“What’s so funny?” Fraser appeared in the doorway, his suspicious gaze only fuelling our laughter further, “Oh, I get it. How about I put coffee on while you two talk or…whatever,” He grumbled, walking into the kitchen.
“Oh Kel-." I stopped as my phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, “Hello?”
“Hey Lily, it’s Dane,” The sound of his silky smooth voice put a smile on my face. Kella rolled her eyes and went to join Fraser in the kitchen.
“Hi,” I smiled, “What happened to your cell? How are you? How did you sleep?” I cringed. Who was I, his grandmother?
“This is the landline, my cell is charging, and I slept well thanks,” He laughed, amused by my nervousness, “Really well, actually. I was wondering, do you have plans for today?”
“No,” The idea of spending the day with Dane was incredibly enticing, “What did you have in mind?” I asked curiously, knowing whatever it was, I’d be in. He could suggest we go swimming in cow dung and I’d be in.
“How’s your foot?” He asked.
“My foot?” I hadn’t been expecting that, “It’s better. Why?”
“Good. I will pick you up in half hour. Wear some comfy shoes,” He hung up before I could get any more information out of him. Comfy shoes? I was the queen of comfy shoes. Getting up, I walked into the kitchen to find Kella sitting on the bench, her robe undone, with Fraser all over her.
“Guys!” I whined. To their credit, they both looked embarrassed, and they both mumbled some sort of apology. “You’ll be glad to learn I’m going out for the day, so you’ll have this place to yourself for…whatever,” I screwed my nose up, not really wanting to think too hard about what I knew they’d be doing.
“Dane again? This is getting serious,” Kella whistled. Fraser’s eyes shot up in surprise.
“Dane Hansen?” He asked, shocked. He shook his head, “Wow, nobody has been able to get close to him since before he disappeared last year.” I eyed Fraser. I had been hearing that a lot.
Why was it the Dane I saw seemed to be a completely different person to the one everyone else knew?
I shrugged, “We get on so well. I wasn’t here last year, so I have no idea what to say,” I shrugged again, wishing I didn’t sound so defensive.
“Hey don’t get me wrong. I’ve always thought he was a great guy. And I’ve been the butt of so many rumors that I’ve learnt not to listen to them about anyone,” He rolled his eyes. I smiled at him.
Fraser was so much more level headed than I’d expected. I winked at Kella. She nodded, smiling, no words necessary. After so long as friends, she knew I approved.
“Have fun Lil. I’m glad you’re happy,” Kella smiled at me. I was happy. At least, until I had to think about Abby and her message.
For today at least, I was putting that out of my mind
Chapter Eleven
After a quick (for me) shower, I stood in front of my closet in my underwear trying to choose an outfit. I’d chosen my nice matching bra and panties (really my only matching set that wasn’t frayed or full of holes), which I was going to rename my ‘Date with Dane’ pair. The only time I wore them was on our dates. In the back of my mind, I knew there would come a time where I’d need a few more sets, and hopefully that would be sooner rather than later. Pulling on a pair of khaki shorts, and a singlet, I tied my hair back in a messy bun, threw on some eye shadow and lip gloss.
There. I was ready with five minutes to spare, a first for me. I slipped into my runners and went downstairs to wait.
“Don’t you look fresh and outdoorsy,” Kella said dryly, poking her tongue out at me as I made a face at her. “You look nice Lil. If he doesn’t try and get in those shorts he must be gay,” She added. I laughed at the image of Dane parading around in my little shorts.
“You’re such an idiot,” I giggled, kissing her on the cheek as Dane blasted the horn outside, “See you later,” I smiled, wiggling my eyebrows.
Sliding into the passenger seat beside Dane, my heart raced at the mere sight of him.
In his shorts which showed off his strong tanned legs, and a fitted shirt through which I could see the outline of his chest, I longed to press myself up against him again. Every touch we shared was amazing. Fireworks, thunderstorm inducing, volcano erupting amazing.
