“A moment?” She gazes at me, wide-eyed, still with that hint of worry in her gaze.
I pause, not sure what to say. I swore I wouldn’t do this, yet here I am. I desperately don’t want to hurt her. But I don’t want to rush into things, either.
“I want you, so damn much.” Surely she can feel how much I do. “But there are things… Can I take you out to dinner at least, first?”
“Dinner?” She’s smiling now, though, her gaze clearing like the sky after a storm. “What, like a date? And you do want me?”
“Of course I fucking do. Anyone would. Just not like this.”
“No?” One gorgeous eyebrow lifts. “How do you want me?”
“Naked.” I hold her gaze. “Wet. And in my bed. Sex on the beach is great and all, but you do tend to get sand caught in places you’d rather avoid.”
She giggles, but her eyes are dark. “I could be naked and wet now, if you want. There’s a bed in there.” She motions towards the cabin.
I kiss her, sliding my tongue into her mouth. “Will you let me do this? Let me woo you?” I know I’m buying myself time. But I need it, to figure out what the hell I think I’m doing.
“Woo me?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yeah. I do.” She pauses. “All right. Knock my damn knickers off, then, if that’s how you’d like to do it.” She reaches down, palming my groin. “Just as a heads up, it’s not going to take much.”
I laugh. “Yeah. Same.” I kiss her one more time, then lift myself off her. My dick is still hard and she’s a goddamn temptation, leaning back on her hands, her nipples straining against her tank top.
“I should go. Thanks for the drink. I’ll see you tomorrow night. Don’t wear underwear.”
“You could stay a bit longer, if you wanted.” She shoots me a shimmering glance.
“If I stay any longer, I’ll be following that tattoo of yours with my tongue.”
“Like I say, there’s a perfectly good bed in there.” She shrugs.
“Tomorrow.” I start walking away, because if I don’t, I won’t leave her.
I wasn’t lying. I do need a moment, to sort out what this all means.
To see if I’m ready.
I also need to find out if she’s still taken. Because that is definitely a path I won’t be walking again.
ChapterTwenty
Jade
This might be the longest day of my entire existence.
My god. Axel. The way his mouth felt on me. The way hishandsfelt on me. And then when he told me he wanted me wet and naked in his bed? I had to go inside and get myself off right after he left. I hope he didn’t hear me moaning. Or maybe I don’t.
I certainly hope he gets to hear me moan tonight.
I know this is madness. We just met. But there’s something between us, something deep and fierce, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I can no longer resist. He is not my rebound. Even if it goes no further than the time I spend here, it’s more than that. We’re connected on some profound level. I know I won’t forget how he looked at me last night, how he felt, for the rest of my life.
But I respect his choice to do this properly, even if I’ve been squirming in my seat all day. Let him charm the pants off me. Though he won’t have to. I’m going commando tonight, just like he asked. I don’t know whether or not he was joking but I’m not going to let a challenge like that pass.
Finally, finally, the afternoon comes to an end. I shower in the outside shower, trying not to think too much of what it would be like if he happened to show up while I’m doing so, then get dressed. It only takes a moment. I wear the dress I bought the other day, the deep green silk, just above knee-length, skimming my body and leaving my arms bare to the ocean breeze. I put on flat gold sandals, tying them around my ankles. The doctor replaced my bandages with some smooth dressings closer to the colour of my skin, which helps with the look.
Just a touch of make-up– lashes, brows and a bit of sparkle. Lipgloss. No point putting anything else on, not if it’s going to get kissed off later. I’m excited, I realise, as I look at myself in the mirror. Genuine flickers of anticipation, pure and bright. I haven’t felt like this in a long time. It’s as though the longer I stay here, the more I’m able to get in touch with who I really am. And what I truly feel.
