Anxiety kicked in as she took her time getting ready. She swept her dark brown hair across her eyes, and gathered the rest loosely in a sterling silver clip. What if he doesn’t show? He probably acts like this with every woman. He’s a total flirt. What the hell was I thinking? Great, I just made a complete ass out of myself…again.
She rummaged through her clothes, finally deciding on a scoop neck black dress showing off all those hours Tracy had dragged her out of bed to run. Thanks to the Tahitian motto, No Shoes Required, Tess usually went barefoot. She put on her cutest black sandals and silver hoop earrings before heading out the door.
Tess took the five-minute boat ride to the main island. She meandered down the barely paved road, passing several dive shops and restaurants. I hope he shows. Then what? Will he come back to my bungalow? Will he ditch his date and stay with me? I haven’t slept with another man in twenty-five years. The possibility of a mere kiss, let alone going to bed with him, fueled a fire within her.
When she reached Bloody Mary’s, several couples entered, but she didn’t see Tom. She paced back and forth outside. Should I wait outside or go in?
“Tess.”
The deep sexy voice came from behind and she turned to see Tom leaning against a palm tree, looking more gorgeous than she thought humanly possible.
“Hey.” She beamed, sauntering over to join him under the palm tree.
“You look stunning.”
“Thanks, handsome.” She scanned over his flip-flops, jeans and nice black shirt. “I hoped you would show,” she stammered anxiously.
He held her hands in his. “Before you say anything Tess, I need to ask you something, and I don’t want you to get upset with me. All right?”
“Okay.”
“Are you sure you’re ready for this? I mean, are you really ready to be with another man because this isn’t something I want you to regret later.”
She gazed into his dark eyes and considered his question. “Yes, I’m sure. I want to stay with you, for the rest of my trip.” She clarified with a slight nod.
His cocked his head to one side. “So if I told you right now, at this very moment, all of your belongings are being packed up and brought to another resort, you’d be okay with that?”
“That depends. Are all of your things being packed up and taken to the same resort?” she questioned timidly.
“Yes, whether you decide to stay with me or not. I sent my date home. I changed resorts and I’d like it if you’d stay with me.”
“I’m sure.”
“Are you hungry?”
Hungry for you. “Actually, I’m starving from all the snorkeling today.”
“Do you have your heart set on eating here? I had something a little different in mind.”
Room service in bed? “Wherever you want to have dinner is fine with me.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. I have a surprise for you.” Tom led her across the street to a boat dock. “After you.” He held his hand out to the side so she could step onto the boat before him.
“Where are we going?”
“I think you’ll like it.”
The Tahitian man introduced himself. “Ia Orana, I am Mr. Rene’s cousin. My name is Tayia.”
“Ia Orana,” Tess said.
The boat skimmed across the lagoon, casting ripples through the reflection of the fiery sunset. Cool, moist spray tingled her warm face. She sat between Tom’s legs and leaned back against his chest. I haven’t done this in so long. I hope he’s a good lover. Please, please, please be good in bed. She glanced over her shoulder and he grinned at her. Crap! Is he sitting here wondering if I’m going to be a good lover? Tess sat up a little taller. Oh, I am definitely going to be good for him.
With every draw of breath, her chest lifted and lowered. Tom must’ve noticed her nervousness. He placed his palm over her heart. She felt the hint of his smile as he nuzzled her neck.
She inhaled the scent of his skin. “You smell delicious.”
Tom held her arm out to the side and lowered his nose to the inside of her elbow. “So do you.”
Her gaze drifted to his profile, watching as his eyes closed, taking in the scent of her perfume. The heat from his breath tickled her skin as his lips pressed against her arm. Tess’ lips parted and her tongue toyed with the corner of her mouth, wanting to taste his mouth.
The boat slowed, interrupting her gaze. Tess couldn’t believe what she saw as they pulled up to a deserted motu. “How did you do this?” she whispered in awe.
Tiki torches surrounded a lovely table set with a white tablecloth and a bouquet of flowers. The setting sun cast a glow on the white sand, turning it nearly pink. She held up her dress a little so it wouldn’t get wet, hopping off the boat.