“Hey,” He smiled, his voice husky as he gave me the once over. He leaned across, gently gripping my neck as his lips met mine. I could have stayed lock in that embrace for hours. I couldn’t keep the disappointment off my face when he finally pulled away. I wanted more, dammit!
“There’ll be plenty more time for that later, Lil,” He murmured. I smiled. That made me very happy, an afternoon fooling around with Dane.
“So where are we going, anyway?” I asked, locking my seatbelt into place.
“I want to show you something,” He smiled, then laughed at my wicked grin, “Not that, you dirty girl. Well, I do want to show you that, but that’s not what I meant,” He muttered. I giggled as he fumbled his words. If only he knew how much I was looking forward to seeing that.
As we drove down the central highway, I gazed out the window at the stunning scenery. I had no idea where we were (I was possibly the most geographically challenged person on this earth), but between the winding roads, the green treetops and the amazing view, I didn’t care.
Dane’s hand rested on my leg, a feeling I loved. It felt so comfortable.
I felt so comfortable. I felt like I’d known this guy forever.
“It’s beautiful,” I said, turning my head to smile at him.
“Very beautiful,” He agreed, his eyes on me. I blushed. He pulled into a small dirt road, and a few hundred feet down the track we stopped in what seemed to be a makeshift parking area.
“We’re here,” He grinned, getting out. I looked around, confused. We seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. He chuckled softly, “Come on,” He coaxed. I eyed him suspiciously, but followed him and his knapsack down a narrow track. Was he going to kill me and bury me out here? I mean, there were rumors of rape and murder.
After a few minutes of walking up hill, the trees cleared into what was the most amazing pool of water I had ever seen. White as white sand stretched the length of the clear blue water, all of which was surrounded by massive rock like boulders. It was truly beautiful, and I wished I’d brought a camera with me so I could capture this memory. I turned to Dane, who was watching my reaction.
“Dane it’s beautiful!” I stepped out, taking my runners and socks off and letting my toes curl into the warm sand. Dane took my hand and guided me down to the water.
“I thought you’d like it,” He grinned, “This is my favorite place in the world. I’ve never brought anyone here. I’m not even sure anyone else knows about it,” He sighed as he looked out over the water. I shook my head. How could a place this beautiful stay a secret?
I watched as Dane lay a blanket down on the sand. We both sat down. I leaned against him, letting him pull me into his arms.
“It’s beautiful,” I sighed. I knew I was repeating myself, but I honestly couldn’t help it. This was the most stunning place on earth. And the most romantic. “Thank you,” I turned to him, tilting my head to meet his tender lips. His hands under my top, on my bare back felt so warm.
I stood up, walking to the water’s edge, and dipped my toes in.
God it felt nice. It had been ages since I’d gone swimming. I think the last time was on a family holiday the year before Abby was diagnosed.
“You should have told me to bring my swimming gear,” I said accusingly, turning back to Dane. He grinned, pushing himself off the rug and coming over to join me.
“Why exactly do you need swimmers?” He whispered in my ear suggestively. I pushed him away, laughing.
“I’m not going skinny dipping with you, if that’s your plan,” I retorted, laughing.
“Hey, who said anything about skinny dipping?” He held his hands up innocently. He gave me a smile, and lifted his shirt over his
head, “You’ve got underwear on, don’t you? How different is that to a bikini?” He asked.
I opened my mouth to respond. Nothing came out as I was distracted by the sight of his bare, naked chest. Tanned like the rest of him, I couldn’t resist putting out my hand, running my fingers over his ripped muscles. I groaned inwardly, touching him was making me so unbelievably horny. He was so god dammed hot.
His hands glided upwards on my back, lifting my singlet top in the process. I raised my arms as he guided it over my head. The discarded top fell to the sand as his hands roamed over my skin.
“You look so fucking amazing, Lil,” He kissed me deeply, his fingers trailing over the cup of my bra, brushing over my breast. I pressed myself against him, reveling in his kiss. His lips trailed down my neck, over my breasts, down my stomach, until he was kneeling in front of me, his head level with my naval. I breathed in sharply as he slowly undid my shorts, not breaking the contact with my eyes.
