“Cold?”
“A little,” she answered quietly, but secretly she suspected that it was much more than that.
Quinn pulled her against his chest wrapping his open coat around her in an intimate jester like a lover. He felt her stiffen before she relaxed against him and they merged together as one.
This time it was Lily’s turn to remember Quinn’s cologne. She loved the way he made her feel, the hardness of his body, the warmth of his breath as he whispered in her ear, and his exotic touch as he lightly soothed a wayward strand of mahogany hair behind her ear before rubbing it between his fingers. It almost was her undoing.
“Your hair always feels so soft and smells so good. I can’t eat strawberries without thinking of you.”
Lilly laughed, “That’s because I use strawberry shampoo. It’s a left over from childhood called Strawberry Shortcake.”
“And all this time I thought you washed your hair in a bowl of strawberries and cream,” he teased. He paused before he added solemnly, “Don’t ever change it.” He rubbed his nose against the top of her silky hair inhaling its fragrance. They stood there in companionable silence with Quinn’s arms wrapped around Lily looking out at the sea in comfortable camaraderie as the boat rocked and rolled back and forth with hypnotic waves. It was soothing and seemed so right.
“Where did you go that night after I left you in the cabana?” It was a question that had been eating at Lily and one that had haunted her every New Year’s Eve for the past four years. She needed closure, she needed an answer.
“I left on assignment,” Quinn answered surprised at her question.
“For three weeks?” she asked solemnly turning her head slightly and glancing up at him to gauge his reaction.
“Lily,” he said her name like she was a little girl again and he was trying to make her understand something complicated. It annoyed her. He felt her pull slightly away from him not really comprehending why she did so.
“I was in Afghanistan being a soldier and rescuing other military brothers. That what I do. That’s the oath I took when I signed up for the role of a SEAL.”
“Well then, what took you so long to call me after New Year’s Eve?” Lily persisted.
OK, now I get it – I think. Lily was probably hurt and mad after that evening. He was busy doing his job as a soldier and really didn’t think about how Lily was looking at things. So, when he finally did call, she wasn’t about to give him any satisfaction of answering his calls or emails. He assumed she understood. After all, her dad had been a pilot in the Air Force, hadn’t he? Like she was supposed to remember? How old was she then, anyway? Had she even been born, yet? Hmm, maybe not.
Quinn began to rub Lily’s neck hoping to convey his feelings to her as he began to touch her bare shoulders with the tenderness of a lover. They felt so soothe and soft that he almost forgot to answer her.
“They don’t let us carry cells in the field. I was calling you within fifteen minutes after I had my phone in my hand.”
Lily said nothing as she was just trying to digest what Quinn had just told her.
Now, it was time for Quinn to ask Lily what had been bugging him for four years.
“Lily, what happened that night? Jade thinks you were raped?”
Lily turned slightly and looked him square in the eye, “Now, I can’t imagine why she would think that? Do you think that maybe –just maybe – it was because you’d ripped my dress to shreds and small pieces making it totally unwearable – FOREVER?!!!” Lily commented with spunk and a hand on her hip as she turned to face him completely.
Quinn responded with a surprised expression on his face and arms crossed over his chest defensively, “I did no such thing!”
“Yeah, you did. And by the way, you owe me big bucks for that dress. It cost me plenty to make a replica of Rita’s dress with antique fabric and black lace for authenticity. I loved that elegant garment!” she commented forlornly.
“I’m sorry, Lily. I’ll buy you another one, but only to be worn for me.”
Lily looked at him funny.
“I really didn’t know I’d ripped it. I guess my emotions were just exceptionally high that night and as I remember right you were doing a pretty good job of yanking my – ahem, chain.”
That made Lily laugh, “I did?”
“Yeah, you did.”
“Well, at least I did something right that night.”
“Oh, you did plenty right that night and now I want a rain check.”
