The tender stroke along my thigh, or against my arm is arousing, so I’m glad that he tossed my cover up over my head before we moved to the restaurant for lunch. The food is amazing and the calamari is fresh from the ocean today. That’s one of the things I love about being on the Island—the freshness of seafood and how it’s prepared. But sitting by the ocean to actually eat with the man who has quickly jumped into my heart makes it all the more enjoyable.
“You okay?” Michael whispers into my ear. “You’re quiet.”
“I’m thinking.” I smile. “About you.”
“Hmm, I like the sound of that.”
“You are not the only two present at this table,” Carrie hisses. “What’s wrong with having some manners?”
Michael’s face tightens with anger. He holds my gaze, slowly inhaling and exhaling as though my scent is grounding him before he faces my sister. Carrie visibly shrinks and her bravado seems to have disappeared. Beside her, Sinclair looks as though he wishes he were anywhere but here. I wish Michael and I were as well.
“What is your problem Carrie? I haven’t done anything to you.”
“That’s the problem,” Sinclair mumbles under his breath but we both hear him.
Michael narrows his eyes on the man before turning back to my jealous sister. That’s what she is and I really don’t understand why. If it was over Michael, then I could understand that, but her behavior toward me started when I turned twenty-one. It was as though a switch had been turned on overnight. Nothing I have done or said since has agreed with her. It’s the main reason I stay away from family vacation time as my mother calls it. It’s actually no vacation for me. I have a feeling this is going to be the last and that makes me sad.
“What’s going on with you?” I ask her, unable to hide the hurt I’m feeling. “We used to get along, but now, everything,” I pause, “and I mean everything, has to be an argument or disagreement, or even a dig toward whom I’m with. I don’t know what happened, Carrie, but if you don’t stop with it then you’ll lose me.” Michael intertwines his fingers with mine for support, as I add, “Although, I think that’s already happened.”
Standing, I slip my fingers free of Michael’s and grab my dish of food and wine glass. I nod to a free table and Michael collects his own things and moves across with me.
“I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t, Brooke.” Michael captures my face between his hands and places a sweet kiss to my lips. “You have nothing to apologize for.” He kisses me again and we sit, finishing off our food and the rest of the white wine. My appetite isn’t as good as it had been a few minutes earlier, but I refuse to allow Carrie to ruin anything else for me.
“Do you still want to go in the water with me?” Michael asks, wiggling his brows.
It has the intended effect and I laugh feeling like a weight has lifted from my chest.
I grin, wave over to one of the waiters and tell him with my hands that I’ll pay later. They know that I always keep my promise so it works well when I want to spend time at the beach because it means that I don’t have to carry money with me.
“Hey,” Michael snags my hand, “what about paying?”
“I’ll call in and pay later. They trust me.”
“Thank you, but this is on me.”
Before I can say anything Michael disappears into the tavern and I smile at the handsome figure he makes. He’s tall and has a body made for pleasure—mine to be precise.
He’s back with a frown across his brows.
“What’s wrong?”
He curses under his breath. “Did you know that Carrie and Sinclair charged their meals to your account?”
I gasp and look around for them, but they’ve gone. “I’ll make sure to mention it at dinner tonight.” I grin. “When father asks about my day, I’ll mention it then.”
He chuckles. “Let’s go and get you nice and,” he leans closer, whispering, “wet.”
Goose bumps race across my body at the promise in his words. “I like that idea.”
My frown returns tenfold when I see Carrie lounging with Sinclair as though they haven’t just stiffed me with their bill. Carrie knows that, on the odd occasion that we eat together, we pay our own way. Regardless of how childlike it makes me look, I’m going to make sure I don’t forget today over the dinner table.
“Um, let’s not leave anything with them,” Michael suggests.
“I’m good with that. I only have my wrap, but I don’t really want to leave it around strangers.”
“You won’t need to.”
I follow his line of sight and notice Sirena and Garrett on two loungers off in the shade with Elias looking flat out in his stroller.
Michael slings his arm around my shoulders and guides me in their direction. Garrett sees us first and must have whispered something to Sirena because her gaze is soon on us.
“I’m surprised to see you both down here? Isn’t it a bit hot for Elias?”
Sirena rolls her eyes at Michael, while I give him a really look.
“Michael, I hate to be the one to inform you of this, but children have played around in heat like this for centuries,” Sirena makes a tsk sound. “Besides, he’s in the shade.”
“You know those two behind you?” Garrett asks.
Without turning around, I agree, “My sister and, maybe, a friend. I’m not sure anymore.”
Michael changes the topic. “We’re going in the water, can we leave our things with you guys?”
“Yeah, sure. We’re going to be here maybe an hour longer and then we’ll head back to the hotel.”
We strip down to our swimwear and taking my hand, Michael walks me down to the ocean. The water is clear and refreshing. We walk further in and the water laps around my thighs. I peer through the depths and catch the odd fish swimming away. I let my hand float in the water and minutes later, I realize that Michael is watching me instead of the scenery.
“You take my breath away, Brooke.” He brings me into the circle of his arms and every thought and worry slips away. “Can you swim?”
“Very well.”
