Another Chance (Seven Days to Fall in Love #3)

by J. C. Anderson

  “Girl, no.” MaryAnn huffed, and rolled her eyes to the ceiling.

  “What’s up? Has Sandra flaked on you, too?” Sarah asked, guilt now up to the knees of her internal happiness.

  “Okay. So the day we docked in Mykonos, and we left you on the beach. Sandra and I walked to Chora. We were walking around, and she was pleasant enough. It’s an enormous area. So I got hungry. I knew we were meeting you for lunch, but when I asked Sandra was she ready to head back, she said she saw a few more things she wanted to buy, and that we could just meet up with you later. I didn’t have a way to call you and let you know; and I wasn’t about to make the trek back on my own. So, I went along with it. I’m sorry,” MaryAnn said, grabbing Sarah’s hand in her sincerity.

  “It’s ok. I was with Charles by that time. I have to tell you about that. But, anyway, go on.”

  “So, I grabbed a sandwich, then we continued shopping. Before I knew it, it was going on five o’clock and I knew the boat was leaving in a few hours. I go to look for Sandra, and she’s gone. I mean straight ghosted me.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah. I didn’t know what happened to her. I was frantic at first, asking people at the booths I’d stopped at if they’d seen the woman I was walking with. They all said they saw her leave in a cab. Literally, one minute she was at a booth close to me. The next, she’s in a cab, without saying a word to me. I could only hope she made it back to the ship since she didn’t bother to tell me she was leaving and again, our phones don’t work.”

  “I can’t believe she left you like that. Did you go to her room when you got back?”

  “I took a cab back to the ship, and I didn’t have to go far. She was sitting at the bar close to the entrance. Dressed up. Make-up done. Heels. It was clear she was meeting someone. When I asked her why she left me, she was such a… and you know I don’t use these words, but a bitch to me, I just left her alone. I haven’t bothered to be around her since. I mean, damn, what did I do to deserve that?”

  “You did nothing, MaryAnn. Something is up with Sandra. Maybe she met someone, and he stood her up or something.”

  “But still. She was treating me like I was the reason he stood her up if that’s what happened. She was meaner than a rattlesnake, and despite her snippy attitude most times, even I had never seen her like that.”

  “So what have you been doing all this time?”

  “Catch a show. Gamble in the casino. Eat. You know I love to eat. Met a couple of old ladies, also on a girl’s trip. I ended up spending the day with them, yesterday.”

  “Oh, MaryAnn. I feel like shit. I’m supposed to hang out with you.”

  “Girl, stop. I haven’t seen you glow this way in a long time.”

  Sarah smiled, feeling ethereal.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this. I mean, I really like him. It’s like we are soulmates who just found each other.” Sarah smiled, recalling every laugh, every hand-in-hand walk, and every stolen kiss.

  “You don’t think you’re rushing, Sarah? I mean, I’m happy to see you happy for once, but you seem to have gotten really attached in just a few short days.”

  “I know, I know. But, MaryAnn, it’s been three years since Mason and I were together. Three years of not being touched, kissed, or made love to…”

  “Did you sleep with him?” MaryAnn interrupted, hiding her face behind her hands in mock surprise.

  “No,” Sarah said as she swatted at her. “But, I know I’m going to. He makes me feel so alive, like a woman. Every time I’m with him I just want to jump him.” Sarah shook the chill of the thoughts from her body, blushing at the vivid imagery of his naked body.

  “How did ya’ll get together? Clearly, he found you.”

  “Girl, my dumb ass almost drowned,” Sarah said, barely able to speak through her laughter.

  “What? What happened?”

  “I was on the beach, thinking. You know how I am when I get inside of my head. Anyway, apparently, some kid on a jet ski got too close to the beach and sprayed me in the face with water. I fell flat and each time I tried to get up, another wave would come and slap me back down. Charles saw me and helped me up. Washed my face off. I was pretty scared, but he held me until I calmed down. Just gentle with me, like he’d known me my whole life.”

  “Oh, Sarah. That must have been scary. But, it sounds so romantic.”