Quinn backed Lily up against the railing. He wasn’t going to wait any longer to taste her strawberry lip gloss that was s special to Lily as his tongue pushed lightly to explore the soft velvet, coaxing her mouth to open for his tongue seeking entrance. His strong arms wrapped around her as he pulled her against his chest feeling her soft beckoning breasts between them. Passion flared almost out of control immediately like a match to a gas burner.
Everyone was busy celebrating with the bride and groom. No one noticed the exchange between Lily and Quinn except the other groomsman. He had been hoping that he might have a chance with the lovely redheaded bridesmaid, but it was obvious the two had a history and he was not part of it. He would have to look elsewhere for a mate tonight.
Quinn put his forehead on Lily’s trying to slow things down a little. Lily was breathing as hard as he was as she griped the lapels of his white jacket trying to steady her legs due to her sensual response to the awakening of her sexuality.
“Where are you staying?” Quinn asked softly.
Quinn didn’t think she was going to answer for a moment, but after struggling for control, she squeaked, “I’m not staying at the same hotel as the wedding party,” They told me they were out of rooms there.”
Lily named another hotel not far away from the other guests. Ten minutes later, they were in Quinn’s rented JAG headed for Lily’s room, a luxury high rise that overlooked the beautiful Caribbean.
Lily and Quinn left before most of the guests, but by midnight the love boat was empty of those that had been invited. It immediately set sail with only the crew to accompany the bride and groom that it would assist as it hopped from one island to another in the next three weeks. The crew took care of the newlyweds every need, which wasn’t often as they spent most of their waking time in bed.
CHAPTER 20
Arriving at the hotel, Quinn gave the car keys to the doorman. Quinn immediately helped Lily out of the JAG enjoying her shapely tanned legs as her dress rode high on her thighs. He tucked her arm in his and walked her to her room. He took her key card and opened her door, but not before he landed another very passionate kiss on Lily’s beckoning lips. Then, he mumble something about having to get back to the wedding.
“Good night. Remember, you’ll always be my girl,” he said as he kissed her nose and winked before he shut her door, leaving her alone in her hotel bedroom. She could hear him whistling as he walked down the hall. She even thought that she heard him laugh when the thump of her shoe echoed against the door to the corridor when she threw it, pretending it was Quinn’s head.
Lily was mad enough to commit murder. Did he think he was funny or what?
Lily started to walk out on the balcony to cool off or jump off, she hadn’t decided which, when she noticed a beautiful large package wrapped in shiny gold paper and ribbon with her name on the card tucked under the large gold bow of the package in the middle of her bed. It had an oval gold seal in the corner from a very expensive store. Curious, she opened the card. It read: For my special woman. Love, Quinn. Confused, Lily sat down and opened the present.
Pawing through the gold tissue paper, Lily found an elegant long white Belgium lace nightgown. Holding it up, she stared in appreciation at the intricate sheerness of someone’s beautiful handiwork. At the same moment a knock came from the connecting door to another room behind her. The unexpected sound made her jump. She twisted to stare at the door not moving as she clutched her gown to her chest as if to fend off the intruder with her garm
ent as she waited frozen for it to open.
“Lily?” Quinn’s voice floated softly from connecting door. “Come and open the door.”
At first, Lily couldn’t believe she’d heard correctly. Realizing the little joke he had chosen to play on her, she rushed to the door laughing and threw her arms around him, much to the relief of Quinn. Only she knew there would be plenty time for retribution.
Quinn laughed, too. He swung Lily up in his arms and plunked her down on the bed amid frilly petticoats and a frothy rose colored dress. He wasted no time in joining her and pinning her arms above her head as he kissed and tickled her all at the same time.
“So, do you like your present?”
Lily didn’t answer right away.
“Well?” Quinn stiffen one arm and raised up staring down at her as he waited for what he hoped was the right answer.
“I’m thinking.”
That brought another round of kissing and tickling.
“OK, OK, I like it, I like it.” she laughed. “Now, tell me, what am I supposed to do with it?”
“Wear it (kiss, kiss) – or not,” Quinn answered.
