Summer Fire
Page 27
“Chase,” she breathed. Penny lifted her head from his chest, and her eyes locked on his. As his palm cupped her cheek, her world stalled on its axis.
“I like you, Penny.” Chase glanced to her lips, leaning toward her, but stopped within inches of kissing her. He gave a small smile, his eyes darting to the ocean and back to her. “How do you feel about moonlit walks on the beach?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever done that,” she admitted.
“You don’t know what you’re missing.” Chase took her hand in his, leading her off the dance floor.
Penny wondered why he hadn’t kissed her and she grew concerned that what she thought was growing between them had all been in her own head. When they reached the beach, she watched as he kicked off his shoes and rolled up his white linen pants. She began to walk toward him, her sandals filling with sand.
“Hold on,” Chase said.
When he knelt in front of her, she smiled as he gently removed her shoes and set them aside. He locked his eyes on hers and ran his hands up the back of her calves. She shivered as he grazed them upward, his strong fingers pressing against her thighs.
“You have beautiful legs,” he began.
“Thank you.” Penny laughed, embarrassed. She swiveled her head to see if anyone was looking.
“Does this make you uncomfortable?” He smiled.
She went still as his hands moved to her hips, his fingers slipping underneath the strings of her panties.
“Chase…”
“Or are you aroused?”
“I…there could be people watching.” As he tugged her panties down her legs, she reached to steady herself on his shoulders.
“There are things you don’t know about me. The things I like. Risk…taking chances.”
“I can see that,” she giggled as he lifted each of her feet to remove her underwear.
“Is that something you might be interested in exploring with me?” he asked, stuffing them into his pocket.
“Maybe. That sounds like a commitment and we don’t have much time,” she hedged.
He stood, brushing his hands up the sides of her legs, pulling the fabric up to her hips. Her heart raced as he exposed her skin.
“Penny.” His tone grew serious. “I can’t promise you more than the time we have here together. If we lived closer…”
“Fair enough. But we just met, so who knows what the week will bring?” She placed her hands over his, and brushed them away. Reaching for her shoes, she picked them up and walked toward the surf. Penny gave him a flirty smile, going slowly enough that he’d easily catch up to her.
“True. But you’ve given me the most wonderful souvenir.”
“Listen, Chase, you need to know…I didn’t come on vacation thinking I’d meet someone.” When he reached for her hand, she laced her fingers with his. “I work a lot. I know the office stories I told you over dinner make it seem enjoyable, but I can assure you that most of the time what I do is not fun. I want to make partner someday.”
“That’s a good goal.”
“So I guess what I’m saying is that it’s not like I have any big expectations about what’s happening here. I mean, I like you…a lot. But you and I…”
“We lead different lives.”
“It seems like you travel a lot.”
“Yeah, I do.”
“It would never work, I get that.” As she said the words that defined the situation, her heart squeezed. It was true she hadn’t expected anything, but every second she spent with him, she was becoming addicted. If they made love, she guessed it would be even harder to say goodbye forever.
“Wait here,” he told her.
“Um, okay.” Penny dipped her toes in the surf as he ran up toward the path. When he returned, she grinned, watching him lay several towels onto the sand.
“Come sit.” It was an order that sent tingles down her body. She obeyed and relaxed as he put an arm around her. “I know we just have a few days, but I want to get to know you better. At the same time, I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t hurt me,” she protested, aware she was lying to herself. “But it does seem like you enjoy risky behavior.”
“Diving to the depths I do is dangerous, but is it worth the risk? Hell yeah, because it’s exciting. This is who I am. It’s my life. I know you’re not really like that, but I can teach you.”
Penny considered his words. His fingers guided her chin to meet his gaze.
“How far do you want to go with me, darlin’?”
“In a week, I’ll go back to working fourteen-hour days.” She sighed, her lips tense as she expressed the reality of the situation. “How far will I go? With you?” She adjusted her body so she faced him. As she answered, she didn’t hesitate. Even if she could only taste happiness for a few days, she’d take it. “All the way. I want it all.”
