by S. L. Scott
“What?” I ask. My heart races with hope, but knows his next words could be just as devastating.
His voice is just a whisper. “I really like you. I like to think that we’re more than just a month’s worth of fun.” He gulps loudly, emphasizing his nervousness.
Resting my head on his back and wrapping my arms around his waist, I kiss him lightly on his shoulder. “We are and I like you, too.” It’s my turn to open up to him like he has to me. “I want more with you, but is it silly of us to think this can go beyond this island?”
He turns, pulling me onto his lap to hold me. “I guess we shouldn’t worry about that, but I’m scared for this to change.”
“It will change, but that doesn’t mean it will change for the worse.” I climb off of him and stand, looking back. “Come on, let’s not waste time. Give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready.”
He lies back on the bed and watches me wiggle my ass for him as I go into the bathroom. I hear a loud catcall before I shut the door and laugh as I lean against it in complete bliss. I’m in way deeper than I ever thought possible, but he is too. That thought carries me forward to see beautiful Mallory staring back at me in the mirror. Evan not only makes me feel this way, but also loved, and in my heart, I know he’s right. We’ve wasted too much time. One month will never be enough.
22
Mallory
It does not escape me that the boats are growing progressively larger the further Evan and I walk down the dock at the marina. My curiosity finally gets the best of me. “Are you going to tell me what we’re doing today?”
“Nope,” he says then laughs, enjoying his surprise a little too much.
I huff in annoyance. Not real annoyance, but I play it up and mope, hoping he gives in and spills the secret.
As we approach one of largest boats in the harbor, I stop. “Did you rent this for us?”
“No.”
I put my hands on my hips and look at him skeptically. “Please tell me your family doesn’t own this boat.”
“Okay. No, they don’t own this boat, but they do own this yacht,” he laughs again, referencing the same boat. “Mallory, it’s too big to be called a boat.”
I hit him on the arm. “So were going on this yacht today?”
“No. We’re going on this.” He points to a small boat that has two planks for seats, a cooler and beach towels inside with an engine hanging off the back.
“A fishing boat?”
“A dinghy to be exact.”
“Why are we taking this when we can be taking the Ashford yacht? Where are we going anyway?” I can’t help my disappointment as I eye the little boat.
“All of your questions will be answered in due time, my dear. Remember, patience is a virtue,” he jokingly scolds. “Now, c’mon, let’s get going.”
He helps me down into the rocking little boat and starts the motor. As we putter away from the marina, I look back at the yacht once more. Evan’s money and access to money gives me another clue to the man he is and how he was raised. Even though I don’t get to go on it today, I can’t help but be impressed by that boat … I mean yacht.
I settle into the dinghy and kick my feet up on the side, letting the wind whip through my hair. It’s a glorious day and not just because the weather is perfect. Looking back at Evan, I start to wonder if I’ll ever get used to his handsome face. A more perfect man couldn’t have been created if I’d made a wish list. I eventually turn my whole body around, wanting to watch him as Master and Commander of this small water craft. He has such a presence that everyone in his orbit notices him. He lifts his right eyebrow up knowingly at me before moving his attention back to the bright Hawaiian horizon.
Twenty minutes later, I see a small land mass with people, wave-runner’s, and boats all around. As we get closer, he slows the motor, and announces, “This is the sandbar. It will get busier as the day goes on.”
“What does everyone do out here?”
“Swim, drink, cook-out, build a bonfire, play music, and just be. It’s very laid back and locals come out here to hang out and get away from all the tourists. It’s made of sand, so we only have about five hours before the tide comes in and it’s all underwater again.”
He stops the engine and jumps into the water which is hip deep. After tossing a small anchor overboard, he looks at me. “Let’s go, I want to introduce you to some of my brah’s.”
