East of the Sun, West of the Moon

by Carole Bellacera

  "I want to fuck you."

  He said it so casually that Leigh didn't react at first. When the mocking words sank into her consciousness, her face flamed with humiliation and anger. His tone had been so cutting, almost cruel. She stood up abruptly and would've breezed past him, but he was too fast for her. Like a flash, he stood up and locked his hands onto her arms. Savagely, his mouth plundered hers and for the first time in the ten months she'd known him, she struggled against his embrace. Pushing her hands against his hard chest, Leigh tore her mouth from his. “Erik. You've been drinking!"

  He threw back his head and laughed softly. “Pokker! I've only had a six-pack of beer.” His hands moved sensuously down the back of her robe to caress her bottom.

  "I said, I want to fuck you.” His mouth nuzzled at her neck.

  Leigh pushed him away. “Is that all it is to you? Just another fuck?"

  Erik stood staring at her, his chest heaving, and Leigh could see the anger creeping across his face. Finally, he spoke very quietly. “You know that's not true, Kayleigh. But what about you? Isn't that all I am to you? Just another fuck?"

  He turned and walked somewhat unsteadily into the house, leaving her standing alone, trembling.

  * * * *

  An oppressive heat wave had descended upon the Delmarva Peninsula. Leigh found it difficult to spend more than an hour on the beach at one time. Even with frequent splashes in the cool surf, almost as soon as she returned to their quilt on the sand, her pores oozed sweat from the merciless fury of the sun beating down from a cloudless sky. Even the shade from the huge beach umbrella didn't help.

  She glanced at the watch in her beach bag. Instead of roasting here in the sun, why not go shopping? It would be a perfect opportunity to check out the bargains at Gershman's or the Factory Outlet. She stood up and brushed the sand from her turquoise one-piece swimsuit, her eyes searching for Aaron in the surf. There he was on the raft, and Bob was nearby. She turned to Mel who was lying on her stomach reading Lady Chatterley's Lover. She frowned. Although she believed Mel was mature enough to read whatever she wanted, she still had misgivings about this one. Was it because the book hit a little too close to home? Leigh didn't like the comparison between herself and Constance Chatterley. After all, the story didn't end happily.

  After telling Mel she was going shopping and getting no response, Leigh made her way up to the boardwalk. She passed a place that sold fresh-squeezed lemonade and on impulse, bought a glass. She found an empty bench facing the boardwalk and sat down to sip the drink. A young, good-looking lifeguard passed and gave her a dazzling smile. Leigh blushed and smiled back.

  "I'm going to tell dad you're flirting with that lifeguard."

  Leigh turned to see Mark and Erik walking up to the bench.

  "Does he know you come out here to ogle the beach boys?” Mark teased.

  "I can look, can't I?” Leigh laughed, avoiding Erik's brooding eyes. “What have you guys been up to?"

  Mark grinned. “Just walking up and down the boardwalk, checking out the foxes. How about a sip of that lemonade you've got there?"

  Leigh handed her drink over and Mark took a big gulp. “Mmmm ... good stuff. You coming back to the beach, Mom?"

  A large-breasted bikinied woman walked by and Leigh couldn't help but gape. Tiny pasties of cloth covered an area slightly larger than her nipples and there was little more on her bottom. Mark and Erik turned to see the object of her stare and their mouths dropped open. Mark completely forgot what he'd been saying. All three watched until she'd disappeared in the crowd.

  Leigh cleared her throat. “I'm sorry, Mark ... what did you say?"

  His eyes reluctantly returned to his mother. “Uh ... oh, are you going back to the beach?"

  "No, I think I'll head back to the house and take a shower after I finish my lemonade. It probably wouldn't hurt the two of you to get out of the sun for a while. Erik, your shoulders are getting red."

  Erik didn't answer. Mark shrugged. “I'm not worried. I think I'll go for a swim. What about you, Erik?"

  "Not now. I'm going to go look around in that T-shirt shop over there.” He studiously avoided Leigh's eyes.

  Mark was already walking away. “Okay, catch you later."

