by J. A. Coffey
She brushed her negative thoughts aside. She had to believe in herself. Six weeks ago, she didn't need anyone. She depended on her wits get her through any obstacle. Now, it was as if she couldn't function without the man.
"Of all the Sullivan men, Cayson is the most complicated," Irene told her. "Tell him exactly how you feel and put an end to this nonsense."
Destiny nodded. "Thanks, Irene. I'll do that."
"Atta girl." Irene hugged her, and then pulled back. "Girl, you're a tangle of nerves." She massaged Destiny's shoulders. "You need the talents of a good masseuse."
"Yes!" Kendra echoed. "Let's all get a massage. There's a great spa back on the mainland not far from the restaurant where we ate last night."
"Great idea," Irene gushed. "We should pick Charly up first. I'm sure the bride-to-be could use some pampering at the spa."
Destiny warmed to the idea. "Sounds good to me." This trip was full of firsts. She'd never had a professional massage before. She'd never traveled outside of St. Louis before yesterday. She'd never made love before last night. And she'd definitely never been surrounded by sweeter-than-sweet relatives. She could imagine being a part of this family one day. But first, she had to get Cayson speaking to her again.
*****
Destiny's bones felt like Jell-O. It was no wonder Irene pushed for a massage. Having the tension kneaded from her muscles was the most heavenly feeling she'd ever experienced. Even better than Ben and Jerry's Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch. After being spoiled at the spa, the five women (including Charly's daughter, Joi) enjoyed a leisurely lunch before returning to their bungalows.
Instead of catching up on her beauty rest, Destiny headed for the beach. Now, she lay on her stomach, stretched across her oversized towel, basking beneath the warm glow of the sun. She had two more days before she returned home. She was not going to waste a single minute. The sunshine heated her from her shoulder blades to the backs of her heels. She didn't care that her backside was partially exposed from the string bikini she wore. She was in paradise. She could do as she pleased.
"I hope you don't mind if I slather some sunscreen on you," she heard a voice offer. "It'd be a shame for that beautiful ass to get burned."
She looked up to find Cayson sitting next to her. He was so quiet, she hadn't heard him approach. She nodded, not wanting to speak. She would let him talk first. She closed her eyes as he rubbed sunblock over her back and buttocks. Even the simple act of his long fingers spreading the lotion over her skin made her temperature rise.
How does he always manage to turn me on so easily?
After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke. "Destiny, I'm sorry. I acted like a jackass."
"And?"
"And I had no right to treat you that way."
"And?"
"And I'm begging for your forgiveness."
She rolled onto her side and propped herself up on one elbow. "I've been through a lot in life, but that was probably one of the most painful moments I've endured."
"I can only imagine."
"I gave myself to you and you rejected me for it."
He nodded. "I apologize."
"I felt so betrayed."
"Okay, okay," he held his hands up in surrender. "I'm trying my best here, Destiny. I screwed up. How many ways can I say it? I hurt you. I know. I can't change that. All I can do is move forward."
She looked down, studying the thick threads of her towel. She knew he was sincere. She met his eyes again. "I wasn't prepared for your reaction."
"How do you think I feel? You seemed like the last person who would be a virgin."
Her breath caught. "What's that supposed to mean? You think I'm a slut or something?"
"No." He caressed her cheek. "I would never think that of you."
"Is it because I was in foster care? Or because I'm a struggling, young black woman?"
"Your race has never been an issue, Destiny. I would hope you would think better of me. I didn't suspect you'd be a virgin because you seem so...confident. So flirtatious."
There it was again. The insinuation that she was a tease. That remark hurt almost as much as his rejection of her last night. "A girl can't flirt?"
"You did more than flirt. You talked dirty to me."
"And you loved it. Admit it. You got a boner every time I looked your way."
His dark gaze raked across her body. "I don't have to admit it. I think you already know how bad I wanted you, still want you."
"Then, why did you freak out? I thought you would feel privileged to be my first lover."
