What Emma Craves

by Amanda Abbott

  “Well, ladies,” Pete said, clearing his throat, “on that note, I’m going to take my beautiful wife home for the evening. We plan to stay holed up for a while, ordering room service and having great sex, so don’t be alarmed when you don’t see us. I’m sure we’ll resurface eventually.”

  Pete swept Emma out of the water without looking back.

  She held on to him, kicking out her feet and giggling as he carried her to their villa.

  * * *

  Emma stretched out in bed. She was relaxed and content. It was one o’clock in the afternoon. It’d been three days since they’d seen anyone else for more than a passing moment. They’d ordered all their meals in, and other than going out on the beach in front of their villa, or taking a few runs, they hadn’t ventured farther than their deck. Their pool had been amazing. Emma could float in there all day long, as it had shade from a few palm trees.

  The past few days had been exactly what Emma had needed and hoped for on this trip. A full reconnection of body and soul. She felt rejuvenated.

  This morning she’d gone on an early morning run. She had been out the door before sunrise, and by the time she arrived back to the villa, Pete had been up and ready for some fun. They’d spent the better part of the morning having sex, and then she’d taken a nap.

  “I’m going to be so spoiled now,” Emma said, rolling over, bringing her hands over her head to stretch. “I’m not going to be able to re-adapt to normal life. All I’m going to want is for you to feed me chocolate-covered fruit and massage my back for hours at a time.”

  Pete strode toward her as he towel-dried his hair. “I’m ready to give you another treatment as soon as you’re up for it.” He gyrated his hips, displaying his prominent erection. “This one will massage you on the inside.”

  “I can’t believe how often you’re hard,” Emma said with wonder in her voice. “What’s gotten into you? It’s like you’ve morphed into a sex machine.”

  Pete crawled onto the bed with her, grinning as he tossed the towel to the floor. “You’ve gotten into me, or is it I’ve gotten into you?” He placed his lips on her bare stomach. “You’re so enticing I can’t get enough.” He nipped her stomach.

  She swatted his shoulder. “Now I know you’re making things up!” She laughed. “You just like sex. Plain and simple.”

  “I love sex, but sex with you is driving me insane.” He moved up her body and took a pert nipple into his mouth. “It’s like when we just met. I can’t get enough.”

  “Me either.” She wound her hands into his hair, loving the feel and the texture of it. He had thick blond hair that curled at his neck. It’d always been a turn-on for her. “Remember when we holed up in your apartment for an entire week? That was pure bliss.”

  “I remember that all too well,” he murmured, taking the other nipple in his mouth as Emma groaned. “That’s when I realized how incredibly flexible you are.” He chuckled. “My dick couldn’t get enough. But I knew I was never going to let you go after our week together. I was already figuring out how I was going to propose.”

  “I knew I was going to marry you, too.”

  Pete propped himself up on an elbow, gazing down at her, his eyes heated. “I’m sorry we stumbled, but I want to make sure the rest of our years together are amazing like this. We’ll just have to make sure we keep finding our way back to this feeling and talking about it when things feel off.”

  “I agree—”

  The glass door to their bedroom suddenly slid open, and Mallory, followed by Charlotte, tumbled in. They were both dressed in sheer bathing suit cover-ups with nothing on underneath.

  “Okay, kiddies, I’m officially here to tell you your self-appointed hibernation is over!” Mallory announced as she draped herself on the bed. “The yacht hasn’t been the same without you, and I’m bored out of my mind. They really need to advertise this place to singles.”

  Emma giggled as she pulled a sheet around her and Pete. She wasn’t being modest, she just wanted privacy. “I don’t know,” Emma answered. “We’re having a pretty good time alone. The only thing missing for me is my junk food and a ballet barre so I can stretch my aching muscles and get in a good workout.”

  “They have a small convenience store here,” Mallory said. “They can deliver whatever you want, sans the barre. But that’s beside the point! We miss you guys. And it’s my last night. I fly out with the dawn tomorrow morning.”

