“You’re into romance aren’t you? I should have known.” I’m shaking my head.
She laughs. “I’m low maintenance, Buck. You won’t hear me complaining. I just know if we go below we’ll get hot and sweaty, where up here we can be more spread out and comfortable. If you feel like bending me over you won’t hit your head.”
I slap her on the ass lightly, as a deep guffaw pours out of me. “You’re full of surprises aren’t you?”
“You have no idea what you’re in for.”
After unpacking some blankets that have been preserved in plastic bags, I grab some pillows and take them on deck where Perry sits waiting for my return. She sitting facing Assateague island, and if I focus in the distance I can see some of the wild ponies at the water’s edge. “Wow, that’s beautiful.”
“The ponies?” She inquires.
“No. My view from here.”
She rushes over and helps me spread the blankets, before pulling me down on top of her. My larger body hovers over Perry’s while we get into a serious bout of making out. Every time her tongue slides across mine I start to lose my shit. She makes it impossible for me take things slow when she’s pulling me closer and grinding her body so I’ll notice and reciprocate. Her knees come up at my sides, one of her heels tracing the back of the lowest part of my leg. I’m considerably overwhelmed, her body begging to be touch, with me not knowing where to begin.
I kiss her neck, Perry turning her head to the side to allow me space. My lips trail down her collarbone. Her hands drag through my hair, then massage my ears. I lift my head and run my mouth over her arm, closing my eyes as I take in her sweet feminine scent. I find her lips and we kiss again, this time until she uses her legs to flip me on my back. Perry sits up and lets the bright moon display her matching pair of perfect breasts. She rocks her body over my groin, while I bring my hands up and cup her tantalizing tits.
I feel like a teenager experiencing this for the first time. Every touch, each kiss, I’m forced to focus on not coming undone prematurely.
Perry knows what she wants. She starts moving lower, finally coming to stop between my legs. She bites down on her lip while tugging at the elastic of my boxer briefs until they’ve vacated my hips. My erection springs up as the fabric clears that area, giving her an eyeful of what she’s been waiting for.
I know if she even attempts to touch it, if her mouth goes anywhere near it, I’m a goner, so I sit up and take her face into my hands so I’m able to guide her back to a passionate kiss. Perry pulls away and stands. She’s watching me as she lowers her panties and kicks them out of the way. She squats down and sits on my lap. The warmth from her pussy forces my heart to race. It’s almost painful knowing how long I’ve gone without this. As her ass begins to grind in all the right places, I take my hands and grip either side, hoping I can control her movements. “You need to stop, or I’m going blow, and I don’t want to ruin this.”
She continues against my wishes, this time reaching down and taking me in her hand so she’s able to position me at her opening. She’s so wet. She’s ready, steadily tempting me with her tantric rhythm. “I can’t stop, Buck. Touch me. Kiss my nipples. Taste my skin. We have all night for a second round. I don’t expect you to last this first time. I just want to feel good. I want you inside me. Do it. Lift those hips and let me have that hard cock.”
I place my hand over her mouth so she’ll shut up. I can’t even begin to control what’s happening below. Her tight walls feel like they’re suffocating me. My breathing shallow, my brain being mixed in a blender, as all the blood in my body seems to rush to that one area between my legs. And then after a few goes I’m bursting at the seams. Perry collapses on my chest and allows me time to recover before kissing away my embarrassment. “We’re just getting started, Buck.”
I chuckle out loud, the sound echoing off the water. “Oh yeah? Damn woman, I’m sorry. I tried to think of oysters or paying bills, but that body of yours flooded my mind. You took me someplace I couldn’t escape from, and damn if I didn’t enjoy every short second of it.”
We laugh together. “It was at least two minutes,” she corrects.
“I’ll never live this down.”
She kisses me slowly, pulling away only to drag her mouth over mine in a teasing manner. “We’re still going. Take some time and recover. I’m going for a swim.”