  “When I think about it, I guess it was. He held me for a while, and then I invited him to lunch. So, no big deal that Sandra didn’t want to meet up with me, because I was with him for the rest of the day. We ate, we talked, we laughed. Then we had drinks, and we danced. We made it back to the ship just before it left. He walked me to my room, and he kissed me.”

  “Yes, girl,” MaryAnn said, completely absorbed in Sarah’s story as if it was playing out before her.

  “I’ve never been kissed like that before. If he’d wanted me that night, which I know he did, I would have done it, without thought or doubt.”

  “That must have been one hell of a kiss.”

  “It was. But instead of taking advantage of the situation, he left and asked to meet me for breakfast the next morning.”

  “So that’s where you’ve been. Every time I come to get you, you’re gone. But I never see y’all at the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.”

  “No, we go to a restaurant so we can have some privacy. Or we just order room service and eat in his room on the balcony.”

  “God, Sarah. It sounds like a fantasy.”

  “I know, I know. I just try not to think that this cruise is almost over and he lives in Virginia and I live in New York.”

  “Don’t think about that. Just be in the moment. Enjoy him while you have him; and if something more happens, then let it. Nevermind the distance you all live from each other.”

  “You’re right,” Sarah said sadly, as thoughts of her love story ending so quickly replaced the guilt of not spending time with her best friends.

  “So, what are we going to do about Sandra?” MaryAnn asked, interrupting Sarah’s self-pity.

  “Nothing. Whatever she is going through, eventually she will tell us. Don’t get caught up in her drama. I’m just sorry I’m not spending that much time with you.”

  “It’s ok. I’d rather see that twinkle in your eye. I couldn’t do that for you. Besides, it’s still early. We are out at sea. You want to catch a show with me? Or go do something before Charles takes you away from me?”

  “Absolutely.”

  8 - I Need To Come Clean…But

  Charles was finding it hard to feel guilty. He was keeping Sarah from her friends, but he didn’t care. She was his new drug of choice, and he couldn’t be away from her for more than a night. The connection was both exhilarating and scary. He hadn’t felt this way about anyone… ever. Sarah was freshwater bubbling up through the scorching desert that used to be his life. Her laugh, her smile, her body - they were all addictive. God, her body. They were close to the end of their week-long cruise, and each night since Mykonos, he had to relieve himself like a randy schoolboy. Each touch, each kiss, each moan from his delicious lips left him craving more. All he could think about was burying himself inside of her.

  Yet he held himself from taking that ultimate step. He had to tell her he knew Sandra. When she said she was on the cruise with her best friends, MaryAnn and Sandra, he knew. What were the chances that two Sandras were on the cruise with their best friends? None. Although he’d done nothing with her or led her on, he still needed to tell her that Sandra was interested in him. Hell, he couldn’t get rid of the woman. Any time he wasn’t with Sarah, somehow Sandra would find him. He’d damn near had to grovel when he missed meeting up with her because he’d been with Sarah. Frankly, he’d just forgotten. That night, Sandra had been the furthest thing from his mind. She kept trying to get him to promise her they’d meet up, but he couldn’t. He’d never choose her over Sarah. Still, he couldn’t tell Sandra he met someone else with who he was spending his time. Espe
cially since that someone else was her best friend. Damn. How the hell was he going to clean this up?

  He didn’t have time to think about it as he approached Sarah’s room door. The ship docked in Monemvasia, but they’d stayed aboard to have dinner in one of the ship’s restaurants. When she opened her room door, her beauty took Charles’ breath away and stopped any thoughts of Sandra. A red slip dress adorned and hugged her figure, stopping just above the knee. Her thick calves muscles tightened by the silver heeled sandals on her petite feet. Light make-up and a pretty up-do completed the look.

  “You look stunning,” Charles said as he kissed her hand, then her lips.

  “Thank you. So do you,” Sarah said, as she took in Charles’ black slacks, striped shirt, and coordinating blazer.

  “Where to?”