I kick my shoes off and get a piggy back ride to shore. He sets me down on the sand and walks back out to the cooler to grab two beers. Popping one can open, he hands it to me, and takes my free hand in his. Everyone I meet is friendly and seems to love Evan in a small town hero kind of way. That’s exactly the opposite impression I was given by Noah, which doesn’t really surprise me since they’re enemies. I just wish I knew how they went from good friends to arch-rivals.
Evan holds my hand, or is wrapped around me from behind, or has his arm draped over my shoulder the entire time. He’s got a possessive side that I find extremely sexy. No one has ever been possessive over me before.
An hour later, Sunny, Zach, Kate, and Murphy arrive in a ski boat. Murphy stands at the front of the boat with his arms wide open and makes a loud booming announcement, “The party has arrived!”
Gotta love that guy.
Sunny makes a beeline for me, and Evan releases my hand so I can greet her. When we hug, she whispers, “Look at us, both in love and with best friends, no less.”
We see Kate walking over and eye each other, the plan silently formed and agreed upon. As soon as she gets close we both grab her. She’s so surprised that she stumbles forward and it’s all legs, screams, and long hair flying to the ground with us landing in a heap in the sand.
“Shit! I hate getting dirty,” she whines as she tries to hide the smile that’s creeping up the side of her cheeks. “Thanks!” She bursts out laughing.
We fall back and lay there as the boys ‘take a meeting’ in the water. “Are they pissing?” Sunny asks, disgust seeping into her tone.
“I think they’re comparing their manhood,” I say.
“Zach will win that contest hands down and down and down … oh, and wide and wide …” Sunny moves her hands down and then out to emphasize his size.
“Ewwww! That’s gross, Sunny,” Kate says, gagging as we all sit up to watch the guys. “Anyway, it’s no contest. Look at Murphy—his hands, feet, huge build—need I say more?”
“You sure are quiet there, Mal,” Sunny says, pushing me with her hand.
I smile to myself thinking about Evan and all he’s blessed with.
Kate stands up using me for support then playfully pushes me back down into the sand, saying, “Look at her face, Sunny! And that’s the ultimate ew. That’s my baby brother you’re having naughty thoughts about.”
I blush, and say, “There’s definitely nothing baby about—”
“Who’s not a baby?” Murphy asks, walking up and grabbing Kate from behind.
Sunny stands up, and stating matter-of-fact, says, “Mallory was just telling us what a large cock Evan has.”
All three of the guys’ eyebrows shoot upwards in shock.
“Is that why you’re blushing?” Evan says, offering me a hand up. “Don’t worry, beautiful, these guys know they pale in comparison. It’s a fact.”
“Fuck you,” Murphy says, punching him lightly in the gut and running off laughing. Evan takes off after him. Zach puts his arms in the air like he’s exasperated, but starts laughing as he gives into the antics and runs after them.
We grab another beer from the cooler before stripping off our shirts and shorts. The three of us crawl onto a large floating raft and lay, soaking up the sun in our bikinis.
Kate asks, “You’re coming to the 4th of July party, right?”
Sunny quickly replies, “Yep, I’ve already been thinking about a shopping excursion. You two up for that?”
Lying in the middle of them, I feel the lift in the raft as they turn their heads toward me, so I
feel the need to answer. “Evan mentioned the party, but we haven’t really talked about it.”
Kate tosses her empty beer can into the boat nearby, grabs my hand and gently squeezes. “You’re coming. It’s our family’s biggest event here on the island. Everyone comes to this party. So consider yourself formally invited.”
She sits up, and adds, “Anyway, the food is amazing and it’s open bar. We can get ready together at my house beforehand.”
Shielding her eyes, she asks, “Want to go shopping after work tomorrow?”
“I’m in,” I reply, hoping Evan wants to go to the party. He may not since his parents will be there and they seem to be a big source of contention with him.
The boys drag themselves through the water looking worse for wear after wrestling on the beach.
“Fore!” Evan lands next to me and that sends Kate and Sunny off the sides into the water.
