Undertow: A compilation of short beach stories

by Patricia A. Knight

  “You live in the white house?”

  “Well, it is a white house on the bay. But it’s not called The White House. I think the President of the United States gets to call his house that.”

  He’s laughing at me but it doesn’t knock my anticipation. I will finally get a chance to see the house I’ve often dreamed about.

  “You know what I mean. I’ve always loved that house, at least from a distance.” I can’t hide the wonderment filling my heart. All the times I’ve daydreamed about the house and what secrets it holds and I’m getting the chance to find out, with the company of Aeron as my personal guide. “Have you always lived in the house? I remember staring at it for hours and never seeing anyone coming or going. But it was always there, watching over the beach.”

  “I’ve lived there most of my life. My parents passed away several years ago and I’ve been fortunate to turn it into the house that I want.”

  My smile is beaming at this information. He’s been there all along. I try and relax my grip on the edge of my seat. This is happening. This is really happening.

  “Is that a yes?”

  “It’s a yes.”

  Before I have time to think, he pulls me from my seat and walks out of the dining room.

  Chapter Three

  The night air raises goose bumps on my skin but the shiver running through me is because of what I’m allowing myself to do. I said yes to Aeron as much as the house and I have to think hard not to act like an excited teenager. The beach is nearly pitch black. The moon is bright, and silver shards dance on the surface of the water as we walk past. A soft glow from up on the cliff lights our destination.

  “We’re lucky the tide is with us. We’ll be able to take the beach path.” Aeron smiles at me and squeezes my hand.

  Excitement, like bubbles in sparkling wine, tickles my insides. This is ridiculously romantic. Yet, there is something about his presence that makes me feel sexy and lusty, rather than sweet and romantic. The wine, a moonlit walk on the sand, being taken to a mysterious house I’ve longed to see... It has all the makings of a first date romance. There is an undertow of something darker. I remember his unexplained presence in the dining room last night and his predatory glances. The thought, along with the fresh air, sobers me.

  Before long, we reach the end of the beach, under the cliff where this morning I walked and looked up at Aeron’s house. We head up the shore and pass through a narrow entrance in the rock. It opens onto a steep track upwards. Aeron clasps my hand and gently pulls me closer to him as the track gives way to a foliage-sheltered path. Up close, the house resembles a fortress. Large wooden gates block our way. Having always looked up to it so open to the sea, seeing that part of the house is hidden away is a shock. Aeron presses his thumb onto a small metal pad next to what I think is an intercom. Immediately the gates part with a soft whirring sound. “Coming in?” Aeron asks with a clear and obvious smile. My answer is to walk through the parted gates into a softly lit courtyard. The gates whirr closed. I’m now shut inside. Apprehension seeps into my veins and spikes my pulse. I can’t escape.

  I can see more of the house now, but it looks nothing like its image from the beach. Large expanses of glass and wood are sympathetically brought together to create an evolution of the original house. All you see from the beach is the original structure. Aeron leads me up to a glass door and slides it open. We step into a cool, sparsely-furnished entry. Aeron empties his pockets onto a wooden table.

  “You said you fantasised about the white house as a child. Would you like a tour?”

  I grin like a Cheshire cat and nod. He chuckles before he links our hands and pulls me closer. It’s like Christmas and I’m getting to open my presents early. The giddy teenager is trying to break out of me again.

  We walk to the far end and through a door way. From what I can see, there are no doors. One room flows into the next. We turn down into the new part of the house. Soft, warm light, signals our way.

  “The kitchen.” He gestures to another huge room. No clutter or appliances, but clean and clear surfaces. And more glass. “There’s a small courtyard out there. The dining room is the other side of the arch and opens out onto the original garden which has views to the front of the house. It has beautiful views over the beach.”

  “This is amazing. It’s nothing like I imagined. I thought it would be an old house, and much smaller. This is modern and new and breathtaking.” These rooms are remarkable.