I sit up and watch her climb over the edge, completely naked and beautiful, then splash as she dives into the dark bay. She’s treading water by the time I’m able to get on my feet again. “You going to join me, or does the unknown still scare you?”
I don’t need to ask Perry again. I dive in her direction, staying under water until I reach her unsuspecting legs. I pull her under and hold her tight as we both come up for air. Her arms tie around my neck, while her lips immediately find mine. I can feel her legs attaching to my ass, her warm body beckoning for more attention.
“I’m almost ready for round two, sweetness,” I tease.
“Bring it on, captain. If you can catch me.” She takes off, swimming as fast as she’s able to get away from me. I’m amused and follow after, all the while knowing when I catch her I’m going to have her again.
Chapter 12
I feel like the earth is shaking. It’s not about the sex. It’s everything about being with Buck. It’s his kissing, which makes it seem like we’ve been practicing together for years. It’s his touch, like electric pulses with each graze. I never saw this coming. I couldn’t in a million years ever begin to imagine this could occur; our connection undeniable. I feel safe in his arms, and that’s something I’ve never experienced with any man for my entire life.
We frolic around, him chasing, me letting him catch up. The warm salt water surrounds us, each kiss tasting of it. When it’s time to come aboard, he goes first, helping me up until I’m nestled within his strong hold. A light breeze gives me chills, so he covers us in blanket to dry. We sit with my back against his chest, complete naked, comfortable, silently in awe of each other.
“This is nice,” I whisper against his whiskery cheek.
His breath is hot as he answers. “I could get used to this.”
I feel his fingers lacing with one of mine. It’s little things like this that makes him stand out among other men. He’s careful, genuine, and a bit innocent. Eventually I turn my body around and hold my hands together behind his head. We’re still naked and completely recuperated from our earlier altercation. “Are you tired, or do you think you have another round in you?”
His sultry kiss leaves nothing to the imagination. “What do you think?”
I raise my brow, unsure he notices. “I think if I had my choice I’d want to keep going until the sun rises above us.”
“Sweetness, you’re in for a long night then. In fact, there’s something I’ve been wanting to do, and I ain’t waiting for permission or you to ask.”
He moves me to the side, prepares a pillow and gently rests my head on it. He brings both my hands to my sides. I’m staring at the stars as his body disappears until he’s between my legs, spreading them apart. I suck in a deep breath when I feel him there, his thumb stroking over my most sensitive of areas. His exploration begins with fingers, and ends with a slick, warm, wet tongue that sends me to the brink of screaming. He’s skilled. I imagine it’s like riding a bike, you never really forget how to do it. He’s obviously one of those men who get off while pleasuring a woman. I’m gripping the blankets, holding on as ripples of euphoria tear through me until I’m crippled with orgasm.
His voice resonates near my face only moments later. I’m still numb, and unable to come down from the high. “I think I still got it.”
I kiss him like he’s a long lost love, holding onto this hair and promising to never let go. “You have my attention.”
“That’s all I’m hoping for.” He rests his body beside mine, his head placed between my shoulder and breast. I watch in the pale of night as this hard working man falls victim to his own exhaustion.
Wrapped in each other’s arms, I hold him close, praying this isn’t a one time thing. I’m hoping he’ll wake up and want another go, but I’m also content just being like this.
For a while I take in our surroundings, listening to nature, the horses in the distance, the sound the waves make when they crash against the boat, and the stars above us. It’s picturesque. It’s better than screwing at the bar, or being interrupted at either of our homes. This gave him the opportunity to feel free. I just wonder what it means when we go back. Will he still want me after walking into his room and seeing his wife’s things? Will he tell me it was a one-time deal and that we’re better off being friends?
I have to be prepared. It’s rare that I’m gifted with luck. Normally I miss out on happiness. I think that’s why I’m skeptical this is a sure thing. I don’t deserve to be happy. Damaged before I even understood what the word means, I’ve never expected to have a happy ending. It’s not in the cards for me. My innocence was taken, stolen with one swift blow. Ever since I became aware of the brutal truth, I knew it was a haunting past I could never run away from. This island and the secrets it holds has been hell to come back to. I’ve managed to keep busy and raise a son who I thought would appreciate my efforts, but now even that bond seems to be spoiled.
