
The world is waiting for her...and he's waited long enough.
Meg Snow is having hot and wild sex with Cory Traven...in her dreams.
Four years ago he had his chance for a relationship with her. Instead, he joined the military, leaving her to endure Milcott, South Dakota on her own. Now it's her turn for adventure and a chance to banish those erotic Cory fantasies once and for all---on a singles cruise to Jamaica.
Cory has come home for what he'd denied himself four years before. Meg. But she's made it clear she wants anyone except him. There's only one way to show her that what she wants and what she needs are two different things. How? Storm the beaches of Jamaica. Infiltrate his way into her bed. Breach the walls of her heart.
And show her that paradise is not in the Caribbean, but in his arms.
Warning: This title contains scorching sex on the beach, in the shower, in bed, and against a wall. A hot hero with a wicked tongue who goes after what he wants and a heroine who gives it to him...again, and again and again.
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This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1520
Macon GA 31201
Wanderlust
Copyright © 2009 by KyAnn Waters
ISBN: 978-1-60504-523-8
Edited by Lindsey McGurk
Cover by Tuesday Dube
All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: May 2009
Wanderlust
To my family and friends. You keep me laughing, share my sorrows and help me to follow my dreams. Thank you. KyAnn
Warm lips caressed the swell of her breast then drifted lower with exquisite feather-light movements to firmly suckle her turgid nipple. Live electrical current sparked between the erect, sensitive tip and the wet, swollen center of her sex.
Silken hair against her skin was as soft as the downy sheets draped between her legs. Radiant heat pooled like molten lava in her honeyed core and flutters filled her stomach.
Anticipation built. She spread her lithe thighs wide to welcome his heavy, masculine weight. A sigh escaped her parted lips. Back arched, pelvis tilted, she awaited the first fierce thrust.
Thick, hot and hard, his erection nudged her opening and then parted her soaked inner folds.
The phone.
Ignore it.
She needed him to stretch then fill her full of his cock. "I can't wait." Did she say it or think it? Either way, he understood her anguished hunger because he pressed deep and then ground his center firmly against hers.
"Oh yes," Meg moaned in satisfaction. Wrapping her palms over her knees, she pulled them up, spreading herself wider. "Ah." He thrust hard and fast inflaming her sensitive tissues. Again and again. Almost there. Almost. His arms braced his weight and his body hovered above her. Her heart rate escalated into a rampant beat.
No...not the phone. He continued to bang against the top of her channel, plunging deep and hard, giving her a rigorous fucking.
Was it the insistent buzz from the smoke detector? No. Please, just one more minute.
Damn. Not again.
Meg Snow cracked open her eyes. Her heart pounded. Heavy breaths racked her body. Oh god, she'd woken from another dream. She glanced at the alarm clock and groaned. Fuzzy, red numbers blinked with the pulsing noise. It couldn't be morning because she felt as if she'd barely closed her heavy eyelids. But oh...what a dream.
Stretching her sleep-numbed arms, she reached over and hit the snooze button. Unrealized orgasmic energy still thrummed with unfilled promise. Sheets twisted around her legs. A sheen of sweat covered her naked body. Perhaps if she didn't sleep in the nude her neighbor would stop invading her bed during the night.
Meg inhaled deeply in an attempt to settle the intense sexual frustration tightening her muscles. She sniffed again because of the pleasing aroma wafting on the air.
Scrambled eggs and sausage?
The Culinary Casanova was at it again. No way would she go next door for breakfast no matter how tempting the fare. And damn, but Cory Traven surpassed enticing.
Beyond good-looking, he was far too sexy first thing in the morning. She didn't have the strength to face him after she'd been fucking him all night---in her dreams---and had been every night for the past three weeks. Quite a disturbing notion considering she'd known Cory since, well, birth.
After stretching her arms over her head, she combed her fingers through snarled locks of hair.
Another Saturday morning and she had nothing to do, except Cory. And that was not happening. She also had nothing in the fridge. The faint scent of cinnamon finally convinced her rumbling stomach. She fished a Harvard sweatshirt out of the laundry scattered on the bedroom floor. After slipping on a clean pair of panties, she pulled on a pair of sweatpants with a hole in one knee.
Hmmm, would he notice she was braless? The big capital H printed on the sweatshirt just above where her nipple poked would have to be camouflage enough.
Perfume bottles, earrings, store receipts and general crap cluttered the top of the dresser. She pillaged through the pile until she found her favorite hair scrunchy. With her hair pulled up, and fuzzy lime green slippers on her feet, she left her side of the duplex and padded next door.
The sun had just started to burn through the spring morning mist. Bright colored tulips, purple crocuses and bearded irises bloomed in the front flowerbeds edging the walkway. Yellow pollen clung to the shrubs and the trees sprouted tender new leaves. Up and down the street, a sentinel of plum trees exploded with pink blossoms. The rhythmic click, click, click of the neighbor's sprinkler harmonized with the birds chirping their morning song.
Meg gave a snort. She lived in perfectly boring middle America. The only escapades she'd been on were in her dreams. Not like Cory. He'd already seen the world.
She knocked once on his door, and tested the knob. "Hey, it's just me," she called and let herself in.
Momma Traven had taught her son how to clean. He kept his side of the duplex immaculate with clutter free, wide-open spaces. How much mess could he make when he worked ten-hour days at Stoady's Automotive? He was seldom home. A neatly folded afghan draped the back of his grandma's old sofa, and remote controls for the television, cable and stereo all lay in a straight row on the old, polished coffee table.
In fact, all the furniture, with the exception of the television had been handed down from family and friends when he'd come home after a four-year adventure in the military.
Even Meg had given him a lamp from her front room. It had been a matching set, but she only needed one. She recalled the look of horror on his face. Okay, so it was beat to shit. Why waste money on stuff when she didn't plan to live in Milcott? More possessions meant more to move. Until Cory rented the unit next door, she had dragged her laundry to her mom's, but thanks to his brother's contribution, she didn't have to anymore.
When she didn't see Cory, she went into the kitchen. "Smells great," she hollered. "Mmmm. Coffee." She took a mug from the dish drainer and poured a cup. Since the pot was full, she assumed he had yet to pour himself one. She grabbed another mug. "Creamer?" she hollered.
"In the fridge."
"Oh, hi." She put her hand to her chest. "There you are." She continued to pour. "You scared me."
"Why?" he asked, coming into the kitchen. "This is my house. I live here and good morning to you too."
It could have been a great morning if the alarm clock had given her another minute. Her cheeks heated with the memory. When he stepped closer, the clean scent of shower and male mingled with the delicious aromas of breakfast.
Suddenly her appetite included more than what was on the menu. A fine ribbon of glistening hair trailed from his nicely sculpted pectoral muscles to disappear below unsnapped jeans riding low on his hips. She could well imagine the impressive prize concealed within. Actually, she had imagined it in explicit, glorious detail.
Damp, dark brown hair curled and clung to the back of his neck. With clean-shaven, hollow cheeks, full, kissable lips and a square jaw, he was ruggedly handsome. Yet Cory's warming smile revealed his humorous side. For Meg, his compelling eyes, startling against his olive complexion, lit a fire in her soul. Pale blue and framed with long, thick, ebony lashes.
Yeah, she'd known women who could spontaneously orgasm with a simple secretive glance. Thankfully that hadn't happened to her...yet. Oh, but she'd come close. It's why she needed to keep her distance. Cory Traven was the last thing she wanted in a boyfriend.
Six months ago, his military enlistment had ended. He'd come home to Milcott, South Dakota, to settle down. On the flipside, she couldn't wait to get the hell out.
"Breakfast smells wonderful. Where are the cinnamon rolls?" She handed him the cup of coffee. Their fingers briefly touched and butterflies swooped in on her tummy. Damn, and breakfast wasn't the only thing that smelled good. The faint scent of his shampoo drifted to her nose.
He chuckled. "I see you've made yourself at home. Don't you knock?"
"The door was open." She winked. "If you want me out, you should lock the door." She stabbed a sizzling sausage link in the frying pan with a fork.
"What if I was sharing my breakfast with a lady? You'd feel pretty stupid about now."
She answered with a snort. "If you are, you should've made enough for three." In a town with a population of less than three thousand, any woman would know Meg breakfasted at Cory's. She bit the sausage in half. "Hmmm. Good. And hot." And not the only thing hot, she thought as sweat trickled between her breasts.
Cory's stare always had the power to make her melt. Some men exuded sexual charm and he happened to be one of them. With a jolt, she realized it was entirely possible that one day another woman would be in the bedroom. Now there was an unpleasant thought for first thing in the morning.
Bringing the fork close to his face, she offered the rest of the sausage to him. "Did you get it from my Uncle Fred? Mom said he was slaughtering one of his pigs."
Her stomach tightened as his lips moved toward her fingers. Warm, moist breath caressed her skin as he blew gently to cool the meat. Amazing how close her dreams were to the actual sensation of having his soft, yet firm lips graze her fingertips.
"It's turkey." He chewed and patted his muscle-corded stomach. "If Fred finds out, I'll know you squealed like one of his pigs."
"My lips are sealed." She knew how to keep a secret. Look how well she'd kept her feelings for the Culinary Casanova to herself.
Cory prided himself on his physique. He didn't spend hours in the gym, but walked everywhere, played football at family barbecues and worked hard repairing and rebuilding cars.
Blessed with the Traven traits, he was tall with broad shoulders, a strong back and powerful thighs. Traits that she appreciated since she liked to rearrange her furniture whenever she cleaned, which probably explained why she didn't clean often. Unless Cory was home to interchange the positions of the loveseat and chair in the living room and flip the mattress in the bedroom, her best effort encompassed speed cleaning.
Speed cleaning occurred when her mother, also known as landlord, called and said she happened to be in the neighborhood and would like to stop for a cup of coffee. Where in Milcott wasn't in the neighborhood? There weren't many apartments available. She had to rent either from her parents or from her Aunt Bess.
Oh and don't get her started on Aunt Bess. The dear heart was a priceless gem. Definitely a one of a kind, and she talked incessantly about the dead.
Aunt Bess considered the obituaries required reading, probably because she knew everyone in Milcott. Secretly, Meg thought Aunt Bess watched for widowers she could drag to the town's greasy spoon, Big Bird's, for lunch...to talk about the dead.
So renting from her mother spared her the morose chats with her blue-haired aunt but required she keep up the duplex. Her bedroom was the catchall. Even Cory had commented on her messy ways---but enough thoughts about Cory. If she thought about her bedroom, she thought about the bed, and with Culinary Casanova half dressed in front of her, it wasn't hard to put him in her bed...again. Damn, her salacious dream came rushing back. Fucking him---even in her dreams---had to end.
With her hands on her hips, Meg gave him the stare down. Knowing the answer, she asked anyway. "So is there someone in the bedroom waiting to eat my breakfast?"
He bumped his hip against hers to scoot her out of the way. "No, now get the plates while I get the rolls."
She grabbed plates and he filled them with scrambled eggs, turkey sausage and a warm sticky, cinnamon bun. "You never told me where you learned to cook. Was it in the Air Force?"
"Nope." He followed her to the breakfast bar. "Just how to repair jets." He took the seat next to her. "I learned to cook because my mom didn't get any girls, so the family kitchen secrets naturally fell to me as the youngest child."
Meg liked Cory's brothers, all five of them. "Lucky for Jake."
"Thanks for the sympathy."
Jake was one year older than Cory. They'd always been best friends. Mama Traven was the one who claimed she'd had Cory to be a friend to Jake. She'd already raised four boys and didn't want Jake to grow up without a sibling close in age.
"I guess after six children your mom figured she wasn't going to get a daughter."
"Oh, she would've had more kids but Dad wasn't willing to try again for a girl just so Mom could teach her to cook."
She smiled around a bite of eggs. "These are great," she said with her mouth full. "You'll make someone a lovely little wife."
He paused with his fork midway between his plate and his mouth, eyes flashing with unreadable emotion.
She swallowed. "What?"
Cory looked at the woman sitting next to him and could think of nothing better than spending the rest of his life with her untamed ways.
This morning her rich brown hair with salon highlights resembled an inept bird's nest. Stray tuffs of hair poked from the ratty old hairband on the top of her head. The faint shadow of yesterday's mascara smudged beneath her eyes, yet her smile radiated brilliant white and her teeth were perfectly straight. He remembered when that wasn't the case.
Braces in the eighth grade had perfected her smile, and cut his lip the first time they kissed. But he'd been a sophomore in high school and too cool for someone in junior high. By the time she joined him at the high school, it didn't matter that he was a senior. She'd gotten over her crush.
"What makes you think I'm ready for marriage?" He bit into a sticky bun. Over the past few weeks, the thought had crossed his mind, but he hadn't shared his ideas with Meg. She wouldn't appreciate his domesticated objectives.
"Aren't you?" Her left brow rose at the question and a twinkle reflected in her liquid brown irises rimmed with flecks of amber. A smile tilted her lips.
If she wanted to know, maybe it was time to tell her. "Probably, if the right girl came around." He wondered if she had the slightest notion who the right girl could possibly be.
She chucked.
"What do you find funny about that? Aren't you looking for the right man?" He loved the sound of her contagious laughter.
"Time and distance have dulled your memory. You should've stayed in the Air Force because you know all the girls around here."
She twisted around on the seat and propped her foot on the edge of the stool.
Cory tugged on the small hole in her sweats. "But I've been gone for a few years. I've changed," he said while running his finger over the softness of her exposed knee. Even the skin here was smooth to his calloused fingertip. "Maybe some of the girls around town have too." She had. The teenage girl had grown into a stunning woman.
"Nothing changes in Milcott, which is why I want to move." She stood and went to the coffee pot for a refill. "So why didn't you look for someone while you were traveling around the world?"
He held out his cup when she brought the carafe of coffee over. "Thanks."
"Couldn't you find anyone made of marriage material?"
He hadn't even looked. What he'd done was spend four years realizing all he wanted out of life was right here in Milcott. Everyone he knew and cared about lived within a five-mile radius...including the woman pouring coffee.
His older brothers were all married with kids, with the exception of Jake. And he lived with his girlfriend and according to his family that was enough to imply long term.
Living next door to Meg didn't quite meet the same level. Six months ago, he'd moved into the duplex to be close to her. For whatever reason, he couldn't get her to see him as more than a friend.
Yes, they were chums, had been since grade school. Their families attended the same church, the same socials. But he wanted more. They'd never had a serious, romantic date.
There was one incident, a long time ago, not a date but it had ended with a kiss. He wondered if she even remembered. Unlikely, because his recent efforts had stalled. He just didn't know how to move forward without making the friendship uncomfortable if she didn't feel the same way.
Cory glanced at the clock on the wall. "Have you heard from Sara?"
Sara and Jake lived across town in a basement apartment. Besides being his brother's girlfriend, Sara was also Meg's cousin. Stay around Milcott long enough and the realization came that just about everyone was related in some way or another.
"No, she's still pissed at me for going out with Travis last night." She wrinkled her nose.
"Ahhh." He'd forgotten about her date with the former senior class president and varsity all-star wrestler.
Travis Pike was the eldest son of the richest family in Milcott. Not saying much, but enough. Travis was a pompous ass.
"Well, you can look smug with Sara and Jake. One disappointment rolled into the next throughout the whole evening." She sighed and slammed her coffee cup to the counter. "Oh sorry," she said, wiping up a spill with a napkin. "I really thought he'd have grown up since he started working for his dad. Money doesn't buy class. I thought he'd romance me, take me to a nice dinner, maybe a movie. And no, I don't mean the drive-in."
"But that isn't what happened?" Cory cocked an eyebrow and looked at her over the rim of his cup as he took a sip.
"Oh, wait until I tell you. I'll have to repeat the whole story later to Sara and Jake, but since you asked." She sighed. "I had a lovely dinner. Drive-thru Burger Barn."
He chuckled.