"I know everything there is to know about getting laid. I've had plenty of women. Ever since I can remember, females have been throwing themselves at me. I never had to coax anyone to have sex." He stroked her hand. "I'm not saying this to brag. I'm telling you that for the first time in my life, I had a partner who knew absolutely nothing about lovemaking. I'm ashamed to confess, I didn't know how to handle you, Destiny. I guess I just panicked."
She squeezed his hand. "You don't have to trip around me. If you don't know to handle me, just ask. Anything you want to know, I'll tell you. I have no secrets."
"Fair enough. While we're sharing, I want you to know that I'm honored to be your first. I regret the experience wasn't pleasurable for you."
She grinned. "I didn't say it wasn't pleasurable. You made my knees buckle."
"I wanted you to want me like I want you."
As though drawn by some powerful magnetic force, their heads bowed towards each other. Cayson's lips plied hers apart. He took command, putting his stamp of passion on her mouth and making her whimper in response. He teased and nibbled her bottom lip, tenderly sucking her mouth, setting her body on fire in the process. When his tongue swept inside and boldly stroked the insides of her mouth, she returned the favor, fondling his tongue with her own, enjoying the erotic dance. His hands cupped her face, his fingers trailing whisper-soft caresses down her cheeks, her chin, and finally, her neck.
She wondered if it was possible to self-combust from passion. She pulled away, breathless. "I said you could ask me any question, Cayson. But I have one for you."
"Ask me anything."
"Can you show me some of those sexual positions you were talking about?"
The raw sensuality in his eyes gave her goose bumps. "I thought you'd never ask."
*****
Mark's boat was docked near the office he shared with his wife, Kendra. It was a smart investment on his part, and a necessity for conducting his snorkeling tour business. Cayson took full advantage of the empty boat. It wasn't in operation due to Dane's wedding tomorrow. Below deck, the modest schooner was roomy with space for a kitchenette, a shower, and a sizeable sofa that converted into a wide bunk.
They'd barely descended the bleached wood stairs before Cayson pulled Destiny into his arms. This time he would do things right. He would show her how a woman should be made love to. He would prove he wasn't some insensitive animal.
He stared into her eyes, seeing the barest hint of hesitation. "Thank you for giving me a second chance," he said. "I promise you won't regret it."
She fluttered her long lashes. "I can't deny you, Cayson. That's why I chose you."
Cayson's heart leapt at Destiny's admission. She tugged the collar of his shirt and pulled him toward her again. This time, she was the aggressor, sliding her tongue smoothly into his mouth. He accepted her invitation, placing his hands on her waist and grinding his pelvis against hers. His dick was harder than concrete, and he wanted her to know it. He palmed her backside, pulling the narrow strip of fabric that covered her smooth globes to the side. A red-hot friction sparked as he dry humped her. He knew she could feel the power of his cock straining against his swim trunks and rubbing her clit.
He suckled her tongue, delving deep, then pulling back to tease and nibble her lips, then delving back in deep again. He switched his focus, groping her full breasts, tweaking the buds with his thumbs. All he could think of was having his hands pres
sed against her bare nipples. He trailed kisses down her throat, nuzzling his nose in her full cleavage. He pushed her bikini top aside, and then dipped his head low and feasted, showering each dark nipple with lavish attention. He pulled the puckered peaks into his mouth, and softly licked and caressed each one. Roughness had its place, but not when he was introducing Destiny to new pleasures. There would be time later for him to show her his bag of tricks. Right now, he planned on kissing every inch of her lush curves until she begged for mercy.
But he soon learned Destiny wasn't the type of woman to lay back and observe. When her slender fingers boldly reached inside his trunks and fondled his cock, he growled with pleasure. He wanted more foreplay, but the short, quick strokes she teased him with threatened to send him over the edge. To add fuel to the fire, she descended in slow motion until her knees rested on the wood floor. Then she wrapped her pretty lips around his dick. His jaw clenched as he battled for control. Watching the erotic act only made it worse. He couldn't tear his eyes from the pink tip of her tongue as it parted her lips and licked him repeatedly from base to tip.
He groaned out loud, his voice sounding like an injured animal having his wounds licked.