It’s hours later when I wake to something peculiar. I’m cold, though I’m covered by blankets. The warm body that once held me is gone. We’re still anchored in the middle of the bay, the starlit sky telling me we have hours before daybreak, but I don’t see Buck, at least not at first. When I do find him he’s not the man who fell asleep in my arms.
We’d fallen asleep near the stern of the boat, though I find Buck with his legs hanging over the bow. He’s got a bottle in one hand, and doesn’t hear me approaching. The sniffles hit me where it hurts the most; my feelings. It breaks my heart to know what he’s going through, and how I’m the cause. He needs to get this out. He has to be able to cope in order to be able to move on. If I want him, I have to be patient, so I decide to sneak away before he spots me, yet it’s too late. “Sorry, sweetness. I didn’t want to wake you.”
“It’s okay,” I say without nearing. “I’ll go back to sleep. Just didn’t know where you went.”
He extends his hand. “Could you come and sit with me for a bit?”
I try to pretend I’m not paying attention, but catch him wiping his face as I sit beside him. He closes my hand over his, but keeps it on my leg, instead of kissing it like he has been doing. “Do you want to talk about it?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t really know what I want to say.”
“Okay.”
So we sit in silence. My worse fears are becoming my reality, while he searches for a personal forgiveness. I close my eyes to keep them from burning any worse, by as I do it warm tears trickle down my cheeks. I’m being robbed of happiness, and I can’t be angry about it, because I know he doesn’t understand how to make the guilt go away.
The longer we wait, the harder it becomes. Unable to sit so close and not touch him, I lean my head on his shoulder, hoping he won’t ask me to move it away. Even though he allows me to keep it there, he doesn’t give me any sense of comfort in return. He’s lost in thought, completely unable to communicate at this point.
It's only a few minutes later when I stand and hurry back to locate my clothes. I can’t be that close to him and know he doesn’t want me around. The words don’t need to come from his mouth for me to hear them.
Once dressed, I carry the blankets back to the cabin and get comfortable in bed. I don’t know if he’ll come looking for me, not that it matters if he does. He’s not going to try to touch me or apologize. It’s not like I expect it. I know exactly what he’s torturing himself about, and unfortunately I’m in no position to tell him he’s wrong.
For a while I cry to myself. I’m down in the dumps, wishing there was something I could to change his mind. Then I feel the boat moving. We’re heading back to shore. I wait until we’ve stopped to prepare to leave. While Buck secures the vessel to the pylons, I hurry down the dock in the direction of the parking lot, adjacent to the main road. I look back to see him notice that I’m leaving, and as I turn to pick up the pace something catches my eye.
The name of his precious project boat is none other than his dead wife.
LAYLA
In that instant I remove my flip-flops and start running as fast as my legs will allow. I have to get away from the boat, him – from everything.
Did I mention that I’m not into exercise? I’m huffing and puffing through streets, desperate to get back to the bar where my moped waits for me. As the sun starts to peek from the night’s horizon, I arrive to a terrible discovery. My moped is on it’s side, the headlight smashed in bits on the ground, the seat cut up with some kind of sharp blade. I know exactly who did this, but I don’t have time to call for help, or head up to the bar to hide. I hear the loud rumble of his Hemi as he pulls in behind me. Buck jumps out and comes to stand beside me. “Son of a bitch.”
I ignore him and head for the passenger side of the vehicle. “Just take me home, Buck. I can’t deal with anything else right now.”
He says nothing until we’re sitting out front of my house. “Perry, about…”
“Don’t, Buck. We’re on the same page. It’s all good. I’ll see you around.”