They scream and curse as their guys laugh their asses off at their soaked sweeties. Evan rolls on top of me and kisses me gently on the lips. He whispers, “I’ve missed you.”
I’m about to tell him how much I missed him when Kate and Sunny get their revenge by flipping the raft over, which sends us toppling into the water. When we stand, I expect laughter, but Evan weaves his hands into my wet hair and brings me into a searing kiss that takes my full attention.
His lips move against mine, and he says, “I want to be inside of you. I need to make love to you, baby. Can we leave?” My knees weaken and his embrace tightens. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
We give quick goodbyes and launch our small dinghy back into deeper water to start the motor. We’re about half way back to the marina when he catches me staring at him again.
Evan tilts his head, making eye contact with me. His tone is soft, concerned, and caring when he asks, “Are you happy?”
“Very much,” I reply without hesitation.
“I’m glad.”
“Are you happy?”
He runs a hand through his hair and briefly looks past me as he continues navigating the boat. His eyes flick back to mine, and he says, “Today was a great day. I haven’t felt this happy in a long time. It’s good. Life is good.”
I smile, feeling the good vibrations growing stronger, and in this very moment, I’ve never been more happy.
23
Mallory
“I’ll give you a two count head start and then I’m coming after you.” His warning is not playful or teasing and is a direct threat to my girly bits. Suddenly, he slaps my ass and says, “Go.”
It doesn’t matter that I’m tired from a day at the sandbar with the gang. My adrenaline kicks in, and I take off running without looking back. Giddy mixed with a little fear sends me straight into the pool. He jumps in over my head. With anxious anticipation, I wait for him to surface as I hold tight to the edge. He stays under longer than I expect, but then I finally see his darkened figure swimming under water towards me. My swaying legs cross underneath the water in sex protection mode. He grabs my hips, pulls me under, and kisses me. I relax after taking hold of his shoulders, and we break the waters’ surface together. Our tongues mingle as I wrap my arms around his neck and he presses me against the side of the pool.
Breathing much heavier and with a much huskier tone, he says, “You have entirely too many clothes on.”
He pulls my shirt off and gets my shorts undone with precision and speed. Tossing them both onto the nearby grass, he turns back and tugs each string of my bikini one by one until it’s untied, letting it fall to the ground. He leans forward to kiss me, hard with determination and passion. His roaming hands glide over my naked body until he finds my hand and takes it, pressing my palm against his cock that is clearly ready to bust out of his shorts.
Together our hands rub him, and I groan in desire, not able to stop myself. I start pulling at the drawstring to rid his body of this barrier. Just as his breaths turn to pants he stills my hand. He leans into my neck, nipping his way up to my ear, and says, “I’ll be right back. I need to get a condom and towels.”
He swiftly lifts up on the side of the pool, and I ogle the muscles in his arms as he does. He dashes away, but stops and looks back. “Don’t start without me, baby.”
“You better hurry up then,” I say as seductively as I can muster and add a moan for good measure. With my back to him, I hear him running and the opening of his door.
Just as I giggle, the shaking of ice against the sides of a glass grabs my attention. I turn in the direction of the sound and when I find it, I also hear a female voice. “I’m glad to hear my son is smart enough to wear a condom.”
My heart and breathing stop in unison as I watch a very petite, slender golden blonde-haired woman stand from one of the chaise loungers facing the ocean. She finishes what appears to be the last of her drink and stares at me in the pool. I drop one of my arms over my chest which I know is visible through the water and with the other arm I hold the cement edge to keep me afloat.
She puts a hand on her hip. “I’m Mrs. Ashford and this is my pool that you’re skinny dipping in.” She walks around the far side of the pool as I remain in place—speechless and mortified. Stopping opposite of me, she stares down as if a thought has occurred, but doesn’t voice it.
Delving down deep, I find the one tiny nerve I have left and start to say, “I’m—”
“Shhhh!” she says, holding her hand up towards me to shush me. “I don’t need your name, your life story, or why you felt the need to contaminate my pool by having sexual intercourse with my son in it. I just want you gone.”