Tom stood in the sand and wrapped his arms around her. “Do you like it?”
“It’s beautiful.” She turned to face him, reaching her lips up to kiss his.
“Not yet Tess, not yet,” he whispered in a teasing tone.
Slighted by Tom’s response, her eyes filled with disappointment.
“Awe, don’t look at me like that.”
Her expression didn’t change, yearning to feel his lips.
His thumb coasted gently over her cheek. “Do you trust me? Hmm? I trusted you with the sharks. Remember? Will you trust me now?” He brushed his lips against her neck, causing goose bumps to cover her skin.
“Yes, I remember. But-”
“I assure you, I’ll make it worth the wait.” He toyed, whispering in her ear. “I promise I won’t disappoint you.”
She remembered how fantastic his hands felt. “I have no doubt.”
Tayia finished setting the table with a bottle of wine and a delicious meal before leaving in the boat. Their conversation flowed easily all through dinner. They talked for hours discussing everything from places they’d both traveled to charities they supported. He spoke little of his career, and made it clear he was on vacation and didn’t want to discuss work. She shared stories of her kids, but kept them to a minimal.
After dinner, they lay side-by-side on a white blanket Tayia left for them. Tess stretched out on her back with her legs crossed at the ankles, and Tom lie on his side with his head propped on his elbow. She hadn’t felt sexy in a long time, but he made her feel unbelievably sensual. Every stroke of his hand on her arm or back, sent a current of blistering heat washing over her, filling the absence of longing and desire that had filled her life over the last year. The simple act of brushing the hair from her eyes caused her to lean closer into the warmth of his fingers. She wanted more, needing him to touch her, so she could set free the raw need she’d buried for too long.
Deep in her own thoughts, she tried to deal with a multitude of feelings. The sense of betrayal loomed heavily, but so did the burning ache between her thighs. She bordered on the edge of virgin-ish nervous. It might hurt. Not to mention I might get off before we even get started.
Shadows from Tiki torches flickered across Tom’s face as he stroked her arm from shoulder to wrist. “Tess, are you still sure about this?”
“I’m sure. It’s just…it’s been a long time. I’m a little nervous.” She smiled timidly. “How long do we have before he comes back to pick us up?”
“Did you forget already? You’re supposed to trust me. No questions.”
They stared up at the star-filled sky, listening to the waves roll onto the beach. He delicately traced her collarbone and neck. As his fingertip reached her lips, she rolled her tongue around it and heard him sigh softly.
Tom stood up, holding out his hand to Tess. They strolled along the beach and gazed out at the moon hanging over the ocean. He turned to face her and pulled her into his arms. Her heartbeat turned unruly as his head dropped, grazing his parted lips over her temple. Tilting her face toward his, Tess tensed and held her breath. He made a quiet sound of amusement and rested his palms on the sides of her neck. “Breathe, Tess, just breathe.”
Tom’s tongue drifted down he
r neck and back to her lips, playing slowly with her tongue. The warmth of his sweet mouth tasted so good that she instantaneously began to kiss him back. She had suppressed her need to feel desire for a man, hidden the longing of a man’s hands on her flesh and buried her cravings in sleepless nights full of tears.
Taking pleasure in the heat of his mouth, she began to shake uncontrollably. All of her emotions came rushing to the surface, covering her in a tingling sensation. His fingers threaded through her hair and cradled her face with his thumbs. Teasing her, he plunged his tongue deeper, sending pulsating waves rippling through her very core. Craving more, she wrapped her arms around his neck and molded her body to his. Feeling his erection, she urgently thrust her hips forward searching for more. Her heart hammered violently in her chest as her fingers twisted through his dark hair. Tess pressed forward taking his mouth with hot, wet, indecent kisses, savoring the flavor of his lips.
He eased back and placed his palm over her pounding heart. “Easy,” he whispered with a smoldering laugh. Both chuckled as she buried her face in his chest.