“Good, just wanted to be sure. Wrap your legs around my waist.” He lifts me against him and my body ignites. My hands go around his neck and I stroke the nape, feeling Michael shiver under my touch. “I’m beginning to wonder about the wisdom of this,” he moans and grabbing ahold of my bottom, he flips us so he’s floating on his back with me lying above him.
I relax and let him swim us further out and around into a small cove.
Grinning, I tease, “Are you about to have your wicked way with me, Mr. McKenzie?”
“And what if I am, Miss. Jordan?”
I wiggle further down and end up with his erection nudging against my bottom. Smiling, I add, “Feeling amorous?”
Reaching behind me, I tease his flesh and find myself briefly submerged in water as his arms quickly come up around my waist. We break the surface spluttering.
Michael laughs. “Sorry. I wasn’t expecting your hands on me.”
“Really?” I raise a brow. “I mean, how could you not with the thickness of that thing bobbing about in the water, tapping me on the bottom? It wanted attention.” I smirk.
“That thing?” He tickles me, his eyes wide with amusement. “That thing is what you bathed with your climax this morning.”
My eyes widen and I feel a blush creeping along my cheekbones. “You had to say that out loud?”
He gathers me close, slipping his hand into the back of my bikini panties, his fingers searching. “How sore are you?”
I tug the small triangles of fabric away from my breasts and leaning in, rub against Michael’s chest. He curses. Lifting me up, he seals his warm mouth over a nipple, biting it until it’s hard as a pebble. My hands grip his head to me and when he shifts to my other breast, a shiver runs down my spine.
“You are so responsive to me,” he says against my chest. “You didn’t answer me?”
About what?
; I frown and he gently rubs between my legs in response.
“I haven’t felt sore, although I’ve ached all morning for you to fill me again.”
His breath catches in his throat and he lets out a shaky sigh. “Then let me love you.”
In reply, I slip my hand between us and shove the front of his shorts over his erection. He hisses in response and I groan at the feel of his smooth flesh in my hands. It throbs as though it’s alive.
Michael moves my panties to one side and as I hold him upright, I slowly become impaled on him.
I grip his shoulders and throw my head back gasping for breath at the feel of him stretching me wide as I take all of him.
“I’m hurting you,” he mumbles, his face dropping to my shoulders.
“You’re not…feels good…so good.” Lifting up slightly, I slowly slide back down his shaft. I chew my lip, concentrating on the sensation of his cock as he strokes along my sensitive walls. “So good, Michael.” I shiver.
His gaze is fierce and when he claims my lips, I feel as though he’s not just kissing me with his mouth, but with his whole body. His tongue invades my mouth while every one of my senses is tuned into him. My arms wrap tightly around his neck grounding me to him. Michael grips my hips and slides me up and down on his dick. It doesn’t take long before I mewl in a most delicious climax.
Michael holds me down on his shaft as he twitches and coats my walls with the warmth of his release. The intensity of our climax leaves me lethargic and I smile against Michael’s shoulder. I slightly bite down before I sooth the tiny mark with my tongue and grin when Michael shudders.
“I think I need to sit down,” he admits. “You sucked me dry baby.”
“Mmm, well, I’m certainly having a lot of firsts with you.”
“I don’t hear any complaints.” He lifts me slightly and puts my bottoms back in place.
I’d do the same for him but of course, I’m unable to do that without stroking him.
He growls. “You should come with a warning.”
Chuckling, I whisper, “I thought I did,” into his ear.
“We’re never going to make it back to shore at this rate.” Michael floats on his back, taking me with him. “Cover your breasts. Those are for my eyes only.”
“I’d forgotten. Shows just how used to being naked I am with you.”
His eyes fill with humor. “I love being naked with you.” A frown crosses his gaze. “But I hope you know that I love just being with you. Holding your hand at dinner with my family. Having lunch today. I enjoy being with you, Brooke. I need you to know that it isn’t about sex.” He smirks. “Although, I think you’re going to end up killing me with pleasure at some point.”
Swallowing back tears, I hold his gaze. “I know and I love being with you. I felt the connection with you the minute our eyes met across the dinner table.” I softly smile. “My heads been turned in your direction ever since.”
His hands caress my thighs before he grips my bottom and holds on to me as he places his feet on ground. “I’m glad we’re both on the same page.” He kisses me on the nose and strides out of the ocean.
44
Michael
I’m an asshole! I have no clue as to why I didn’t talk to Brooke about heading back to the States. I had the perfect opportunity, but the words just wouldn’t come. Even after she told me how she felt, I still couldn’t get the words out for fear that she’d refuse to come with me.
You won’t know unless you ask her…
Opening my eyes and dropping my hand to the bed where I’ve been lying for the past thirty minutes, my hip starts buzzing like crazy.
Reaching out, I grab my cell and smile when I see my cousins name on the screen.
“Alex! I wasn’t expecting you’re call until tomorrow.” I rub at my eyes, trying to stay awake. Last night with Brooke is definitely catching up to me.
“When are you flying home?”
“In a few days. I’ll probably fly back with Sirena and family as Garrett has his plane here. Easier that way.” I yawn.
