Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads
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“Yeah,” he murmured. “I like this a fucking lot.” He traced the top of her ass cleft with one finger, then moved his hand under her body to press between her thighs. “This, too. God, you feel good.”
She pushed into his palm, making little noises into his mouth, grabbing his head to kiss deeper. “Touch me,” she whispered, shifting her thighs, as if to show him how open she was, after all.
He reached a finger under the gusset of her panties. “Here?”
“Mmm,” she breathed.
He darted his finger into her body and she cried out at the exquisite pleasure of his touch. But to her dismay, he stopped, and pulled back from her kiss. “Harper.”
“Mmm. Don’t stop.”
“Harper, I’m—fuck.” He ran a hand over his face. “Look I want this more than anything. But here’s the thing. You’re still keyed up from our landing, you’ve been drinking, and you’ve said in the past that you… don’t do the one-night stand thing.” He swallowed hard. “And as much as I want nothing more than to throw you down on that bed and…” He looked away. “I don’t want to do something that you’ll regret tomorrow. That we’ll both regret tomorrow.”
She stiffened up. “Are you saying I’m not sexy enough for you?” Tears rose to her eyes, along with all of the exhaustion of the day. He briefly turned into two Zachs, then merged into one when she blinked.
His voice was low and soft. “I want you so bad it hurts. But you might not really want this. That’s—look. What if I, just, you know, lie down with you?”
“I’m not a little kid, Zach.” Her voice cracked, and she wiped her eyes.
“No, you’re not,” he said ruefully, adjusting himself with a grimace. “You certainly are not. Just... Don’t make a decision like this when you’re so stressed, is all.”
She buried her face in her hands. “This night just gets worse and worse.”
He touched her shoulder. “Look, come up. Okay?” He tugged, and she got to her feet. He led her to the bed. “Come on, get in. I’ll, ah, hold you. It’ll be nice. You’ll see.”
“Nice?” she scoffed. “Since when do you just hold a woman in the bed?”
“You get to be my first. Think of it like a huge accomplishment.” He smirked.
“Are you going to knit me a comfy scarf too, and maybe a cute little embroidered purse to hold your balls?” She held her hands up, gesturing to show a little compartment.
He laughed. “Oh, you’re pretty funny. But, no. If I knit something to hold my monstrous balls, it better be suitcase size.”
“You’re horrible.” But she laughed and rolled her eyes, mollified.
The bed looked appealing, suddenly, and not lonely, like it had before. The entire room was friendly now, suffused with his scent, his presence. “Okay. Maybe just for a little bit, Mr. Snugglebug.” She laid her head on the pillow.
He pulled up the blanket, after getting in beside her. “If you have a nightmare, or need to talk, you wake me.”
“Mmmkay.” She closed her eyes. “Fine.”
She rolled onto her side and he pulled her into his body, the embrace comforting. She was still turned on, and she could feel that he was, too; the joking had done nothing to diminish their desire. She intended to reach over and kiss him, touch him, run a hand down to rest on his hard cock and tease him until he grabbed her and made rough, passionate love to her. But sleep took over and she drifted into dreams, solid good sleep, no nightmares.
CHAPTER 9
She awoke with a start, her mouth dry and fuzzy. She rubbed her eyes, taking in the unfamiliar bedding and walls. Memory flooded in, and she reached over, but the bed was empty. Disappointed for a second, she sat up and looked around, wondering if she’d dreamed last night, but the dented pillow and two throw blankets tossed on the couch were proof.
She sat up and put her feet to the floor, experimentally testing out her anxiety levels, her heartbeat, her brain. Calm. She was okay again. Maybe not enthused about the bad landing, but no longer petrified, she stood up and smiled.
“I’m back, baby!” she called out, stretching. The relief at having the awful anxiety all drained away made her feel exuberant for a second, like life was hers again for real, and she almost wanted to hug everything in the room, it was so beautiful: The gauzy fabric on the bed, the empty wineglass, gleaming in the light, the throw pillow with the ragged colorful stripes. Everything was lovely and real and vibrant.
