I raise my eyebrows in surprise. “I guess I should be flattered then.”
“Trust me, Alison. I’m the one that’s flattered. Besides, I get to see you in that swimsuit. It was well worth the drive.”
I move to hit his arm, but he uses the opportunity to lean in and steal another kiss from my lips. I stand up almost immediately, and Vincent moves to join me.
“Listen, Alison I…” I don't know where this conversation is going but am not ready to spoil this moment. I lean forward and push against his chest, sending him backward. I double over in laughter at the look of pure shock that registers on his face right before he hits the water.
Chapter 20
Vincent
Alison is waiting on me when I walk into the bedroom we are sharing back at the hotel. Today has been both amazing and frustrating. The memory of sharing something so beautiful with Alison will stick with me forever.
It is a little surreal that she’s been spending so much time with me, even though it seems like I get on her nerves ninety percent of the time. I was hopeful that I could talk to her today about what is going on between us, but she clearly wasn’t in the mood since she pushed me into the water.
I didn’t want to ruin things, so I took the hint. A big reason I added Mexico to the trip list was because I couldn’t handle the thought of our relationship ending after Iceland. I wasn’t ready to let her go.
I can’t read her yet. I don’t know if this all means nothing to her. Me? I am falling…fast and hard.
I step out of the shower, wrapping a towel around my waist as I move into the bedroom.
“Holy shit!” I stop dead in my tracks at the sight of Alison spread out across the bed, dressed in nothing but barely there lingerie
“Well…I wasn’t expecting that. You look amazing!” I let my eyes trail down her body, taking in every little detail. I can see her pink nipples through the white lace and the small, dark thatch of curls behind the matching panties.
“I hope so. All of this was pretty expensive.”
I let out a small laugh as I walk around the bed to admire her. She rolls from her side to her stomach, exposing the G-string that runs up her delicious ass. I run my hand over my stubble-lined jaw, clenching my teeth in anticipation.
“You did a good job. It’s a shame that I’m not going to let it stay on that long, but I’m sure it’ll look almost as good on the floor.”
Alison curls a finger and pushes herself back further on the bed to summon me over to her, but as I began to move over her, she leans up and pushes me onto my back. Something about the outfit she is wearing has gone to her head, and she is feeling like taking things over for herself this time.
“Nuh uh…” Alison moves to grab the towel from around my waist, pulling it off, tossing it to the floor. “It’s my turn, Mr. Crawford.”
Fuck! Hearing her call me that has me rock hard and ready to beg for her to take me in her mouth.
I lay back, placing my hands under my head to glance at her with a sly grin.
“Fair enough, Alison. I promise to be patient.”
She moves over to stand next to the bed, dragging the nail of her index finger along my upper thigh and over my hip with a wink.
“I promise that you’re going to be far from patient by the time I get done with you.” Her nails stop their path as she leans in to steal a kiss and move to position herself straddling my thighs, arms draping over my shoulders as she settles her weight onto my body.
She is taking her time, moving slowly against me as the two of us kiss with her fingers tangled in my hair. She tugs at it, nipping at my lower lip, drawing a groan from my mouth. My hands move to her hips to guide her motions until I stop her with a low growl.
“Fuck patience. I want you. Now.”
My voice is gravelly with desire, almost unrecognizable. It is a quick motion to move her body and position herself astride me; she leans over to the bedside table and grabs a condom, stretching it over my pulsing manhood. The full length of my cock is waiting at the opening of her pussy as she sinks onto it with a low moan.
She presses her hands against my chest as she begins to piston herself up and down my length. This is going to be quick. I’m grunting, thrusting my hips up every time she comes down on me. She changes the motion, grinding down hard on me as she swivels her hips and throws her head back. Her tits bounce with every move, and we’re both on the edge.
I grasp her a little more roughly, moaning with her as we both come together. My hands never leave her body, even when she begins moving against me, nails digging lightly into the plane of my chest as she uses her arms for leverage. My hand guides her every motion, and my eyes lock with hers.
“God, you’re beautiful, Alison.” I stare at her, my eyes taking in every inch. It is absolutely intoxicating to see watch her movements, seeing her confidence as she just lets her body control it all.
She continues to move as my cock hardens inside her. I need more. I wrap her in my arms, moving beneath her to keep the high from her orgasm going as I hold her still and use my hips to bring her to the brink of orgasm once again. My name is just a gentle whisper on her lips, but I want to hear it louder.
“Say it again, Alison. Say my name. Fuck, I love the way it sounds.”
This time she moans it loudly, thrusting her hips into mine in the same moment that she finds her release. Her nails dig more roughly into the skin of my shoulder blades. Her body shaking gently as a climax grasps ahold of her and rocks her until she goes limp against my chest.
“That’s my girl,” I growl as I begin to thrust harder, taking what I want. What I need.
“Please, Vincent…” Her voice is breathless.
“Please what?”
“God…” Her breath comes in a gasp as her head falls back onto the bed. “I want to feel you cum.”