"You laugh, but it gets better. He asked me if I'd like to drive out to the lake to see the stars. I was stupid enough to say sure. Only he didn't want to sit in the bed of the truck. No, my view would be from my back with my legs in the air."
Cory choked on the chuckle.
"I might have laughed in high school...not now." She cocked her head to the side. "Do I have tramp stamped on my forehead?" She paused as if waiting for a reply.
"I'm not sure what you want me to say. He's always been an ass. You weren't anything special to him." He knuckled her under the chin. "That shows how stupid he is."
"Cory, you have a lot to learn about how to make a girl feel good."
He knew exactly how he could improve her disposition. "Not as much as you think."
"What is that supposed to mean? Do you think you could cheer me up?" She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. "Never mind. You can always make me laugh, but that isn't the problem."
Meg carried her plate to the sink.
"So what is the problem?" he asked, coming up behind her then rinsing his plate before putting it in the dishwasher.
She stilled next to him. He gazed into her eyes, drowning in their depths and momentarily forgot what he was about to say. Under the oversized sweats, he could still see her feminine curves.
Blessed with an hourglass figure, she had high, pert breasts, which if he wasn't mistaken shifted unrestrained beneath the Harvard shirt. He smiled.
"My problem," she said, breaking into his thoughts. "Is that the dating pond in Milcott is full of carp. I want to fish somewhere else."
Cory bit his tongue to keep from laughing. Melodramatic Meg.
"It would be a waste of your time. The Great Lakes are polluted and the ocean is too big. You could cast all day and not catch a thing. It's always best to go with what you know. Always fish in familiar waters."
Her hip jutted when she placed her hands on them and gave him a sharp look. "Then you're telling me to look for someone around here. Well, I've dated everyone but you and my choices are dwindling," she said, a note of exasperation apparent in her tone. "Maybe I should try online dating."
"I didn't think you were looking for serious."
"I'm not," she snapped. "But does that imply I want meaningless sex with a man who doesn't care about me?" Her head tilted to the side and her voice softened. "If I were you, I'd never have come home. Why did you, Cory? There is a whole world to explore. Don't you want to be a part of something bigger than Milcott, South Dakota?"
The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't bring himself to say them. He'd come home for her. "I like it here. Milcott is home." He shrugged. "Dad is getting older. Mom is tired. They were in their forties when Jake and I came around. They want to see me settled before they're gone." He closed the dishwasher and leaned against the counter. "I did plenty of relocating while I was in the military. Meg, the rest of the world isn't glamorous. Home starts to look pretty damn good once you've lived in a tent for nine months."
When he'd served in the Middle East, the conditions had been rough.
"I worried about you." Her hand went to her neck where she fingered the silver locket he'd sent her from The United Arab Emirates. "I never did say thank you."
Cory had also sent her a decorative prayer rug from Saudi Arabia. In Ecuador, he'd found her a small turtle carved from wood by a local artist. She'd been with him on every temporary deployment, helping him get through the long days of military life by looking forward to her letters.
"You did say thank you," he whispered, "in the letters you sent." In fact, he saved them all and kept them safely tucked away. Her words of encouragement and friendship were part of the few cherished possessions saved from the time he spent in the military.
She sighed. "I guess I can see why you came home."
"Sometimes, it takes being away to realize what you'd miss." Just as he had realized how much she meant to him.
He wondered if she remembered the night before he left for basic training the way he had mentally relived those hours for the past four years.
"And right there is my whole problem." She narrowed her eyes and poked him in the chest with her index finger. "I haven't been any farther than Sioux Falls for a rock concert and that was in high school. I need to get out of this town."
"Move away?" Her words shot a jolt of adrenaline into his heart and started it racing.
Her brows furrowed. "Absolutely." Then she smiled. "I'd prefer somewhere tropical where a cabana boy named Carlos can rub tanning lotion into my bare breasts while I sip fruity drinks with brightly colored paper umbrellas."
"Is that what you consider a romantic destination? What about an isolated cabin in the mountains with a roaring fire? A man to hold you close while the snow falls, cocooning you in a rustic paradise."
Meg gave a snort. "I thought you were done with rustic after living in a tent."
"Yeah, but that was with five other guys. There would only be the two of us." He imagined her warm lips sealed to his while he loved every inch of her soft curves.
"Us?"
His throat tightened and his tongue seemed to fill his mouth. Oh yes, just the two of us. However, he suspected she was only teasing. "That doesn't sound romantic to you?"
"Milcott isn't in the mountains or in the tropics, so if I have to travel to find paradise, it's going to be a warm location, and the only raging fire will burn between me and the man of my dreams."
He followed her back to the barstools. His gaze raked her from softly molded shoulders to the curve of her derriere. Somewhere beneath the sweatshirt was a waist he could span with his hands. No, he didn't have any trouble imagining her beside a pool caramelizing in the sun. A topless beach would be paradise. A nude beach would be sheer ecstasy.
Nausea clenched his gut. Cory had trouble stomaching the thought of another man tasting her sweetness. He sat and took a sip of his coffee. The aromatic French roast turned acerbic on his tongue as he considered another man claiming what he wanted for himself.
"Cory?"
"What?" He hadn't heard her because his mind had put him on that tropical beach, white capped, pristine blue surf in the distance and her writhing body beneath him. Even with the top button of his jeans undone, his pants were tight on his crotch.
"Where would you take a woman for a romantic date?"
Leaning back in his chair, he threaded his fingers behind his head, and said, "How committed are you to finding out?"
Meg had seen the twinkle in Cory's eye before---a night about four years ago. That sparkle had convinced her of something that didn't exist. Without a doubt, she knew they could pleasure one another. Hell, she'd been getting laid well every night in her dreams. However, she refused to let herself feel emotions that she'd worked so hard to bury the first time she'd fallen in love with him.
They were different now. She loved him. That was far different than being in love.
Only the past few weeks had those old familiar yearnings tickling her libido. She'd done her best to convince herself she was just horny. Accepting a date with Travis had been a way for her to put perspective on her jumbled emotions and desires. But it hadn't. Travis hadn't been doable after all. Casual encounters never held much appeal. Since Cory's return, her stomach roiled at the thought of having sex with anyone else. This forced her to consider the alternatives---a good vibrator and extra batteries.
Yep, she smacked her lips. The memory of Cory's long ago kiss had to be the reason and explanation for why his twinkling eyes sent pulses straight into her pussy. Perhaps the dreams were an extension of her secret desires. She wanted to have sex...specifically sex with Cory.
But trying to recapture the past never worked. She couldn't go back to the way she'd felt four years prior. She would just need to work out her frustrations in her sleep. It was either that or find a way to meet someone not from Milcott, South Dakota.
"So?" Cory leaned forward and braced his forearms on his knees.
"So what?"
"Will you let me take you out for a romantic date?"
Laughter failed to camouflage the insecurity in her voice. "Tell me what you have in mind." She must be out of hers.
"Uh-uh. If you want to know, you'll have to say yes. One date."
He stepped close to her and pulled the hairband free, allowing her hair to fall around her shoulders. Tingles chased up her spine. Her gaze tracked up his bare torso and detailed the corded muscles. So close, too close, her breath hitched. His stomach quivered and she could see each breath he drew expand his chest.
All the cooking he'd done this morning had made the kitchen unbearably hot. The sheen of sweat on her flesh and the wetness soaking her panties had nothing to do with Cory standing over her making overt overtones about a romantic date between them.
Yeah right, it had everything to do with the Culinary Casanova.
"What's the matter? I thought you craved adventure."
Chatter from outside broke through the stillness between them. Meg released the breath she held in her lungs. Saved by Sara and Jake.
"I'll get the door." She attempted to stand but he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"They'll let themselves in the same way you do. You have to decide right now."
Her glare snapped to his face. "I---"
"What are you afraid of? We're chums, remember? Tonight let's pretend we don't know each other as well as we do."
Meg snorted. "Role-playing? Why, Cory, I didn't know you had a kinky side. Hell, if I had known that I would've said yes right away." She pushed his hand off her shoulder and stood. "What time? Or would you rather pick me up in a bar like a real romantic date in Milcott?" She bumped her hip against his and went to the living room just as Sara and Jake walked through the front door.
"Hey, guys," she said as she passed them on her way out.
"Where are you going?" Sara asked.
"To get my laundry. I don't have anything to wear tonight." She glanced at Cory. "I assume you want me to take a shower and change clothes. I do clean up nice."
"Washer is all yours."
Meg stepped into the sunshine and pulled the door closed.
Holy shit! Her heart hammered out a rhythm that made her breathless. Cory Traven had asked her out on a date.
"Any breakfast left?" Jake sauntered into the kitchen leaving Cory to face Sara's narrowed eyes and pursed lips.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked.
"You're up to something? What gives? I recognize the gleam in your eye. You're planning something. What I want to know is am I going to like it?" Her lips spread into a smile. "Don't tell me you're finally making a move on Meg."
"I asked her out on a date tonight." He put up his hand. "And no, the two of you aren't invited."
"Creamer?" Jake hollered from the kitchen.
"Fridge." Cory raked his fingers through his hair. "I promised a romantic night. Now I just need to figure out what in the hell I'm going to do." He laughed. "Wait until Meg tells you about her date with Travis last night. That's what led to all of this."
Sara plopped down on the sofa. "Oh god," she whined. "Don't tell me she did the deed with him. I'll puke."
Cory sat next to her and put his bare feet on the coffee table. "I'd have thrown up too."
"Man, you have long toes." She put her foot next to his to compare.
He curled his toes around the remote and picked it up. "Useful too."
"You know what they say about a man's big toe," Jake said coming from the kitchen.
Sara glanced over her shoulder and said, "Yeah, and you better hope it's a lie." Then she scooted over to make room. "They say if you're that good with your feet, you're that good with---"
"You don't need to know." Jake sat and Sara twisted around and put her feet in his lap.
"You guys have the couch." Cory moved to the chair and leaned back.
Tonight had to be special. This was his opportunity to show Meg how much he cared. If he could get her to see him as more than a friend, perhaps they could explore whatever it was between them that caused his heart to beat a little harder, made his head swim.
"Where are you going to take Meg?" Excitement laced Sara's voice.
Cory cracked a grin. "I'll leave her to tell you tomorrow."
"How early can we come over?"
His eyes shot open at Jake's question. What would the morning after bring? He hadn't really thought about what would happen if the romantic night carried into the bedroom but no further. In his plan, friendship led to a date, then discovering they loved each other, followed by happily ever after. But Meg never followed a plan.
His mind went back to the bedroom. They would be good together, even if he was out of practice. Since coming home from the military his social life involved his friends. He doubted he even had a condom in the duplex.
Cory stood and headed toward the bedroom.
"So how early?" Sara asked.
Pausing, a smile tugged on his lips. "Call first."
Sara's lips formed an O. "Good luck. The girl needs to get laid."
Later in the day, Meg stood in the shower. Warm water cascaded over her body as she debated whether to shave her bikini area. Her pits and legs were smooth, but if she shaved her pussy wouldn't that admit to wanting something she'd convinced herself she wasn't going to get?
Sex with Cory happened during REM, not after a romantic date. Of course, if his idea of romance was like the rest of the males in Milcott, he wouldn't come close to knowing she'd shaved.
Ugh. She wasn't actually contemplating sex with him. That would be stupid. Oh hell, she had trouble redirecting her carnal thoughts. She wanted to have sex with Cory.
Warm needles of water sprayed her face. Her eyes slid closed and she crossed her arms to caress her shoulders. Then her hand trailed slowly down her body. The water heated her flesh as much as the subtle pressure of her finger's touch. Palms stroked over the swell of her heavy breasts. Then she imagined Cory's gentle fingers plucking at her pebbled nipples. Tingles grew into an ache. She pinched and rolled the sensitive peaks until the piercing pleasure connected with her clit. An insistent pulse called to her from between her legs. Her hand drifted lower, across her tummy slick with water and into the dewy folds of her slit.
She widened her stance, pretending her fingers were his. Back and forth, circling the sensitive knot until her breath grew shallow and her heartbeat steadily increased. With perfect clarity, she remembered the way he'd smelled this morning after his shower.
Oh heaven. Oh yes. Pressure built.
One hand braced against the smooth, slick side of the tiled shower stall. Knees weakened, and then trembled. Sparks erupted behind her eyelids. Muscles tensed and her mind numbed in euphoric release. Spasms of ecstasy washed over her, one after another until finally the storm receded.
Inhale, exhale. Inhale slower. Exhale. She calmed her body. But this wasn't enough. A slow smile curled her lips. An orgasm in the shower still wouldn't give her a defense against Cory's charm. But then nothing would. She reached down and turned off the water.
Even though she'd convinced herself this wasn't a real date, she still took extra care with her hair and make-up. There weren't many romantic places in town, which added excitement to the prospect of experiencing Cory's vision of a romantic date. Where would he take her? What would they do?
Meg's bathroom and kitchen shared the middle wall with Cory's side of the duplex. Early in the morning, she would listen to him shower and get ready for the day. She listened now, but didn't hear any of the telltale sounds that he was as eager as she.
She put her ear up against the wall. Actually, she could hear laughter. Meg hurried into the front room and looked out the window.
Sara and Jake were still in Cory's apartment. They are not going on this date. The last place she remembered seeing the phone was on the loveseat so she pillaged through the clean laundry until she found the black cordless. She punched in his number.
"Hi," she said as soon as he picked up. "I'm over here primping for our date. Tell me Sara and Jake aren't coming with us."
"They're just about to leave."
She walked to the kitchen and grabbed a diet soda from the fridge. "Good. Tell them to go home."
"You sound excited."
"Curious is a better word, but I'll be pissed if Sara and Jake decide to tag along." She popped the top on the can of soda and guzzled.
"We'll be alone." His voice took on a husky timbre.
"We're alone all the time."
"But this is different."
The vibration of his breathing floated through the phone, into her ear and sent a tingle straight into her tummy. "Not that different. We're together all the time." Sometimes alone, in the dark, watching movies until dawn. And always in the back of her mind she wondered how it would feel for him to spin around, grab hold of her and plunder her mouth in frenzied desire.
"Meg, we're going on a date. We're not chums hanging out because neither one of us has anything better to do."
"Well, I don't know if I have anything better to do. You haven't told me where we're going for our date."
"Margaret Mary Snow."
"Are you trying to pick a fight? Because only Aunt Bess calls me Margaret."
He chuckled and she melted.
"I'll be over in an hour."
"Just pound on the wall and I'll meet you on the porch."
"Not happening. My dad taught me to be a gentleman."
Meg gave a snort. His dad might have taught him and his brothers about hunting, camping and fishing. However, Mama Traven would've tanned their hides if they disrespected a woman.
"What should I wear? Fancy or casual?"
"We're in Milcott. Casual is good. Plus I want you to be comfortable."
After hanging up the phone, she finished getting ready for her date.
Waiting drove her crazy. Damn, what was wrong with her? This was Cory. This wasn't a real date? Or maybe it could be.
In between listening for Sara and Jake to leave, she did something she absolutely hated. She picked up her place. No heavy cleaning because she didn't want to muss herself up before the date. Instead she put away the clothes she'd washed at Cory's and managed to get her earrings paired up on her dresser and put back into the jewelry tree she'd had since her thirteenth birthday. She remembered the day because that was the birthday she'd had her ears pierced.
The memory made her smile. She'd been terrified that having holes shot into her lobes would hurt. To alleviate her anxiety, Cory had his ear pierced first. He was fifteen and Mama Traven could've made him a girl that day. She could still hear the hollering. "If you want to look like a woman, I can make you one." The earring had lasted a day.
Lately more memories of Cory seemed to plague her. She convinced herself that he drifted through her thoughts because he'd moved in next door. They were spending too much time together. This date probably wasn't the best idea. What she really needed was distance.
The next time she glanced at the clock, her heart jumped into her throat. At any moment he could ring her doorbell. She went to the window.
She ran to her room and gave herself one last spritz of perfume.
Ding Urrr.