She had all the time in the world, now. She could move to Mexico and learn how that fabric was made, if she chose. She could visit a winery, tour a winery, work in a winery. Thoughts of light-spangled shadows and heavy berries filled her mind for a split second before sharing stage with dark-skinned men in exotic outfits. The urge to get dressed and run outside, to enjoy this new place, overwhelmed her.
But—Zach. She touched her face, embarrassed at having thrown herself at him last night. Did he think she was ridiculous? It was probably good he’d turned her down; she was so tired and nonfunctional that she probably wouldn’t have even enjoyed it properly. But then, remembering his sexy kiss… No, she would have enjoyed it.
She sighed. He was right, though, about the one-night thing. She wasn’t into that, as a rule. Although last night she would have broken any and all rules to bring comfort to her splintered mind. She looked back at the pillow, where his head had rested. He was kind of sweet, in a way, to comfort her that way without taking her sexually. It made him—in an ironic way—even sexier to her.
Well, since they had to work together, it was better they hadn’t. Surely it would be at least somewhat awkward to navigate the transition from night-fuck to day-peers, right?
She could hear the sound of a shower from next door and the thought of his naked body in the spray made her heart beat faster. Both doors were open slightly, and she didn’t want to close them. She liked the closeness they’d fostered.
After her shower, she tied up her hair into a casual bun and slipped on jeans and a cami top, then knocked tentatively. “Zach? You awake?” She knew he was, and could smell coffee now, too.
He appeared at the door. “I used the Keurig,” he announced. “Want me to brew you a cup?” His worn jeans and white button-down shirt fit him perfectly and she tried not to stare.
“I should use my own. Take advantage of my beautiful room,” she said, and opened the drapes. “God, look how pretty!”
The pool sparkled below her, a vast expanse of blue diamonds and tile. Palm trees and potted plants at different levels decorated the surrounding space, lush with mini mezzanines full of colorful blooms and bright sculptures. Blue deck chairs, pristine, stretched out in an unblemished row, and the mountains in the distance rose purple and pink through the rising sun.
“So, change of plans.” Zach’s voice was brisk, businesslike. “You up for adventure?”
“Um, yes?”
“Is that a question?” He grinned at her and came to join her at the window. Standing shoulder to shoulder with him, she felt the heat from his arm and it sent tickly tingles up into her neck.
“I had a pretty big adventure yesterday. Right now, I think calm and even is my preferred plan. Like, getting safely to Hawaii and enjoying about fifty-seven Mai Tais on a beach and forgetting all my troubles. I’m ready. I can do this.” She took a deep breath. “I thought about what you said, about how I lived the odds and from now on, all of my flights will be safe. Are we going to fly out today?”
“No.” He crossed his arms.
She raised an eyebrow. “But Leilani Oh is expecting us. Won’t a delay be a problem?”
“So.” He cleared his throat. “When we had that bad landing yesterday, and you were so upset, said you’d never fly again. I called Josh and asked him to take a red-eye to get there overnight to meet Leilani today. He took Dan with him. They’re already there, working with her to get the project completed.”
“Salami Dan?” Her voice rose with surprise. “Zach, I don’t understand. That was my job. I signed a contract! Y
ou just gave it away to Dan?” She scowled.
“No. Not exactly.”
“But—” She felt lost. “Zach, I’m okay today. I mean, yes, I couldn’t have flown last night. I was honestly pretty fucked up, I admit that. But come one, one night and you already reassign? I just… I.” She took a deep breath. “I guess I’m disappointed, is what I’m trying to say. What about the contract?”
It wasn’t the money, not exactly. Well, it was partially the money; she needed to work to get paid, obviously. But it was more than that. This was something she’d looked forward to.
“I’m sorry, Harper. I really needed to move quickly. Honestly, you were pretty upset last night and I wasn’t entirely sure that even today, you’d be ready to fly again.” He gave her an apologetic look. “I made the judgement call to send a backup team. It’s nothing against you or your work. I’d probably prefer your photography, although Dan will do a good job, too.”
“So... I mean, what now? I just go home?” A sour taste filled her mouth.