  Charlotte had gone into the living room and was tugging a chair in. She sat by the bed, resting her feet on the mattress. “Plus, tonight is the monthly Saturday pool party,” Charlotte added. “You guys have to come. We want to have dinner on the yacht first. Antonio is already arranging it. He’s having the restaurant cater some specialty items for us and deliver them piping hot, and that man gets what he wants. Then it’s pool party time. You can’t miss it. It’s the bomb.”

  “What happens at the pool party?” Pete asked, pulling Emma into his arms as he reclined against the headboard. She snuggled in, loving the attention.

  “Don’t you guys read the fine print? What doesn’t happen at Pool Party Saturday?” Mallory said. “It’s a free-for-all, and it’s my favorite night to be here. They don’t schedule many activities, but this one happens on the second Saturday of every month, rain or shine. They do it up. They bring in a DJ, string up more lights, and host a full bar at the pool’s edge. There’s a lot of drinking and a lot of fucking to be had by all. It’s a great time. It’s one of the only times almost everyone shows up.”

  “And if it makes you feel any better, Antonio is totally repentant,” Charlotte said. “In fact, it’s been awesome for me, since I’m back to being his number one fuck buddy. He really wants you guys to join us tonight. He told us to tell you he admires Pete’s gumption—his word, not mine—and would hire him at his company in a heartbeat. He also said to tell Emma that she’s breathtakingly beautiful, but he will respect both your wishes to keep his dick out of it. Of course, if those wishes should ever change, and Emma wants to have sex, he’s open to that as well,” Charlotte chortled. “Leave it to the Cuban to keep all avenues open. I have to say, that man loves the chase. But once you’re caught, it gets stale fast, so in my opinion you dodged a bullet.”

  Emma glanced up at Pete to gauge his reaction. “It’s up to you,” she told him. “I can go either way.”

  “A catered dinner on the yacht is a hard invitation to pass up,” Pete said. “And the pool party sounds intriguing, so I say we go.”

  “You heard the man,” Emma said to the girls. “What time should we be ready?”

  “We’re going to meet at the marina at seven,” Mallory said, pulling herself off the bed dramatically, arching her back, yawning, raising her arms above her head. “We’re going to head out now and let you guys get back to your regularly scheduled romp. Unless, of course, you want company?” She looked hopeful. “Then, by all means, we’ll stay.”

  Emma chuckled. “We’re not ready for company yet,” she informed the supermodel. It was hard to believe Emma was going to turn this beauty away. “But we’ll keep you posted. Who knows what the night will bring?”

  “I like the sound of that,” Mallory said as she stood and turned toward the door. “Come on, Char. Let’s hit the beach bar and liquor up. I saw the cute new guy head in that direction a little while ago.”

  Charlotte got up and followed her out. “That guy wasn’t a guest. He was a new staff member, and he was going to his new position as bartender.”

  “Whatever,” Mallory said, flicking her arm behind her. “If he’s single and wants to fuck me, who am I to turn him away?”

  Charlotte shook her head. “You are the horniest girl I’ve ever met. Are you sure you’re not a guy?”

  They continued their banter as they left the villa.

  Emma snuggled into Pete more, basking in contentment. “Are you sure you want to go on Antonio’s boat?” she asked, drawing a circle around his belly button. “We can still do the party and no
t eat on the boat.”

  Pete shrugged. “It’s fine. He’s not a bad guy, and he has great taste in women. If this were a regular resort, I would’ve laid him out. But this is a resort where that kind of behavior is expected, to a degree. I can only fault him to a point. Plus, it’s a free dinner on a yacht. I’m not going to complain.”

  “What do you think the pool party will be like? We should probably talk about our expectations before we go.” Emma was a little hesitant about attending. She didn’t want to take a step backward when they’d had three perfect days together. “I’m not sure we’re ready to jump back into the lifestyle full force.”

  “How about we decide that tonight is going to be about us and our pleasure, and leave it at that?”

  “Sounds perfect to me.”