The bell hadn't donged since she moved in, but that wasn't what made her pause. Her best friend stood on the other side of the door and yet her heart pounded. Maintaining an aura of indifference wasn't going to be easy. Let the date begin.
The swish of her miniskirt brushed her thighs when she walked to the door. The motion, like the titillating caress of a lover, made her aware of her bare skin. Her fingers trembled as she twisted the knob and slowly opened the door.
Cory's pose was relaxed. Hands shoved into the front pockets of his Dockers, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. Eyes twinkled and the warm gentle breeze from the south carried the scent of blossoms. A heady combination when mixed with the spicy masculine scent of his cologne. His clean-shaven jaw brought her attention to the fine shape of his lips. Damn kissable lips that she wanted to taste but wasn't going to. Leave it to her libido. Already a tingle in her core niggled at her willpower.
"I'm ready." Best to get the date started. She had serious doubts about her ability to stay true to her intentions. She needed the tractor derby or better yet, dinner with her parents to kill the romantic atmosphere. Did she really want to explore this particular type of adventure with Cory? She should have stuck with the cabana boy idea.
Meg swung her purse over her shoulder and pulled the door closed.
She made a conscious effort to slow down her steps when Cory put his hand on the small of her back. Heat blazed up her spine and she felt the telltale signs of a blush staining her cheeks. It wasn't as if she were a teenage girl with a high school crush. Yet that was the sensation she experienced with just a simple touch.
Cory opened the car door. Once she sat, he closed the door and walked around the front of the vehicle. When he slid in behind the wheel, she noted the way his shirt hugged his biceps. Her gaze traveled along his right arm to his hand. Long fingers with a dusting of hair over the knuckles reached down and turned the key in the ignition. His left hand wrapped around the steering wheel. She imagined those hands exploring her.
"Are you warm?" She rolled down the window.
It didn't surprise her that he hadn't worn a suit. However, she couldn't remember him ever wearing a light pink, knit golf shirt. Pink might be the new black in big cities, but not in Milcott. Maybe this was his way of giving her big city sophistication.
"So where are we going?"
He glanced at her and then turned his attention back to the road. "Liquor store."
"Huh?" She didn't think she'd heard him correctly because stocking up on booze would be a typical first stop if this were a typical date. Moreover, Travis had already taken her on this date. Cory had promised her romance.
"I thought I'd pick up a bottle of wine."
"A-ha." She smirked. He offered a more sophisticated selection than the usual quart. "The old 'get a girl drunk to give a guy a better chance of getting laid' plan."
He gave her a quick grin, looked back at the road, stopped at the light and turned his upper body toward her. "Would it work?"
Meg laughed.
"Didn't think so."
Once parked at the store, she waited while he walked around the car. He opened her door and she slid her fingers into his warm palm as he helped her from the car. Rather than release her once she stood, he linked their fingers.
"Do you have a favorite wine?" he asked as they entered the store.
"Um, no. But I'm willing to try anything."
"Anything?"
She didn't know what to say. The erotic timbre of his voice implied something sexual.
"No worries. We'll get to anything later."
That was what she feared and secretly coveted.
Cory grabbed a cabernet. They left the store and she wondered where he'd take her next. She was a bit surprised when he pulled up in front of their duplex.
"What's going on, Cory? Why did we come back home?"
He turned off the ignition and pivoted his torso to face her. "I thought all afternoon about how I could show you the most romantic date. The more I considered heading over to Pierre, or taking you for a drive, the more I realized that romance doesn't happen in a location. Romance is what occurs between a man and a woman who are attracted to one another." He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "I'm attracted to you, Meg."
Was she ready for him to profess his feelings? All afternoon she'd tried to prepare herself for his sexual appeal, but she hadn't considered the chance of a declaration of love. Tears burned behind her eyes. No, she didn't really want this. Not here. Not now.
Taking her hand, he grazed his thumb over her knuckles. "I need to know. Is there anything between us?"
She snatched her hand out of his. Her stomach quivered, dropped to her feet, ricocheted to her throat and lodged there. She couldn't do this, not after she had worked so hard to put Cory into perspective.
Confessing her fantasies, her secret desires for him would derail her plans. She wanted more than Milcott. The world waited.
She pulled on the handle and pushed her shoulder against the car door. "We're friends, Cory. We always will be." She exited the vehicle so she wouldn't have to see his face. Part of her wanted more with Cory, but another part, the determined part still wanted to get out of her small town and see more of the world.
This was one date to show her a romantic night and he'd taken her home. She shook her head wondering what he had planned next. So far, the evening was not what she'd expected.
Meg followed him to the front door. This time he didn't attempt to touch her. Instead, the evening air and the unexpressed sexual tension hung like a heavy shroud between them. He held the door open and she preceded him inside.
Oh god, the Culinary Casanova was up to his magic yet again. The old saying that a way to a man's heart is through his stomach also applied to her and Cory's cooking. Apparently, he had been busy preparing for their special date. She didn't know if she'd have the strength to resist the charm and the incredibly sweet scents assaulting her nose. "Something smells chocolaty."
"It is. Dark and decadent, but dinner first. I hope you're hungry." He closed the door.
"You cook for me all the time." She tossed her small handbag onto the chair.
"No, I cook for myself and make enough for you." He stepped in close behind her and rested his hands on her hips. "But you're wrong."
"About?"
"About us just being friends."
Moving in closer, he made her heart pound. Words vibrated against her neck. Awareness streaked down her spine and caused a quickening in her core. "Just friends." Did she speak aloud?
"And you're wrong about dinner." With his fingers, he combed her hair over her shoulder. "Tonight I didn't cook dinner for you. Only dessert," he whispered near her ear.
Warm, moist breath fanned against her skin. Meg's will dissolved and she melted, leaning her back against his chest. His arousing scent tempted her senses.
The moment had come. After four years he was about to kiss her again. His fingers plucked at the fabric of her skirt. He pivoted her around until they faced each other. His lips were moving...but not closer.
"Huh?"
Those lips smiled. "I said let's pour the wine while we wait."
"Wait for what?" He had her confused. She'd steeled her nerves in preparation for a kiss that wasn't going to happen.
Cory glanced at his watch. "Dinner." He went to the entertainment center and hit the power button for the stereo. Soft country rock crooned from the surround sound speakers. "Sit down. Relax."
She sat on the couch while he made his way around the perimeter lighting candle tapers. Soon, a romantic glow bathed the room in a soft light. Last, he poured them each a glass of wine and sat next to her.
"Who is bringing dinner? I'm starved." Meg tipped and swirled the wine watching the sweet smelling drink coat the sides of the glass.
Cory settled next to her. "First a toast."
"To friendship." Meg couldn't toast anything else. She could drown in the intoxicating depths of his liquid eye, yet falling for his night of seduction would ensure she did.
"Friendship is nice," he said, then sipped.
She sensed he wanted to say more. The situation was impossible. If she explored her feelings for Cory, she'd find herself in love and then ten years down the road, when she hated her life in small-town America she'd hate the best friend she'd ever had because she couldn't say no to those damn seductive eyes.
So regardless of the twitch between her legs, the pounding of her heart and the tingle in her breasts, she was not going to sleep with him.
The doorbell rang and he stood. "Dinner is here." He went to answer.
Good, breathing room. She took a deep breath and set her wine on the coffee table. If she consumed more than a tablespoon of wine, she'd be naked before they---
"Pizza?"
The delivery driver handed over a box that looked exactly like the box from the pizza they had ordered a few days prior. Then it had held a deep-dish pepperoni with extra cheese.
"You ordered pizza?" Wasn't this supposed to be an incredibly romantic date? If so, they'd been having romantic dates for weeks.
"You love pizza." He set the box on the coffee table. "At least it isn't the Burger Barn."
"You got me there." She arched a brow. He was serious. Pizza.
"Let me get the plates."
Plates? She put her hands in front of her mouth to stop the laugh building in her chest. Candlelight, mood music and pizza.
Cory plopped down beside her. "Here we go."
"Oh god, Cory..." She threw her arms around his neck. "I love you." She kissed his cheek. "Here I thought you were serious about this whole date thing. You've had me an emotional wreck. I could kill you because I really thought you were trying to seduce me." She flipped open the pizza box. "You certainly had me going. I can't believe one, that I fell for it, and two, that I worried about the date." She grabbed a slice of pizza, catching the stretching strings of mozzarella on her finger and piling them onto her piece. She took a big bite. "Mmmm." She grabbed the remote from the table, flipped off the music and turned on the television. After toeing off her shoes, she propped her feet on the edge of the coffee table.
At least she could act as if she wasn't disappointed. Baseball scores ticked across the bottom of the screen. Sports were the perfect way to douse the flames of passionate heat. Yeah right. She needed more. "Why don't we call up Sara and Jake invite them over for dessert?"
It was late. Meg spooned against Cory while he snored on the couch half drunk after consuming a hefty portion of the wine. Tomorrow he'd wake with a killer headache because he didn't usually drink to excess. But after she'd turned on the television he'd grown quiet. Now, he was either passed out or sleeping.
Normally, she'd crash beside him but with the dreams that had been plaguing her for the past several weeks she didn't trust herself to sleep. What if she acted out her fantasies? Imagine waking and actually feeling him slip inside, filling her with his hard length. That same length pressed into her rear as she snuggled in front of him. Admittedly, bigger than she'd envisioned. Another tidbit of information she was better off without.
She slid off the couch. Blue illumination from the television gave off enough light for her to take his laptop off the counter. She carried it to the coffee table and then sat on the floor with her back against the couch. Pings and buzzing sounded loud in the quiet room as the computer booted up. A smarter Meg would've taken her butt home rather than check email and listen to Cory breathe behind her.
Sleep wasn't going to happen. She'd had such high expectations for the romantic night, yet Cory was just like everyone else in Milcott. That disappointed her more than she wanted to admit because it further validated that she needed to get out of town---even temporarily.
Nothing in email, so she surfed through Yahoo!'s front page. She raised an eyebrow. Explore a destination. Where would she go? She'd told Cory somewhere tropical, but would she? She had money in savings. Not a lot, but enough to give her a taste of adventure. An icon at the bottom of the screen drew her attention. Yahoo! Travel Cruises.
It wasn't what she originally thought of, but a seed of an idea blossomed into a full-blown agenda. Perhaps she could book one of those all-inclusive cruises. Surely, she could take a seven-day trip to paradise.
But she didn't want to wait. After tonight she needed to get out of town---the sooner the better. A few clicks later and she was scanning through the online auctions on eBay. A short sale caught her attention and her pulse spiked. She clicked on the link for Two Tickets---Caribbean Singles Cruise. The winning bid was just under five hundred dollars, and twenty-six minutes remained before the bidding closed. With a quick mental calculation, she figured she could afford the cruise and airfare if the bidding didn't go much higher.
While scanning through the listed stops, she chewed her bottom lip. There wasn't much time to think about whether or not she should go. And the auction was for two tickets. Cory groaned and she glanced over her shoulder. Mumbling something incoherent, he stretched, twisted and rolled over. Meg turned back to the computer.
The itinerary listed dancing, karaoke, cocktail parties and socializing with singles. The ship was called Paradise and sailed in three days for the exotic western Caribbean. She'd have to fly to Houston and then catch a shuttle to Galveston. Without a map, she couldn't find her way out of a paper bag. Cruising was a vacation choice for a lot people. She tramped down her concerns over flying. That would be one part of the adventure---the scary part. She used to be scared of spiders. Now she could kill them with a shoe with only a small degree of fear. Okay...and maybe a squeal.
Sixteen minutes. She had to make a decision now. All she had to do was bid and she could get two tickets. Should she do it? Her heart beat against her ribs and her hand began to shake. She swallowed the lump of uncertainty in her throat.
Glancing over her shoulder again, she thought of the disappointment of the evening. She really had believed he would do something special. Tonight wasn't special or romantic, it was just her and Cory hanging out in candlelight.
With a few clicks, she was logged in to her account and entering five hundred dollars. Not enough. She upped the amount by seventy-five dollars. She slapped a hand over her mouth. She had the winning bid by ten dollars. She stared at the screen. Worry wiggled into her thoughts. Ten dollars might not be enough. Her hand hovered above the number keys, then she tapped in seven hundred and fifty dollars. If she won the bid, great. If not, she'd find another way to take a much-needed vacation. When it came to life outside of Milcott, ignorance was not bliss. Meg needed a getaway from the humdrum of her little town. She wanted to go on this cruise and she knew Sara would too.
Meg glanced over her shoulder again and released a sigh. Yes, he was her best friend, but she didn't need a chaperone on this trip, just a broader appreciation.
On hands and knees, she crawled to the chair where she'd tossed her purse and took her credit card from her wallet. Back at the computer, she refreshed the page and waited for the winning bid. The minutes ticked slowly down then she refreshed a last time.
It was done. She put her hands to her mouth to stifle a squeal. She stared at the screen and smiled. No backing out now. She had two tickets to the Caribbean. Airfare might cost her more with the short notice, but she thought the money saved on the ticket would more than compensate for the difference.
She sat on the edge of the couch and sandwiched her hands between her knees to keep them steady. Cory touched her hip. She looked down at his face and smiled. He blinked but couldn't seem to focus.
"You okay?" She combed her fingers through the hair on his forehead. Then realized the intimacy of the touch and snatched her fingers back.
"The room is spinning." He tugged on her until she fell back against him. "What are you doing online? You're supposed to be asleep."
"Yeah, I know, in my own house. I didn't want to leave until I knew you weren't going to get sick."
He closed his eyes and pulled her tighter to him. "I knew you cared."
She wiggled until he let her go, and then stood. "Of course I care." She shut the laptop down. "But I'm going home to bed." She crossed the room. "Good night." She grabbed her purse. "I'll feed myself in the morning. I doubt you're going to be in any condition to cook."
Cory had gone back to sleep before she closed the door on her way out.
Cory realized two things---he wasn't in bed and he wasn't alone. Meg's butt bumped up against him. "Morning." He reached for her hip, but instead of the soft texture of her skirt or better, her smooth, bare thigh, he felt the roughness of denim.
"Good morning, baby," a deep, masculine voice said. A whiskered face placed a wet kiss on his cheek.
"Get off!" He kicked at Jake and pushed him off the couch. "Get off me." Cory sat up. "Ow." He grabbed the top of his head and squeezed. "Tylenol." He fell back onto the couch while pointing to the kitchen.
Jake's chuckle pissed him off. Hangovers were a bitch, and he had the mother of all time hammering the inside of his head. Sharp pain stabbed into his temples and sunlight coming through the windows blinded him.
"When did Meg leave?" Cory asked.
"You, my brother, should know that better than I." Jake handed him two Tylenol and a glass of water. "So how did the date go last night?"
He raked his fingers through his hair and moaned. Even his hair hurt. He hadn't had that much to drink. Upon reflection, it had been a rather large bottle of wine.
"The date was a disaster."
"We told you Meg wanted more than mood music. The girl wants to feel special. Pizza and a movie are banal. You blew it, brother."
"Shut up." He popped the pills in his mouth and washed them down. "I really just wanted to spend time alone with her. It wasn't about sex."
"Then I take it you didn't get laid."
It cost him, but he narrowed his eyes at Jake. "Meg's different and you know it." Cory leaned forward and braced his elbows on his knees. "I don't know what to do. Maybe I need a woman's perspective. Where's Sara?"
Jake nodded to the wall adjoining Cory's duplex and Meg's.
A low groan rolled from his chest as he stretched. "I'm not cooking and I'm not eating in Meg's kitchen. This morning Big Bird's Cafe is on the menu." Big Bird's served up delicious blueberry pancakes. But they were famous for their pheasant pot pie.
"I'm sure Meg will go so long as pizza isn't on the menu." Jake laughed.
Cory and Jake crossed the porch to Meg's side of the duplex.
Before the door was open, laughter could be heard from inside.