“Hear me out, okay?” He touched her arm, released it at her frown. “This resort that we’re staying in? I picked it for a reason, Harper. I’ve been involved with the owner in contract negotiations to be featured on our site, and he’s ready to sign up. Same salary, same time frame—about a week. Except instead of Hawaii, we’ll be working here. In the Arizona desert. What do you say?”
She looked back out at the pool, trying to imagine how the water would feel on her body. “Zach, I…” She shook her head. “Yes, I suppose. Yes.” She tried to sound enthusiastic.
His tone brightened. “See, it’s a great opportunity. Lots of photo ops here. I know it’s not the same as beaches and waterfalls, but that chance will come again for you, I’m sure, in time. Right now you can enjoy the cacti and coyotes.”
She crossed her arms. “So, yes, obviously, if we can’t go to Hawaii, sure, I can stay here and take pictures… here.” She wrinkled her nose.
“Try to sound like you actually want to,” he said, but his voice was teasing.
“So, okay.” She recalibrated. The Mai Tais popped like sad soap bubbles with frowny faces in her mind. She tried to imagine a coyote with yellow teeth. “I do want to. It’s just different. So if we’re not doing Hotter in Hawaii, what do we call this one?” She contemplated the question for a minute, then answered herself. “Ass-Sweaty Hot in Arizona?”
He rolled his eyes.
“No? Farting in Phoenix? Dying in the Desert?”
“Nice, Harper.” He gave her a look. “Very professional.”
“Right? I do try.” She gave him a breezy grin. “Keeping it classy, that’s my motto.”
“Today I’m going to finalize the details and get the contract signed,” Zach continued. “I’d like you to start scoping out the grounds and taking landscape pictures, different times of day. We’ll meet with the owner later to talk about mood and feel for the photos, but I already know that we want to show a tropical paradise right here in the desert.”
“Oh, it’s tropical paradise you want? Why am I not thinking of tumbleweeds and sand? Hmm.” She put a finger to her chin.
He ignored this. “You’re not in Hawaii, and you know that, but you’re somewhere beautiful. Combine just enough arid desert with a lot of tropical oasis, and that’s the image we’re selling. Southwest as fuck, but in a classy, upscale way. We’re going for upscale Native American art, and funky, eclectic Southwest sculptures, pretty cacti, palm trees, and water. Lots of water. The pool, the stream. Sexy people enjoying themselves. Upscale Mexican-derived cuisine. I’m talking five-star gourmet award-winning restaurant photos.”
She nodded, already getting ideas as she looked out the window. “I can do that.”
“After we do the contract, I’ll contact local talent agencies to hire some local models for our sexy vacationer photos. You can help me select them.” He grinned. “It’s fun. Like picking out presents from a catalogue.”
She giggled. “Zach! That’s so bad.” But she couldn’t resist. “More like ordering pizza toppings. I’ll take one thin crust with two hot blondes.”
“Shh!” He acted so concerned that she wrinkled her brow, but burst out laughing when he whispered, “Pizza Gate is real, Harper. I thought you knew. Take this seriously.”
She thought. “Seriously? Forget the blondes. I think I’d love to see couples photos with, say, a sexy mixed-race Asian girl, and a funky, cool guy who looks sort of black and sort of white with a cool ‘fro and perfect six-pack.”
He raised one eyebrow. “Actually, we are trying to showcase that Phoenix is multicultural. There’s been bad press after the election, but the millennial crowd here is increasingly woke and diverse. You read my mind about one set of actors, anyway.”
She nodded. “Good! I’m sick of seeing all white faces in travel ads. It’s annoying and fake.”
“Agreed.”
“PICTURES OF THE GROUNDS, OF COURSE,” Jeremy explained. “Make it look luxurious. Comfortable and exotic. An oasis in the desert, with just enough desert in the oasis to let everyone know we’re in Arizona. But they can relax like they’re in the tropics. Got it?” He brushed back his dark brown hair from his forehead. Harper thought he looked like a sexy model, with his bedroom eyes, all dark lashes, and his sensual lips. His tan skin bore the trace of Mexico, as did his accent.