Tom led her away from the beach up into the palm trees. The darkness concealed a bungalow tucked between lush foliage and palm trees.
“Holy crap! Is this for us?” Tess gasped.
“Yes.”
“It’s beautiful,” Were the only words she could utter before he drew her into his arms, kissing her fervently, keeping up with her hungry lips.
Standing under the starlit sky, he slid his hands down the small of her back, following the curve of her ass, grasping it with the perfect amount of tension. Tess softly moaned aloud, encouraging him to press himself firmly against her. He clutched her ribcage and brushed his thumb over the material covering her nipple, sending another set of ripples surging through her. “Oh, God,” she whimpered.
Making their way inside, Tess unbuttoned Tom’s shirt, exploring the details of his carved chest and stomach, letting her fingers play with the thin trail of dark hair leading into his jeans. Wanting to know the full extent of the force pressing against her hips, she unbuttoned his jeans with trembling fingers. Reaching in, she stroked the length of him and a low groan escaped his lips.
Nice.
He reached down, taking hold of both of her hands. “Trust me, Tess. Tonight is all about you.” Tom chuckled. “You can make it up to me tomorrow.”
“I trust you,” she whispered under his lips.
He unzipped her dress, slipping it to the floor before laying her back onto the bed. Tom took his time, sliding his fingers from the hallow at the base of her neck to the center of her breasts, cupping one in his hand. His warm, wet tongue tickled her nipple. He fastened his mouth over the erect bud, taking it in and biting her tenderly before moving to the next.
Caressing her hips, Tom’s lips traveled down between her thighs. She hung her head over the edge of the bed as his talented tongue explored the soft skin between her legs before sinking inside her. All of her worries faded away under the strokes of his tongue. Tess didn’t take long, peaking almost immediately. Tears stung the corners of her eyes as her release came again and again. Gasping for air, she opened her eyes and lifted her head to watch him.
Rising up onto the palms of his hands, he pressed his body on top of hers. Tess slipped her thumbs into the waistband of his jeans, pushing them down past his hips. Raising her legs around his waist, her hands took hold of his firm ass while her toes wriggled his jeans to his ankles. She smiled up at him as she tossed his jeans to the floor with her toes.
Tom drew her leg up around his hip. Seeking admittance, he nudged her gently.
In one swift move, she flipped him over onto his back. “Do you mind if I drive for minute?” she grinned. “I’m a little nervous.”
He let out a chuckle and quickly imitated her maneuver, pinning Tess to the bed. “I know it’s been a long time for you. I promise I’ll be nice, but I’ll last longer if I drive.”
Tess relaxed, granting him access. Ever so gently, he eased his ridge past her entrance, taking his time, slowly diving deep inside. What she thought might be painful felt more like full-blown heaven.
“Holy crap!” she cried out, peaking again five strokes in.
“You okay?” Tom asked, halting his movement.
“Oh yeah, don’t stop.”
He remained still. “Don’t move, give me a sec.”
She nodded in agreement, reaching up to kiss his lips. “Maybe you should come now so we could start again in thirty minutes.”
“Give me just a minute, I’ll be fine.” His dark eyes stared into hers intently. “Okay, I’m good now.”
He began to move again, slowly at first, then harder and faster, giving himself to her fully. Raising her hips to meet his, she matched him stroke-for-stroke. He spoke to her tenderly between eager kisses, “You feel so good…The taste of your skin…I want you.”
Tess yearned for control. She’d been anxious at first, but didn’t want him to be under the impression she was a timid lover. She wanted him to desire her without limits or boundaries, needing him to handle her passionately, like a lover, not like a fragile widow.
Without missing a beat, she rolled over on top of him. The moon shone brightly through the open doors, allowing them to see each other perfectly in the darkness. Her palms rested his chest as she stared down, admiring his fit body. Her hips took control rhythmically, flowing to the sound of the waves crashing against the outer reef.
Tom stared back just as attentively. “You are so beautiful.” He cupped her breasts, gently squeezing her nipples.