Sara squealed and launched herself into Jake's arms. "You'll never guess where I'm going." She turned her head and smiled at Meg. "Where we are going." She let go of Jake, but kept her hands on his chest. "Now, you might not like all the details." Her fingers walked over his pectorals. "But remember I'm doing this for my cousin. I need to support her and I also wouldn't want her to go on her own."
Jake smiled, but Cory had the distinct feeling he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear. Meg sat too quietly and appeared to be busy on her laptop. No, she was up to something.
"So anyway, Meg found this absolutely fabulous deal on a cruise to the western Caribbean on eBay." Sara quickly kissed Jake to keep him from dissenting.
"Kiss him a bit longer," Meg said, and then chuckled. "He isn't going to like that it's a singles cruise."
"What?" Cory propped a shoulder against the doorjamb and crossed his arms over his chest. "No way." He tried to appear casual even though his internal body temperature spiked. He could just imagine the reception Meg would receive on a singles cruise. She wore those damn miniscule bikinis. Men would hover, waiting for her to show just a hint of interest. Then they would seize any opportunity to sample her.
"What?" This time it was Meg's turn to sound outraged. "It's none of your business. This is between Jake and Sara." She cocked an eyebrow. "I'm going regardless of what you think. I certainly am none of your business."
"Not the way I see it."
"No fighting you two." Sara disengaged herself from Jake. "Calm down. It's not a big deal. These ships plan events and everything is on the up and up. I can't very well let my best friend go alone."
"Exactly." Meg smiled. "Besides the tickets are already paid for. No refunds and we're looking for airfare now." She clicked a few more keys.
"We sail in three days." Sara squealed again. "I am so excited. I haven't had a vacation in years." She turned her lips into a pout. "And remember Meg couldn't come when we all went to Colorado."
"Are you nuts?" Jake asked with his brows furrowed tightly. "Don't bring that up. The girl carried a grudge for two years against Cory and me. We were only acting as chaperones."
"We're old enough not to need chaperones now." Meg bristled.
"Meg's right," Sara said. "And we don't need you to buy the booze anymore."
Jake's shoulders slumped and Cory knew the battle was over. Meg would never let them forget how they'd left her. It wasn't their fault she'd contracted chicken pox. She had to be quarantined anyway. Rather than cancel everyone's good time, they'd loaded into Steve Baxter's van and drove ten hours straight to Denver for a Matchbox Twenty concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. He knew Meg had dreamt of Rob Thomas for months. She dreamt about all the men she found attractive. Whereas she'd been the only woman who'd ever made it into his fantasies. Of course he'd never tell her she'd been the object of every one of his teenage wet dreams. Especially since he was still having them.
"I found airfare for less than three hundred a ticket." Meg held her hand out to Sara. "Give me your credit card."
Sara tossed Meg her wallet.
"I'm paying for the airfare?" Jake asked.
"We're paying for it. Meg paid for the cruise ticket. It comes out even." Sara nuzzled her nose into Jake's neck.
Cory rolled his eyes. "That's what you get when you commingle money." He stuffed his fists into his front pockets. "Are we going to eat?"
"I told you Cory would be crotchety this morning." Meg handed Sara back her wallet. "Okay, we're set."
"Men aren't crotchety," Cory said. "Women are. Men are short-tempered, and you are testing mine."
Meg made her lips an O. "Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed."
Waking on the wrong side of the bed would have been an improvement so long as she had still been there. Instead, she'd just booked herself on a singles cruise. It didn't matter that he had a hangover, didn't matter that Meg and Sara didn't want to go to Big Bird's---his stomach wouldn't let him eat anyway.
For the rest of the morning Sara and Meg planned and plotted their cruise. Lucky Cory, he would have the pleasure of driving them to the airport. After last night, he had to convince her that what she wanted wasn't on a singles cruise, but standing in front of her.
News of the cruise spread through town. Meg hadn't been at work an hour when her mother bustled through the door of Brew and Cue---coffee, beer and billiards.
"Meg, it is far too dangerous for you to go off alone to God knows where." Rose Snow set her large red purse on the counter and slid demurely onto the barstool.
"I won't be alone. I'll be with Sara."
"And do I need to tell you the reputation that girl has?"
"You shouldn't use that tone because that girl is your niece."
"On your father's side," she quickly clarified. "Her mother went to Doc Sparrow for heart palpations when Sara moved in with Jake. He recommended she drive over to Aberdeen for psychiatric care. Said she could use an antidepressant." Rose's eyebrow arched. "Well, we all know she medicated herself with old Mill Stoady's corn whiskey. Don't you remember she drove her station wagon through the cemetery flower garden last spring?"
"Of course I remember. No one in this town forgets anything."
"Well, Meg, the Ladies' Clips and Snips Garden Club had just planted those tulips the year before. Would have been the first time they bloomed." She pulled a tissue from her pocket and delicately dabbed under her nose. "That is if she hadn't tried to back out of the mud and create a canal with her tires. It'll never look the same again."
"Enough!" Meg laughed. "Sara and Jake have dated since junior high school. It couldn't have come as that big a surprise to Aunt Patty."
Rose wagged her finger. "Patty should have known no good could come from the association. Jake was too old."
"None of that matters now. They're adults."
"Harrumph."
"And the cemetery looks fine." Meg shrugged. "It could be worse."
"I don't see how," Rose said as she tucked the tissue back into her pocket.
"I heard the mortuary over in Pierre put up an LED scrolling marquee to highlight the recently deceased and advertise sales on plots."
"Your Aunt Bess would love that, wouldn't she?" Rose dropped her hands into her lap. "Will you come to dinner tonight? Your Uncle Fred slaughtered a pig."
"I know. He told me to come by for some sausage."
"He's making pork chops topped with Aunt Bess's homemade pear sauce. About six."
"Sure, do you want me to bring something for dessert?"
"No," Rose hastily replied.
"I'm not that bad of a cook."
"Yes, you are. Now, if Cory makes it..." Rose tapped her cheek with her index finger. Meg could almost see the idea forming. "Bring Cory along. You know Uncle Fred loves to hear about the military jets." Rose stood and hung her purse over her shoulder.
"Are you in a hurry?"
Rose put her purse back on the counter. "Not really. Do you need to talk about something? Have you and Cory had a fight? I heard you two went out on a date. I was relieved you and that Pike boy didn't last."
She rolled her eyes. "I went on one date with Travis."
"Whatever." She waved her hand dismissing that topic. "Now tell me about Cory."
Meg poured them each a cup of coffee. "Nothing to tell. It hardly counts as a date. We ate pizza and watched the game on TV. Now grab a stick, let's play pool."
"Just promise you won't move in with Cory until after you're married. It's bad enough your father's side of the family needs antidepressants. You wouldn't want to put your poor mother in the loony ward." She chalked her stick and took aim at the cue ball to break. "I don't see why you'd need to anyway." She winked at Meg and then took her shot. Balls cracked and slid across the green felt. The nine ball dropped into the corner pocket. "Looks like I'm stripes."
"So what was the wink for, Mother?"
She blew out a breath. "I'm your mother but I'm not stupid. I simply meant that there is no reason to move in with each other since you basically live in the same house."
"You think I'm sleeping with Cory?" Meg snorted. "I'm not. Well, slept as in REM, yes I have. But not for ulterior reasons." She didn't need to go into great detail. Moreover, she did not need her mother to analyze all that she and Cory had done while she slept.
Mortification would swallow her if her mother knew she'd been getting it hard and fast in her dreams.
Just thoughts of Cory made her flesh heat and her insides quiver. "I can't believe you'd think that. I wouldn't be going on a singles cruise if I'd hooked up with Cory. We're just friends."
And she'd keep reminding herself of that when her sexual cravings overpowered rational thought. "Who all thinks I'm making it with him? I don't want to be the town's gossip topic."
The balls cracked again. "Well, sweetie, going on a singles cruise isn't going to improve your reputation." Rose moved around the table and lined up her shot. "Women who go on those trips are sluts." Crack. Another ball dropped in the center pocket. "Everyone knows it's nothing but an orgy."
Meg pulled up in front of the duplex. Cory and Jake sat on the porch. Longneck bottles of beer dangled from their fingers.
"What's up?" she asked, gazing at them over the hood of the car. She squinted against the bright afternoon sun. "I thought you had to work today."
"Knocked off early." They tapped their beers together. "We're thinking about throwing some steaks on the barbecue."
"We can't. Mom asked us to come for pork chops."
Cory's lips tilted into a smile.
"Don't get too happy. It's the whole family." She nodded at Jake. "Yep, I'm betting you'll be there too. No way is Sara getting out of this one. My mom knows about the cruise. So you know my Aunt Patty knows."
"Oh no." Jake's head dropped forward. "I'm going to need another beer...or three to deal with Patty."
"Good," Cory mumbled. "I hope Patty gives you hell. You're letting her daughter jaunt around the Caribbean."
"Letting? Are we talking about the same duo? Meg and Sara do exactly what they want."
"You could have put an end to this idea."
"Yeah, exactly how? You don't live with Sara." Jake tipped the bottle to his lips and finished his beer. "We never had a chance of changing their minds."
Cory forced out a breath. "You never tried."
Jake leaned forward and smiled at Cory. "I'm going to give you some advice---" he turned to Meg and narrowed his eyes. "---for when you finally get yourself a girlfriend...who will probably have an interfering family."
Meg gave a snort.
"Always remember who you're fucking. Keep---" he slapped Cory on the back, "---whoever she is happy."
"Six o'clock," she said slipping past them and going into her side of the duplex. She glanced over her shoulder from the doorway. "By the way, Cory, Mom wants you to bring dessert."
After shutting the door, she leaned against it and sighed. She dropped her purse on the floor, crossed the living room and slumped into the loveseat. It felt good to sit, felt good to be home. The day had dragged on. Serving as both coffee shop and the only pool hall in town, business at the Brew and Cue stayed steady. All she wanted was a shower and then to go to bed. However, before she could find peace and hopefully orgasmic release in sleep, she had to endure scrutiny from her family as they tried to figure out if there was truth to the rumor that she and Cory were sleeping together. Because if Rose thought it, there was a good chance she'd talked about it. Now she'd have to make sure to keep her distance from Cory. Yeah, like that would happen.
Once again, a smarter Meg would claim a headache and stay home. But no, she was stupid. She'd go because she wanted to spend time with him.
She made her way to the bathroom for a five-minute shower. Then she combed her hair into a ponytail. She didn't bother with makeup. She was too tired to care. Who did she need to impress anyway? Cory? She'd be better off with a bag over her head, or better yet, one over his. A smile or a glance from the penetrating depths of his eyes and she melted. In fact, he needed to be muzzled. His deep voice vibrated her core and his laughter had a direct effect on the dampness of her panties. She could hear him now from the front porch. If her vibrator wasn't loud enough to rattle the walls, she'd take the edge off.
Dressing casual, Meg pulled on a tight T-shirt and her favorite comfortable jeans. More than that, she liked the way Cory checked out her ass whenever she wore them.
She really was whacked. Talking about wanting cake, okay beefcake, and yes, in her dreams she not only tasted him, she devoured him.
Now that she'd made the decision to take the long-denied vacation she'd always wanted, what harm could come from a bit of flirting? It's not as if she'd alter her life's course in two days.
"Meg, we're going to be late."
"Hold on, I'm coming." She came out of her room to see Cory standing near the front door. Yowzers. She wasn't coming yet, but if Cory spent the evening with his Hawaiian shirt unbuttoned, muscles tanned and rippling beneath, she would be soon.
"I hope your mom wasn't serious about dessert," he said as they walked to the car.
"After the conversation I had with her this afternoon, she won't even notice." No, Mom would be too busy trying to figure out if her daughter was making it with the hot next-door neighbor.
Why couldn't Cory still have a touch of wanderlust? Then she could have all her dreams.
Cory and Meg pulled up in front of the Snow house. Children played in the yard and men gathered in a large group on the front veranda. He exited the vehicle and then came around to her side of the car.
Uncle Fred put the tips of his pinkies in the corners of his mouth and blew an eardrum-piercing wolf call whistle through the air. She ran into his outstretched arms. Grabbing her tight, lifting her, Uncle Fred twirled her around.
"I want to get dizzy from beer," she said with laughter in her tone. "Put me down." He rubbed his red whiskers against her cheek, pressed his puckered lips to hers and then set her down.
"How're you?" Uncle Fred said to Cory. "I heard you want some sausage." He combed his fingers through his long wiry beard.
"That'd be me, Uncle Fred."
His eyes sparkled with mischief. "Yeah, seems to me I heard something about that."
Meg nearly swallowed her tongue. Exactly what had her mother been saying?
"When are you going to teach our girl how to cook?" Fred asked.
"For your information," Meg teased, "he eats healthy sausage. You know, the processed turkey stuff."
"Meg," Cory scolded.
She cocked an eyebrow. "Well, you do."
"Not anymore," Fred said. "I'll get you some links to take home."
"Thanks." Cory smiled. "That'll be great."
"How're you feeling, Dad?" Meg kissed her father's bald head, careful of the areas where he'd recently had skin cancer spots removed. Years on the farm under the hot summer sun had started to show on Lem's weathered features.
Lem handed Cory a beer.
"Thank you, sir." He twisted off the cap.
Before he could take a swig, she grabbed it from his hand. "I'm going to need this more than you. Mom is working the third inquisition."
"About what?" Cory took the second beer from Lem.
"The cruise." Wouldn't he like to know the real reason? She'd look for the slightest indication that they were more than friends.
"So our girl is finally going to see the world."
Resting her left butt cheek on the arm of her father's deck chair, she said, "Yep." Then took a few sips of the beer. "What's happening inside?" She pointed to the front door with her beer bottle. "Is it safe to go in?"
"Yes, go in and ask your mother if she's ready for me to spark up the grill," Uncle Fred said. "Let's get those chops on the rack."
Meg entered the house. The familiar scents of childhood washed over her. Pictures of the family hung on the whitewashed walls. A brightly colored, granny-patch afghan draped over the davenport. She ran her fingers along the soft yarn and remembered snuggling against the furnace, wrapped tight on cold winter mornings. The blanket was as old as she was.
She walked down the hall to the kitchen. Her mom had bowls filled with food and delicious aromas floated on the air.
"Uncle Fred is ready to cook the chops."
"Oh good. You're here." Rose clapped her hands together. "I'll be right back." She picked up a large tray of meat and headed into the front yard. A moment later she heard her mother call for Uncle Fred. That same voice had called Meg home---from a quarter mile away---for dinner while she was growing up.
Rose returned and dropped the serving tray onto the counter with a clatter. "That man is exasperating. It's meat for crying out loud. What does it matter what type of dish I bring it to him on?"
Meg chuckled. Pastel flowers were painted the glass dish.
Soon smoke from the cooking meat scented the air. Meg found herself situated in between her mother and her Aunt Bess at the kitchen table discussing where they'd like to be buried when the day came.
"It's tacky," Rose stated while pinching the ends off green beans and tossing them into a large plastic bowl.
"I think the marquee is wonderful. I want to be buried in Pierre." Aunt Bess started the next row on her knitting. Arthritis had gnarled her fingers, but she still managed with her knitting needles. The old woman could cast on so fast Meg's eyes couldn't keep track of the threads of yarn.
"Would you have your name in flashing lights? Aunt Bess! Aunt Bess! Aunt Bess! Rest in peace Las Vegas style." Rose abruptly stood. Her chair scraped against the old wood floor in the ranch house built more than a hundred years before.
"Just think," Aunt Bess continued, "this way everyone gets their fifteen minutes of fame."
Meg's head dropped to the table with a thud.
"Do you have a headache, Margaret dear?" Aunt Bess stroked her hand over the back of her head in a smooth motion.
She lifted her face and smiled. "Maybe I need some fresh air." She kissed Aunt Bess's cheek and excused herself.
"Are you going to find Cory?"
All she could do was roll her eyes at her mother's comment and keep walking. She couldn't deny that her mother had guessed correctly.
