Solstice Burn

by Kym Grosso

  Penny was thankful that they were underwater, because if they hadn’t been, she was fairly sure he would have reprimanded her. She wasn’t convinced he’d forget, however, and expected that when they surfaced, he’d address it. If there was one subject that turned him serious, it was safety. Although he engaged in many dangerous activities, from skydiving to heli-skiing, he’d told her several times that he didn’t try to cheat death.

  He pointed to a small cave and gave her a thumbs up. She took sight of the cavern and shook her head, promptly returning his signal with two thumbs down. No fucking way, she thought. She had her limits, and he’d just discovered one. Self-preservation had always taken priority over things that appeared fun to other people. Snowmobiling through Yellowstone? Too cold. White water rafting with coworkers? Not happening, I’ll drown. Swimming through a tiny black hole that looked like Barbie couldn’t fit through it? Hell fucking no.

  Penny caught the disapproval in his eyes, and her chest squeezed with guilt. She knew there wasn’t much time left, and this might be the only dive she’d ever go on. Chase reached for her hand and brought it to his chest. Her boring routines flashed through her mind, reminding her how he’d breathed vigor into her otherwise mundane lifestyle. His warm eyes brimmed with confidence, and she knew he’d never hurt her. Trust him. Taking a chance on love and life, Penny nodded and gave in to her own desire to experience the sea through his eyes.

  Acquiescing to adventure, she followed him into the hollow rocks. To her surprise, it was just a short tunnel to the other side. When they emerged, she was stunned at the spectacular sight. Hundreds of colorful fish swam in harmony, brushing around them. What seemed like a blink in time passed before he gestured for them to begin their ascent. After several decompression stops, she broke the surface. Chase already had his mask off and helped her with hers.

  “Thank you, thank you so much.” Elated, she kissed him before he had a chance to say a word.

  “You liked it?” he asked into her lips, the salty water on their tongues.

  “It was unbelievable. I loved it.” As she said the words, she wondered what it would be like to say the words to Chase. He smiled at her, and the moment was broken as Evan called to them from above.

  “Good dive?”

  “It was amazing,” she responded, reaching for his hand. As he hauled her up on deck, she panted, trying to catch her breath.

  “You okay?”

  “I’m good. It was just so…I’ve never seen anything like it. Chase…he’s a great teacher.”

  “I wish I could say the same for my student,” Chase commented.

  “I’m sorry. I just…I was distracted.”

  “What happened?” Evan’s tone turned serious.

  “Someone drifted away for a few minutes is all.” Chase removed his equipment and unzipped his suit but kept his eyes trained on Penny.

  “A shark,” Penny told Evan.

  “A tiger,” he added.

  “Sounds like maybe you need to do a review with her. Don’t want to become fish food,” Evan commented. After assisting her with her gear, he turned his attention to the bridge. He fired up the engine, and her eyes met Chase’s. “All right then. Time to get back.”

  “Chase, I didn’t mean to…”

  “I realize that, but when we go again, I think perhaps we need to find a way to help you remember instructions.” His tone was serious, but he gave a devious smile.

  “Perhaps.” Penny shivered at his stern words, laced with sexual innuendo.

  “I’d be happy to help.” Evan winked, catching his meaning.

  “No. This is my responsibility. The next time she will follow the rules,” he promised.

  “If there’s a next time. Vacation’s almost over,” Penny baited him, presenting him with an indirect invitation to continue their affair after the vacation ended.

  “That it is, but it doesn’t mean I’m letting you off the hook,” he answered, without giving her any indication that he intended to see her again.

  Penny sighed and shoved her sunglasses onto her face, hoping they’d conceal her disappointment. Wishing for something that couldn’t happen was ridiculous. She could feel her heart slowly breaking, unsure of how she’d get on a plane in two days. Wrapping her towel around her shoulders, she took a deep breath as the boat sped toward shore. The wind in her hair, she prayed it would blow away the foreboding of sadness in her chest.