I’m embarrassed, but turn when I hear Evan. “Mother?” She turns toward him and watches as he stands above me. “When did you get in?”
“Evan.” Her tone is as chilly as the ice that tings against her fancy glass. “I landed a few hours ago. I’m tired and I’m going to bed. We’ll discuss things in the morning.”
“All right.” His reply has no emotion attached.
She grabs the handle of the back door, and says, “And, Evan?”
“Yes?”
“Make sure your friend doesn’t stay the night and please don’t make me have to drain the pool.”
“Mallory is staying the night.” But his words fall on deaf ears as the door slams closed behind her. “Hey,” he says, squatting down next to me.
Lowering a little further into the water, I can’t muster any gumption as shame fills me. “Can I have a towel please?”
“Sure.”
I use the steps in the corner, wrapping the towel around my body as I emerge from the pool. Walking towards the guesthouse, he takes me by the arm to stop me. “Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to leave.”
“Evan, you heard her. She doesn’t want me here—”
“But, I do.”
I finally have the courage to look up to meet his eyes although tears fill mine. “She thinks I’m one of your skanks. You haven’t told her about me and—”
“Have you told your parents about me?” He searches my eyes for the answer he already possesses. “No? Why haven’t you told them about me?”
“It’s different because you won’t be meeting them. I’m leaving in a month, so I didn’t think it mattered. But you knew I’d be—”
He releases me, and stalks towards the beach.
Shit! Realizing how that sounded, I feel horrible. “Evan! Wait!” I jog after him, holding the towel tightly around me. “Stop! Please. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
He does stop, but an instant later I kind of wished he hadn’t. He turns and looks at me, hurt written all over his face. “It doesn’t matter because I’m just the here and now, right? I’m just a summer fling to you and a dirty secret to your friends and family. What the fuck, Mallory? I thought … this whole past week …” He runs both his hands through his hair and then knots his fingers at the crown of his head and turns to face the ocean. “I thought this meant something more to you too.” He sits down on the sand and pulls his knees t
oward his chest then drops his head.
I sigh in frustration. I’m frustrated with myself, and I’m a lot frustrated with what just happened with his mother. Sitting down next to him, I whisper, “You mean more to me than that. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to sound like—”
“You said exactly what you were thinking and I got burned by one of the qualities I admire in you the most—your honesty.” He finally looks over at me, and says, “I think over the course of this past week, deep down, I’d hoped that maybe I would mean enough to you to stay beyond the summer, but I can tell that’s not where you’re head is at right now. I understand that your school, your friends, your family, all that’s back in Colorado waiting for your return.” His voice is steady and cold. I can almost see his walls go up as his eyes focus into the distance. “I get it. Your life is there and mine is here. I was just being stupid. That’s all.”
I touch his arm, but he flinches, clearly not wanting to be touched by me. “Evan, you aren’t being stupid, but you’re right, my life is there and I can’t change that now.” The distance between Hawaii and Colorado is too far for my liking, causing the distance between us emotionally to grow. My heart hurts over the thought of leaving him. I’ve grown too attached to him.
“Fuck, let’s not do this.” He stands abruptly and looks down at me. “I told you I get it, all right.” He takes a step back, away from me. “I think I should take you to Sunny’s tonight.”
“Why?” I demand, jumping to my feet.
He searches my eyes once again then turns to walk away from me. “Grab your stuff and I’ll drive you back.”
“No! You’re not pulling this bullshit with me. Stop walking away, Evan!” I run up behind him and grab his arm to stop him, needing him to face me. “Look at me, damn it!”
His head tilts to the side and out of the corner of his eyes, he looks at me. But I can see this conversation is pointless. He’s already withdrawn from me, and it’s probably best if I just give him time. But this hurts and I care too much for him. I want to fight for him. My selfish side just wants him to hold me again and make me feel better.