Cory leaned against the porch railing. Fred hovered around the barbecue grill and Lem stood to the side offering instruction on how best to cook chops. Emotion filled his chest---pride, history and mostly a need to be a part of this family. It wasn't just Meg. This was the life he wanted. His family wasn't much different.
"Hi." The woman in his thoughts came up beside him.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. She stiffened, but he didn't let go. He put his nose to her hair and inhaled. "You smell good."
"Have you been drinking?"
He picked up the half full beer bottle from the porch railing. "My second one." He spoke close to her ear.
"Don't, Cory." She nudged him in the stomach. "My mom will see."
"And?"
"And she already thinks we're screwing." She stepped away from him.
"She does?"
"Don't sound so happy. She's determined to prove it."
"We could have sex and ease her mind."
Meg ignored him. "She won't believe we're just friends if you're pawing me." She sank into the porch swing. Putting her foot on the corner post, she sent it rocking.
"We're more than friends." He stopped the swing and stared hard into her face.
"No."
"Yes."
"Maybe a long time ago. I changed while you were gone."
His eyes raked her body. "I noticed. The changes are amazing."
She blew a razzleberry with her lips.
"I don't care what you say. You want me as much as I want you," he said.
She rose from the seat and moved close to him. He could smell her sweet breath and see her heart's rapid beat in the vein of her graceful neck. He wanted his lips there.
"We don't want the same things."
"Yes, we do." He reached out and ran his knuckles over her silky skin in the open collar of her shirt. Her breath hitched. "Admit it. We want exactly the same thing."
"I'll admit that I find you attractive. And that I've always cherished our friendship. But admit that---"
"You want to go to bed with me."
She stepped back and slid her hands into her front pockets. She narrowed her eyes and titled her head. "Okay, I admit it. Now what?"
Cory closed the space between them and put his hands on her arms. With a delicate touch, he trailed his fingers to her shoulders and then across her collarbone.
"Cory?" Her amber eyes blazed as they darted from his face to the front door then back to his face.
"Shhh." He dragged his thumb along her jaw. "No one is looking." He pulled the band from her ponytail. "No one cares." Thick and heavy, her hair fell around her shoulders. "It's just you and me, on the porch, talking." Those silken tresses sifted between his fingers when he ran his hands through her hair.
"But you just shushed me. We're not talking."
Cory cupped the back of her head. Closer, closer. And then his lips brushed a tantalizing kiss against her mouth.
Meg clutched the front of his shirt. "Cory."
When she spoke his tongue slipped into her mouth and pulled a low moan from her chest. Velvet softness and sweet flavor. He sipped from her lips, then glided his tongue along hers.
Her fingers splayed wide against his shirt and he shifted, deepening the kiss. He groaned when her fingers slid between the buttons and touched his skin. Quivers rippled across his stomach. Her touch felt like an electrical current. Meg leaned in closer and he greedily took more from her kiss. Bodies aligned and his erection pressed firmly against her abdomen.
"You better not let your mother see you making out." Sara swatted Cory's hand where it rested on Meg's butt as she walked past. "I knew it," she said to Jake.
Cory slowly released Meg. All he wanted to do was go on kissing her forever. The tingles from her kiss hit him in the groin. The impact numbed his mind and made his knees weak. All other parts were painfully hard and contained behind the fly of his shorts.
"We weren't making out," she said.
The hell they weren't.
"I need to go help Mom get the food on the table." She scurried from the porch.
"I'll come with you."
She shook her head. He smiled because she refused to turn around to answer him.
"So what's up with that?" Sara asked.
"I think it's obvious what's up." Jake snickered.
"If you guys are going to discuss your penises, I'm leaving." Sara crossed her arms.
"We aren't talking about any of this." Cory picked up his beer bottle.
Obviously satisfied with his answer, Sara sat on the swing.
"The problem, brother---" Jake said, "---is location." They all glanced around the yard and started to laugh.
"At least my Uncle Lem is nothing like my mother," Sara said. "Neurotic doesn't run in the family."
"I disagree," Jake said. "But it appears to only affect the females, you know, passed from mother to daughter."
She turned to Jake and narrowed her eyes. "Hey."
Jake sat next to her and pulled her into a hug. "Baby, I put up with your mother to be with you. Doesn't that say how much I love you?"
She held his cheeks and kissed him long and passionately.
Not wanting to watch his brother and Sara, Cory excused himself. "I'll help Meg."
Meg watched Cory interact with her family as if he were a Snow. No one questioned his presence. As if he and his brother belonged, they were included in the bantering, the memories and also the discussions on the future. When her dad mentioned the family reunion held every summer, he automatically lumped Meg with Cory and Sara with Jake. She couldn't pinpoint when it happened, but it had. She wondered what would happen when she left Milcott.
The vacation was a test, but more than that it was the beginning. Talk about being confused. She wished she could turn back the years and make Cory think about her when she had been desperate for him. He'd gone away, left her, and now it was her turn to seek adventure. Was she supposed to give up her ambition to please him? She wouldn't deny it would please her too. But for how long?
"You look tired."
She startled at the sound of her mother's voice beside her. "I'm fine, Mom."
Rose leaned in and whispered to her, "He's very handsome."
"Who?"
Rose furrowed her brows. "Cory, you nit. You've been staring at him for the past twenty minutes." She put an arm around Meg's shoulder. "Don't go on the cruise. Appreciate what you have right here in Milcott before it's too late and he finds someone else."
"Do you suppose anyone told Cory that same thing before he left four years ago?"
"That was different. He didn't leave you. He served his country. You were too young and he needed to become a man."
"He certainly did that." Meg sighed. "But it's moot, Mom. I'm going on the cruise. He's the only boy I ever loved. I never wanted anyone else. And maybe that's because there isn't anything better around here."
Rose pursed her lips. "Sweetheart, you won't find better than Cory if that is what this whole singles cruise is about."
"All I know is that I don't know anything but Milcott, South Dakota. I'm going to change that."
Meg walked away from her mother, toward the man who had been at the center of their conversation. Dusk had settled and the horseshoes were coming out. If she didn't leave now she could count on staying a couple more hours.
"Ready?"
He wasn't allowed to read her mind. "Yes, I'll drive." She put her hand out for the keys. She'd only had one beer when they'd first arrived. Cory and his brother had been whooping it up with her dad and uncles while she'd listened to her mother and aunts cackle in the kitchen. If she stayed in Milcott, she could expect to have a night like this at least once a week.
Cory handed her the keys and they made the rounds telling everyone goodbye. Far too wide of a smile tilted her mother's lips. Cory kissed Rose's cheek.
"Lovely dinner, ma'am."
"Thank you, Cory. Tell your mother hello. I haven't seen her since Missy's baby shower. How is that sweet little niece of yours?"
"To hear my mother talk she's an angel and she never makes a sound. Don't ask my brother because he claims she cries all the time."
Rose laughed. "Tell Shane it's good for him."
"Missy's doing her best to convince him. She wants another baby right away."
"Time to go," Meg said, holding up the keys and jingling them.
"Have a good night." Rose winked. Meg hoped Cory didn't see it.
They walked across the yard to the car and she slid behind the wheel.
"That was fun." Cory leaned back in the seat.
"I thought so too." For the most part. "Thanks for coming." She glanced over her shoulder and pulled away from the curb.
"You don't have to thank me for spending time with you and your family." He patted her thigh and left his hand there for a brief moment. Meg had a hard time concentrating on the road with him in such close proximity. Earlier on the porch, he'd started a fire inside of her. Heat had blazed from his fingertips to her center and smoldered there. They listened to the radio and were quiet for a few miles. All the while, she couldn't stop replaying the evening in her mind. Even the taste of his kiss still lingered on her lips.
"Why did you kiss me?"
Silence filled a few moments.
She glanced at him, then back at the road. "I mean, I know why you kissed me."
"You do?"
"Of course, I wanted you to kiss me too. But what I don't understand is why. You knew I had a crush on you when we were kids. It never mattered. We've always been friends...nothing more." Her stomach twisted into knots. If he persisted, she'd respond. How could she not? "Except for the night you left for basic training." She took a deep breath. "And now I'm leaving."
"You're just going on a vacation."
Meg parked in front of their duplex. "That doesn't matter. You can't play with my heart. I'm going to have a wonderful vacation. A cruise for singles."
"Sara isn't single. She's in a committed relationship, yet you're dragging her along."
"Jake is fine with it. He trusts her." She turned off the ignition and handed him the keys. "Besides that's not the point."
"Then what is?"
"I don't want to come home." She opened her car door and slipped out.
"What?" He followed her up the walk, stopping her by gently grabbing her elbow. "Where would you go?" His blue eyes darkened and the muscle in his jaw ticked.
"I'll be back...but I don't want Milcott to be home. Maybe Chicago, New York." She couldn't stop the smile. "Maybe Vegas." Then she felt a pang of regret for the sadness that flitted across his features. "I want the excitement of the city."
"All of those places are great to visit, but they'll never be home."
"Neither is Milcott."
He let her go. "Someday you'll figure out just how important home is."
Cory sat on the couch, in the dark. After their conversation on the sidewalk, Meg had practically run into her side of the duplex. She didn't want to hear any opinion that differed from hers.
He leaned back and closed his eyes. Images of Meg drifted through his mind. She'd responded when he'd kissed her. Had they been alone rather than the middle of a family barbecue, he felt certain the kiss would have led to more. Could he sleep with her and then let her go if she still chose to leave Milcott?
After unbuttoning his shirt, he shrugged it off. Toe to heel, he slipped off his shoes. He thought about stretching out on the couch and watching the television, but he'd be dragging ass tomorrow if he didn't get some sleep.
He went to his room, dropped his jeans and crawled into bed in his boxer briefs. Outside the open bedroom window crickets chirped. Off in the distance a motorcycle revved up and drove away. Sounds familiar to Milcott lulled his mind. His eyes grew heavy and closed.
And then he heard a soft murmur. His eyes snapped open, frozen wide as he focused his hearing. He heard it again. Next door. Meg's window had to be open. He sat up and tossed off the covers. Going to the window, he listened intently.
He'd heard her vibrator on other nights---and a few mornings. He loved knowing her sex drive demanded release. He didn't hear the usual rattle and hum, but moans and sighs.
"Cory."
She couldn't know he listened.
"I need you." She moaned long and low.
Damn, should he go to her? He paused with indecision.
"Please."
If she were sleeping, she obviously dreamt of him and if she were awake, could she know he stood at the open window? Did she want him to come to her bed? An hour ago, she'd made it clear that although she'd enjoyed the kiss, wanted the kiss, all they would have is friendship.
Dashing from the bedroom, he stopped in the kitchen to grab her spare house key and slipped out the front door. He stood at her door with the key in his trembling hand. After a moment, he inserted the key. Click. The handle turned.
He didn't worry about walking around his side of the duplex in the dark. However, Meg lived in an obstacle course. Too much crap and not enough room. Laundry strewn about wasn't really a problem, but he couldn't be sure there wouldn't be a half-full can of Diet Pepsi sitting on the floor.
Waiting until his vision adjusted to the darkness, he then moved toward the bedroom. If she slept, he'd simply slip out, return to his bed and get some sleep.
Unsure of what to expect, he paused at the threshold of her room. Meg lay in the center of the bed. The comforter lay on the floor and silk sheets twisted around her legs. One arm bent over the top of her head, and her other hand rested on her bare midriff. She wore a tiny wisp of fabric for panties and nothing else. Beautiful, round breasts rose and fell with each breath she drew. Either the cool air from the open window or the intimacies playing out in her dream puckered her luscious, red nipples.
Cory's chest tightened. Blood pumped into his shaft. Fierce desire to climb into bed with her overpowered him, but he remained rooted where he stood. In the throes of an erotic dream, she had no knowledge that he watched her.
"Mmmm," she moaned again. She bent her knees and spread her smooth, tapered thighs. He ached to be between those legs. His gut tightened when her fingers drifted lower on her flat tummy and disappeared into her panties. Her head thrashed once on the pillow.
"Cory."
He took a step closer to the bed to ensure she was indeed asleep and not calling for him to join her.
The scent of her desire drifted on the air. His nostrils flared, taking in more of the intoxicating aroma. His chest expanded as he filled his lungs.
"Cory?"
Her voice, no longer muddled with sleep, questioned his presence next to her bed.
"I heard you calling for me."
She blinked several times and leaned up on her elbows. "So you used your key to come into my house...into my room?" She sat and clutched at the sheet to cover her nudity.
He nodded. "I should've left when I discovered you were dreaming, but I couldn't." Her eyes focused on the clear evidence of how long he'd been there. His erection throbbed in his boxers and the thin fabric did little to hide his arousal.
Her lips twitched into a smile. "Well, I'm fine, just horny."
"You called my name."
She lifted a shoulder. "Because I was having sex with you." She pulled the sheet a little higher. "It was a dream. I'm not responsible for the participants. Johnny Depp could have just as easily ravished me."
Cory sat on the edge to the bed. Warm, sweet scents of woman, uniquely Meg, fragranced the sheets.
He leaned in.
She didn't flinch, but her breathing quickened.
Threading his fingers into her hair, he pulled her into his kiss. Tentatively, he supped at her lips. Her tongue initiated. Parting his lips, he encouraged her to explore more of his mouth.
"I want to stay," he whispered into her mouth.
Meg nipped at his lip then giggled. "That's evident."
He pressed his forehead to hers. His large hand cupped her delicate cheek.
She moved his palm to her lips and kissed him in the center of his hand. "But a one-time experience isn't worth jeopardizing our friendship."
"Actually, I think it might be." He gave the sheet a gentle tug.
She leaned back putting distance between them. "I've been sleeping with you for years, Cory. Go home so I can get back to you in my dreams." She smiled. "Not that your ego needs stroking---"
"No, not my ego."
Meg snorted. "Goodnight."
He stared at her sleepy-eyed beauty for a moment more, and then stood. "I'd say sweet dreams, but I'd rather you have raunchy, hot as hell, sex with me instead."
"Go home so that I can."
Cory navigated his way to the front door. Back in his own side of the duplex, he went straight to his room and crawled into bed.
He stretched his arms, yawned and cradled his hands behind his head. A wide smile found his lips as he closed his eyes...and listened to Meg's vibrator rattle through the walls.
"Jake is freaking out." Sara sipped her latte. "It took twenty-four hours for the reality to sink in and now he doesn't want me to go."
"So are you backing out? I mean, I'll be disappointed, but I'd understand."
"Hell no! I can't wait until tomorrow. Once we're on that ship, we can relax for an entire week."
"I'm so glad you said that. I want to lounge by the pool and drink daiquiris." Meg wiped the counter with a damp towel. "I'm packed and ready to go."
"Me too." Sara released a heavy sigh. "Tonight I'm going to give Jake the best sex of his life. Give him something to remember while I'm gone."
Meg groaned. "I need to clean my place. My refrigerator is already growing the next cure for cancer."
"Gross." Sara leaned her elbow on the counter and propped her chin in her palm. "I wonder what amenities the ship offers."
"The eBay ad didn't say much. Two days at sea and then stops in Jamaica, the Caymans and Cozumel." Meg ran her finger around the edge of her coffee mug.
"I know the islands offer planned excursions too."
She shrugged. "Some can be expensive. I'd rather find our extra activities in the night clubs and on the beaches."
Sara rolled her eyes. "That sounds like a bunch of fun for you. This isn't a date finder for me. That said, we need to discuss the rules. I am not hanging out on deck so you can take strange men into our cabin. If you want to get laid, don't look at me to help you make it happen." She picked up her coffee. "I think you're stupid for passing up Cory." Sara sipped her drink and then set it away from her.
"Cory isn't right for me." Meg took the cup and put it in the bin to take to the backroom to be run through the dishwasher. "Even if I do want to be with him, he wants to stay in Milcott and have a bunch of kids. I don't."
"I can't say I blame you for wanting to run away."
"This isn't running." She tossed the damp rag into the dish bin. "Let's get out of here."
