Caught Inside

by Kristie Leigh

  “You like watching?” Her voice was husky as she breathed out the words.

  I looked up and locked eyes with her. “I like watching you.”

  She laid down on top of me as if she could read my mind, knowing I needed to be close to her. I gripped her ass, encouraging her languid movements and took her lips with mine. We maintained our connection as we both reached our orgasms, crying out into the night’s sky. We both lay there, catching our breath and unwilling to move.

  “You’ve ruined me for any other woman.” I truly believed she had.

  Who knew this vacation would turn out to have such a profound impact on my life?

  I’m not sure why Friday took so long to come, but I was bouncing all over the place. Between Easton’s being called into work and the guys wanting to hang out, Thursday was a complete bust. Although I wasn’t looking forward to another day of surfing, I couldn’t wait to see Easton.

  When we arrived at the spot where we’d agreed to meet, the girls were already there. Easton and Sadie were applying sunscreen as we approached, Rhian looked up from sunbathing on a towel nearby and waved.

  “You boys ready to wipe out?” She barely even spared us a second glance before she laid back down.

  I smacked Sean and Dustin on the stomach playfully as the nervousness started. I’d never really been bad at anything, but I truly sucked at surfing. With enough practice, I’d eventually be able to stand up, but seeing as surfing wasn’t a big deal back home, I wasn’t too worried about that. I just hated looking like a complete loser in front of Easton.

  “Hey,” Easton said as she got up and started jogging our way. Her big smile had me forgetting all about the sharks.

  “Hey, yourself,” I whispered against her lips before kissing her senseless. I didn’t care about the groans around us. All that mattered was this girl in my arms.

  She pulled back, and I was sure the look on my face matched the dopey expression she had on hers. I put my arm around her waist and pulled her close.

  Sadie put down her board and came over. “Who’s ready?” She was as giddy as a schoolgirl.

  “I think you two are just excited to watch us all fall like idiots.” Looked like Sean wasn’t so confident anymore.

  “I think I should just sit here with Rhian and save my body the grueling punishment, so I am ready and available for more exciting activities.” I tickled Easton’s rib cage when her shoulders bounced against my side. “What are you giggling about?”

  “More exciting activities,” she attempted what I assumed to be my voice and failed miserably.

  I clutched my stomach and laughed harder than I should’ve, but she was just so damn cute.

  Rhian sat up. “Tanner and I could take out the Sea-Doo’s while y’all surf.”

  I saw Rhian and Easton exchange a look I couldn’t decipher.

  Sean slapped me on the back with a big smile on his face. “Make sure you put on your sunscreen, sweetie, so you don’t end up looking like a lobster, fuckface.”

  “I’ve got some thanks.” I elbowed him and muttered, “I can’t wait to watch you fall flat on your ass.”

  “Come on, guys. Let me give you the rundown on the basics.”

  Sean and Dustin took off with Sadie since I already had those basics fresh from the other day.

  Easton turned to face me. “You sure you don’t want to try again? You weren’t as bad as you think; you’ll get better.” She wrapped her arms around my neck, looking up at me with puppy dog eyes. “I don’t want to push you; I just want you to know that I’ve never given a lesson to someone who learned how to ride the same day.”

  I sighed but gave in, knowing she was the expert, and I didn’t want to disappoint her. I was also praying that she was right, and I would be just a little bit better than Sean. “Fine,” I breathed out. “Sorry, Rhian, she convinced me.” I shrugged.

  “Your funeral.” She jumped up and grabbed her skateboard before heading toward the skate park, not too far from where we stood.

  “Rhian doesn’t surf?”

  Easton shook her head. “Nah, she’s a skater through and through. People think just because they can skate or snowboard, they can surf. Well, Rhian learned the hard way years ago and almost drowned.”

  “Oh shit.” I watched as Rhian walked away. “Wow, that’s some scary shit. Those Sea-Doos are sounding better and better.”

  She swatted my arm. “Don’t be silly. You’re nowhere near cocky, just keep a level head out there. I wouldn’t put you in a bad situation. Rhian went out when she shouldn’t have, and it almost cost her life.” She looked out over the water. “Today’s the perfect day.”

  Sean threw his hands into the air and shouted, “I’m the snowboard king; I got this!”

  “I swear that guy doesn’t think. I’m ten times better than he is at boarding, and surfing is no walk in the park for me. I can’t wait to see this. It’s going to be amazing.” I wrapped my arm around Easton, and we walked over to the others.

  “This should be interesting,” she said.

  “You could say that again.”

  Easton and I paddled out and sat on our boards to get a good view of the show as Dustin went first. After a few tries, he actually was pretty good. I mean he was no Easton, but he was a million times better than I was.

  I watched Sean with his cocky attitude. I knew exactly what he was thinking. Dustin actually sucked at snowboarding and was able to do decently, so he thought he had it in the bag. It was a dick move but I prayed, yes prayed, that he fell.

  I held my breath as he got up the first time. He actually did all right but jumped ship before he fell. The next couple of times went much the same, but on the fifth try, he bailed hard. As much as it was entertaining, when the board popped up and he didn’t come up right after, we watched with bated breath, looking around. Easton got up on her board and dove in after him.