  Chapter Ten

  After returning from the dive, Penny had gone off to have lunch with Tori. Although they hadn’t spent much time together, her friend had insisted she’d had a good time. During their conversation, Tori had hinted she wanted to fly out early. One of her ex-boyfriends was in the city on business, and she wanted to see him before he left town. Although Tori had protested, Penny had insisted she’d be all right on her own for the remaining days. With separate hotel rooms, they’d barely seen each other the entire vacation anyway. By the end of the meal, Tori had changed her flight, and had made arrangements to fly home tomorrow.

  Home. In two days, she’d return to New York, and everything in her predictable life would fall back into its place. No sand, sun, or cocktails at noon. Her affair with Dr. Abbott would be nothing more than a beautiful memory.

  Penny glanced around the small open-aired cabana, and gave the masseuse a smile. The pint-sized woman appeared friendly, but Penny held no doubt that she was a professional, taking notice as her muscular forearms and hands worked the water out of a washcloth.

  “You can go ahead and undress,” she instructed. “We’ll start face down. I’ll be right back.”

  “Thank you.” Penny glanced around the room, realizing the small hut provided little privacy. She made quick work of removing her sarong and mounted the table. As she lay on the bed, she took in the spectacular sight of the beach, the sun slowly dropping into the horizon. The sound of breaking waves soothed her mind.

  A small towel brushed over her bottom, and she breathed in the sea air. Strong fingers scrubbed her scalp, and within minutes, Penny fell into requiescence. As the masseuse removed her covering, the sensation of the warm sea air teased her bare skin.

  Warm oiled hands worked her shoulders and she released an unintentional moan, closing her eyes. Every muscle relaxed as they made their way down her back. Just as she was beginning to drift off into sleep, the massage lingered on her bottom. She startled as fingers delved precariously close to her inner thighs. She turned her head to protest only to find Chase smiling down upon her. His white linen pants were tied precariously low on his hips, and her eyes were drawn to the v cut, his tanned abs, ripped as if they’d been made of chiseled marble.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice sleepy. “Where’s the masseuse?”

  “She’s taking a break.”

  “Not that I’m complaining, but what did you tell her?” She gave a small laugh.

  “I told her we were on our honeymoon and I wanted to surprise you,” he responded, with a lilt of amusement.

  “What?” Penny clutched the table.

  “You know, as in married. You really need to relax.” Chase unclenched her fingers from the bed and moved them to her sides.

  “And she believed you?”

  “As you’ve pointed out, I can be very convincing,” he stated, resuming his work.

  “You got me to go scuba diving today, didn’t you?”

  “That I did. But technically you agreed.”

  “Oh my God, that feels amazing,” Penny moaned, as his thumbs stroked through a knotted muscle. “You could have a second job.”

  “Miss Travis’ personal masseur?”

  “You’re hired.”

  “About today, why didn’t you listen, mermaid? I know you knew the rules.”

  “Hmm…sorry. I just was so overwhelmed. Normally I don’t lose concentration like that, but it was beautiful. I’ve never see anything like it.”

  “It’s pretty amazing, huh?”

  “I can see why you do it
, now. I don’t think I could appreciate it before. If you hadn’t dared me,” she laughed, and continued, “I don’t think…no, I know I would have never done it.”

  “We can do it again sometime,” he offered.

  “Tomorrow?”

  “You can invite Tori if you want.”

  “Hmm…thanks but she’s going home.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, she’s in an on again off again relationship with this guy. I guess while I’ve been busy she’s been texting him.”

  “I suppose I’ve been monopolizing your time.”

  “Don’t worry about her. She’s a big girl. Besides, the first night you and I went out, she left the resort to go to some club. I love Tori, but I see her all the time at home. And honestly, this has been the best time of my life,” she confessed.

  “I can’t say I’m sorry to have you all to myself. I just wish…” Chase’s words trailed off in reflection.

  “What?”

  “Nothing…just wish we had more time.”

  “Me too.” Penny’s voice grew quiet.

  “We should focus on today. Carpe diem, as they say….which reminds me, darlin’.”

  “What?”