Sara glanced at her cell phone for the time. "Jake should be home." She arched a brow. "So I'll see you in the morning."
They'd have to get an early start because they'd have an hour's drive with Cory behind the wheel. Then there was the security at the airport, and their flight departed at nine. "Sara---" Meg grabbed her wrist before she could walk away. "Thanks. I know you probably wouldn't do this if I hadn't forced the ticket on you."
She huffed a breath. "If you think for a minute I'm going to let you party on a ship with a bunch of hot men without me, you're nuts. I might not be buying, but I can always browse."
Meg grabbed her purse and waved to Deedee, her coworker, in the back. "See you in a week," she hollered.
"Girl, you have a good time. No one is going to be looking over your shoulder, so you just do what feels good." She cackled. "And then do it again."
Meg laughed as she walked with Sara out of the Brew and Cue. "She's right," she said to Sara. "It's like they say, 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'. Well, the same principle applies." Meg held out her pinky for a promise like they'd done when they were kids.
Sara linked her pinky. "But I'll only be keeping your secrets. I'm serious, Meg. I'm not going to hook up with some stranger. I love Jake. I'm going because I won't let you go alone."
A lump rose in Meg's throat. What would she do without Sara? Fantasizing about moving away was very different than actually thinking about not seeing her best friend every day. They'd grown up together, cut teeth on the same banister in Granny's front parlor.
She blinked back tears. Nothing permanent was determined yet. She hadn't even boarded the plane for a vacation cruise.
After waving to Sara, she slid behind the wheel of her vehicle. The realization that tomorrow night she'd be in Galveston, Texas, aboard the ship called Paradise finally started to sink in. Energy moved through her veins. And into her foot. She checked her speedometer and backed off the gas.
Meg parked in front of the duplex. Lights were on at Cory's. She rushed up the walk and banged on his door. Before he could answer, she had her key in her lock.
He opened his door at the same time she opened hers. "What's up?"
"I'm so excited I can't stand myself." She tossed her purse into the darkened interior of her home, but left the door open. "I need to clean my place, but I don't want to be alone. Want to hang out with me?"
A deep groan rolled from gut.
"Come on." She grabbed him by the front of his shirt and gave him a tug in her direction. "You can pick the movie. We'll order a pizza. You know, have a romantic date."
"Brat."
"Yep, but I'm leaving tomorrow. So you need to take me while you can have me." Their eyes locked, both understanding the double meaning her words could imply. "That is if you're up for it?" She couldn't help the sexual bantering. It masked her true feelings and kept conversations between them friendly.
"I guess."
She couldn't help the pang of disappointment. She'd left the door for a comeback on that one wide open. She knew he was up for a lot more. He'd proven that to her. Ever since she'd woken from a dream with a turned-on Cory standing next to her bed, she hadn't been able to get the vision of his raging erection from her mind. The clearly defined ridge would forever be burned into her corneas.
Cory was simply a lot smarter than Meg. Once he'd accepted that their friendship wouldn't be crossing into relationship waters, he'd let the idea go. But no, she couldn't stop thinking, dreaming...wanting him. Damn it, she wasn't going on vacation wondering whether or not she should've slept with her best friend. Maybe she ought to just jump his bones and be done with it.
"Where do you sit on this couch?" He laughed while he gathered magazines from her sofa and piled them. "What is all this?" He flipped through a few pages.
"Travel magazines. Cruises, all-inclusive resorts, that sort of stuff." She stood beside him and glanced at the page he'd browsed. "Sara and I picked them up. It's fun to dream."
Only she couldn't think about dreams standing this close to Cory. The woodsy, clean scent of his cologne tickled her nose. Five o'clock shadow drew her eyes to his chiseled cheekbones and square jaw. His lips had been firm, yet tender when they'd parted hers.
The unforgettable taste of his tongue still lingered in her mind. Desire flooded the places sensitive to his touch. She took a defensive step backwards. Somehow she had to keep perspective. That was not an easy task with Cory muddling her thoughts.
"Pizza, you said." He discovered her cordless phone under a brochure. "I'll call Angelo's, but it's going to be a wait."
"I need to change." She heard the breathlessness in her voice and hoped he was too distracted to notice.
Meg went to her room and slipped out of her stinky work clothes. She hadn't saved all the house cleaning and chores for the last minute. The laundry was done. In addition, for the first time since probably Christmas, her bedroom was orderly. How convenient considering she contemplated having sex.
No.
She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. No, she wasn't going to have sex. Just because she wanted him didn't mean she'd do it...or him. One glance at the bed had her nipples puckered and an ache in her pussy.
Damn, she needed this vacation.
Cory flipped through channels while Meg cleaned her kitchen. He muttered answers to her questions, but he really didn't want to hear anything else about her fabulous cruise. Vacations rarely turned out as planned anyway. Sara would be there and she knew how he felt about her cousin. She'd make sure they stayed out of trouble.
Who was he trying to fool? Meg acted on impulse. This whole adventure was made on impulse. She'd been cooped up for too long and now she was breaking free. Maybe he ought to go with her instead of Sara.
While in the military he'd made the decision to come home to Milcott, open up his own garage and put to use the skills he'd acquired as a mechanic in the Air Force.
"I don't have any wine," she hollered. "Do you want a beer?" She laughed.
He'd never live down the fiasco of their romantic date. She didn't get that he was going for romantic atmosphere. Romance had less to do with where and had everything to do with who. Women wanted romance, but only their interpretation. If he ever had the opportunity again, he'd make sure he gave Meg her idea of romance instead of trying to make her see his.
Ding Urrr.
"Pizza," he hollered back. Cory opened the door expecting Angelo's youngest son, Donny, with a large combination. Instead, Sara sobbed, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"What's wrong?" Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her into the living room.
"What happened?" Meg hurried from the kitchen, drying her hands on a dishtowel.
"I can't go." Sara dropped onto the sofa and covered her face with her hands.
"What? Why not?"
"Because Jake is freaking out. If I go it will ruin everything. I can't hurt him, Meg. I don't want to let you down, but I'm in a relationship and I don't belong on a singles cruise. You'll have to find someone else to take my ticket."
"Even if your plane ticket was transferable, which I don't think it is, where am I going to find someone to go on a cruise tomorrow?"
Sara wiped the tears from her cheek. "I don't care about the cruise or the money. It isn't worth my relationship."
Cory handed her a tissue. "I know my brother. He'll get over it. And he'd be a fool to let a little vacation come between the two of you."
"Maybe not, but will he trust me?"
The door burst open. "Is she here?" Jake rushed to Sara. "You can't run out on an argument."
"I don't like fighting. I'm not going to argue over a stupid cruise. I won't go."
Jake looked over his shoulder at Meg. "I didn't tell her not to go."
"What did you say then?" Meg put her hands on her hips.
"Someone order a pizza?" Donny stood at the open door.
"Yeah." Cory pulled out his wallet and paid. He took the pizza, shut the door and then set the pizza on the coffee table on top of all the travel magazines.
"Great, because I'm starving." Jake opened the pizza.
"Focus, Jake." Meg's eyes narrowed. "Talk. Don't eat my pizza. You were supposed to be having your own romantic night at home. Sara told me she was going to give you a night to remember."
"Why do you think I'm hungry?" He smiled.
"Can we get back to the important issue of the moment?" Meg demanded. "Sara said she won't go on the cruise because of you."
"I never said that." He knelt in front of Sara and put his hands on her knees. "I want you to go, have a good time and come home tanned, relaxed and ready to be ravished." He leaned in and kissed her neck. "I want you to go."
Her neck tilted to give him better access. "That wasn't the message you gave when you were grilling me about the itinerary and the single men on the ship."
"I can't help being jealous," he said between kisses. "You're beautiful and have an amazing body. Men are going to look." He kissed her again. "But you're mine. So forgive me?"
"No making out on my couch."
"Meg, this isn't making out," Sara said. "It's making up. And if you want me to go tomorrow, you'll agree."
Cory picked up the pizza and nodded toward the door indicating they should leave.
"Can't they make up in their own house? They probably don't realize we left." Meg followed him to his side of the house and closed the door. "He'd better not have sex with her on my sofa." She huffed a breath. "She never could say no to him."
He didn't want to spend the evening with Jake and Sara anyway. Tonight was his last opportunity to send Meg off with a lasting impression. Doubtful he'd be wearing the same sated smile his brother would sport, but he wouldn't mind giving her another hot-as-hell kiss she could remember while using her vibrator.
They sat on the couch, opened the pizza box and ate. An hour passed. Movie credits blurred the television screen. Cory couldn't focus because somehow Meg had worked herself into a comfortable position lying against him, her back against his front. Not quite spooning, but her breast rested against his arm and her head was pillowed on his shoulder. Even breaths let him know she slept.
Like spun silk, her hair fanned against his chest. Bending his head closer, he sniffed in the sweet vanilla fragrance.
Tingles started in his fingertips. A slight shift in his position kept his arm from falling asleep. The movement brought a moan to her lips. Sucking in sharply, he held his breath. He didn't want her to wake up because she felt too good pressed against him.
Her hand reached behind and stroked his thigh. He slowly let out his breath as he waited for her to reach his cock. Blood pumped into his shaft making his arousal border on painful. But if he moved, he feared she'd wake and end the sweet torture her touch was to his body.
Meg leaned up and Cory opened his arms so that she could roll toward him. Now they lay facing each other. Her eyes were still closed. As she pressed her lips to the slight cleft in his chin, her hand cupped his erection through the thick denim of his jeans. A low growl rumbled from his chest. Awake or asleep didn't matter. With a groan, he dipped his head and captured her mouth in a kiss. Lips parted and his tongue snaked into her sweet recesses for a taste.
"God, I hope you're awake."
A soft chuckle slipped from her lips. Cory tunneled his fingers into her hair and cupped the back of her head to deepen the kiss. The skin at the nape of her neck felt like velvet as he stroked his fingers lower. Over her shoulders, trailing beneath the underside of her arm when she lengthened out and wrapped her arms around his neck, his hands continued their journey. Now their bodies aligned perfectly. He angled to nestle his cock in the V of her thighs.
Passion built and quickly spiraled out of control. Molding his palm to her breast, he gently pinched the puckered nipple and elicited a moan from Meg. He pulled back and her lids slowly lifted. Sleepy desire smoldered in her eyes.
"I thought I was dreaming again."
"You are." He kissed her lips. "And so am I." He plundered, possessed. Hips ground together in a rhythm simulating sex. The pressure wasn't enough to satisfy the ache. He needed to be inside her.
Panting and breathless, Cory rested his forehead against hers. "I want to take you to my room."
Knock, knock. The door opened.
"Any pizza left?"
"Get out." Cory's tone left a clear impression that he did not appreciate the interruption.
"Hand over the pizza. I'm not eating anything out of Meg's fridge."
"That makes twice, Jake. This time I'm going to kick your ass." He yanked the throw pillow from under Meg's head and chucked it across the room.
"You two are so full of shit." Jake laughed. "I knew it."
Fingers of sunshine streaked the horizon. Meg couldn't drink coffee because her stomach already twisted and turned with nervous energy. Her packed suitcases waited by the open front door and Cory stood next to it wearing a sad expression.
She hadn't wanted to leave him last night, but Jake's interruption had brought her a moment of clarity. Where Cory was concerned, their past influenced too much of how she behaved in the present. As much as she would have loved a night in his arms, today would have been difficult to face if she had.
"You ready?"
She forced a smile. Fear and excitement teetered. Excitement won out. "Yep, let's go." She draped her purse strap over her shoulder, picked up her carry-on bag and grabbed her keys.
They stored her luggage in the trunk and then headed over to Jake and Sara's.
"How long does she plan to be gone?" Three suitcases waited at the top of the driveway. Cory glanced at Meg. "I would have figured you to be the one with the most suitcases."
"Basically, I brought bikinis. They don't take up as much room."
"Just bikinis?" His lips twitched into a smile. "Maybe Sara should stay home with Jake and I'll take her ticket."
"Oh yeah, I'd have a great time on a singles cruise with you hovering."
Sara and Jake came out of their house.
"Why is Jake home?" she asked.
"I thought you had to work," Cory hollered while he popped the trunk.
"Called in sick. This whole trip has jacked up my stomach so I thought I'd drive over to Aberdeen with you to prolong my agony."
Meg sighed heavily. Now they'd have to listen to the lovebirds smooch and whisper sweet nothings on the drive to the airport. Not what she needed in her current condition, which happened to be extremely horny.
Damn Cory and his arousing kisses. "Let's go."
They finally arrived at the airport. Cory pulled into short-term parking. She'd been to the airport many times to pick up relatives, or to drop someone off. But she'd never been on a plane.
Vibrations and noise from the jet engines as they raced down runways shook the car. Scrambling from the vehicle, she craned her neck to watch the belly of the plane soar overhead. She shielded the sun with her palm, watched the plane soar higher and imagined what it would feel like to lift into the sky.
Cory and Jake had to say goodbye at the security checkpoint so Jake and Sara drifted away to have a few minutes alone. Meg shifted from one foot to the other. The moment turned awkward. He stared at her face with an unreadable expression. "You'll have a good time."
"I hope so." She sighed. "I mean, I want to. Why is it so hard to say goodbye? I'm not leaving forever."
"Not yet."
She couldn't look at his face. Those eyes wielded unexplainable power over her. She'd fallen victim over and over again to his charms. He'd invaded her dreams, her thoughts and her desires for the future. And damn it, she was the only one being asked to give something up. No. She would not leave with guilt in her heart. "I need to go."
Taking her hand in his, he said, "Have fun, just be careful." He took a deep breath expanding his chest and making her aware of his flat nipples and corded abs that had quivered under her nails when they kissed on the couch. Her heartbeat jumped. Tingles chased down her spine and into her pussy.
Cory pulled her into a hug. Sculpted pectorals were perfect to pillow her head and his shoulders were broad enough to easily carry her burdens if she'd let him. Memories of her fingers on his smooth skin flooded her mind and flooded other parts of her body with moist awareness.
Meg held tightly to his cabled biceps. Then he let her loose. Before she could lean away, his lips meshed flush against hers. Firm pressure opened her mouth and she tasted the delicious flavor of his tongue. Velvet heat touched the smooth interior of her cheek and slid across her teeth. Gentle suction coaxed her tongue to venture into his mouth.
Lips shifted, tastes blended and through it all Cory's hands roamed over her back, cupped her buttocks and pulled her closer.
He slowly released her. "Remember what waits for you at home," he whispered then turned around and walked away with his back straight and head held high. Through the automatic glass door, she watched him step into the sunshine and put on his sunglasses. The breeze ruffled his bangs. He turned toward her and gave a hesitant wave before walking out of her view.
Tightness squeezed her throat. Cory was a shit. Now that was romantic! She smiled and tried to swallow her heart. It remained lodged in her throat. A few drinks in the bar would wash it down. Besides, she needed a bit of courage for the plane ride. Only she didn't think alcohol would sit well on her upset stomach. She never should have watched Airport on American Movie Classics with Cory the other night.
People bustled about, scrambling to get to their gates amidst the confusion of airport remodeling. Sara said goodbye to Jake with tears on her cheeks. The entire scene felt surreal. But soon she and Sara were walking through airport security, locating their gate and settling in for the hour-and-a-half wait before their flight departure time.
Finally, the call for their flight to board came over the loud speakers. Her heart beat like she'd had a large latte with several extra shots on top of an energy drink. Nerves tingled along her skin. She chewed her bottom lip and twirled a lock of hair around her finger.
"People throw up on planes. Maybe I should have skipped breakfast." The sound of her voice echoed through the corridor on the way to the plane.
"You'll be fine. Breath through your nose." Sara glanced at her. "And relax. You're pale."
Sara led them to their seats. "Luckily we're in the front section. We'll get our drinks first." Sara stowed her carry-on in the overhead bin and then took hers and did the same. "You can sit by the window."
Meg slid across to the second seat. On the ground below, she could see luggage trains, airport maintenance and other personnel. Inside the cabin passengers continued to file past. Flight attendants offered pillows. Sara lifted her hand.