"Damn, that feels good."
He palmed her head, gripping her hair, but not wanting to push her too far for fear of scaring her off. She purred as she sucked. Her head bobbed back and forth, sliding along a film of wet, warm moisture as she worked.
Please don't let me disappoint her.
Cayson reined his passions as Destiny massaged his balls with one hand and jacked him off with the other-all the while sucking him with deep, hard strokes. If she didn't stop, he was gonna fucking explode in her mouth right now. With Herculean effort, he stepped back, fighting the impending orgasm raging inside him. He couldn't cum now. He'd promised her only pleasure. He intended to deliver.
He stood and carried her to the oversized bunk. He stared down at her nude body. Their eyes met. Hers glistened with a sensual hunger. She'd never looked more beautiful. And she was all his.
"I want you now, Cayson," she begged.
His erection was so hard, it ached. The only thing that would ease his discomfort was a powerful release into her. He was ready now. And so was she. There would be no pain this time.
He spread her legs and thrust himself inside her. A sea of milky wetness greeted him as he pushed deep. His pride soared when he heard Destiny's gasp of pleasure pierce the air. Her reaction fueled his movements. He plunged in, driving deeply and thrusting harder with each successive stroke. Destiny clasped her legs around his back, her silky thighs pulling him further into her wet pussy.
"That's it, baby," he coaxed. "Let me in."
She answered by digging her nails into the meat of his deltoids. The pain was pleasurable, spurring him to increase his frenzied pace. He threaded his fingers through her hair, tugging until her head rolled back and her throat was exposed. He rained kisses along the tempting column, branding her with passion marks.
"Yes! Yes!" she screamed.
He'd found her sweet spot. He relentlessly pumped with rapid thrusts. He wanted her ultimate satisfaction. His grunts of pleasure mingled with her high-pitched peals of ecstasy. He stroked faster. Harder. Deeper. Stronger. And Destiny encouraged him, opening wide, thrusting her pelvis against his, and matching his rhythm. Her slick walls eagerly welcomed him, allowing him to effortlessly slide in and out with no resistance. He was falling into a sweet vortex he couldn't escape from. Nor did he want to.
A red hot heat consumed him, engulfing his body in flames. He fought to maintain control, but he lost it when he felt Destiny's urgent spasms pulsating and throbbing around his cock. She cried out, riding the wave of an orgasm and shuddering against him. His climax followed hers by mere seconds, a raw explosion that rocked him to his core.
"Destiny!" he called out hoarsely.
He held her tight, savoring the pulsating rhythm of his release as it finally faded from a violent eruption to a slow-moving lava.
Afterwards, they spooned on the wide bunk. The cleft of Destiny's ass rested erotically against the base of his dick. Cayson stroked her hair as feelings of confusion gnawed at him, slowly robbing him of the last vestiges of ecstasy. He tried to stomp the feelings down, but they kept resurfacing. He was her first lover. A notable distinction. She was a first for him too-the first woman he couldn't get enough of. The first woman he was starting to have real feelings for. The first woman he saw himself having a future with.
He let out a deep sigh. Shit. What was he gonna do now?
Chapter Thirteen
"I think this is the first time you've attended a wedding where he didn't wear cufflinks."
Cayson chuckled at Dane's observation. "That's because your bride had the good sense to get married in paradise."
"Yep." Dane pulled a comb through his freshly washed hair. "No shirt and no shoes is no problem."
Mark stepped into the room where the brothers were getting dressed for the wedding. "What was that about no shirt?" he asked. "Can we be bare-chested at the wedding?"
"Sure," Dane answered. "If you want Charly to put her foot up your ass."
The brothers' hearty laughs filled the air.
"I'll pass," Mark said. "I've already had the edge of mine chewed a few times by Kendra."
Dane grinned. "We have some strong-willed women, just like our mother."
Cayson nodded, thinking how fortunate Dane and Mark were to have found two feisty women who just happened to be their soul mates. Dane lucked out getting two step-kids he got along well with. Cayson slapped some cologne on. He knew it was one of Destiny's favorites. She'd told him so while she was pressing kisses all over his neck this morning.