  Leigh watched as Erik turned away from her and headed toward the shop across the boardwalk. A heavy ache settled in the pit of her stomach. She didn't know how much longer she could take this coldness from him. It was so unlike him. Two days had passed since that appalling scene with him on the porch. Yes, she'd been shocked and hurt by his callous attitude toward her, but since then, she'd realized it hadn't been only his drinking that had caused him to lash out at her. It was their situation.

  It couldn't be easy for him to have to deceive people he genuinely liked. And then, there was their forced celibacy. The electricity had been building up in them for weeks, and out on the porch that night when they'd been so close, yet couldn't be together, his frustration had exploded into a shower of ugly, vengeful words. Leigh understood that. She'd felt much the same way. Still, she'd hoped his cold attitude toward her wouldn't last. She missed his caressing smile, the warm look in his eyes. Watching him disappear into the crowd, Leigh blinked away sudden tears. God, what an impossible situation!

  She caught her breath. He had stopped and was turning back. The tears blurred her eyes, but still, she could see him coming back to her. He was so incredibly breath-taking, dressed only in brilliantly patterned surfer shorts, his blond hair shining in the sun. Two bikini-clad girls eyed him appreciatively as he passed, but he didn't notice them. His piercing blue eyes were pinned on Leigh. Elation swept through her as he approached.

  He dropped down onto the bench beside her. “Forgive me.” His hands were clenched, and she could see he was struggling not to touch her.

  She understood that feeling because she was fighting it herself. Instead of reaching out and stroking his jaw like she wanted to do, she had to settle for gazing directly into his eyes. “Oh, Erik. It's been so awful without you..."

  "I know. For me, too. I've been acting like a child. I knew what I was getting into long before you came to my room that morning. My eyes were wide open. When I went home for Christmas, I made a decision to make you mine. No matter what the consequences."

  Leigh's eyes dropped to his long slender fingers resting on his knees. “It's my fault,” she said. “I should've been strong enough to resist you. We would both be better off if I had."

  "No. Don't ever say that, Kayleigh. No matter what happens in the future, we must never regret what we had.” His eyes searched her face. “Can you honestly tell me you regret anything we've done?"

  Leigh drank in the look in his eyes and whispered her unhesitant answer. “No."

  * * * *

  Leigh stepped into the outdoor shower stall, threw her towel over the top and then shrugged out of her kimono. With a quick twist, she turned on the taps and stood under the cool spray. She sighed, relishing the heat of the sun baking down on her as the relieving balm of water flowed over her parched skin. Everything about this outdoor shower felt sensuous to her. The contrast of the sun and the cool water, the smooth wooden platform beneath her feet, the lush green cascade of ivy that grew wildly over and around the floor. She loved the scent of the shampoo as it slid from her head and down her body, leaving her with a sense of freshness that could never be duplicated in an ordinary shower.

  When she showered here, she always took her time, carefully soaping her body, shampooing her hair and rinsing it over and over. Everyone else in the family always complained that she took too long. Of course, no one wanted to use the shower in the upstairs bathroom. But at least today, Leigh knew she could take as long as she wanted. Everyone was still at the beach. It was early, only two o'clock. With any luck, she'd have the place to herself for at least an hour, maybe two.

  Just as she worked up a lather in her hair, an unmistakable knock came at the shower door. “Damn,” Leigh muttered. So, it was too good to be true. “Wha
t is it? I just got in!"

  "Kayleigh, let me in."

  Leigh caught her breath, then her fingers fumbled at the latch. A second later, Erik stepped inside, grinning wickedly. His hands reached for her.

  "Are you crazy?” Leigh sputtered. “Erik! Someone might come by. They can see our feet under the stall!"

  "Shhh.” His amused blue eyes stared into hers as his hands massaged the shampoo through her hair. “Don't worry. Everyone is still at the beach."

  "But they might come ba—” Her protest was muffled by the pressure of his warm mouth against hers.

  "Time to rinse.” He guided her back into the spray of the shower-head and the suds slid from her sleeked hair, down onto her shoulders and breasts. His supple fingers threaded through her wet blond tresses, pushing the strands up to meet the cascade of water, guiding her head back and forth to rinse it clean. “It squeaks,” he said softly. “Must be clean."