  “It’s about that spanking we discussed.” His hands roamed over her buttery skin, caressing her cheeks.

  “Spanking?” Penny’s pulse raced, wondering what he had planned. She glanced out the window, where a passerby walked on the beach. “Here?”

  “Yes, Penny, right here. As I recall, you seemed to enjoy the idea the other night.”

  “Did I say that?” She feigned ignorance, her body craving his touch.

  “You were a very naughty diver today.” He gave her a wicked smile. “You need to learn that lesson…never go off without me.”

  “Chase…I’m not sure I’d like…ah,” she cried as the first slap landed on her bottom and her core clenched in arousal. Her pussy throbbed and she writhed her hips against the table, seeking relief. “You’re evil. Don’t tease me.”

  “Who’s teasing? I never start something I don’t finish.”

  “You know someone could see us…ow…ah.” Penny quivered as he spanked her again. Just as she was relaxing into the tantalizing pain, his hand slid between her legs, grazing over her entrance. She gasped as he spread her labia, circling his fingers around her clitoris without actually touching it. She both hated and loved how he knew exactly how to turn her on, prolonging her pleasure. “Chase…that…please.”

  “Begging. That does sound nice, but I think I want to hear you scream my name,” he told her, his commanding tone warning her that he was serious.

  “I can’t…I…” Penny moaned as he penetrated her with two fingers, pumping in and out of her. Her hips tilted into his hand, attempting to bring attention to her aching clit. As he spanked her twice more, her sheath clamped down around him. “Chase! Ah…”

  “That’s better. And look at how fucking wet you are, darlin’.”

  Penny pressed her forehead into the table, overwhelmed with her arousal. Being around Chase changed everything she thought she knew about herself. This time, as she took note of a passing couple, she could have cared less. All she needed was him. Now. Touching her. In her. Forever.

  “Look what you do to me, mermaid. Fuck, I’m hard for you.” He cupped his groin, then reached to her. Threading her hair into his fingers, he gently turned her head so she faced him. “Take my cock.”

  She licked her lips at his order, her eyes meeting his, and tugged his pant strings open. As they fell down, his enormous shaft sprung toward her and she fisted it, running her thumb over its glistening slit.

  “Oh yeah, that’s it. Suck it, Penny,” he ordered as he pressed his thighs against the table.

  Penny didn’t think twice, submitting to his demand. She guided the plump crown between her lips, licking his seed.

  “I’ve never…ah, Penny. You’re fucking amazing.”

  “This is mine,” she told him. The power shifted as she swallowed him all the way down to his root. His fingers went loose, releasing her locks. Penny sucked the length of his shaft and then removed it from her mouth. “Say it.”

  She flicked her tongue over its head, teasing him. Penny’s breath quickened as he plunged into her again. Her core convulsed around his fingers, and she knew she wouldn’t last long. But if she never saw this man again, he’d remember that she owned him. He’d never forget her, no matter how far he lived from her.

  “Say what?” he grunted.

  “Say it, tell me this cock belongs to me,” Penny growled. Somewhat cognizant that she’d gone feral, she pressed his head to her lips, waiting for his response. Something about Chase transformed her into a sultry, wanton woman and the satisfaction of knowing she could make him tremble drove her to give him pleasure.

  “Oh God…fuck yeah, this cock is for you, only you, darlin’. Take it…take it all.”

  “Yes.” Penny exhaled, plunging his cock into her mouth.

  She rolled to her side, hips rhythmically thrusting as his fingers fucked her pussy and thrummed her hooded bead. A garbled cry escaped her as she seized in pleasure.

  “Penny…I’m gonna come,” he warned.

  Refusing to let him retreat, Penny reached around his hips and dug her fingernails into his ass.

  “Oh shit….yes, yes…ah…” Chase bellowed as he erupted.

  Sated, she slowly released him from her grip, the tremors of ecstasy subsiding. Penny squealed as Chase slid next to her, bringing her into his embrace. Inhaling his sea-tinged scent, she pressed her lips to his chest.