“This place is special….you’re special.” Chase reached for the spaghetti straps that held her dress up and slid them over her shoulders.
“What are you…?” Despite her concern that they’d be watched, she sat still as he gently pulled down the fabric, her nipples hardening as the air rushed over them.
“You’re beautiful.” He grazed the back of his fingers over her firm tips and she exhaled.
“I…I’ve never done anything like this.”
“I want to make love to you, Miss Travis,” he said, never taking his eyes off her.
“Here?”
“Yes, here.” He smiled.
“But…are you serious? Here on the beach?” The prospect of being watched should have disgusted her, she knew. But the rush of knowing it could happen only served to make it all the more exciting. Penny jumped slightly as his hands cupped her breasts.
“Yes. Here,” he repeated, his lips mere inches from hers.
“Yes.” Penny shifted in an attempt to assuage the painful ache between her legs. She’d never wanted a man so badly in her life.
As he captured her lips, she opened to him. His tongue swept into hers and she returned his soft kiss. Gently, he made love to her mouth, and the startling realization hit her that this person she’d met, the man who’d saved her, soothed her vulnerable heart. Closed and cautious, she’d long dismissed the idea that she’d develop an attraction for someone. Chase had taken her off guard, her body and mind welcomed him into her life.
She supposed she’d expected a quickie, being that they were on the beach, but this man was in no hurry. Just as his words had drawn her into his web, his slow sensual kiss drove her mad with desire. She reached for his chest, grazing her palm down the hard expanse of his pecs. Her hand slid under his loose shirt, and she thumbed over his raised tip. He groaned in response, and as she moved down toward his pants, he clamped his hand over her wrists. Laying her back onto the towel, he placed soft kisses along her collarbone. Breathless, she panted as he held her arms over her head, his soft lips tasting her skin.
“Darlin’, you sure you want to do this? Because I don’t think I can resist you.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
Chase pulled down the fabric of her dress, and Penny gasped, the warmth of his mouth teasing her nipple. As he took it between his teeth and flicked it with his tongue, her pussy throbbed in arousal. She writhed underneath him, attempting to get him to relieve her need. But his attention lingered at her breast, painfully escalating her anticipation.
“Beautiful,” she heard him say right before he released her wrists, and shoved her dress up over her head. She reached for his shirt, which she deftly unbuttoned and removed.
“Let me see you.” With his pants still on, he gazed upon her.
Aware that she was fully nude out on the darkened beach, Penny’s breath quickened. Lights flickered in the distance, the soft notes of the steel band beating into the night. Her focus was brought back to Chase as he spread her thighs wide open. The ocean breeze did little to cool the heat between her legs.
“Chase.” She feigned protest. Good girls don�
��t do these things, she thought to herself.
“Darlin’.” He paused. Dragging his thumbs into her folds, he pulled them apart so he could view his prize. “I’ve been waiting for this all night.”
“Ahh,” she cried.
Any remaining doubts disappeared as the first lash of his tongue grazed over her clit. Her hips tilted up to meet his delightful assault. She reached between her legs and dug her fingers into his hair, guiding him to her. Quivering, she pumped her hips upward. Her eyes closed, every cell in her body awakened.
“Holy shit, Chase,” Penny said as he plunged two thick digits into her channel. He curled the pads of his fingers along her ridged band of nerves, driving her orgasm to the surface.
“That’s it. I can feel you,” he spoke into her lips. He took her hooded nub between his lips and sucked, flicking his tongue over it.
Penny’s eyes flew open, her climax slamming into her. She came hard, his lips unrelenting on her pussy. Panting, she thrashed her head, shocked at the ecstasy he’d brought.
He rose, pressing his lips to hers, sweeping his tongue into her mouth. Tasting herself, she sucked his lips and reached to free his cock. Taking it into her hands, she stroked it hard, sliding her thumb over its weeping slit. She went to brush him over her clit but he stopped her.