  What felt like hours later, both Easton and Sean broke the surface. I helped Easton get him up onto the board. He coughed up some water, and I could almost hear everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

  We got him to shore where he got up on all fours, coughing and trying to catch his breath. When he seemed to finally even out his breathing, he sat up. “Dude, did you see that? Let’s do it again.” Leave it to Sean to think what he just did was cool.

  I shook my head and held back the urge to slap him. “You’re such a douche.”

  “What?” He was clueless as to what just happened.

  Easton convinced him to rest a little bit and also convinced me it was my turn. As we paddled out, she gave me a pep talk, explaining that what happened to Sean happens to everyone who’s cocky and inexperienced. She wanted me to focus and know my limits.

  I nodded as she spoke, although I was terrified. For once, it wasn’t as much about the sharks but rather drowning. Honestly, I wasn’t sure which was worse.

  I took a deep breath and went for it. I waited for the wave just like Easton had taught me and stood up when I was supposed to. It was a small wave compared to what you’d see in a movie or what I had seen Easton ride, but I got up nonetheless and rode it all the way to shore. I could hear Easton cheering for me, and when I was done, I looked over at her. Easton’s pride made me feel like I’d won the lottery. I honestly felt like she was the winning prize.

  We’d all thrown a dart and I’d won when we landed on Pahokee, California.

  Eleven

  Walk Away Now

  Easton

  I’d been lying in bed since I got back from my run, trying to convince Spencer and Carson to let us use the Sea-Doo’s two days in a row. It was not an easy feat. They finally agreed to let us use three of them, which was all right by me, I’d just have to double up with Tanner, and Sean and Dustin could each take their own. We’d planned on taking them out after surfing yesterday, but the guys were exhausted from being beaten up by the waves. I wanted to get Tanner and his friends out on them before they left, so I bribed the guys with free drinks the next time they cam
e into Barangas.

  I dropped my phone after finally convincing them and sighed. He’s leaving tomorrow. The thought hit me like a ton of bricks. What was I going to do when he was gone? This was going to be the hardest thing I’d ever had to do.

  My phone pinged beside me, so I picked it up, glad for the distraction.

  Canadia: Morning, beautiful.

  The butterflies took flight in my belly, and I smiled.

  Me: Good morning. You guys up for getting back on the water today?

  Canadia: Ummmm

  Me: Haha. I mean on a Sea-Doo

  Canadia: Hell yeah

  Me: Awesome, we have to have them back around six, and I could only get three machines, but we can double up ;)

  Canadia: Having your arms wrapped around me all day will be a tough day, but I’ll take one for the team.

  Me: Wow, that’s such a sacrifice.

  Canadia: I do what I can. So, what time do I get to see you?

  Me: I’ve got to meet Joe for a little while, but what do you say around two?

  Canadia: I’m literally pouting right now, but I’ll take what I can get.

  Me: I’ll hurry, and if I finish early, I’ll text you.

  Canadia: Sounds good, I’ll be ready.

  Ugh, I couldn’t believe that after tomorrow I was never going to see him again. A tear rolled down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away. Suck it up, Easton. What the hell was wrong with me?

  I took a deep breath and jumped out of bed to shower. I wasn’t going to sit around, feeling sorry for myself. I needed to get over this shit, and a shower would help.

  Things ran a little later than expected with Joe. I’d let Tanner know, but I was disappointed. By the time we got out of the meeting, it was three-thirty, and I was in a horrible mood. But the moment I saw Tanner standing on the dock, my mood instantly perked up.

  He smiled as he walked my way. “There she is.” He pulled me in the instant I was within reach. “I missed you.”

  I kissed him and pulled him close, not wanting to let go. “I missed you, too.”

  “Don’t sound so surprised.” He laughed as he hugged me back.

  “I have to admit I am surprised. This last week has been full of new feelings, and it has shocked the ever-loving shit out of me.”

  He looked down at me thoughtfully. “I’m a great influence. That’s why I’m not sure what you’re going to do without me.”

  My voice caught in my throat. I wasn’t sure how to respond to that as I’d wondered the exact thing. I could feel my chest tighten, and my eyes watered slightly. I swallowed hard and breathed deep, trying to clear this feeling of dread.

  His brow furrowed. “I’m sorry.” He kissed me, causing the world to melt away. When he pulled back, I could breathe again. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I was trying to be funny. Clearly, I’m an idiot. Can you forget I said anything?”

  “It’s okay. It’s been a long day, and I just want to get out on the water and have some fun.” I smiled a fake smile and kissed him on the cheek.

  We lowered the Sea-Doo’s into the water, and I gave the guys the rundown on how to use them. After a few minutes, Sean and Dustin took off. I climbed on behind Tanner and took hold of his waist. The guys circled nearby, waiting for us. When we reached them, they all raced off over the water like bats out of hell.

  We splashed the others and bounced around when we jumped over their waves. This was precisely what I’d needed today, mindless fun to clear my head of Tanner’s pending departure.

  My phone went off, alerting me that time had gotten away from us. We needed to head back in. Spencer would be waiting at the dock when we got back.

