself up on my elbows on the couch. Eric caresses one of my inner thighs with his fingers, turning my skin to goose bumps. He lowers one hand, stroking me with one finger over my bikini. I moan, shuddering at his touch.
“You’re soaked,” he whispers.
I drag my tongue across my lower lip, letting out a shaky breath. “I need you.”
He strokes me again, and I wantonly curve against his fingers.
“Greedy girl.”
“More, Eric. I need more. I need everything. Now.”
He stops the caress and moves over me, watching me intensely. His chest is shaking lightly, as if he can barely restrain himself from taking me.
“I didn’t bring any condoms,” he says.
“What? Why?”
“It’s a good way to curb the temptation. I don’t want to rush things with you.” Touching my cheek, he says, “I want you to be ready and trust me completely when we make love. You’ve been through a lot, and I want you to be absolutely sure.”
Emotion clogs my throat, but I know he understands how much this means to me. All I can do to show my gratitude is nod and lean forward, searching for his lips. He kisses me again, tenderly at first, but it quickly spirals out of control.
“I have a problem,” I whisper, smiling against his mouth. “My body won’t listen to reason.”
Eric chuckles. “I will give you what you need, and I will make it so good you’ll ache for days.” The promise in his voice prompts a new wave of heat that I feel in every inch of my body. Pushing himself back in a sitting position, he peels the top and bottoms of the bikini off me with exquisite slowness.
“You’re shaved clean.” His words come out more as a groan.
“All ready for you,” I tease.
Eric turns his attention to my boobs, taking one puckered nipple in his mouth, running his tongue over it, driving me crazy. He moves on to the other breast, lavishing it with even more attention. He traces the skin on the underside of my breasts with his tongue, and I involuntarily arch my hips against him. I’m so turned on I can barely form a thought. When he finally seals his lips over my nipple, while flicking his fingers over my other hard, sensitive nub, I almost lose it. Can someone orgasm just from foreplay? Because I might. The sensations are so intense I will combust.
“I want to kiss you here, Pippa.” He nudges my legs apart, cupping between them.
My body arches at his mere words. “Do it.” I lick my lips as he lowers himself until he’s inches away from my core. Feeling bold, I hitch one leg over his shoulder, giving him better access.
“Feisty,” he murmurs. “I like it. Look at you, all dripping and ready.”
“Too much talking,” I tease, my breath wavering. “Prove it.”
He rubs his fingers up and down my folds, deliberately avoiding my clit. I writhe and tremble, my toes curling in anticipation. I draw in my breath as he lowers his head, planting his lips straight on my slick spot.
“Eric.” I grit out his name, fisting his hair with one hand. This man is a wizard with his tongue. I’m so aroused I might come in one minute flat. His tongue circles my clit again and again, driving me crazy. At the same time, he slips one finger inside me. I clench around him, panting. Tiny beads of sweat form on my temples as he slides in a second finger, stretching me. Every nerve inside me flexes in anticipation, need splintering me. He moves his fingers in and out of me, then curves them in a motion that drives me crazy. I am close… so close. Abruptly, he pulls his fingers out, leaving me empty and exposed.
“No,” I protest. “What—oh!”
Eric blows a breath on my hot flesh. As the cold air reaches my drenched sex, I curl my hands into fists.
“I love seeing you like this,” he murmurs. “All wild and hot.”
Eric startles me by letting out a groan. That’s when I notice that one of his hands is inside his boxers, moving up and down. Oh, my. Seeing him touch himself while his mouth is on me does unspeakable things to me.
He licks me once from my entrance up to my clit. Every swipe of his tongue brings me closer to my release. I ride the wave of pleasure until every inch of my skin is on fire. My climax sears me, and I moan and writhe, his name on my lips. Eric lies next to me on the couch, placing one palm on my chest, which is rising and falling with every heavy breath I take.
“You’re so beautiful when you come,” he whispers in my ear. I cuddle against him, needing the warmth of his body, and that’s when I feel his erection against me.
“He’s happy,” I tease.
“Yes, he is.”
“I want to make him even happier,” I announce.
“Bad idea,” Eric mouths. “I’ll want you even more.”
I pout, looking down at his boxers. “If you say so.”
