He handed me a drink and sat beside me on his lounge chair with the oversized beach towel draped over it. “What are you thinking?” he asked.
“How lucky I am to be your mate,” I replied and closed my book.
It was true. Although it had terrified me when he’d revealed it, I’d soon discovered the perks of being a shifter’s mate. Not only did he protect and care for me, but his consideration carried into the bedroom where he ensured that I was one happy and satisfied witch.
“Oh, we both know that I’m the lucky one,” he said with a smile.
I took a sip of my drink. “Mmm, pina colada. I like it.”
“That’s why I got it for you.” His voice was low and sexy, reminding me of how he talked in bed. He knew exactly what I liked there as well.
He leaned back. “What’s on our agenda for the rest of the day?”
“Absolutely nothing.” It was a day at sea, and we could do as little or as much as we wanted. I’d already checked in with Lucas earlier to make sure he’d gotten into the house okay to take care of the cats. Tuxy had technically moved in first, with Austin soon following once his sublet ended. That part was more of a formality since he’d spent most nights at my house.
Although I’d tried to take things slow, it was almost impossible since I was as crazy about Austin as he appeared to be with me.
After taking another sip of my cocktail, I said, “I want to have a relaxing day before we get to Bermuda as I’m sure we’re going to want to do a lot of exploring.”
“Oh yes. I already booked a scooter so we can get around the island.”
Austin loved to be outdoors exploring and did so as often as he could. Since he worked on preserving trails and conservation areas, he had plenty of time outside, which made his bear happy.
“I’m going to enjoy this cocktail, read my book, and then take a long, hot shower before dinner.”
He released a low moan.
“What is it?”
He leaned closer. “I’m thinking of you in the shower. It’s already hard enough to see you in a bikini and not want to pounce. Seeing that mating bite exposed makes it all the more tempting. I think about that night. So amazingly hot.”
My skin tingled with the memory. It had been unbelievable. Not only had the sex been incredible, but the magic that had bound us was undeniably powerful.
I sighed. “One downside to our cabin is that there isn’t enough room for you to join me in the tiny shower.” I doubted there was much room for Austin in there alone.
He lifted his sunglasses and leaned closer, bending down to kiss the mark where he’d bitten me near my shoulder. “But there is plenty of room on the bed.” When he lifted his head, his eyes gleamed brighter with a flicker of the amber hue that often came out when he was excited.
“Mmm,” I agreed. “And plenty of time before dinner…”
“I do like the bed. Nothing like being lulled to sleep by the movement of the ocean as I hold my mate in my arms.”
“No weird dreams?” I asked.
He’d told me about peculiar dreams he’d had while struggling to accept that I was his mate—even a weird one about having kittens. Now that was a devoted cat dad.
“No weird dreams,” he admitted with a chuckle. “Only good ones. Hot, sultry, sexy ones.” His voice lowered to a rich, velvety tone. He ran a hand along my bare thigh.
The sensation left me tingling with heat. I tipped my head and teased. “With anyone I know?”
“You might know her,” he quipped. “She’s about your height. With the most beautiful blue eyes and the perfect lips to kiss. She’s the most phenomenal woman I’d ever known.” His lips slanted into a smile. “Oh yeah, and she’s my mate.”
“She sounds familiar,” I agreed. I bent closer to his ear and said, “I’m more intrigued in hearing about these hot dreams of yours.”
He released a low, guttural sound that stirred heat in my core. “Let’s go to the cabin and I can show you.”
CASSANDRA
“Pandora and Austin should be halfway to Bermuda by now,” Lucas declared with a grin when we met up at the Network. “You know what that means.”