  Sean and Dustin took off to the hotel for some drinks, but we opted to go for a walk. We walked along the beach and ended up at my secluded spot. I sat between Tanner’s legs as he wrapped his arms around me. The sun was starting to set, and it was the perfect end to our day.

  “I’m going to miss this,” he whispered in my ear. “I’m going to miss you.”

  As much as I tried to hold it in, a tear slipped down my cheek. “Me too,” I whispered.

  Tanner held me tighter, and I gripped his forearm, never wanting him to let go. I couldn’t believe that by this time tomorrow he’d be gone. I took a few deep breaths and laid my head back on him as we watched the sunset. There, I tried to control my breathing so I didn’t breakdown.

  We sat there in silence long after the sun had disappeared.

  “Do you want to come back to my room?”

  I turned around and raised a brow. “Is that all I’m good for?”

  “Absolutely not. If I recall, I was the one who wanted to spend time with you outside of a bed.”

  “Touché.” I kissed him. “I’d love to.” Tonight was our last night together, so I was going to make the best of it.

  We walked back to The Archibald hand in hand, in no rush, unlike the last time we were there. Tonight, I wanted to enjoy every second we could together.

  The moment he closed the door behind us, he caged me in against the door. “Stay with me?”

  The question took me by surprise, but I didn’t hesitate. I nodded, and a huge smile spread across his face.

  “You make me so happy.”

  I kissed him, not wanting to get all sappy and start to cry. I just wanted to live in this moment with him and appreciate the time we had left.

  “I should probably feed you. Room service?” He moved to grab the phone in the office area off the foyer.

  “Sounds good.” I slipped out of my sandals and stripped off my clothes.

  He hung up with room service. “They said they’d be about fifteen—” his words cut off as he turned around and dropped the pen he’d been holding. When he finally stopped gawking, he stalked toward me but stopped short. “Hold that thought.” He turned back around and picked up the phone. “Yes, can you please have them leave the cart outside and just knock?” He paused. “Perfect, thank you.” He dropped the phone back onto the receiver and turned to toward me.

  He stood motionless in front of me, looking me up and down. “You’re beautiful and all mine tonight.”

  I smiled sadly at the fact that he had to add that last word. I wish I were just his. I stepped forward and cupped his jaw. “Forever, in some ways, I always will be.”

  His eyes sparkled as I leaned in and kissed him. He lifted me and carried me over to the bed before putting me down at the foot of it. I started to remove his clothes slowly, but he had other ideas as he stripped down as quickly as I had. Chills ran down my spine when he pulled me into his arms.

  I smirked up at him. “Is someone in a rush?”

  He grinned back. “To be close to you, yes, but I’ll be drawing this out as long as you’ll let me.”

  “You may miss that flight of yours tomorrow.” The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted bringing it up again. “I’m sorry. I keep bringing up that you’re leaving like we need the reminder.” I rolled my eyes.

  “It’s all right. Let’s try not to think about it.”

  I snickered. “Yeah, a lot of good that’ll do.”

  He smacked my ass, catching me off guard.

  “What was that for?”

  “Distraction.” He kissed me, and that was the perfect distraction. He then laid me down on the bed and climbed on top of me before kissing his way down my body. His breath left a trail of goose bumps in its wake as he worked his way down to where I needed him most. He took his time around my stomach, driving me crazy.

  Pushing up onto my elbows, I looked down at him. “Fuck, Tanner.”

  The grin that spread across his face was evil, and I wanted to slap it off of him for torturing me. “Patience,” he whispered against my naval.

  I flopped back onto the bed in frustration, needing him to move faster but also knowing the slower the burn, the better the orgasm…but I was dying for release.

  I heard him chuckle, and I growled in irritation. Agonizingly slow was the pace he’d settled
on, but the moment his breath hit my clit, I moaned—he hadn’t even touched me. He ran his tongue through my slit, and I nearly came on the spot. I was a panting, thrashing mess.

  His hands pressed down on my inner thighs, pinning me in place.

  “Tanner, please.” I’d never begged before, but right now, I wasn’t above it.

  “Please, what?” He continued his lazy circles around my clit.

  “I need to come—” My words were cut off as he inserted two fingers and curled them forward. I screamed out in pleasure as he picked up the pace of his tongue lashings against my pussy. My one hand gripped the back of his head as the other clung to the headboard above me.

  The sound of someone knocking at the door barely registered as the world around me ceased to exist.

  Tanner stopped and looked up at me. “Should I get that?” He held back a smirk.

  “I’ll kill you.”

  He hummed softly, not the least bit phased by my death threat. Lucky for him, he dove right back in and didn’t disappoint. I came with a scream that probably woke the entire floor, but I didn’t care.

  I lay there, a breathless pile of post-orgasmic bliss as he crawled up my body, kissing me softly.

  I smiled against his lips. “Will you marry me?”

  “That’s one way to become an American.” His eyes crinkled at the sides as he smirked.

  “If I could have orgasms like that forever, that’s all that would matter.” I was kidding about the marriage part, but what I wouldn’t give to have orgasms like that on the daily.