"You two knuckleheads found a pair of classy ladies that I'm proud to call my sisters-in-law."
"Don't go getting nostalgic on us, bro." Dane nudged him. "Soon, it'll be your turn."
Mark shook his head. "God help the woman who can tame Cayson."
Dane laughed. "I think you've already met her."
Mark's response was cut short by their father's entrance. "Guys, it's time. We can't arrive at the ceremony after the women." The Sullivan men chuckled at their father's joke. "But in all seriousness," his father said, clapping Dane on the shoulder, "I'm proud of you, Son. Charly is a wonderful woman. I'm proud to welcome her as a daughter. And she made us instant grandparents. Now, your mother can stop complaining."
Dane winked. "C'mon Pop. You know that won't stop her from complaining."
His father guffawed. "So true."
As the men filed out of the room, Cayson's father hung back, whispering to Cayson. "We missed you at lunch today."
The look in his father's eyes had gone from joyous to cautious.
Uh oh. Here it comes. A lecture.
It didn't seem appropriate to admit that Cayson had lain between Destiny's legs all morning, doing deliciously wicked things to her body. So, he improvised. "Um, sorry about that, Pop. Destiny and I went exploring...the island."
His old man nodded, his lips frowning beneath his salt and pepper mustache. Dressed in linen pants and a floral shirt, he looked more like he was going to a Hawaiian luau than a wedding. "What are your plans with Destiny?" he asked. "I don't normally get involved in you boys' relationships, but this woman is different. She's staying at your house. You're responsible for her."
"Try telling her that," Cayson joked. "Destiny doesn't listen to me."
"Cayson, I'm serious."
A rush of heat crept along the back of his neck. He wasn't a little boy anymore, but his dad had a way of pinning him with a reproachful stare that could make him feel eight years old. Pop was right to question him. In fact, Cayson had been questioning himself since he'd sampled Destiny's virgin body. His own inadequacies continued to plague him. He wasn't the type of man to settle down. He liked chasing tail too much. But he had to admit, his lovemaking sessions with Destiny were life-altering, almost cathartic. He could let his guard down with her-
something he'd never been able to do with any other female.
He shrugged. "I don't know, Dad."
"Well, I hope you figure it out soon, before someone gets hurt."
That someone was Destiny. Cayson let out a long breath. His father didn't trust him to do right by her. Cayson couldn't blame him. His track record proved he lost interest in a woman quicker than the time it took for a Super Bowl commercial to air. She deserved better than him. There was nothing permanent he could offer her. He was afraid to even try; afraid he would burst the bubble of happiness they'd created. How long before he strayed? How long before he hurt her? He had to leave her alone. The problem was Destiny was not a woman he could wean himself from. He had to quit her cold turkey.
*****
The wedding ceremony was simple, yet beautiful. Charly made a stunning bride. Her cocoa brown skin glowed as she recited her vows while wearing a white, linen sundress. Dane was dressed identically in white linen. He beamed from ear-to-ear the entire time. The ceremony was short and sweet, but the emotion was still there. Irene cried. It was nothing less than what Destiny expected from the mother of the groom.
Charly's entire family had come to celebrate with her. Destiny watched as the bride's children, parents, and cousin, Shontal showered her with love and affection. Her heart ached at the sight. Charly had her family and the love of a good man. Destiny wished she had one-tenth of that support system. Besides her mother, no one had come close to showing her any type of real affection. She wasn't even certain she could count Cayson in that number. Yes, he'd shown her compassion. He was a gentle lover, too. But she couldn't help but wonder if she was just a passing fascination for him.
The crazy part was the only time she didn't feel lonely was when she was in his arms. So, if he was only using her for sex, the man was making her feel damn good about it! She'd already decided to enjoy the feeling and go with the flow. If nothing else came of their relationship, she'd gotten to spend a few days in paradise. And she'd seen how the other half lived. This court-imposed living arrangement had opened her eyes to a world of possibilities.