I’m out of there before he can respond. I don’t turn around because the tears are now pouring out of my eyes. I need to hide from the world until I can calm down. I need Buck Wallace to stay away, so I can try to figure out a way to get over him, because now that I’ve had a taste I know it’s not going to be easy.
Chapter 13
I’m not about to let Perry’s ex get away with damaging her moped, so after dropping her off, I head straight to her parent’s house. They don’t need to know about our friendship, or how I stumbled upon the information, but if she isn’t willing to tell them then someone else has to. She’s in danger, yet too damn stubborn to admit it.
I've known Mr. Perry since I was a young boy getting into trouble with the other town kids. My oldest son once got caught spray-painting the back of his restaurant.
Pulling up into his personal residence feels odd to me. We deliver daily to his business, and everyone knows I frequent the tavern, yet this is a different ordeal. I'm not trying to be a tattletale, or involve myself in Perry's personal affairs, but I've already witnessed this guy in action, so before he does something to physically harm Perry, I have to reach out to him.
He comes to the door without having to knock. I can already tell he's wondering why I'm making a personal visit to his home. "Buck, it's Saturday morning. Is there a problem with today's delivery?"
"I don't run the boat on the weekends, and that's not why I'm here. Look, it's probably none of my business, but I thought you might want to know your daughter's ex-husband is back. He got released from prison early and has been bothering your daughter for the past few days. She thinks she can handle the guy on her own, but he's the one who did this to my face. I don't trust him."
"Have the police been notified?"
"I'm not sure. She found her bike demolished this morning and suspects he was responsible."
The old man puts his hands in his pockets and looks out at the road as a car drives by. He waves to the person behind the wheel before responding. "Thanks for letting me know, Buck. I appreciate you looking out for her. My daughter is stubborn."
"Yeah, I've gathered that much." I don't want to go into detail about how we're friends. At this point I haven't had enough time to figure what's going on between us. I enjoyed being with her until I was stricken with sadness. I've never felt that way, and hated doing it in front of Perry. I know she hates me right now. Hell, I can’t blame her. I hate me too. I screwed up something nice, and didn't even apologize for it.
“She doesn’t like us to be involved in her business. May I ask how you came to know all of this?”
I put my hands in the air. “I jus
t happened to be there when the shit went down. Do me a favor and check on your daughter today. I drove her home from the tavern. Hopefully she’s still there.”
“Will do.”
I don’t stick around for more third degree. There’s obviously a reason Perry doesn’t trust her parents, and it’s not in my nature to pry. If someone wants to tell me something I’ll wait and hear it from their mouths.
Still in the same clothes as the day before, I head home to shower and change. The boys’ head out Saturday mornings before the sun comes up, so I only have a few hours to prepare for distribution. I’d planned on calling them at first light and letting them know I wouldn’t be around, but now I’m itching to keep busy to spare myself the agony of thinking about how I ended things with Perry.
When I get to the house I notice Dane’s vehicle parked next to the twins’ shared Jeep. I haven’t seen Weston in a few days, but know if he didn’t show up for work his brother Brant would hunt him down and make sure he got his ass in gear, so I can only assume they’re out on the water together by now.
Dane is sitting at the kitchen table with one piece of peanut butter toast on a paper towel in front of him. He motions with his head before picking it up and taking a bite. “What’s up, Dad? Where you been all night?”
“What are you talking about? I was here,” I lie.
“The hell you were. I dropped by around nine and passed out in your bed. I figured you’d wake me up and send me on my way when you got home, but that never happened.”
“I was out on the Layla.”
As soon as I say it I know he believes me. The only ever time I’ve taken her out overnight is on my last anniversary. I drank a six-pack and passed out while still docked at the marina.
Dane finishes his breakfast, stands and pats me on the back once before leaving the kitchen. I wait a few minutes, leaning on the cabinets and taking in the considerable amount of cleaning Perry did the day she was over. It still smells nice, which is odd since the labs usually make the whole house reek of wet dog.
Salt Water Wounds (Oyster Cove #1) Page 11