Lily was smiling up at him, rather amused at his charming antics.
Quinn went on to explain as he rolled onto his side bending a muscular well defined upper arm as he put his head in his hand, “The last time everything was so spontaneous, we hardly had time to enjoy the moment. This time, we have all night and I want it to be special for you.” He got up and walked to the door leaving her in a mound of petticoats and a little peek at her rose pink string bikini panties.
“I’ll give you fifteen minutes and I’ll be back.” He winked as he left.
Lily winked back and grinned as the door shut. She liked games. She was good at them. Now, it was her turn.
A few seconds after the door shut, Quinn heard the ominous sound of the latch clicking on the other side of Lily’s door. I sure do hope I don’t have to break the door down in fifteen minutes, he grumbled to himself.
Quinn changed into some black silk boxers in less than fifteen seconds. He looked around the bridal suite that connected to Lily’s bedroom. He had booked the opulent room over a year ago hoping it would get some use this very night. He had made sure that Lily was booked next door to him.
Quinn checked the lily bouquets in the bedroom, bathroom, and on the coffee table. Next, he dimmed the lights and lit some candles. He decided the only music they needed was coming from down below their open balcony as the island barrel drums continued to beat long into the night joined with the lullaby of the surf.
Quinn looked at his watch. Lily had another five minutes to go. He popped the cork of the nearest champagne bottle and poured himself a glass, tossed it down, and poured another. He looked at his watch. Time’s up.
CHAPTER 21
After Quinn left, Lily picked up her Nook book from the night table, fluffed a pillow, and began to read. Exactly fifteen minutes later, Quinn, true to his word, knocked at the door.
“May I come in?”
“Not right now, I’m busy, I’ll be there in a moment,” she replied and continued to read her book.
Fifteen minutes later an impatient Quinn knocked at the door again.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.”
He tried the doorknob. It was locked. “What are you doing?”
“Painting my fingernails.”
Silence on the other side as Quinn quietly beat his head against the door. Resting his forehead against it, he said, “You’re, kidding – right?” not exactly sure if she were or not until he heard her giggle.
Thinking that she had teased Quinn long enough, Lily jumped out of her dress and petticoats in one big swoop. She, too, was ready in about fifteen seconds as she gently pulled the fragile lacy gown carefully over her head. She did not remove her rose colored thong bikini – Quinn didn’t get to have everything his way.
Fluffing her hair, Lily opened the door and ran straight into Quinn’s chest as he was leaning against the door jamb listening for any sign of movement with his ear pressed against it. He was relieved that she was finally in motion and had been wondering how much longer he would have to wait. He had not had time to casually be sitting in a chair reading his emails as he had planned. He grinned sheepishly. Lily laughed. He’d been had. He conceded that she was good at games. Of course she was, that’s what made her such a good nutcracker.
When Lily opened the door, Quinn could think of only one word, “Wow!” as he stood there mesmerized with a silly grin on his face, absorbing her near naked beauty not moving. Savoring the moment, he slowly reached out with one finger to trace her parted lips before inching down her collar bone to the top of her full breasts, dipping his finger between them as he did so. Instantly, he felt her shutter and was extremely pleased with himself. Unfortunately, as she reacted to his foreplay, he did as well. Stepping back and taking her hand, he put some space between them.
Not wanting to rush the moment, Quinn led Lily into his bedroom. Her eyes rounded with surprised delight as she realized she was in the hotel’s bridal suite, which was covered with lilies of every pastel color that existed – pink, white, yellow, lilac, pale green and orange tiger lilies.
“Oh, Quinn, it’s beautiful, like a magical garden out of a fairytale,” she exclaimed as she twirled around giving Quinn a view of her gorgeous lace gown in her naked body – well, almost.
Quinn was having a hard time trying not to chuckle when he saw that Lily was still wearing her pink thong bikini not that he thought that it would be a problem. He was just sort of speculating as to why – modesty? — Perhaps. Teasing? — More than likely. Either way, he stood there grinning like a “goofis” until his boner sobered him up.