Ever so gently, he tugged at the side of my shorts. Not needing much encouragement, they quickly fell to the ground. I stepped out of them and kicked aside. His hands travelled up the back of my legs until they reached my thighs, finally resting on my buttocks. My eyes grew wide as he leaned in and kissed the point where my panties began. He was so close. So damn close.
Suddenly, without warning, he hoisted me onto his shoulder and ran towards the water.
“No!!” I screamed, laughing, knowing exactly what was coming. I screamed again as he threw me, water engulfing me. I emerged from the water to see Dane standing, knee deep, laughing hysterically.
“You should see the look on your face right now,” He sputtered, wiping away tears. I glowered at him.
“Funny, huh? How’s this for funny?” I wound my arms back behind me and began splashing him wildly, chasing after him as he tried to run away. I lunged onto his back, dragging him under the water with me.
“Hey!” He yelled, breathing in sharply as his body adjusted to the freezing water, “No fair!” He pulled me onto his lap, his arms loosely wrapped around my waist, my hands clasped around his neck.
“I cannot believe you just did that to me,” I grinned. He laughed, shaking his head, still finding the whole thing very funny. Asshole.
“I’m sorry, but you were so in the moment, your eyes closed. You looked so god dammed hot…What else could I do?” He shrugged and looked at me helplessly, as if he’d had no choice.
I curled my legs around his waist and kissed him. His momentary shock gave way to a hunger as his lips caressed mine. My fingers ran through his wet hair as I bit down gently on his lip. I’d had it with waiting. I was over waiting, I needed him now.
“Ouch,” He whispered playfully, planting kisses on my neck, “You naughty little minx.” Below the water, I could feel just how naughty he thought I was as my hand brushed past his erection. His hands tickled my back as I giggled playfully, ‘accidentally’ grinding myself against his erection with every tickle.
“You’re working me up, sexy,” He said, as he nibbled on my ear, pushing himself against me. The feel of him against the thin, wet material of my panties was extremely arousing. He wiggled free of his shorts, so his length pressed against me. Now, the only thing between us was the thin material of my soaked panties. Every push, every grind sent shivers pulsating down my every nerve.
“Oh god,” I groaned. He buried his head between my breasts, deep into the cleavage my push up bra created. “I’m so…wet,” I finished, laughing, realizing how ridiculous that sounded. Of course I was fucking wet; I was in the middle of a lagoon! I gasped as he slipped a finger under the elastic of my panties, and into my entrance.
“Very wet,” He chuckled, as I moved my body, trying to delve his finger deeper inside of me. “What are you doing, Lil?” He shook his head, pulling his finger out. I poked my tongue out at him for ruining my fun, “Maybe you need to get rid of these?”
I let go of him, and removed them as gracefully as I could while submerged in water. I jumped back into his waiting lap, my arms taking their place around his neck. The tip of his length entered me, as he positioned himself on top of me. My body squirmed with delight as he pushed himself inside me.
Moving my arms until his lips met mine, I kissed him deeply as I rode him. There was something so intimate about kissing him while he was inside me. His thrusts became more intense, as his tongue flicked my nipple out from inside its bra cup. I moaned as he sucked on my nipple, the action bringing me close to orgasm. His hands clenched my hips as he guided me in and out at lightening pace, the intensity climaxing for both of us, at once.
“Oh god, Lil,” He muttered, eyes closed, and head back, milking the most out of the orgasm. I clenched myself around his girth, desperate to prolong the feelings rolling around inside me.
“Fuck that was amazing,” He whispered, half dazed and half shocked by what had just happened. I eased him out from inside of me, bringing myself back into his lap.
“Amazing doesn’t cover that,” I said, shaking my head, “There are no words to describe that,” I added. This sure beat awkward fourteen year old sex in a single bed.
Chapter Twelve
Dane smiled down at me, as we lay, our bodies curled together on a blanket on the sand. I smiled back, thinking.