“Stop pouting, or I won’t stop imagining those gorgeous lips of yours somewhere else.”
“Your call,” I say.
“Come here.” He pulls me against him in a loving embrace.
“You prefer cuddling over an orgasm? You’re a strange man.”
“I want to feel you up.” He cups one of my ass cheeks with his strong hand. “I’m an opportunist.”
I pinch his shoulder. We can’t keep our hands off each other, and I love it.
“I love your smile,” Eric says. “You look happy.”
“I am. I wish we could stay like this for the entire weekend.” I rest my head on his chest, forming circles with my fingers around his navel.
“Pippa.” His tone is so serious all of a sudden that my heart leaps in my chest.
“Yes?” I whisper.
“I like spending time with you, but I have to be honest. I don’t know what I can give you.”
“Why don’t we find out together?”
He takes my hand in his, kissing my palm. “I don’t know where this will go, and I’m well aware that in less than two months I’ll be back in Boston, but while I’m here, I want us to explore this.”
“Excellent.” I ignore the way my heart clenches at the mention of his departure. I’m not afraid of giving him my body; I’m afraid of giving him my heart. Lifting my head, I glance at him, taking in his strikingly beautiful features. “I’ll put on my explorer glasses and join you.”
He hoists me up closer to him, planting a kiss on my neck. “You’re so fun to be around. It’s addictive.”
“I’m banking on it.”
I raise one arm above my head, stretching like a cat, and Eric runs his fingers over my underarm.
“Not there.” My words come out on a screech.
He grins like the little devil he is. “So you tickle easily. This is very important information.”
“Why?”
“I can use it as a persuasion technique.”
I stand up, eyeing him suspiciously as he follows my lead. “Keep your hands where I can see them. I don’t trust them.”
He lifts his hands, chuckling. “You seemed to trust them all right earlier.”
“Different circumstances,” I fire back. “Tickling me is out of the question. Now, an orgasm? You can give me one of those at any time.”
“Noted.”
“So, since we’re here, why don’t we get on with that snorkeling thing?” I suggest. “Unless, of course, you want to discuss the possibilities of more orgasms. No pressure or anything.”
Stepping in front of me, he pushes a strand of hair behind my ear. “No can do. If I see you come one more time, I will lose it. There’s only so much restraint I can have around you.”
“Snorkeling it is, then.” I look in the distance, at what appears to be a cave. “I think that’s a cave there. Do you want to explore it?”
&
nbsp; Eric frowns, touching his jaw. “No. Here’s a secret. I don’t like caves. They’re dark, creepy, and scare the shit out of me.”
“Wow… I wouldn’t have thought anything could scare you. You’re so tall and big.”
“Many things scare me. Closed places, snakes, losing the people I love.” His smile falters when he utters the last part. “I’m just a mere mortal.”
“I’ve never met someone who wears his heart on his sleeve the way you do.” Pointing to the water, I add, “No cave, then. Let’s snorkel.”
It’s when we head to the ladder again that I remember we did away with the glasses during our passionate kiss.
“Oh, no,” I groan, looking around the boat. Eric seems to realize what I’m looking for, because he joins me in my search.
“The currents carried them away. I don’t see them anywhere.”
“Oh, plastic in the ocean. That was irresponsible of us,” I say.
“Let’s swim.”
We spend a long time in the water, swimming, fooling around, and touching each other on every occasion. Before sunset, we climb in the boat again, dress, and drive back to the shore. We walk to the car holding hands, and as we let go of each other, I can’t help the sinking sensation forming in my stomach. Come fall, I will have to let him go for good.
Chapter Eleven
Pippa
The next few days are like a dream. Eric and I don’t see much of each other, but we text and speak whenever we get a chance. I’m counting down the days—and hours—until we’ll be together again, which should be tomorrow night. Just thinking about it makes me feel giddy.
It’s late in the evening, and I’m at home when my phone rings. Max.
“Hi, brother.”
“Where are you?” he inquires. His tone instantly sets me on edge.
“At home. What’s wrong?”
“Dad had an accident.”
I gasp, a shiver running through me. “What happened? Is he all right?”
“He was with the renovating team at the farm, and he fell from the roof.”
“Oh, my God.” I try to calm myself and take deep breaths, but no air seems to reach my lungs.