  “Do you like Italian?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “On the third floor, the restaurant serves Italian food. Plus, you can sit outside and take in the ocean view.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Hand-in-hand, they walked into the restaurant, smiling like star-crossed lovers. The hostess seated them at a small private table in the middle of the restaurant. Though there were others, it was fairly empty. It didn’t matter, anyway. Sarah and Charles only had eyes for each other. They both knew. Tonight was going to be the night. It was as if the occasion sang in the air. Charles couldn’t keep his hands off of her, squeezing her thigh, touching her face, playing in the hair that had escaped her bun. Sarah absorbed the attention, each touch creating a slow burn between her legs. Yes, tonight was the night.

  They tried to pace themselves. But anticipation caused their forks to reach their lips faster and faster until their plates were clean. When asked did they want dessert, they giggled, knowing that they only wanted the taste of each other. Sarah asked to go back to his room, to which he happily obliged. He was eager to get her alone. He’d sported a semi-hard-on throughout dinner and knew tonight that five-finger relief wouldn’t be enough. It had never been enough, but tonight was different somehow. He was buzzing with excitement and nervousness all at once.

  * * *

  Room service had cleaned his room earlier, and he was careful to keep it so. Had he known all along that she would be in his room? Maybe. He took his blazer off and laid it across the chair. Sarah stood quietly by the door as if waiting to be invited inside.

  “Come here, Sarah,” Charles said, his voice deepened, dark with desire.

  Her feet moved tentatively across the floor, struggling not to run and ravish him in her need. When she stood before him, she took a deep breath to calm the lust swirling throughout her body. She felt salacious and it both scared and excited her. Charles kissed her gently, a whisper that left her craving more. She pulled him closer, conveying her urgency with her tongue as she nipped at his bottom lip. Charles followed, then took the lead, possessing her with one kiss. The low-burning flame ignited to a roaring blaze, consuming every thought that this was happening too soon.

  As they kissed, Charles slid her zipper down with practiced ease until she stood before him in nothing but her red lace thong. Charles had been nothing less than a gentleman each time they were together. But at the sight of her - lean and firm, yet supple; perky breasts topped with dark brown nipples; thick thighs and rounded hips meeting at the honeyed vee between her legs - he grabbed and adjusted his thickness, a low moan escaping his closed lips. Sarah had never felt more beautiful and desired than she did at that moment.

  She walked to him and repaid the honor of undressing him. His body was muscular and fit, with a dusting of hair over his stenciled chest. His thickness jutted from his boxers, and Sarah creamed a little more at thoughts of how good he was going to feel inside of her. Their lovemaking was slow and deliberate. Each touch deliberately placed to please and torment. Enraptured, Sarah floated in ecstasy like none she’d ever experienced. When he took her nipple into his mouth, she lifted from the bed, her body arched in simple pleasure.

  “Yes, Charles,” she sighed, unable to silence her delight.

  Charles gave the other breast the same attention before he kissed her once more, leisurely driving her insane with passion. He kissed his way down her body, moaning with each caress of his lips. His tongue touched her core, and she jumped, unsure of herself.

  “No, Charles. You don’t have to do that.”

  He looked at her, holding her gaze as he dipped his wide tongue into her canal.

  “You taste so good.”

  She needed no other assurance. Sarah allowed him free rein and enjoyed the ride. He pushed her legs wide, his hands gripping her thighs to hold her in place. The sweet assault left her panting as pleasure radiated through her core. Tension. Unfolding. She came undone, gripping his head as waves rolled through her body.

  “Ah, ah, ah. Charles. Oh god. Charles.”

  There were no words. How could she explain what he’d just done to her? As she came down from the precipice, Charles reached beside her and pulled a condom from the nightstand, sheathing himself. He filled her. Every inch of her. Her canal contracted around him as he stretched her, working out the neglect. Unhurried, even strokes had her reaching for the angels, singing Charles’ praises. She couldn’t believe she was so close to yet another orgasm. Yet it danced in her belly, building at a frenzied pace. Charles, sensing her approach to the throne of his created euphoria, increased his thrusts, driving into her relentlessly. Unyielding, egged on by her cries. He took her over the edge and held her there. Losing all sense of propriety, Sarah screamed as her body gave in to the pleasure ripping through her. Charles followed closely behind, groaning his own release into her neck before biting down on her shoulder. They struggled to catch their breath. Their heartbeats drummed between them. Charles kissed her on the forehead, then her cheek, then her shoulder where he’d nipped her, then her lips.