Thinking about what I would give to have my sister back. As crude as it sounds, it’s probably moments like this when I missed her the most, being able to talk to her about things like this. Seeing her in my dreams was good, but knowing I’d never feel her touch, or hug her, or feel her breath on my cheek made me feel hollow inside.
“What’s up?” He asked. I looked up into Danes eyes. He was concerned, his eyebrows drawn together in concentration as he cleared some sand off my forehead.
“Just thinking,” I smiled.
“About your sister?” He asked gently. He kissed the top of my head. I nodded, surprised that his mind went to her right away, “What was she like?”
I smiled, “She was amazing. You would have loved her. She loved laughing. She was the best listener, the best sister...” My voice trailed off as Dane kissed away my tears.
He didn’t need to tell me it would be all right. Or things would get easier.
He knew.
He knew exactly what I was going through and how hard it was to get past, because he'd had nine years longer than me and he still hadn't gotten past it.
“Do you think about Steffy often?” I rolled onto my side, entwining my legs in his. He nodded, his nails running over my bare leg.
“Every day,” He admitted, “I try to imagine what she’d be like. She’d almost me sixteen now. I'd be chasing away the boys hanging around her like a good big brother.” He smiled, the sadness he was feeling evident in his eyes, “I blamed myself for years, and I was convinced my parents blamed me. She disappeared when I was supposed to be looking after her.”
“You were a kid, Dane. It was hardly your fault,” I said, knowing he’d have heard that many times before. And it wouldn’t have mattered. If you were intent on blaming yourself, nothing anybody else says is likely to change that.
“I know that now. I just wish we could bring her home. Let her rest, you know?” He focused on my forearm, drawing circles with his nail. I nodded. Abby’s words came flooding back to me. I wanted so badly to share with him what she’d told me, but I just couldn’t. Not yet. Not without some kind of proof.
“Well, that was the best date I’ve ever been on,” I smile at Dane, as he walked me to my door. He reached for my hand, pulling me into his arms. His hand moved around my neck as he guided my mouth toward his. My heart pounded at his proximity, the closeness of his lips, and the feel of his hands on my skin. If I could spend all day in his arms, I would.
As we kissed, I memorized everything about him. The way his tongue flicked against mine we he first moved in to kiss me. The smell of his aftershave, mixed with sweat and the saltiness of the sea. The way he looked at me when he found me irresistible, which seemed to be all t
he time.
“I had a great time too,” He whispered, kissing my lips, then my nose. In retaliation, I kissed his nose back, only bigger, and wetter. I laughed as he screwed up his face, wiping away my kiss.
“Hey,” I pouted, pretending to be offended, “You don’t like my kisses?”
“You know I love your kisses, I just wasn’t expecting your spit all over my face,” He chuckled, his eyes lighting up, “I don’t want you to go,” He added suddenly, his grin widening. We had just reached my front door, when he began to pull me back toward his car.
“What are you doing?” I laughed, not resisting. He bundled me back into the front seat, clasping the seatbelt into place.
“Stay with me tonight?” He pleaded, a silly grin playing on his lips.
“You can’t give me that look. That’s not fair. How am I supposed to say no to that?” I grumbled playfully. Dane fisted the air, and slammed the door shut.
“I’m taking that as a yes!” He yelled out, walking around the car. I giggled, holding my hands up to my cheeks. He jumped into the car.
“You’re crazy,” I laughed, secretly loving this.
“You love it,” He retorted. Okay, so maybe not so secretly. I glanced at him as he drove through the streets. “What?” He asked, catching my stare. I blushed and shook my head.
“Nothing, I just like looking at you,” I said shyly. He raised his eyebrows at me, reaching his hand across to my leg. I jumped as he rested it there, trying to keep the stupid grin off my face. God he must think I’m an idiot.
“What are you laughing about?” He asked amused, “You are a weird one, Lily,” He said, shaking his head.
“I’d rather be weird than boring,” I shrugged.
“Oh, so you’re calling me boring now?” He accused, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
“No! That’s not what I meant! I mean…” I fumbled my words, eventually realizing he was messing with me. “Oh, nice,” I poked my tongue out as he laughed.
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