  “There is still plenty of the old house left. Come.” His hand caresses my shoulder. Heat follows the trail of his touch as he slides it down my spine to rest at the small of my back. My breath catches and I turn to look at him. Forgetting the tour, Aeron’s touch reminds me why I am here. He breaks the spell by steering me onward. We retrace our steps to the original part of the house. The room we enter has much smaller proportions with two large windows looking out toward the beach. Two sections of comfortable sofas fill the space with a fireplace creating a focal point at one end.

  “This is part of the original house, but I don’t come in here much”

  “Oh, why not?”

  “I spend most of my time in my study.”

  “Am I going to get to see that as well?” I add a little bit of sass to my question. The alcohol is definitely out of my system but I haven’t forgotten why I said yes to coming here.

  I see Aeron’s eyes flare before he closes the gap between us. His soft lips place a very gentle kiss on my cheek. “I’ll show you whatever you want to see. My study and my bedroom are my favourite rooms in the house.”

  My heart flutters and my pussy clenches at the tangible heat in his eyes and the message inherent in his kiss. We walk up a small staircase to a landing that immediately opens out into a large room of floor to ceiling windows. I pause in wonderment. Some overlook the courtyard, some the sea. In the middle of the room sits a large bank of desks with various different monitors and computer screens on them. “This is your study?”

  “Yes. Do you like it?”

  “It’s incredible. It’s big. Do you work in here all by yourself?”

  “Yes. I run my business from here. If I need to meet with anyone, I do it when I’m in the London office. I have several people who run the public part of the business so that I can concentrate on what I like doing.”

  “Playing with computers? Writing code?”

  “Yes. I spend most of my days sitting behind the computer screen.” He laughs ruefully. “I admit the view can often distract me. I found myself lost in the sights of a particular brunette who walked into view yesterday.”

  His eyes blaze at me. As he steps toward me, all I want is to get lost in this man tonight. He stands over me and runs his fingertips down the side of my face. My breath hitches when they trace my collar bone. Half of me is screaming for him to take me on his desk. I don’t care to see the bedroom. The moment is lost, though, as he unexpectedly steps back, as if he’s stopping himself. Disappointed, I move toward the windows and gaze out to the tumultuous sea. The waves toss and turn like the emotions roiling through me. One item in the corner, positioned to look out over the beach, draws my attention.

  “Do you watch through this?” I stroke the telescope, running my fingers over the elegant wood and metal cylinder. The body is perched on an equally beautiful tripod. It’s a strange juxtaposition - an antique like this in Aeron’s tech-dominated study. But there is something about it that pulls at the darker recesses of my mind and ignites the blood in my veins.

  “Yes.”

  “Did you watch me through this?”

  “Yes.”

  “You like to watch. That’s why you came to The Apartments last night?”

  “Yes.”

  His answers make me feel ... sexy, wanted. It adds to the need growing in me and the tension that is now crackling in the air. I understand more of Aeron now and it adds to his perfect appeal. Flirting isn’t something that comes naturally to me, but I want to try. I walk to Aeron as confidentl
y as possible, refusing to look away. I breathe in before sliding my hands up his chest. The contours of muscle under his black t-shirt spur me on and I pull his neck down so I can reach his lips. My confidence falters as our lips finally connect. Am I really going to do this? Am I really going to have sex with this man? Before my hesitation becomes apparent, Aeron takes over, deepening the kiss and exploring my mouth. Our tongues taste each other, tease each other. I’m breathless and hungry. The desire this man awakens in me frightens and exhilarates.

  He ends the kiss and smiles down at me. “Not here.”