“Condom,” he breathed.
“Yes, of course,” she agreed, panting. Penny couldn’t believe she’d almost had unprotected sex. Shit. What the hell am I thinking? While she was on the pill, she cursed her stupidity, aware of the possible consequences.
She heard the sound of the foil tearing and within seconds his hard tip pressed at her entrance, focusing her attention. Penny gasped, his cock spearing into her, stretching her wide. She breathed through the twinge of pain, her channel opening to accept him. As she lifted her lids, she caught him watching her.
“You’re stunning tonight. Did I tell you that? The moonlight on your face…”
Penny smiled and held his gaze, aware that whatever was happening between them felt like they’d known each other forever. Lost in the moment, she’d forgotten about everything in her life, her ex, her job; and for the first time in years, she felt alive.
“Jesus, you feel so good,” he whispered, slowly retreating and pumping into her.
“Oh my God…” Penny wrapped her legs around him as he filled her, meeting his slow thrusts. Her head tilted off the towel into the sand as his lips brushed behind her ear, causing gooseflesh to ripple down her arms. His tongue lingered at her collarbone, and she arched her back, her breasts crushing against his chest. “Chase.”
“You like this?” He laughed, continuing to kiss and suck at her neck while he rocked into her.
“There…harder.” Penny’s breath quickened as he slowly tantalized her clit. Raising her hips, she sought more friction. He grazed his pelvis against hers, and she shuddered beneath him. Her pussy contracted, her legs clenching him tighter. “I’m going to come…Chase…please…”
“Hmm…not yet.”
Penny squealed as he rolled over onto his back, and brought her with him. She hadn’t thought he could be inside her any deeper, but she was wrong. Her swollen nub slid down against him, his shaft embedded to the hilt.
“Let me see you,” he told her. Placing his palms on her shoulders, he guided her upward to ride him.
She moaned in protest as her lips left his chest, but complied. Her hair spilled forward, a satisfied grin on her face as she impaled herself on him.
“Ah, yeah…you feel so good,” Chase groaned.
He reached for her breasts, and strummed his thumbs over her rigid nipples. Penny undulated her hips, her clitoris tingling in desire as it brushed over him. Rising above Chase, she slammed down onto him, his shaft plunging into her quivering channel.
“I’ve never seen a more beautiful creature,” Chase cried out loud as she rode him hard.
“Ah…yes…fuck me,” she demanded, as he pumped up into her. Reaching for his arms, she wrapped her hands around his wrists. “Touch me…please, Chase, please.”
“Your wish is my command, princess…let me see that pussy of yours.” His hand dropped from her breast to between her legs.
As he gave attention to her clit, circling it with the pad of his thumb, Penny fell forward, bracing her palm on the towel, her hair flowing onto his face. Her body lit on fire as his thick shaft pounded up into her. She mumbled his name over and over again, her climax claiming her. Shattering above him, she lost herself in the stranger who’d rescued her.
Chase gave her no quarter, plunging himself up into her core. He gripped her chin, guiding her mouth to his, nipping and sucking at her lips. With a loud grunt, he stiffened in release. Penny’s lips brushed over his, as she heaved for breath. She pressed her body to his as he relented, removing his fingers from her wet cleft. The slight prick of his scruff-covered cheek wasn’t nearly enough to remind her where she was. As if she’d died and gone to heaven, she lay atop him, purring as he caressed her back, his fingers trailing up into her mane.
“Penny…you’re incredible.”
“Chase…I’ve never….” Her words trailed off as she attempted to process the amazing experience she’d just shared with him.
Of all the things Penny had expected on vacation, she never thought she’d meet someone who could rock her world the way he’d done. As reality seeped into her mind, her heart constricted, aware she’d have to say goodbye in four days. Yearning to hold him a little closer, staving off the inevitable, she wrapped her hands around his neck and closed her eyes.