  “That was incredible,” he said, unable to comprehend the explosion that had just happened.

  “Yes, it was,” Sarah said as she kissed him, trying to convey the unbidden feelings in her heart. Only a few days had passed, but she knew she was falling for him. Charles rolled to the side, pulling her with him. She laid across him, placing kisses on his chest. Soon, she heard his even breathing and knew he had fallen asleep. Too wired to do the same, she laid in his arms, soaking in the comfort of having a man beside her after so long without one. It was too fast. She knew that. Still, she couldn’t deny what she felt. Even Mason had not made her feel the way Charles did. But what was she supposed to do? Give up her job and move to Virginia? Ask him to move to New York? Their relationship was a newborn. Maybe she was overthinking it all. She didn’t even know how Charles felt. All their time together could just be for fun for him. Just a week-long, one-night stand and she fell for it. Hook, line, and sinker.

  The rapid-fired thoughts struck a chord, and anxiety replaced the bliss. Sarah sat up quickly, moving away from Charles’ embrace. He slept peacefully while she was all worked up. She looked around the semi-dark room for her clothes, hoping to make an escape back to her room to think more about what to do. She found her dress thrown over the chair and slipped it on, using the moonlight to find her shoes and purse. One of her shoes somehow made it over to the dresser. She tiptoed over, only stopping when Charles turned over in his sleep.

  Then she saw it.

  It gleamed in the moonlight, a symbol of her stupidity.

  Sarah grabbed the wedding ring, turning it over in her hand as if it might disappear from her sight. Tears sprang to her eyes, anger soured her belly.

  “Baby, what are you doing? Why are you leaving?” Charles woke up, disturbed by the cold bed beside him. “Come back to bed.” He pleaded while rubbing the spot on the bed beside him.

  “You’re married,” Sarah said, anger causing the words to come out in a whisper. “You’re fucking married.”

  Fury boiled in her blood. He was a cheater. Just like Mason. How could she have been so blind?

  “Wait. What? I�
�m not married,” Charles said, jumping from the bed, sleepiness making his response slower than normal.

  “Then, what’s this Charles?” She held the cursed gold band centered on the thin gold chain. “It’s your wedding ring.”

  Sarah tossed the ring at his face. Charles barely caught it before it hit the floor.

  “Sarah, let me explain.”

  “Explain what? How you lied to me? You told me you were single. Where is your wife, anyway? Home thinking you’re on a work trip or something? Or a trip with the boys? But you’re here fucking around on her.”

  “Whoa. No. Sarah, please. I can explain everything. Just give me a minute. Please.”

  As he spoke, Charles pulled on his discarded clothes, hoping that as she waited she would calm down. No such luck.

  “You don’t have to explain anything to me. I see the ring right there on a necklace. I’m so stupid. Goddamn you.”

  Sarah grabbed her purse and shoes and slammed through the door.

  “Sarah, please. Wait. Baby, please…”

  “Don’t call me that. Is that what you call your wife?”

  Sarah hurried down the hall to the elevator, her bare feet moving swiftly on the filigree carpeted floor. Once at the elevator, she slammed the button as if it would make it appear faster, an aid to her escape.

  “Please, Sarah. Just give me a minute to explain. I swear there is a reasonable explanation.”

  Sarah whipped around to face him, crossing her arms to protect herself from the emotions screaming through her body at his approach. Charles approached her, gently touching her arm.

  “Sarah, I am not…”

  The elevator doors dinged, pausing Charles’ confession.

  “So. This is why you’ve spent no time with me?”

  Sarah turned and Charles looked up to see Sandra standing in the elevator, the depiction of attitude and sass. She looked tired, dark bags swooped under her eyes.

  “Oh, god. Sandra, not now.” Charles whispered, fear and desperation in his tone.