  Chapter Four

  “Let’s finish the tour.” His hand entwines with mine and we move from his colossal study and up a small staircase to his bedroom. It’s of similar proportions to the study below with a combination of glass overlooking the beach and the house’s original stone walls. The bed is the centrepiece this time. Literally. It’s positioned in the middle of the room with windows to one side, a chair at the end of the room and a few more doors leading off to what I assume are a bathroom and closet. It has the same character as the rest of the house - minimal, effortless and modern. There isn’t anything cosy in here. The bed leaves no room for me to think about anything other than being wrapped up in it with Aeron. His presence behind me ignites my nerves. In this wonderful house, alone with a stranger, I remember all the criminal investigation shows I’ve watched in the past. This man could do anything to me. No one would know. I would simply vanish. I need to leave. I turn and slam straight into Aeron. He grips my head possessively, angling my face toward him before kissing me. His lips melt over mine, opening me up and I am his. His kisses harden my nipples and heat floods my lower body. The sensual movements pull at my pussy and stir the butterflies dancing in my stomach. His tongue thrusts inside of my mouth and I can’t help but imagine him thrusting his cock deep inside of me. My moans astonish me. I’ve never been like this, never reacted this brazenly before. In the presence of this man, I’m different.

  I tilt my body toward him so we’re aligned from chest to hip and I can feel how much he’s enjoying me. His hard cock is pressing into my belly and makes me wish harder that he’d take me to bed. Trying to deepen the kiss, I move my arms to hold onto him, but he grasps my hands.

  “No.” He steps away from me to sit in the lone chair at the other end of the room. “You know I like to watch, I would really like to watch you. You’re overdressed. I want you strip for me. Show me those beautiful curves, baby.”

  My heart races at his words. I can hear the blood rushing in my ears. I want this. My pussy aches at the prospect of pleasing this man, showing him my body. The knowledge he wants to watch thrills a part of me I have never been aware of before. I take a few steps forward, standing between Aeron and the bed.

  I tease my skirt a little higher, revealing some flesh before slipping the first button on the front of my dress. Without knowing, I chose the perfect outfit. Once the second button is free, I look up at Aeron. Lust gleams from his eyes, and they drink in the body I’m slowly revealing to him, button by button. I slink closer, standing a fraction out of reach as I undo the last button. I slip the dress slowly off my shoulders and let it drop to my feet. I step out, and close the final gap between us. He straightens and once more he sweeps my body with lust filled eyes. I take a breath and unhook the back of my bra and slip it off my shoulders. Hooking the sides of my thong, I inch my knickers down my legs as seductively as possible. The appreciation on Aeron’s face is all I need to bolster my confidence. I bend down, collect my knickers from the floor and strut to him. Dangling them over his lap, I drop them.

  “Straddle me.” Aeron’s smoky voice is deeper than before. My little strip show has definitely affected him. The knowledge he is aroused spurs me on. Swinging my leg to sit on his lap, I position myself on his thighs. He has a clear view of my pussy. He hasn’t tried to touch me. His hands remain firmly by his side. I’m amazed... and disappointed.

  “Make yourself come for me. I’m going to watch you come undone on my lap before I take you.”

  I’m utterly vulnerable, naked and turned on, yet he’s also made me powerful. My hands run the length of my torso and hold my full breasts. I squeeze and play with them before trailing one hand to my pussy. My fingers touch my clit, impatient to relieve the tension he’s sparked in me. A throaty growl from Aeron rewards me. Finally he touches me, grasping my hips in a vice-like grip.

  “Go on, baby.”

  His encouragement is all I need, and I let go. My fingers flick and rub in a familiar pattern that I know will make me climax. Sitting on Aeron ensures that it’s far more potent. My other hand continues to squeeze and tweak my nipple and sends little shards of pleasure to my clit. My pussy weeps as I push my finger inside, not content with just touching. I toss my head back and I’m thankful that Aeron is holding me to him. “Hmm, I want it to be your cock that’s thrusting inside of me. Filling me. Aeron, I want you. Please...” My moan is throaty and drips with longing.

  His fingers dig into my hips and he shifts in his seat, the single response to my voiced desire. My body begins to take over, grinding on my hand, wanting more, more of Aeron. My climax builds fast, my emotions as well. Everything combines in a perfect storm of feeling.

  “God, yes!” I scream as I press my fingers against my clit, riding out my orgasm.

  “Fuck, you’re amazing.”