“Something keeping you awake?” he asks, distracted.
“Someone.” I smile to myself.
I hear mumbling at the other end of the phone and ask, “What’s going on with you?”
“Someone that you want to bring home, or a passing fancy?” He ignores my question and really goes to where I knew he would. He knows me well.
“She’s special, Alex. I’m struggling with when to tell her that I’m leaving for the States.”
“In case she doesn’t want to leave with you?” he guesses correctly.
Sighing, I stare at the ceiling. “What should I do?”
He laughs. “You’re asking me? I don’t have a girlfriend, remember.” He goes quiet and when he next speaks, I hear a tiredness he can’t hide. “But if I did, and she was as important as your girl is to you, then I’d tell her before someone else does.”
“I’ll tell her tonight after dinner.” I pause. “Everything okay with you?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“You don’t sound too sure.”
He laughs without mirth. “I’m fine Michael. Just tired.” He coughs. “I was wondering if you’d mind if I took a few days off when you first got back? We can go over the plans when I’m back in. I just need two days.”
Dropping my legs to the floor, I rub my hand over my face and rest my elbows on my thighs. “We are going to talk when I get back. We’re family and I know there is something going on, so we’re having that chat. I’m on your side.”
Alex sighs down the cell and it just confirms all my thoughts...he’s definitely tired. “We’ll talk. Email me your flight plan once it’s known.”
“I will.”
After a few minutes just discussing the business, I say goodbye and the cell goes silent. I palm the phone and think about him and the call. My cousin and best friend had sounded despondent on the phone, which has me worried—more worried than I was anyway.
Instead of getting some sleep, I need to go for a run and that will either wake me up or send me to sleep.
The run helped in clearing my head, and it even woke me up. I’d forgotten how much I liked running. It’s been a few weeks. At least I have the energy for whatever happens over dinner tonight.
It should be fun with Carrie and Sinclair being present, and I know Brooke has something to say to the pair of them.
“Surprise!” Brooke suddenly jumps from between two bushes scaring the hell out of me.
I play it cool though, although from the mirth in her eyes, I don’t think I fooled her. “I knew you were there.”
She giggles. “No you didn’t. Your head wasn’t on the island.”
I smile and wrap my arms around her shoulders. “It was back home and then it switched to you. You’re always in there.”
Caressing my face, she breathes a whisper of a kiss against my lips. “That’s good to know.”
“Let’s go eat and then we can be alone,” she suggests, urging me toward the house.
“Is your sister there?”
“Yes. She’s with Sinclair and they’ve both been shooting daggers at me.” She shrugs. “I can handle them, but as long as I have you with me then it will be easier. The two of them together take me back to high school and I hate them for that.”
I sling my arm around her shoulders and lead her to where her family awaits. Ignoring those two, and only greeting Mitchell and Adelaide, we take our seats.
“This looks nice, Mom. Is it new?” Brooke asks, rubbing her fingers on the lace table covering.
“It is. I ordered it the last time we were here. It was finally delivered today. Isn’t it beautiful.”
Adelaide pats Brooke on the hand and from the corner of my eye I catch the look on Carrie’s face, as she tries to look bored but looks like an insolent child instead.
“So, Carrie,” Brooke sits back in her seat as I take her hand into mine, “do you want to explain to me why you’ve been putting all y
our food and drink in town onto my account? Didn’t you think I’d find out?”
“I did no such thing.” She looks toward her father. Her eyes look sad and just when I think her father is about to fall for her lies, he asks Brooke, “Was anything on it yours?”
“No. You know I’d rather pay at the time, so imagine my shock when I went into the tavern after my swim with Michael and was asked when I intended to pay the balance. I asked them about it and they informed me that you’d been running up tabs all over the island in my name!”
She’d been so angry at the time I thought she’d hunt her sister down and they’d have a full out brawl.
“I think we need to take a look at your accounts, Carrie,” Mitchell says. “Are they still unpaid?”
“Yes, they are,” I add. “Brooke was going to pay them, but I wouldn’t let her. I asked them to transfer everything back over to Carrie’s tab because Brooke could prove that she wasn’t even on the Island when the majority were charged.” I shrug and face Carrie. “She knew what she was doing when she did it, so Brooke isn’t paying anything to get you out of the mess.”
Carrie’s mouth twists into a snarl as she bursts, “You,” she spears a finger toward me, “stay out of this. It doesn’t concern you.”
“You’ve used my girlfriends name for credit around the island, so yes, it does involve me.” I slip my arm around Brooke’s waist and tug her closer.
“Girlfriend, right! And when do you plan on telling Brooke that you’re leaving on the same plane as your sister in a few days?”
Fuck!
“What?” Brooke gasps, moving out of my arms, her complexion suddenly pale.
“Carrie!” Mitchell roars and slams his hands down on the table, rising to his feet. “You have to stop this behavior toward your sister. You’re a grown woman.” His breathing is heavy and anger fills his face as he stares up at the sky before meeting her gaze. “You need to grow up, and stop this vindictive attitude, because if you don’t, then whatever money you have left is all you will have. I will cut off every monetary support I give you and it will not be so easily gained back.”
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