  An inevitable lassitude had crept over her as she felt his strong fingers in her hair. She no longer cared if they were discovered. The palms of her hands rested on Erik's glistening chest.

  She smiled lazily into his eyes. “What now?"

  He drew away. “Now, it's my turn.” Her eyes dropped to his hands as he untied the drawstring of his surfer shorts. In one quick movement, he slid them down his hips and stepped out of them. He was already erect.

  "Shampoo, please.” Leigh poured the rich shampoo into her palm and leaning against his wet body, she reached up and began to work a lather into his thick hair. The tips of her breasts pressed against the golden hairs of his chest as his hands traced down the curves of her side to rest lingeringly on her hips. His erection pressed against her belly, urgent and promising. Leigh caught her breath.

  "Okay...” she whispered. “That's enough."

  Erik held his head under the shower and the water sluiced down his back. She leaned forward and playfully nipped at the wet skin near his armpit.

  "Sweet...” she said. “You're the flavor of suntan lotion and salt.” She reached for a bar of soap in a dish behind her and began to work up a lather between her hands. Then slowly, sensuously, she soaped his body. She started with the strong cords of his sunburned neck and then traveled down his broad chest. She gave special attention to the area under his arms, silkily stroking the tufts of soapy hair. Next, she washed his hard flat stomach, following the line of hair that narrowed down to his pubic bone. Eyes closed, Erik gasped when she finally took his stiff shaft in hand. She slid her soapy hands back and forth, smoothing her fingertips over his rounded knob, deliberatetly torturing.

  "Kristus!” he growled. “You're killing me..."

  Suddenly his teeth bit gently on her lower lip as his eager hands clutched her buttocks. He lifted her up to where his penis could find the opening it sought.

  "Oh...” Leigh breathed as the delicious fullness of him ripened inside her. Her legs wrapped around him in a fervent embrace.

  Their love-making was slow, silky, wet, entirely different than ever before. The water sprayed over them as they climaxed together silently. Leigh held onto him tightly, her hands clutching the wet hair at his nape, her face burrowed into his neck.

  "Erik! Are you in there?"

  It was Bob's voice outside the door of the shower.

  Still gripped by the last undulating shocks of pleasure, Leigh and Erik froze, their hearts hammering, eyes locked together in alarm. Erik recovered first.

  "Ja. What is it?"

  Leigh marveled that his voice sounded so unconcerned.

  "You have a phone call.” There was a lascivious chuckle. “It sounds like your girl, Dawn. Better hurry. She's very anxious to talk to you."

  "Can you tell her I'll be right there?"

  "Sure thing."

  They waited silently until they heard the back door slam. Then slowly, Erik withdrew from her. He eased her down to where her feet were once again on the wooden platform.

  "God, Erik. That was too close,” Leigh whispered. “If he had come out a minute later..."

  "Or earlier,” Erik said wryly. “He would have heard us."

  "Hurry!” Leigh grabbed his sodden shorts from the platform and handed them to him. “Get out of here and get your phone call before he comes back out."

  He pulled on the shorts and gave her a quick kiss on a her shoulder. “It still would've been worth it if we'd been caught."

  "Get out of here or we still might get caught!” Leigh unlatched the door. She pushed him out and then stood under the cooling jets of water. It was the first time she'd ever felt hot under a cold shower.

  Chapter 11

  Leigh walked into the kitchen just as Erik was winding down his conversation with Dawn. She went to the refrigerator to get a soft drink, telling herself she wasn't interested in what he was saying, but she knew she wasn't fooling herself. She popped the soda can, took a sip and listened.

  "That's great, Dawn. I'll look forward to seeing you.” His eyes met Leigh's across the room. “Ja, I'll do that. The Atlantic Sands is nearby. You'll be arriving sometime on Saturday? Okay. I miss you, too. Goodbye.” He hung up the phone and turned to Leigh with an embarrassed grin. “Dawn is coming down on Saturday."

  Leigh knew her simmering anger showed plainly on her face. “And the question is, why did you tell her she could?"

  Bob walked into the kitchen, freshly showered and changed. “So, how's your girl doing, Erik?"

  "Great,” he answered. “In fact, she's coming down for a visit this weekend."