  21

  __________________________

  ____________

  “The food here is to die for,” Emma announced to the table. “I never want to leave. When we get back home, it will feel hollow and cold, I know it will.” She popped another delicious shrimp into her mouth. The yacht was anchored fairly close to shore, bobbing on small waves.

  The sun was going to set very soon.

  “They do everything perfectly right here,” Antonio agreed. “I’ve tried to inquire about becoming a partner, but they shut me out every time. There’s no interest. It’s a family-run business. But they have all this acreage.” He gestured to shore. “They could expand and make a lot more money.”

  “Maybe for once it’s not about the money,” Mallory said. “Maybe they just enjoy living here, and that’s enough. I think it’s very American to want more, more, more. We can’t seem to get enough of anything. We want more money, sex, power, fame, you name it. It’s tiring as hell. I envy them for this island and the simple life.”

  Charlotte nodded her agreement.

  The girls were all dressed casually in sundresses, the guys in linen pants and T-shirts. It felt like a normal night out, and Emma was enjoying it immensely. “I totally agree with Mallory,” Emma commented. “We are a society of we-can’t-possibly-get-enough, and I love that this resort is so small. It feels intimate. If it was any bigger, it would feel like a commercial spot.”

  “Maybe so,” Antonio said, “but I can tell you there’s more island this resort can utilize without taking away its integrity. Have you guys explored the beaches around the island?” He addressed Pete and Emma specifically.

  “No,” Emma answered sheepishly, “but we plan to. I’ve only been out on a few runs, but I think we’ll ride the bikes tomorrow.”

  “If you head toward the opposite end, on the resort side, you’ll come to this beautiful horseshoe beach. They could build a few villas over there for folks who really wanted to be secluded, like us”—he gestured around the table—“who like to vacation together, but would like it to be exclusive.”

  Mallory snorted. “I do agree with that. I’d book out a private beach just for me and my crew.”

  “See, that’s what I’m talking about.” Antonio nodded. “I’m going to leave them my info again, along with a proposal before we go. Why not? It’s a missed opportunity.”

  “When are you guys leaving?” Emma asked Antonio. “Mallory leaves tomorrow. Are you guys staying a full week?”

  “No, we’re leaving day after tomorrow. We’re taking the yacht to another island before we fly out,” Antonio answered. “You guys are welcome to join us if you’d like.” He smiled.

  “That’s a nice offer,” Pete replied. “But we’re enjoying the villa and the island. Emma and I will likely stay holed up for the rest of our vacation, only venturing out when we have to.”

  Emma added, “We love not doing anything or having to be anywhere. The last three days have been heaven. I’ve read an entire book already! It would normally take me weeks to finish because I’m always so busy and worn out after a long workweek. We also have no desire to meet up with the Cheris and Harrys of the resort. You guys are an exception, not the norm.”

  “Yes,” Charlotte agreed. “There’s a mixed bag here for sure. But there are some normal couples, as you’ll see tonight. They keep to themselves, or only meet up for small gatherings. The pool party is where the real fun is. People tend to come out of their shells. I mean, why spend all the cashola if you can’t indulge once in a while?”

  “Let’s skinny-dip as the sun sets,” Mallory said. “That’s my last night’s request to you guys. Remind me to get your e-mails before the party so I can keep you informed about Fuck Me Island.” She laughed as she stood, stripping off her dress in one motion. She tossed it aside without a care in the world. “Antonio, I’m holding you to your promise that you’re still sending me.” She waltzed down the stairs, beckoning back to the table with a curled finger. “Come on, you guys! Last one in has to make me come hard tonight, no backsies.”

  Everyone glanced around.

  “Let’s go,” Charlotte said, standing. “That girl is hot enough to make me bi, I’m telling you.”

  Emma got up from the table and peeled her dress off, discarding it on the railing as she followed everyone down. Pete was just ahead of her, but his hand reached back to clasp hers.

  She smiled.

  This was going to be a great night.

