“In case you want your own space.”
My chest does something strange.
I look back at the villas. They’re beautiful, with white walls, wooden doors, and little private terraces facing the water. The whole setup is peaceful and romantic without trying too hard. It’s exactly the kind of place I would’ve chosen if I had been given the option.
The attendant opens the door to the villa on the left, and I step inside first. The room is quieter than the lobby, less polished and more inviting, with a wide bed, pale linen, and sunlight stretching across the floor. A sitting area faces the back, and beyond the open doors, the ocean is right there, calling to me.
I walk farther in, absorbing it all. There’s a soaking tub near a wall of windows, a rainfall shower behind frosted glass, a little bar cart with fruit, sparkling water, and a chilled bottle of champagne.
I stand close to him, then take a conscious step back. Being this close to him and that bed is dangerous. “This is beautiful.”
“I thought you’d like it.”
I look back at him. “I do.”
He nods toward the villa next door. “And if you want that one, it’s yours. No pressure.”
I stare at him for a second, because he says it so easily, like he hasn’t just made it very hard for me to keep pretending I’m not softening all the way.
“Javonte.”
“Yeah?”
“You’re really trying to be respectful while being that fine at the same time.”
His grin spreads slowly. “I’m trying to be a lot of things.”
“Well.” I look around the room again, then back at him. “You can keep your backup villa.”
His eyebrows lift.
I walk past him, peeling off my clothes piece by piece, letting my shoulder brush his arm. “I’m staying here.”
Chapter 29 Javonte
I watch Lily strip down to her bra and a goddamn thong before she runs into the water. I’m stuck in place. She’s frolicking, and you don’t mess with a Black woman’s frolic, but that creamy skin of hers begs me to touch it.
I take my shoes and shirt off and follow her, jealous of the water.
“You staying over there?”
That’s as much invitation as I need from her.
I rush into the water, like I’m trying to save someone from drowning. She stands in the water, waves rolling against her and waits for me. My siren.
When I get to her, she wraps her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist, and I hold her there, taking a second to feel her all over me. Her lips moves along my neck, and I get hard immediately.
“Yeah?” she asks, pulling back just enough to look at me.
I meet her eyes. “Yeah.”
She takes my hand and guides it to her waist. “I want you close.”
Finally being able to hold her and caress her skin like this almost sends me over the edge. What does it though, it when her hand reaches inside my shorts.
“Mmm, Lily.”
“Yes, Javonte?” She asks as she strokes me slowly under the water.