Wind chimes echoed in the distance, reminding her that they weren’t alone. While reality beckoned, she gave in to her fantasy, content in his embrace, wishing she could stay there forever.
Chapter Six
Chase’s heart pounded against his ribs as the last spasms tore through his body. Penny’s warm breath teased his chest, and he held her tight, unwilling to release her. He relaxed, embracing her small form. Glancing up to the starry sky, he contemplated the disturbing emotion that churned in his chest. He knew he was in trouble. What was supposed to be a work vacation was turning into something much more complicated.
He was only going to be on the island a few more days, and when he left, whatever he and Penny had started would have to end. The fact that he’d started anything ate at him. Having come to an understanding before they’d had sex hadn’t absolved him. Making love to her had been more of a spiritual experience, not just a one off like he’d planned. Although he’d pushed the envelope by making love to her on the beach, he wondered how well she’d understand the high risk activities in which he engaged.
She stirred in his arms, drifting in and out of sleep, and he pressed his lips to her forehead. Brushing a stray hair from her forehead, he studied the contours of her face. The moon shone bright, illuminating her swollen pink lips. The taste of them fresh in his mind, he started running through the scenarios.
He was a scientist at heart. Hard facts were impossible to ignore. She lived on the east coast, he lived on the west, two very different worlds. In the city that never sleeps, she led a fast-paced, high-pressure existence, whereas he reveled in his own laid back lifestyle. Far from the busy nine-to-five rut, he often relaxed on the beach in sunny California. Chase accomplished his research both in and out of the office, with the added perks of working from wherever he wanted whenever he wanted.
If he’d been working on any other project, he’d have followed the general guidelines of the scientific process, developing theories, experimenting, testing, until it either failed or he’d developed a viable technology that could be used and sold by Emerson Industries. Penny was a person, not a product, he knew. His nagging conscience told him it was wrong to continue seeing her, in the whimsical hope that he could find a solution to the issues he’d identified.
But as her soft hand reached for his face and she traced her forefinger over his bottom lip, what lay in his heart superseded any rational thoughts. Fascinated by the
sensual woman in his arms, he couldn’t let her go so easily. The drive to see where things would lead between them was overwhelming, despite his awareness of the obstacles that would keep them apart. With four days of vacation left, he needed more of Miss Travis.
“Chase,” she whispered.
“Hmm…you okay?” He felt her shiver under his palm and realized it was becoming much too cool to stay on the beach. Don’t spend the night with her, his mind warred with him. Fuck it. I want her. “Come back with me.”
“What?” Penny pushed up onto his chest. She glanced to her exposed breasts and quickly covered them with her arm as if she’d forgotten where they were. Her eyes fell to their clothes, strewn on the sand. “I, um, should get dressed.”
“Spend the night with me,” he insisted. Chase knew he’d been given an out, but let it pass. He could have thanked her for the evening, taken her back to her room and been done with things.
“I don’t know. Didn’t you say you were here with someone?” Penny licked her lips and gave him a sheepish smile.
“Working, yeah. But we aren’t staying in the same room. This isn’t college,” he joked. Chase brushed his knuckles gently over her cheek, his thumb gliding down her jaw. “Penny, I…I know we just met, but I’d like to spend time with you.”
Sweet Jesus, I sound like a teenager. Chase inwardly cringed. He thought to correct his words, to tell her to forget it, but on the verge of becoming sorely inarticulate, he decided silence was the best policy.
“You sure you want me to come with you? You really don’t have to ask me. I don’t want this to be awkward. What I mean to say is that I don’t expect anything. I know this is just kind of a vacation thing, but I won’t be hurt if you aren’t interested.” Penny paused, glanced to his lips and back to his eyes.
“Did you have a good time tonight?”
“Of course. It was amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you.”
“Then it’s settled. You’re coming home with me.” Not home…your hotel room.