  As she lay in his arms, she knew that while she may have mastered the master, Chase had stolen her heart. The sexual words they’d confessed in passion had meant nothing. Like an illusion come into clarity, she realized she owned nothing. She fought the shroud of melancholy that threatened to destroy their remaining hours together. Closing her eyes, she cuddled against him, yearning for a future with her unattainable lover.

  Chapter Eleven

  As Chase lifted his glass to his lips, he gazed upon Penny. He’d told her she looked stunning, but words did little to describe her beauty. The elegant blue tie-dyed chiffon swept down her back to her feet, with its mini-dress front revealing her long tanned legs. Over the shoulder draping accentuated her tanned shoulders. As his eyes devoured her, he resisted the urge to touch her sun-kissed skin, leaning back into his chair.

  As the band played, her eyes darted to his. Her infectious smile warmed him straight through to his heart, and he began to rethink his experiment. To call it a success or failure couldn’t describe what had happened to him. It didn’t matter that they’d just met. Penny Travis was not and would never be a forgotten, carefree affair.

  While he loved Evan like a brother, they’d fought when they’d returned from diving. Chase had insisted he wouldn’t hurt Penny, but Evan argued that she’d already developed feelings for him. He’d played it off, telling him that he and Penny had decided to keep things light. But nothing could be further from the truth. Despite her denials and casual responses, he detected the sadness in her eyes whenever they mentioned leaving paradise.

  Chase had been profoundly affected by their dive. Even though she’d lost focus, she’d trusted him completely, allowing him to share with her the exquisite unique environment that few humans were privy to seeing, his world. Unable to let her slip through his fingers, Chase planned to ask her the question again, the very one to which she’d refused to answer; would she consider moving?

  It was insane for him to ask, he knew. She’d have no reason to throw away her entire career for a man. But ignoring what he believed was developing into love simply wasn’t an option. At one point, he’d agreed with her, telling her he didn’t believe in soulmates. But every single time they had a conversation, made love, it felt surreal. Domination turned into submission and back again. Humor melded into heartfelt discussions, where he ended up revealing more about himself to her than he’d ever told anyone.
Their last day together was quickly approaching. If he didn’t take action, they’d soon be three thousand miles apart with no hope of a future.

  The band transitioned into a ballad, and he stood, extending a hand to her. A broad smile crossed her face as she accepted, following him onto the dance floor. He pulled her close, and they swayed gently to the island beat.

  “I don’t want to go home,” he heard her say. Her voice wavered as she spoke.

  “I don’t want to go home, either, darlin’. But alas, we do have to return to reality.”

  “This has been the best time of my life,” she confessed.

  “Penny, this thing between us…I don’t want it to end.” Chase pressed his lips to the top of her head as they danced. “We’re going to have to talk.”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “That it is.”

  “We could try to see each other a few times a year. You said you come to New York.”

  “I do.”

  “We could Skype. Facetime?”

  “True, but long distance relationships are hard on the heart. I can’t expect you to date only me when we don’t get to see each other.”

  “Yes,” she whispered, disappointment in her tone.

  “On the other hand…” Chase stopped dancing and gently tilted her chin up so her gaze met his. He stared into her blue eyes for several seconds as if he were searching her soul. But in truth, he was looking for answers that were already inside him. “I wouldn’t…I don’t want you seeing anyone else. I want this…us.”

  “Chase, I don’t know how…”

  The music grew louder, and people flooded the dance floor. As the din blared around them, Chase only heard the sound of his heart pounding as he bent to kiss her. With passion, he captured her lips, imparting the emotion he’d kept hidden. Penny returned his loving kiss, and he swept his tongue against hers, tasting his sweet lover. In each other’s arms, it was as if they were the only two people in the room.

  Chase registered the sound of the MC rousing the crowd, his voice booming into the air, and he slowly broke away from Penny. The intensity of the moment didn’t falter, however. As Chase’s eyes locked onto Penny’s, he was certain about his course of action; he’d ask her to move to California. He’d present his best argument to the lawyer who valued logic and set out to win the case and her heart.