  Before I open my eyes from the blissful sensation sweeping through me, Aeron’s lips engulf my breast, sucking the nipple into his hot mouth. It’s divine. He bites and licks as I moan in appreciation. He lifts me and I wrap my legs around his hips as he heads for the bed. He throws me down. I am every inch the desired woman he’s made me into.

  * * *

  Aeron

  Her body is soft and compliant under my touch and I’m at the breaking point already. I don’t normally like to be so close to the women I watch. With her, I want to be as connected as I can get. Watching her the last two days has grown into an obsession, far beyond what I’m used to feeling. It’s always a risk, telling them what I want, but Tori’s reaction has been perfect. She’s confident and sure of her own body, which is sexy as hell. Her amazing curves and her breasts that I can’t seem to keep my hands off create a knock-out package. I want to feel all of her, watch her as I do everything with her. I leave her on the bed to rid myself of my own clothes, eager to feel her skin-on-skin. I grab a condom and lean back over her, gently biting at her thighs. Her legs drop to the sides, giving me free access to her beautifully swollen pussy.

  “Please, Aeron, I want you to take me.” Need fills her raspy voice - the same need coursing through my body.

  “Don’t worry. I’m going to take you, baby.”

  Rolling the condom on, I position the head of my cock at her opening and push into her as slowly as I can. My self-discipline fails when her slick flesh envelopes me and I thrust in fully. Her pussy spasms around my dick and I groan as I bury myself in her. I look down. Her eyes are hooded, lips parted. Her gorgeous face looks fucked already. She wraps her legs around my waist and pulls me closer to her. I oblige. I start up a rhythm that won’t make me come too quickly. I want to savour the feeling of this girl.

  “Harder, please, Aeron.”

  Fuck! “Look at me, baby. I want to see you. Open your eyes and look at me as I make you come.” She complies and I begin rocking with purposeful thrusts, jolting her and making her breasts sway. Her hazel eyes glaze and she pants and moans on each thrust. I bite the pulse point in her neck and her pussy clamps down on my dick. God, I want her to come so I can let go. She murmurs and her lids fall, shielding her eyes from me. “Open your eyes, baby, just a little longer.”

  “Please, Aeron, I can’t... Just make me come.”

  Once isn’t going to be enough with this girl. The unwelcome thought flashes into my mind as I punch my dick into her. I already want more of her. Her body quakes beneath mine and I know she’s about to explode around me. Her eyes plead with me to release her. I
move my hand down to her nipple and squeeze the tip as I bite on her neck. She comes instantly and takes me with her. My dick twitches violently as I watch the emotions run across her face. Her reactions are stunning. Unadulterated pleasure softens her face and a sense of calm seeps into me. I’ve given that to her.

  Normally, the reactions of my lovers give me a sense of gratification. This is different. The connection that started when she walked along the beach to look at my house has grown to a physical feeling residing in my chest. It’s unexpected.

  “You still with me, baby?”

  “I think so.” She smiles at me and it sets my heart racing all over again. I ease myself from her and head to the bathroom. She hasn’t moved an inch when I climb back into bed with her. I pull her into my chest and wrap myself around her. She barely stirs, but I hear murmurs of contentment as I settle next to her.

  The events of this evening are hardly new to me. That I’ve brought someone to my home, rather than my flat in London, is. Victoria is a first. The first time I want to be myself with a woman. I didn’t feel the need to distance myself and watch in a mirror. I wanted the connection of eye-to-eye contact—to watch the actual woman and not her reflection. I fall asleep comfortable with the woman in my bed.

  * * *

  Tori

  I’m far too warm and my head is buzzing. I crack open my eyelids but don’t recognise what’s in front of them. I startle and sit up in bed far too quickly. Aeron is lying next to me and the memories of last night surface. The drinking, the house, the stripping and the sex. Oh, the sex. My first one-night stand and I happen to find a ridiculously handsome man complete with his own bachelor pad fortress. Embarrassment clouds my emotions. I fucked and spent the night with him, on top of the stripping and making myself come on his lap. What must he think of me? I can’t forget how desired he made me feel. This amazing man focused solely on me. No one else. It was liberating and fulfilling.