"Are you going to sleep?"
A smile played on Sara's lips. "I happened to be up most of the night. Or should I say Jake was up most of the night." She wagged her brows.
Meg adjusted her lap belt. "Oh shut up. I do not want to hear about your sexual escapades."
Sara laughed and adjusted the pillow behind her head. Meg stared out the window and wondered if Cory had made it home yet. More than anything, she wished he understood that leaving was hard for her too. It should be obvious. This would be her first trip...ever. Her family had always vacationed around home. Her face should be on Mount Rushmore as many times as she'd been there.
The engines vibrated and the plane slowly taxied away from the terminal. During a series of right and left turns, a male flight attendant demonstrated the safety devices. Meg reached into the pocket of the seat in front of her for the airline magazine. About the time the attendant finished speaking, the plane came to a stop. The pilot came over the intercom. "Attendants, prepare for takeoff."
Rattle and hum from the engine vibrated the plane. She white-knuckle gripped the armrest. The pitch of noise increased with increased power. Her breath grew shallow and her heart pumped hard in her chest. Tightness closed her throat as the plane started to move. Faster. Outside the window, the ground became a blur. The nose of the plane lifted off the ground.
"Oh shit." And then the plane was airborne. Her stomach swooped as if she'd gone too high on the playground swings and she laughed.
Sara smiled and closed her eyes. "Wake me when we get there."
The air in Houston hung heavy and hot---muggy. Almost instantly Meg's clothing clung to her skin. Perspiration trickled along her hairline.
She fished her sunglasses out of her bag. "We need to catch a shuttle to Galveston."
"You didn't mention a shuttle."
"I assumed the cruise ships would have a concierge desk." She glanced around looking for an information desk.
"Oh god." Sara groaned. "I knew I shouldn't have left all the planning to you."
"Worry later," she said and adjusted the strap on her carry-on bag.
They went to the airport information counter. From there they were directed to the shuttles.
"I told you not to worry," Meg said. "Nothing is going to spoil our trip."
The one-hour ride to Galveston passed uneventfully. Once there they had to go through security and get photos taken for their ship passes.
Meg linked her arm with Sara's as they made their way up the ramp to the passenger loading area. They stopped to pose for their welcome aboard picture. The brochure hadn't come close to representing the overwhelming size of the ship.
She thought of James Cameron's Titanic. Cory's choices in movies the other night had a theme. Scare the crap out of Meg seemed to be his agenda. Well, she had no intention of going scuba diving. The suspense movie Open Water had settled that. Why risk being left in the middle of the ocean only to be eaten by sharks? That movie would linger in her mind for a while.
They took a moment to survey the surroundings. Off to the right was the tour desk. A rack held brochures describing the different islands and the extra activities. To the left was the purser's desk. Good to know in case they had trouble with their room keys or any unforeseen problems.
The cruise staff directed everyone to the pool deck for novelty drinks and a complimentary buffet. They wouldn't be able to go to their rooms for a couple of hours. The luggage needed to be moved through the ship's corridors and with more than two thousand passengers, the confined hallway space needed to be kept clear.
"Do you think they'd let us change into our bathing suits?" Meg asked.
"Let's just grab a bite to eat. I'm starving and we can always scope out the single males later tonight." Sara looked around at the bustling people. "I don't see anyone interesting around here."
"They're probably up on the pool deck. Let's go."
They giggled as they followed the signs.
"Oh, Sara, have you ever seen anything as inviting?" The sparkling pool waters were a beautiful blue. "I want one of those." Waiters walked amongst the crowd with trays of bright yellow drinks. When the waiter approached, both Meg and Sara took a drink from the tray.
"To one hell of a vacation."
Sara glanced from one side of the deck to the other. "But where is everyone? Were we early?" Her face scrunched and her brows furrowed. "Everyone up here is a little old for a singles cruise."
Meg shrugged. "Old people love to cruise. I doubt the whole ship was reserved for singles. It's probably a block of cabins." She'd read the limited itinerary on eBay and knew there were mixers planned for singles. They had to be on the ship somewhere. "Maybe one of the other decks is reserved for the singles cruise passengers. Do you want to go look or just hang around here until the crowd settles?"
"I'm sure the men will find their way to this deck. Let's just enjoy the anticipation."
Meg and Sara laughed, drank and ate until they heard the announcement that they could go to their cabins. They were also told to meet back on deck in their life jackets.
"Why do you think we need to wear our life jackets? Makes you wonder if they expect the ship to sink. You know this isn't a very good way to instill confidence in the passengers."
"You're paranoid. It's a safety precaution." Sara pulled open the tri-fold brochure she'd grabbed when they boarded. "And it says right here that every passenger must participate in the life jacket drill. You don't have a choice. It isn't going to jinx the ship to learn how to put on a life jacket." Her lips twitched into a smile.
They found their room. Meg covered her mouth and stifled a chuckle as she glanced around the very small space. "I think my bathroom is bigger than this entire room."
The cabin was long and narrow. Twin beds were at the back of the room, with just enough space to walk between them. An alarm clock and lamp sat on the night table between the beds. The television was anchored to the wall in the corner.
Sara poked her head out of the restroom. "Well, the bathroom is the size of the shower in your duplex."
"I say, who cares? We aren't going to spend much time in here anyway."
Sara's lips curled into a smile. "It isn't like we can look for better accommodations at the next hotel."
"I don't want to miss watching the ship pull away from the docks." Meg quickly changed into her bikini. Both she and Sara wrapped sarongs around their hips and put on life jackets. Then they left their tiny room.
The crowds had thinned. The few passengers they passed in the hall were wearing their life jackets. Two older gentlemen appeared to be pleased about something.
"What do you think has them smiling?"
Meg looked down at her string bikini. Her life jacket was open and her thirty-four Ds were barely contained behind the scrap of shimmering turquoise fabric. "Couldn't guess."
Sara burst out laughing.
On deck, Meg pushed her sunglasses up her nose. While listening to instruction on ship safety she scanned the crowd. Where were all the studs she'd anticipated? A man who had to be sixty gave her a wink. She returned a hesitant smile and turned to Sara.
"I caught someone's interest."
Sara glanced over Meg's shoulder. The man grinned and lifted his drink.
"Geez, you'd kill him," she said. "Your vibrator might set off his pacemaker."
"He's not that old."
Sara gave a snort. "Then go for it."
She bumped her hip against Sara's. "I think I'll wait for Carlos."
"With your chest so enticingly on display, it shouldn't take long to find a young, handsome hunk."
"I'm not worried." Meg raised an eyebrow. "After all, we have a week."
The ship moved away from the dock and the crowd let out a cheer. Within a few minutes, the passengers trickled away. Meg and Sara staked claim on a couple of deck chairs, dropped their life vests on the deck and settled in for some sun worshipping.
The only trouble was the lack of any eye candy to savor. The ship personnel were hot, but if Meg were a betting woman, which she was, she'd guess the hottie in the tight white shorts and strong tanned thighs would prefer Cory. Damn it. So would she. Don't go there. Thoughts of the Culinary Casanova were forbidden for the duration of the vacation. Outside of her vibrator and dreams, of course. Today she needed to look for someone who might want to explore the island destinations with her.
"Sara, where are the singles? Are we on the wrong deck?"
Sara shrugged, adjusted the deck chair, laid her limbs out limply and closed her eyes. "This is heaven."
Nervous energy strummed through her body. Her eyes darted from person to person. Something was wrong but she couldn't put her finger on it. Maybe it had to do with the music pumping through the deck speakers. She expected something hip and popular, not Elvis Musak.
She stood and walked to the ship railing. The ocean breeze left the taste of salt on her lips. Seagulls flew overhead. Off in the distance she could still see the blur of the coast. Glancing down, she watched the ship cut a wake into the sea. Ocean mist moistened her skin and the wind quickly dried it. The sun beat warmly against her face and reflected off the white-tipped waves. Somewhere nearby she could smell meat barbecuing.
Most surprising were the endless maze of oil platforms. How was the ship supposed to maneuver through the numerous rigs? Some of the platforms didn't appear far enough apart to squeeze a cruise ship though. Talk about threading the needle. She wasn't sure she wanted to hang around and watch. Hell, she could make out the men on the platform. Hmmm, maybe getting close wasn't such a bad idea.
"Hello." A deep baritone voice pulled her from her musings. The gentleman leaned his forearms against the railing.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" The sound of the ocean swished against the hull of the ship. Water curled in waves and rolled out into the sea.
"Breathtaking."
Meg glanced up, but the man watched her, not the ocean.
A smile tugged her lips. "Thank you."
"Can I buy you a drink?"
Meg looked around. "I don't think so."
The man ran his hand along the railing. Meg felt a pang of guilt. What harm could come from a drink? He was old enough to be her father. Not exactly what she had in mind, but at the moment the deep voice was her only option for even a conversation. Sara's lack of interest had ceased being entertaining. Meg was bored and they'd only been on the ship a few hours. "I changed my mind." She took a deep breath. "I'd love a drink." The cool misty breeze swirled her hair around her head and fluttered the sarong around her legs giving a glimpse of bare thigh.
They walked across the deck to the bar.
Meg ordered another one of the banana-flavored concoctions she'd had earlier.
"Thank you." She sipped on the straw.
"Would you like to stroll along the decks?" The man offered his elbow. "My name is Frank Liang."
"Meg Snow." She wrapped her fingers around his elbow. She briefly studied Frank's profile. She guessed him to be in his late fifties or early sixties. Firm muscles flexed under her fingers. In his shorts, she could see he had toned legs and he wasn't sporting a gut like the man who'd winked at her earlier. All together, he was handsome. Aunt Bess would swoon because she loved a full head of hair. Frank reminded her of the Monday night bowling leaguers who came into the Cue and Brew.
Cory flashed through her thoughts. Why wouldn't he stay in South Dakota, instead of taking up residence in her head? She hadn't invited him on the trip, but he'd come along anyway. Forcing a smile, she turned to the gentleman.
"It's a pleasant surprise to see you aboard. I hadn't expected anyone as lovely as you and your friend."
"My cousin. We needed the break."
"Then you're both available?"
Available? He had to be kidding. "Excuse me?"
Their eyes locked and an inkling of understanding wormed its way into her mind. Oh no. He was hitting on her!
Meg's head snapped around, this time detailing her surroundings. She hadn't seen one single, young, hot guy since she'd stepped foot on the ship. Something was very wrong. She must have gotten on the wrong ship. That could be the only explanation.
"I have to go." She stumbled over her words. Pressure built in her chest. Not an unfamiliar feeling for her. She recognized when she'd made a whopper of a mistake. Now she had to find out where the error lay.
"Will I see you at dinner this evening? I'm in the eight o'clock seating. Are you?"
She brushed her bangs from her eyes. "I'm not sure. I think so." A flush heated her face.
"Then I'll see you tonight."
"Yeah, sure." She handed him her half-full glass. "Thank you for the drink."
Turning, she fled the deck. She heard Sara call to her as she rushed by, but she didn't stop until she reached the lobby of the ship. Heading straight to the purser's desk, she slapped her hands on the counter.
"Can I help you?"
Gasping for breath, she inhaled and slowly let it out to calm her racing heart.
"Yes." Another slow breath in, exhale. Only a mistake and mistakes could be fixed. She just needed to stay calm and assess the situation. "We were supposed to be booked on a singles cruise."
"Yes." The purser smiled. "That is correct."
Okay, she wasn't losing her mind. "Well then, may I ask where all the single young men are? The best offer I've had is from a man in his sixties."
The purser dropped his voice to a whisper. "Yes?"
"And I'm twenty-three. I'd like someone a little closer to my own age."
"The cruise was clearly advertised for a mature clientele."
Sara laughed behind her. She turned and narrowed her eyes. "I don't think this is funny," she spat.
"Oh yes, it is! Meg, you didn't book us on the Love Boat, you booked us on the flag ship Viagra!"
Cory paced across his living room. Something was wrong. Jake had phoned in a panic and said he was on his way over. It had to be something with the girls. He'd heard the fear in Jake's voice. Nothing good ever came from Jake freaking out.
Tires squealed in front of the duplex. He glanced out the window. Finally. He threw open the door and jogged down the walk. The sun dipped low on the horizon. Pink and orange bands streaked across the sky. Children's laughter echoed from the neighbor's back yard. Beauty Cory could care less about.
"What's up? It's the girls, right?"
Jake nodded. "Meg to be precise."
Cory groaned and followed Jake back into the duplex. Meg loved impulsiveness. Most of the time it led her into trouble. Thinking of her almost two thousand miles away in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico on a cruise ship terrified him. He struggled not to jump Jake and demand the story. When it concerned Meg, Cory lacked patience.
Jake raked his fingers along his scalp. "I swear I could kill your girlfriend."
He had to chuckle at that. "My girlfriend? Meg just left for a singles cruise."
"Well, she's getting off the ship and she's taking Sara with her." Jake sat on the couch, leaned forward and braced his forearms on his knees.
Nausea roiled in his gut. "Where?" More importantly, why?
"Jamaica."
"Did something happen?"
Jake laughed. "Yeah, Meg booked them on a cruise with a bunch of dirty old men. Sara said Meg's best offer came from a guy in his sixties. They're getting off the ship in Jamaica regardless of the ship's policy."
"They won't let them."
"Meg's fought with security, the purser, the captain and anybody else who would listen. Sara's ready to throw her overboard." He leaned back and dragged his hands down his face. "Montego Bay is the first port. Sara asked me to book them in one of those all-inclusive resorts."
"Shit." He sat across from Jake.
"It gets better. I checked. I can't get them anything in Montego Bay. I can get them a rock hut in Negril, but it's freaking expensive. Definitely not all-inclusive and they'll have to catch a bus to take them there."
Cory leapt from the couch and crossed the room to the kitchen. He grabbed two beers out of the fridge and came back to his brother. Not that he could stop Meg from getting off the ship if he tried, but at least he could protect her on the island.
"Shit can happen on those islands. You see it all the time on the news."
Jake took a hearty swallow. "I don't need to hear this."
Yes, he did. If Cory wanted to spur his brother into action he needed all the ammunition he could muster. "I've saved a couple grand toward my shop."
Jake shook his head. "This is Meg's mess. She can figure out how to pay for it."
He sighed and rolled the beer bottle in his hands. "Not for the girls, for us."
"Forget going to Jamaica."
That was the problem. He couldn't forget---couldn't get Meg, the kiss or her damn dreams out of his head. Images of her in a bikini flashed in his mind. Skin, soft and smooth, caramelized by the tropical sun. He imagined her pink nipples straining against the palm of his hand as he lifted her breast to his greedy mouth. That fast he made his decision.
Sharing tropical beverages by the pool and moonlit walks on the beach in Jamaica proved just the atmosphere required to redeem himself. He planned to romance her on her terms and in her ideal paradise.
Cory went to the breakfast bar for his wallet and laptop. "I'll buy the airfare." He put the laptop on the coffee table and booted up. "Go book a four person package at the resort."
"You're nuts." Jake sat next to Cory and pulled the laptop over. "I'll do it." He hit a few keystrokes. "I remember the website. You know this is insane. We're going to pay out the ass." Jake glanced at him.
"I don't care. Do you?"
He shrugged. "I wanted to get Sara a ring this summer, plan a wedding, maybe try and get into a house." A nervous chuckled broke from his lips. "We've waited this long to get married, what's a couple more years?"
To show Jake he understood his position, Cory slapped him on the back. "Postponing the marriage might be a good thing. Sara's mother hates you."
"I didn't think about Patty."
"This will give you more time to convince Patty that you and Sara are good for each other."
Jake grumbled. "That'll happen when hell freezes over. What about Meg's parents? Aren't you worried? Her mom keeps her finger on the pulse of Milcott. She's going to find out. Hell, Patty will tell her."
"Rose loves me." And he couldn't worry about her reaction. He only hoped Lem and Rose understood he had to go.