I moan as my length twitches inside her, my hands pinning her hips to the bed, slamming deep into her one last time as she cries out along with me.
Chapter 21
Alison
The plane is just about to touchdown back at O’Hare as I stir in my seat. I am exhausted from another whirlwind week of work on top of passionate, hot sex. I never realized the limits that my body could handle…Vincent pushed me emotionally and physically past anything I had ever experienced. It was exhilarating and invigorating; my body craved his touch even when I knew I was completely depleted. He had explored every single inch of my body with his hands and mouth—kissing, licking, and biting his way across my flesh.
I have no idea what’s happening. We both agreed it would be casual, with no intentions, but it’s hard to believe that with the way he looks at me. I almost kick myself for getting involved with him.
I’m trying to be optimistic and open-minded, but I also know with Vincent’s past, there is a high probability this is nothing more than a long fling. I am also trying to convince myself that this is what I want; I am young and on the rebound.
An image of Brian flashes across my mind. I still feel guilty about how I ended things with him. We both said some hurtful things, but it was like he still had a small hold on me. I didn’t love him anymore, but I missed what we had. I was still hurt and angry that he ruined something I’d poured my heart into and threw away like it was garbage.
“Alison, sweetheart?” Vincent gently runs his hand over my arm, waking me out of my daze.
I stir in my seat to see Vincent leaning over me. “We’re about to land.” He leans down and gently presses a soft kiss to my lips.
How could a moment like this be fake? The tender way he brushed the hair off my forehead and planted a kiss on my lips couldn’t just be for sex, could it? I shake my head clear of the thoughts and remind myself that Brian too made me feel loved and safe and look how that turned out.
I am glad to be home. I need some time and space to clear my head from Vincent. Put things into perspective and prepare for this last trip to Iceland. I have some final decisions that still have to be made fo
r each location; thankfully, I can manage it all from my office here. I want to touch base with Madeline and give her a progress update on everything so far.
I feel exhausted but also…invigorated. I flop back dramatically on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. I let my mind wander to Vincent. I know I’m falling for him.
Once I removed the judgments I had about him, I was free to see the real Vincent, not the façade he put on for others. There was no condescension in his words; he praised me continuously and built me up. This is the kind of man I want and need. He encourages me to be bold and try new things, to embrace life as Janelle does so freely.
There is only one reason I am fighting my feelings for him…well, two. I can’t help but think of his past…first, would I just be another woman that he would tire of eventually? And second, would he even want an actual relationship? Maybe this is all Vincent Crawford can offer.
“Ugh, I need wine.” I pour myself a glass and pick up the phone to call Janelle.
Janelle listens intently as I pour out my heart to her. “The funny thing is I didn’t see this coming, Elle! I swear! I know I can be overly type-A and regimented, but I did take your advice and told myself I would live in the moment and enjoy this for what it is…I never expected anything to come of it.”
Janelle can't help but laugh on the other end of the phone. “Ali, sometimes living in the moment and enjoying what comes your way is exactly how you change your life and fall in love. That’s the best kind of love there is: purely organic!”
“I didn’t say love, Janelle; it’s just…puppy love at the moment. Maybe it’s just me feeling better about myself since getting cheated on by Brian.”
“No! Do not self-sabotage and do not allow that infected asshole to ruin this for you! Ali, I love you, but you could easily sabotage your entire existence with ‘what ifs.’ When I said live in the moment and embrace what the universe has sent your way, I didn’t mean embrace it until it becomes uncomfortable or uncertain and then bail. Life doesn’t work like that. Look, you’re insanely smart and gifted, but if all you ever do is think about the negative ‘what ifs,’ you could miss out on the greatest happiness in life…the next time you think about what if this could fail, think about what if this turns out to be everything you’ve ever wanted in life.”
I sit in silence. “Seriously, Elle, how are you so wise? I’m astounded at the truth and insight that comes out of your mouth sometimes. You’re so right. I need to do what’s right for me and not hold back because of the unknown. That’s not fair to me. God, I love you so much. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”
I hang up the phone and make the decision that hiding away from Vincent and my feelings isn’t worth the regret that could come with it. Nope, starting tomorrow, I am going to be open to what the universe has for me and embrace it.
Chapter 22
Vincent
Iceland had always been one of the places where I wanted to own a hotel. I’d read about it in one of the books I lugged home from the library as a little boy. The volcanoes and hot springs were fascinating. As an adult, more than that had drawn me to the area. So when the opportunity to acquire property there presented itself, I jumped at the chance. The fact that it was one of the resorts adjacent to some of the most famous hot springs in the world just sweetened the deal.
Bringing Alison with me to look over the resort for the first time was the icing on the cake. The thought that the woman I loved would leave her artistic fingerprints all over my hotels was exciting. I’d never met someone who not only made me completely reinvigorated for life but also made me want to be a better man.