Her passion laid dormant for over a year, but now she felt alive, powerful and sexy. She wanted to be beautiful for him. Tess gently removed his hands from her breasts and replaced them with her own. Raising her hips up high and then diving down, she crested waves of sheer pleasure. Her head dropped forward as she slowed down momentarily before the next set of breakers, building deep within her came crashing in again.
Tess lifted the damp hair from her neck, so the ocean breeze would cool the sweat trickling down her back. Tom gripped her hips and held her still, but she shook her head no, wanting to ride freely no matter what the cost. “You don’t have to wait, it’s okay.” He released his grip, letting her have her way.
Knowing his gaze would follow hers, Tess eased her hips back and gazed down to watch their bodies connecting intimately.
Peaking together this time, he let out a low groan, “Jesus, Tess.”
She collapsed on top of him, sucking in air, trying to catch her breath.
Minutes later she panted, “Whew. Thanks!”
“Thanks? You’re seriously thanking me?” he choked, bursting into a shocked laughter. “If anything, I should be the one saying thanks. You’re fucking amazing. Damn, Tess.”
Completely embarrassed, she giggled. “Not like that! You know what I mean! Thanks for waiting.”
“My pleasure.” He laughed, pulling her tightly beside him.
Tess curled into the crook of his arm and hitched her leg up over his hip. Tom stared up at the ceiling, languorously playing with a strand of her hair. Her body felt heavy and sedated. Lying in the arms of another man was somewhere she never expected to venture again. This was the first time she’d ever engaged in casual relationship, a fling, a spontaneous affair. As she peered up at Tom, nothing felt casual. Feeling the weight of uncharted territory, she released a shaky breath of air she’d been holding. He’s just a rendezvous. He’s just a vacation. You can’t keep him.
He smiled at her and gathered her closer into his arm, brushing a kiss against her hair. “When’s the last time you had fun, Tess?”
“Other than the last few days? It’s been awhile.”
He turned on his side and propped up on his elbow, drifting the tip of his finger over the contours of her neck and collarbone. “That’s about to change. Cause we’re going to have a great time together. You up for that?”
She nodded. “I’m up for anything.” With you. She added silentl
y, settling into his arms and drifting off to sleep.
CHAPTER SIX
She woke to the sound of a boat in the distance, but Tom was nowhere in sight. She rose onto her elbows, marveling at the plush rustic interiors of the bungalow that she hadn’t seen the night before. Woven bamboo paper covered the walls and several vases of freshly cut tropical flowers adorned the room. As she stood, a balmy breeze rustled the thatched roofing. Stiff, sore muscles brought a blush to her cheeks, remembering the night before.
The bungalow was completely exposed to the outdoors. Tess meandered toward the luxurious indoor, yet open to the outdoor bathroom. “Wow,” she whispered. All of her things lay on a counter next to a stone basin, perched atop a smooth tree trunk. She brushed her teeth and climbed back into bed.
She spotted Tom walking down the beach with coffee and breakfast. He sauntered into the room, giving her a cheeky smile and a big kiss on the lips. “Morning, are you hungry?”
“I’m starving.”
“I thought you might be.” He chuckled. Tom set breakfast on the table and grabbed his camera, snapping a picture of her half-wrapped in the sheet and her hair blowing in the gentle breeze.
“Hey, you better erase that one,” Tess complained.
“No way! You look scrumptious. I like this one.”
After they enjoyed breakfast, Tom slid out of his jeans and they ambled naked down to the beach to swim in the lagoon.
“I never knew this place existed,” she said in awe.
“I was counting on that last night. It’s part of a new resort we’ll be staying at the rest of the time we’re here.”
“We’re not staying here?”
“Well, we could, although the bungalow I have for us at the resort is exceptionally nice. But it’s a surprise.”
“Are you always full of surprises like these?” She asked happily, already wanting to go back to bed.
“No, actually, I’m not. I wanted to do this for you. You said it had been a long time, so I wanted it to be nice for you. Not to mention you’ve been driving me crazy.”
No More Wasted Time Page 5