Harper nodded. “Comfortable and exotic. Got it. Tropical desert.”
The manager nodded, eyes gleaming. “Yes! Tropical desert.”
Harper tilted her head. “I’m thinking I want sexy bodies tanning by the pool. Long legs and drinks with water droplets sparkling on them. A cactus backlit by the sun—that cactus there,” she pointed, “with the stream bubbling behind it, and a sun shaft lighting it up. A couple holding hands, a really sexy couple, but classy, too, walking down that path with all the flowers, and the mountains visible behind them.”
“Perfect! I love it. Great job.” Jeremy nodded.
Harper smiled. It was funny how often people said ‘great job’ before the job had even started, just excited that she got their vision. They hadn’t even seen the photos yet. In fact, she got this on most jobs she did, people congratulating her before she even took one shot. On the positive side, she always took that as their confidence in her, based on her portfolio and ability to understand their needs.
“So, models?” she said, glancing at Zach.
Zach picked up his phone. “My local talent scout said she’ll hook me up with local agencies. I can have some models out here to work this afternoon. Harper, what time is the light good?” He paused, finger ready.
“I’d prefer seven p.m. for the people. But I’ll start with grounds shots now.” She smiled. “And food, I’ll use my tripods and backdrop, so around dinnertime.”
“Got it.” Jeremy slapped his hands together, a single clap. “I can’t wait to see what you do. I mean, no disrespect to our previous photographer. Our professional pictures are great. But I need the updated ones, you know?”
She nodded. “I’ll do my best.”
Jeremy’s phone rang and he nodded to them with an apologetic look. “It’s my wife. Please excuse me.” He pushed a button, and the smile that broke out onto his face was nearly blinding; he launched into rapid Spanish as he walked away for a few minutes of privacy.
“ZACH. Here’s my list of Phoenix activities. Listen.” She poked him, then read from her notebook. “Mexican food at Barrio Café in downtown Phoenix. Chef Silvana has won worldwide recognition for her food.”
“Sounds good.” Zach looked up from his phone.
“Phoenix Museum of Art and see the Fireflies exhibit. After that, tour the graffiti art walls in Roosevelt Row, and of course I’ll take pictures.”
She paused. “Other things are renting a paddle boat on Tempe Town Lake, hiking up Camelback Mountain, and doing a desert tour.”
“I’m sure you’ll have fun.” He turned back to his phone.
“You mean, we will have fun.”
“Not all day, you don’t.” Harper narrowed her eyes. “Look. I’m getting into the spirit of this. I don’t get to enjoy snorkeling in crystal clear water to see exotic tropical fish, so I’m making the best of things. You owe me.”
“Do I?” He raised an eyebrow.
She flushed. “Yes. You do.”
“That sounds like a very full day, especially considering it’s already,” he glanced at his watch, “ten a.m.”
“It’s not all for today. Today, I actually found this crazy little store devoted to llamas. It’s listed on one of the Top Off-Beat Things To Do in Phoenix. I think, mixed with the culture and high art, it will be a perfect, funky addition. You need to come with me.”
He inclined his head. “Not sure I can.”
“We’re focusing on what makes Phoenix trendy and on-point and diverse. Like you asked! A few cacti, some great desert shots, but lots of eclectic art and food, things that make it seem like a place that you want to visit because it’s awesome and welcoming. But also, some weird things that are just, you know, irresistibly cool.”
“So llamas were on your list from last night, the things you said you worried you’d never get to do.” His eyes bored into her. “Am I also going to do skydiving on the list? And the tropical fling?”
“Well, since we’re not actually on a tropical island, I can’t have a crazy fling.” She made a face at him. “And skydiving involves voluntarily leaving airplanes, which I do when they’re on the ground, but not in midair.”
“One out of three. I suppose that’s a decent start.” His lips looked chiseled and soft at the same time. She flushed, remembering how they felt on her body. She glanced at his hands, and he looked at her looking, and the next time their eyes met, a spark sizzled between them.