This place was going to be one of her favorites. I just knew that the surroundings were going to be a world of inspiration for her, and I was going to get a chance to do something I’d always wanted to do. Surfing in the icy waters there, surrounded by snow and chunks of icebergs, was going to be a first for me. Alison wasn’t a surfer, but she’d agreed to come along and watch, getting some pictures and recording me in action.
The entire island was fairly small, and the drive from the airport to the hotel was blissfully short. We had plenty of time to settle in before we headed out to see the rest of the resort.
I had some work to get done, and she needed to get some photos of the resort, as well as measurements. We both agreed to meet back at the room in a few hours to enjoy the hot springs before dinner.
The hot springs are only a quick walk from the resort. There is a section reserved only for the hotel guests apart from the public springs that were always packed with people. Since the introduction of social media, this place has become a bit of a tourist trap. The private springs are a little more secluded, and as we arrive, we are the only two guests there.
She’s wearing the same swimsuit she wore in Mexico, only this time she is wrapped under a bathrobe to ward off the chill in the air. The water is amazingly blue, so much so that it almost looks artificial beneath the low cloud of steam that sits over the water. It is the only indication of how warm it is inside.
Alison scrambles into the water to avoid the cold air and sighs in relief when she is mostly submerged. I laugh as I watch how adorable she is, removing my robe before slipping in to join her.
“So, what do you think of the place?” I ask.
“Honestly, Vincent, this place needs barely, if any, changes. The Scandinavian design here is perfect for the location, and the clean lines highlight the architecture of the place.”
I knew she’d love it. The truth is I knew it really didn’t need any changes. I just wanted to bring her here to experience it, to share it with me.
I don’t have it all planned out yet, but I am going to tell Alison exactly how I feel tonight. I don’t want to scare her away; we both agreed this is all just a good time. She’s also just gotten out of a serious relationship, and she’s considerably younger than me. Maybe she isn’t even looking for something, but I’ll never forgive myself if I let her slip away without telling her how I feel.
After dinner, we retire back to our room, relaxing before we make our way out to the beach for my first attempt at surfing the icy waters. One of the only rules when surfing in Iceland is don’t surf alone. With the powerful waves and icy conditions, it can be incredibly dangerous.
Alison excuses herself to the use bathroom just as her phone buzzes on the nightstand next to me. I don’t know why I pick it up, but I see Brian’s name on the screen with the preview of a text message that reads,
I miss you baby…can’t stop thinking about you.
My stomach drops. I feel like I just got kicked in the balls. Like a glutton for punishment, I swipe my finger across the screen to unlock it as she emerges from the bathroom.
She’s smiling, but it fades as soon as she sees the look on my face. “What’s wrong?” Then she glances at my hand where I’m holding her phone.
“What are you doing? Are you going through my phone?”
I toss it on the bed and stand up. “No, obviously not, since you have a passcode.” I don’t know why I say it like that; everybody has a passcode on their phone.
“Why did you have it in your hand, Vincent?” Anger flashes in her eyes.
“Because it buzzed on the nightstand when you got up to use the bathroom. I don’t know; I thought it was mine or something. I just grabbed it.”
She says nothing, just stares silently at me. “You’ve got a text from your fiancé,” I say passive aggressively as I hand it back to her. I hate who I am at this moment. She doesn’t deserve this.
“My ex-fiancé,” she shouts back at me, emphasizing the ex. “Why is he my fiancé again all the sudden?”
“Well, clearly there’s unfinished business there, Alison. You’re leading one or both of us on.” I’m making ridiculous accusations now because I’m hurt. Why can’t I give her the benefit of the doubt and let her explain it?
“Leading you on? How? You are the one who said this was all just for fun and to let loose. We both agreed to
those conditions, so how is that leading you on? You have prided yourself on being this playboy who fucks anyone and everyone!” Her words cut like a knife, mostly because she’s right but also because I realize I’m nothing more to her than a good-time fuck, just like I told I should be.
“Don’t throw that at me now Alison, we both know that’s not what this is anymore.” I spit out the words as I gesture between us.
“Seriously? So now I’m just supposed to know what you’re feeling and that things have changed like I’m some kind of god damn mind reader?”
“Is he what you want? Is this it?” I gesture toward the phone that is now in her hands.
She looks down at it. “No. And it’s not what you think at all.” She is still angry and has every right to be. She just told me exactly what I want to hear, but instead of going to her and confessing my love for her, I storm out of the room, grabbing my surf bag, and make my way to the beach.
Compared to the warmth of the hot springs where we had just spent the better part of the afternoon, the waters at the shore are bracing and icy. There are chunks of ice floating in the water and sitting on the beach that are bigger than a Buick. The sun is low in the sky, hanging just behind one of the mountains in the distance, and the blue and green colors of the Northern Lights are dancing above me. The sun looks as if it is setting, but this time of year, it is only just going to dip below the horizon and then come back up slowly. The light will never go away completely.
This is the perfect time of year to come out and experience this, and now the memory is tainted. No one else is out on the beach except one or two other daredevils hoping to catch a swell. Rules be dammed, I’m doing this anyway. I need to clear my head.
Claimed By Him: (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 56