Quinn turned and handed Lily a glass of pink champagne with a pink lily sticking out of the top, which he had poured earlier. It had lost some of the fizz by this time, but neither of them seemed to notice as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Smiling, he took the lily out of her glass and licked the end as Lily watched. Then, he tucked it behind her ear before he leaned down to touch her lips with his own. They were soft and warm, tasting of sweet champagne as he knew they would be.
Tramping down his passion, Quinn took the time to lead Lily out onto the balcony full of more colorful lilies with a panoramic view of the Caribbean and a full moon shining down from among a million ancient stars. As they looked out over the aqua sea surrounded by lighted tikka torches, Quinn wrapped one arm around Lily’s waist pulling her close, letting her feel his arousal against her backside.
As they sipped their champagne, Quinn nuzzled her neck, “You smell so delicious. I have dreamed of this moment since you were sixteen. I didn’t think you’d ever grow up. What took you so long?”
“I was trying,” quipped Lily. “You just weren’t co-operating!”
Quinn smiled, “Well, I am now.” He set down his empty champagne glass, gently took her glass from her fingertips, and turned her around. Pulling her against his arousal, he rubbed himself against the front of her and whispered in her ear, “Any doubts?”
Lily silently shook her head against his bare torso as she snuggled her breasts against his naked chest and wiggled back.
Quinn groaned, his body didn’t need any encouragement, but his hands on their own accord, reached out to touch her soft breasts that beckoned to him. Feeling her nipples harden through the soft fabric was almost his undoing.
Remembering that a fluffy king sized bed had been set outside among the lilies with a gauzy canopy of off white and a surrounding gauzy curtain, Quinn poured Lily more champagne hoping to douse some water on the flames that he had ignited and he felt were quickly getting out of control with very little effort. He pulled Lily towards the bed, crawling in before her and fluffing the pillows as she watched from the edge waiting patiently. Next, he patted the spot next to him, indicating that he wanted her to join him with her champagne.
Lily smiled and set down her champagne on the bamboo tabl
e near the inviting soft bed where their lovemaking was finally going to begin, but she did not move towards Quinn as he had expected. She took a moment to gaze at him before lowering one strap of her sheer gown and then slowly pulling the other strap just to the edge of her nipples. Quinn froze in time, swallowing hard as he waited for her to continue edging down the rest of the Belgium lace. Instead, she slowly turned around giving him a back view of her heart shaped hinny. Looking seductively back at Quinn, she leisurely wiggled her gown down to her tiny waist, past her curvy bottom, and then began gliding it over her skimpy pink bikini panties. Then, she let it drift gently to the cool tile floor and puddle around her feet. Slowly, turning around, she smiled teasingly. Dipping her finger in her champagne, she let a little of it drip across each breast before holding out her hand for his assistance so she could join him in the bridal bed.
By this time, Quinn was practically cross-eyed with anticipation and not about to ignore Lily’s blatant invitation. Joining his glass on the bamboo table with Lily’s, he immediately and happily accommodated her by licking every bit of the spilled champagne off her chest like her nipples were a faucet of bubbly. After he decided that she was as horny as he, he went back to his first plan, still determined to control the situation by finishing their champagne.
Rescuing the unfinished champagne next to him, Quinn handed Lily’s glass back to her. By this time, Lily’s was so frustrated that she was ready to kick and scream, but she was not about to let Quinn know that! She sweetly smiled and took the glass from his hand brushing against him as she did so. Ha!
Steadying his breath and breathing deeply as his military training had taught him, Quinn tried his best to relax. They now lay in bed looking up at the star constellations that shown down on the Caribbean Sea with Lily cuddle around Quinn’s body. Quinn gritted his teeth trying his best to prolong the inevitable as long as possible. He kept Lily close with his firm warm arm around her trying not to think about her naked breasts snuggled against his chest, but kept a secure enough hold around her to keep her from wiggling against him the best he could.
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