  * * *

  “Damn!” Pete exclaimed as they walked into the pool area. “I don’t even recognize it.”

  “I know,” Mallory replied. “I told you they do it up.”

  “It looks like a dream,” Emma said.

  Not only were more lights strung from the trees, but pieces of fabric were interlaced above them. The entire place had been transformed into an exotic tented harem. Pete could get into this. There was a bar set up at the far end of the pool, the bartenders all bare-chested.

  “Let’s get a drink,” Charlotte announced, leading the group that way.

  Music was playing. It was an old rock ballad. Pete spotted the DJ on the other side of the pool. He was also naked from the waist up. The staff who worked the pool party must be accepting of the lifestyle. No one seemed to be the least bit bothered.

  Several couples were in the pool and some on the double loungers. Pete couldn’t see the two smaller pools past the waterfall because of their angle.

  He followed everyone to the bar. When it was his turn to order, he said, “I’ll take a beer, whatever you have is fine. Thanks.”

  After everyone had been served their drinks, Mallory motioned. “Come over here. There are some cabanas open.” On the far side of the pool, Pete spotted a few tent structures set up. Inside, there were several couches with a long table in the middle. It was meant to be cozy, and it worked.

  “This seems like a lot of work for just one party,” Pete commented as they sat. “Do they really do this once a month?”

  “They have this place down to a science, so I don’t think it takes them that much time,” Antonio answered. “They do this party monthly, but they also cater special events and throw parties and theme gatherings during the year. I’d actually love to spend New Year’s here, but it’s booked out several years already.”

  Emma sat down next to him. Pete was oddly anticipatory about how the night was going to turn out. It could go a number of ways, but he’d been serious when he told Emma that he wanted it to be about them. Thinking that she might change her mind and want to be with someone else made his chest feel tight again. He hated that feeling, but at least now he understood what it meant.

  He couldn’t believe it had taken so many years for him to feel anything like it, but he couldn’t fault Emma for being the perfect companion. She had spoiled him in a way he could now be thankful for and appreciate.

  She was the only girl he’d ever loved.

  Emma stroked his thigh. “So are people going to be fucking all over like they do at an orgy?” she asked the group.

  “Pretty much,” Mallory answered. “The pool is the main draw. Next are the loungers where I found you two the first night. I say we meander to the pool afte
r we finish these drinks.” She held her cocktail aloft. “I don’t know about you guys, but I plan to come a few times tonight. Who knows when I’ll be on the receiving end of human touch once I get home? If I don’t come by my own hand, there’s not a lot of coming to be had for me in New York. It’s a sad state of affairs. I think feeling sorry for me is in order.”

  “That’s why the dating island Antonio is sending you to will be perfect,” Emma said. “I’m sure you’re going to find someone there! I’m excited for you.”

  “Don’t hold your breath. You’re much too lovely to perish in such a way,” Mallory said. “I’m not at all optimistic, but that’s okay. I plan to enjoy myself to the fullest, stock up on orgasms, and drink like a fish. That will tide me over until the next time I come here. Antonio,” she called, “so when are you sending me on this adventure anyway?”

  “Oh, so now you want the details?” He chuckled.

  “Nope, not details. Just merely interested in the roundabout timetables.”

  “If all goes well, we’ll be ready for clients at the beginning of next month. I have your e-mail, and if you haven’t changed your address, we’re good. That’s how my secretary will get a hold of you. She’ll be setting it up.”

  “Sure,” Mallory said, “when we’re here, we’re all friends and exchange sexual favors. But when we’re home, it’s all secretaries and official business.”

  Antonio arched a look at her. “I’m assuming my secretary will be going through your publicist, correct?”

  Mallory shrugged. “Well, yeah, okay, but so? It’s all so impersonal! I remember the days when people talked on the phone and were real friends, not fake ones.”

  “Chickie,” Charlotte said. “You’re barely twenty-three. I’m pretty sure most people had cell phones and were connected to the Internet before you were six. You probably grew up only texting.”