  Bob smirked. “Lucky you! Most guys would kill for a weekend with a honey like her."

  The phone shrilled out. Leigh glared at Erik. “I'll get it.” She hoped it was Dawn calling back so she could have the pleasure of hanging up on her. But it was Rebecca calling for Bob. Since her suspicions about Rebecca's relationship with Bob, Leigh had found it difficult to be other than curt with the woman. Without acknowledging Rebecca's “How are you, Leigh?” she held out the phone to Bob. “It's your A.A.” When he took it, she went back to the counter where she'd left her soda. Erik moved over to her.

  "Can I have a sip?"

  She banged the can down on the counter and watched as the liquid fizzed up through the opening. “Help yourself!"

  He took a long draw from the soda can. “Ah! That's good. There's something about an outdoor shower that really makes one thirsty.” He grinned, a devilish look in his eyes. Leigh glared back silently. His face grew serious. “Why are you angry at me?"

  Before she could answer, Bob hung up the phone and turned to them. “Leigh, bad news. I have to drive back to Washington tomorrow for a couple of days. A problem has come up that can't wait until next week."

  Although Congress wasn't in session, Bob had insisted that two weeks was all he could spare away from Washington because of social obligations and various other “pressing engagements,” most of them having to do with a certain sexy redhead, Leigh was sure. As usual, she and the kids would be staying at the beach house for the rest of the summer and Bob would make weekend visits. Now, at the news of Bob having to return to Washington even earlier than planned, Leigh couldn't help glancing at Erik. His expression told her that he, too, was aware of what this meant to them.

  She looked back at her husband. “Well, you'd better get packed."

  Bob grinned, obviously relieved. “What? No tantrums? Don't you remember last summer when you hit the roof because I had to go back to Washington a week early?"

  Leigh shrugged. “Maybe I'm not the same person I was last summer."

  She turned and walked out of the kitchen.

  * * * *

  In the cool shade of the bedroom, Leigh stretched languorously and turned on her side toward Erik. He was sleeping on his stomach, his legs splayed across the bed. Leigh gazed at him, a tiny smile playing across her lips. Dead to the world. And why not? After they'd finished an encore of yesterday's shower scene, he'd promptly led her up to her bedroom where he'd proceeded to make love to her again, this time more slow
ly, savoring every inch of her body. With Bob back in Washington and the kids off for an afternoon at the arcade and miniature golf course, they had plenty of time.

  In the quiet after the storm of passion, she found herself whispering words that had been playing in her mind lately. “How can I let you go?” If Erik heard her, he made no comment. They fell into an exhausted sleep in each other's arms.

  In the dim light of the room, Leigh checked her wristwatch. Almost three o'clock. It would probably be a good idea to get Erik out of the bedroom. Just in case the kids decided to return from the amusement arcade early. She moved her foot along his hairy calf while one hand traveled up his naked buttock and rested at the small of his back. He moaned softly and turned his head away from her. Leigh laughed. It wasn't going to be easy to wake him. Quickly, she rolled over on top of him, sitting astride his firm buttocks. Her hands slid up the sides of his chest to stop just under his armpits as she leaned down to plant a kiss on the middle of his perfect back. Erik groaned loudly and then muttered, “Kristus! You still haven't had enough? I've turned the woman into a sex maniac..."

  "What makes you think I wasn't already a sex maniac before I met you?” Leigh asked, laughing. “Now, wake up before I tickle you to death.” Her fingers teased at his armpits and he squirmed. “Besides, I didn't wake you up for more sex. It's getting late."

  "Why not?” He murmured into the pillow. “I'm ready. And so are you, judging by your wet pussy on my ass."

  Frowning, Leigh rolled off him. “You're sounding more American every day. I must say I like the Norwegian side of you better. It's not so vulgar."

  "Oh, don't be such a hypocrite, Kayleigh,” Erik said mildly as he turned over and sat up. “You know you love it when I talk dirty."

  Leigh wasn't in the mood for his wry sense of humor. She tried not to notice how disarmingly attractive he looked, sitting naked in the middle of the rumpled bed, his blond hair curly and still damp from the shower. She leaned over and swept his briefs from the floor. “Here! Put these on. You look cold."