"It isn't the same. I live with Sara and someday we're getting married. So unless you plan to marry Meg, shut up."
Marry Meg? Marriage would fit into his plans perfectly. Followed by a house, kids---basically he wanted forever.
A few hours later, they had bags packed and waiting by the door. Cheap same-day airfare didn't exist. The best price he could swing had them departing at two in the morning. The day promised to be long and tiring. Once they caught a domestic flight to Florida, they would change planes to catch an international flight to Jamaica.
Cory paced across the floor. Killing time was killing him. All Jake told Sara was that they had a room at the Rock House Resort. Four days in Negril and then flights home. He could well imagine how pissed Meg was. She'd booked herself on a singles cruise for seniors. A smile curled his mouth. She was going to be more upset when he showed up. She'd see his presence as muscling in on her vacation. He could only hope she recognized the reason. Meg was about to get the man of her dreams---literally.
Meg felt the glare of the cruise staff like a knife in the back and bristled. Why should they care she was getting off the ship? She was the one out the money for the cruise. What did they expect? It's was a singles cruise for people like Aunt Bess. She wasn't interested in acquiring a sugar daddy.
"Quit thinking." Sara swung her carry-on bag over her shoulder. "I'm the one who should be upset. The rest of my stuff is sailing at five o'clock with the damn ship."
"I don't care." Meg glanced around the area. Vendors lined the streets. Some sold spicy island delicacies and brightly colored fruit drinks while others peddled local art and textiles. A woman sat in an open tent getting beads braided into her hair. The island musicians pounded on their drums in a reggae beat. The scent of sea blended with the lingering aroma of garbage not properly disposed of.
"Look, those little boys are peeing on that palm tree."
She didn't care. All she wanted was to get to the damn resort. "Supposedly it's easy to catch a cab or bus over to Negril."
Just then a man waved them over to his cab. "Hey, mon, I'm Roccie, where you go?"
"Negril," Meg said.
"No problem. Fifty dollar."
"We'll give you twenty."
"Each."
She shook her head. "Fifteen each."
"Your chariot." He pulled open the back door.
Sara cocked an eyebrow. "This isn't Tijuana," she whispered.
"It worked, didn't it? Get in the cab and let me handle negotiations."
"Oh yeah, this from the woman who booked us on a geriatric cruise."
She rolled her eyes. This was one she'd never live down.
"It smells like marijuana in here." Sara crinkled her nose. "I hope he isn't high."
"After today I'm tempted to join him."
The two-lane road to Negril passed by scenic vistas. Green leafy vegetation stood starkly against the perfect, cloudless blue sky. The road stretched along the coastline. She rolled down the window and sucked in the warm tropical air. Granted not a cruise ship, but paradise nonetheless.
"What did Jake say about the resort when you spoke to him?"
"You mean after I listened to him bitch about the money? Oh and let's not forget the 'I told you so' that he repeated three times."
"Yeah, after all that." Meg smiled and they both laughed.
"Not much. He said the only thing available on short notice was a rock hut." She shrugged. "I guess we'll see when we get there."
Leaning forward, Meg made eye contact with the cabbie in the rearview mirror. Not bad looking. Decadent like dark chocolate. And young. Probably close to her age. "Do you know anything about the Rock House Resort?"
He patted the seat. "Climb over and I'll tell you all about it."
She loved the way his words brought to mind rum and sandy beaches. Meg straddled the seat, climbed over and sat up front. From the look on Sara's face, she knew she'd pay for it later.
The cabbie told them about the cliff divers at Rick's Café and the romantic rock outcroppings. His eyes roved over Meg as he described the perfect spots for explorations by lovers. She wished he'd focus a bit more on his driving. And she wished he'd tell her about Rock House. While everything he said sounded perfect, she still had no idea about the resort Jake had found for them.
"Are there speed limits and travel lanes on the roads in Jamaica?" Sara asked from the backseat, evidently noticing the close proximity of the vehicles passing them.
It wasn't long before they pulled up in front of the Rock House Resort. Sara exited the backseat and slammed the door.
"If you need someone to show you around the island, give me a call." Roccie pulled down the visor and took a business card from an elastic flap. Next to his business cards in the flap was a lovely picture with a smiling Roccie, five smiling little faces and a lovely island woman.
Meg mentally counted to three, then gave up the idea of telling him where to go and she simply got out of the cab. She handed over thirty bucks and didn't bother with a tip.
"Why do all men have to be jerks?"
"They aren't. Jake isn't a jerk."
"Let me rephrase. Why are all the men I find attractive and could potentially date jerks?"
"They aren't. Cory isn't a jerk."
"You're no help at all."
The Rock House had walls made of rock, huts made of rock set along the coast and rock walls. The name fit and she could see why Jake choked on the price. The place reeked of class. Costly class. Meg felt like she could be on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Her fifteen minutes of rich and famous was probably going to take her fifteen years to pay off.
Sara went to the desk and registered. Meg walked around the corner where she could see the ocean as it stretched to the horizon. Variant shades of blue and green reflected the sun in shimmering patterns. Palm trees danced in the warm tropical breeze. Intermittently a wave crashed against the rock wall framing in a lookout spot and created a mist of white ocean spray.
"Ready?" Sara handed her a key.
"Yes." She scanned the surroundings. "I don't even want to think about how much money this place is costing us."
"Us?" Sara's voice rang with incredulity. "You mean Jake and Cory. We blew our budget on the cruise that is sailing without us."
Meg paused. Where would Cory and Jake get the money? A sinking feeling settled in her belly. "I hadn't considered how they would pay for us to stay here. It's beautiful but I didn't expect luxurious accommodations. All I thought about was getting off the ship."
Sara placed a hand on Meg's shoulder. "The damage is done. Don't let the cost ruin our vacation. We'll figure it out when we get home. Jake and I had money set aside."
So did Cory. She swallowed. For his shop.
"This was my mistake. I swear I'll make it up to you." She would also find a way to pay Cory back.
"Come on." Sara linked their arms.
Meg followed Sara along the walkway to their rock bungalow facing the ocean. For the next few days, she would wake to the sound of surf and seagulls.
Sara inserted the key and opened the door to their hut. The room was large and open with windows throughout. Braided rugs blended with the rock walls. The floor was made of colored cement. Mosquito netting draped the king size bed in the middle of the room. Pillows exploded on top of the coverlet.
The bed looked absolutely heavenly after the narrow cot they called a bed on the cruise ship.
"Did you notice how quiet it is?"
Sara closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "Jake said we'll need to go into Negril for the nightlife. We can head over to Margaritaville and hang with the parrot heads."
"Brace yourself." She smiled at Sara. "I think I'd rather stay in tonight and play tomorrow. I'm tired. The day dragged on and I just want to take it easy." She glanced around the room. "There isn't a television." She chuckled. "I don't suppose they expect people to go to bed early or watch the rot box in paradise."
"Margaritaville it is."
Meg fished a sundress out of her bag. The soft, thin cotton slid over her sun-kissed flesh and titillated her bare nipples. The material brushed against her thighs when she moved. She slipped her feet into a strappy pair of sandals.
She fluffed her hair and spritzed perfume. "I'm ready."
Sara put on a pair of shorts, funky shoes with a big cork-wedge heel and a flouncy light top that caught the breeze and billowed around her. "Let's go."
The streets of Negril were more like country roads. Tall, leafy trees created a canopy of foliage over their heads. Everywhere Meg looked lush green plants mixed with bright tropical blooms.
A couple waited for the Margaritaville bus. They had their heads together and stole kisses between whispers.
"I miss Jake." Sara sighed and her shoulders slumped.
"You aren't allowed to get glum." She wrapped her arm around Sara's shoulders. "Think how excited he'll be to see you when we get home."
"Do you miss Cory?"
She did, but wasn't going to tell Sara how much. She'd made the choice to take this reprieve from Milcott, her family and Cory. Whether she could actually follow through with a stranger had yet to be seen. Actually, it wouldn't be seen. She could fool everyone else, but not herself. Four years had passed while she waited for him to come home for her. Now he needed to wait for her. However long it took. She needed to be able to compare Milcott to the rest of the world.
First stop, Margaritaville.
They had a choice of four areas at Margaritaville---an inside bar, an outside bar and a couple of side bars. Locals mingled with tourists. Young people laughed with older couples. The sounds of Jimmy Buffet drifted on the balmy night air. The humidity left a moist sheen of sweat on her skin.
Meg preceded Sara into the open bar and glanced around for a table. Paper lanterns hung from the thatch roof. The walls were more like partitions and only stood four feet off the ground in some places.
"We can sit at the bar." She had to raise her voice so Sara could hear her over the noise of the bar patrons.
Sara and Meg ordered margaritas and then faced the crowd.
"I swear to God I'm seeing things. I miss Jake and now I'm having visions."
Meg turned in the direction Sara stared. "You aren't hallucinating. Why are they here?" Her heartbeat spiked. As if she'd conjured the image from her mind, Cory crossed the bar. Jake's eyes locked on Sara and the smile on his lips expressed it all. He couldn't stay away. Sara squealed, launched off the barstool and flung herself into his arms. If Cory expected the same reception, he was in for a big surprise.
"What are you doing here?"
"Vacationing." He perched himself on the barstool Sara had vacated. "I know how Sara felt now when you roped her into going on the cruise." Facing forward with his back against the bar, he leaned his elbows on the edge, limp wrists, with his hands dangling. He had an appearance of nonchalance. "Jake didn't want to come alone."
"Bullshit!" She slammed her drink onto the counter and stood. "You came to sabotage my vacation. I won't let you."
Meg stalked from the bar. Outside she glanced up and down the dirt lane. Tears threatened. Turning into the breeze off the ocean, she blinked them away. The sound of the surf called to her. She jogged down the narrow lane until she could see waves crashing against the spongy shore.
After finding a place to sit on a large boulder, she untied her strappy sandals. Sun-warmed sand squished between her toes. She walked to the water's edge and let the warm Caribbean waters wash over her feet.
Why did Cory come to Jamaica? She didn't need rescuing, at least not the way he nobly intended. He couldn't keep her from enjoying the local attractions. She wondered if his appearance stemmed from something deeper.
Unable to hold back any longer, tears gathered on her lashes and spilled onto her cheeks. How was she supposed to know what she wanted when he wouldn't leave her alone? Oh, she'd played the furtive friend regarding her true desires. Not that she hid anything from Cory very well. Of course he knew. Hell, in her family nothing remained a secret for long.
"I'm sorry."
She inhaled and squared her shoulders. Bringing her fingers to her cheeks, she wiped tears from her face. Pain cut deeply. She hurt because Cory flew to Jamaica and she couldn't be sure why. He didn't travel more than two thousand miles for the pathetic excuse he'd just given her. No. Either the screw-up on the ship spurred him into action because he didn't trust her on her own in Jamaica...or his intentions lay deeper.
Or the worst possible reason. After the close calls in the past few weeks, she wondered if he hadn't paid an outrageous amount of money for a booty call. Nothing had changed since she left him at the airport. She couldn't take the barrage of Cory for the next few days and not fuck him. She loved the jerk. But damn it, she didn't think either one of them could come out of an affair unscathed.
"Do you want to go for a walk?"
She turned at the sound of his voice a breath away. Pale eyes smoldered with desire. Dark lashes partially lowered over his irises. She shivered, yet heat from his body suddenly seemed to surround her. Tightness in her heavy breasts traveled through her humming body and one of those spontaneous orgasms threatened to shatter her trembling core.
"No, we can't walk, Cory. We can't even talk. The moon is beautiful over the water. We're in paradise." And she hadn't been able to get him out of her mind since leaving the airport. Jamaica was for lovers and if she stayed with him, getting naked would be inevitable.
"Meg, you're my best friend."
"Don't say we're friends. Don't say anything." The breeze ruffled his hair into sexy disarray. She stopped herself from combing his bangs off his forehead with her fingertips. "Don't you think it's about time for a little truth? Right now I want to jump your bones and at the same time wring your damn neck." Her hands fisted at her sides. "And that, my friend, is the problem."
He smiled. He actually enjoyed her temper tantrum.
"You think it's funny now, but tomorrow you won't be laughing."
"What happens tomorrow?"
She growled and blew out an exasperated breath. "You'll have to wait and see." Because she didn't know herself. "And I have a question. How much did my screw-up cost and how did you pay for it?"
"That's two questions, and a gentleman doesn't discuss the cost of a date."
"We aren't on a date. I'm here to find romance."
His lips quirked into a smile. "I know."
Meg growled, turned and stomped through the sand, heading back to the bar. Time to go back to the resort so she could figure what in the hell to do about Cory Traven and the fact that her body was so hot she'd nearly jumped in the damn ocean to cool off.
Without telling Sara or Jake, Meg took the Margaritaville bus back to Rock House. She figured Cory would tell them.
She entered their bungalow, stripped off her clothes and changed into pajamas. Flinging back the netting, she crawled onto the bed she'd share with Sara.
Meg lay there and listened to the sound of the ocean. The rhythmic crashing of waves against the rocks did nothing to lull her mind into a place where she could sleep. Sexual energy coiled tight in her center. The silk material of her pajama top brushed against her erect nipples and caused tenderness.
Tension tightened her muscles. She needed to take the edge off. Only she didn't know when Sara would walk through the door. Unable to take the pressure any longer, she threw off the coverlet and parted the mosquito netting. She crossed the room and whipped her trusty rabbit out of her suitcase. Two minutes was all she needed.
She slipped off her pajama bottoms along with her panties and laid them on the bed where she could easily find them in the dark as soon as she finished. Then she crawled back beneath the covers and draped the netting again.
Laughter sounded nearby. She held her breath waiting to see if it was Sara. The bungalows were spaced too far apart for it to be anyone else.
"Shhh. Meg's asleep."
Shit. She listened to Sara and Jake kiss. When on, the rabbit rattled fast and loud, too loud to use while those two smooched outside the door.
"I love you." More kissing and then a moan. Great. She was already horny. Now she had to listen to her cousin in the throes of a passionate embrace. Life was sometimes so unfair.
"Jake," Sara said breathlessly. "We can't do this here. Someone will see."
Yes, they should go away. Meg wished them to a private place so she could get off too.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
She growled low, grabbed her pajamas and yanked them on. Great, now they'd all go to bed frustrated.
Cory woke early. Jake still slept---probably relieved to be in close proximity to Sara again. He felt that way about Meg, but he also suspected his little vixen planned to punish him today. Armed with sunscreen, a towel and his IPod, he left Jake sleeping and walked from his hut to hers.
All the talk about bikinis, he wanted to see Meg's along with all the soft skin and subtle curves lying on the white speckled sand. And he wanted her alone. Jake and Sara would appreciate the solitude.
In the hours before the girls had arrived, he'd done a little exploring. Outside the private bungalows the rocks sheared off. Below the cliffs, the crystal blue-green water shimmered. If they wanted, they could snorkel or swim, just about anything because they would be away from prying eyes in their own private piece of paradise.
Golden light sparkled on the moist tropical foliage. The first rays of the sun warmed the ground. Flowers bloomed large with vibrant shades of reds and yellows. Sweet nectar blended with the scent of the salty sea. Glancing around, he ensured he was alone. Then he snapped the stem of one of the red flowers.
He tapped on Meg and Sara's door and waited. Sara's doe-eyed morning confusion didn't surprise him. "Jake is still in bed."
She smiled and opened the door a little wider. "So is Meg."
Cory peered into the darkened interior of the hut and saw movement behind the mesh mosquito netting.
Sara grabbed her silk robe from the chair. "I'll see you two later. I'm going to wake my man up with a special good morning kiss."
"I'm sure he'll appreciate it."
"Good luck with Meg. She is ticked at you."
He chuckled. "Isn't the first time."
"And won't be the last, I'm sure." She slipped out the door to wake Jake, leaving Cory with a woman who wanted to sleep with him as much as she wanted to kill him. She didn't realize she was killing him slowly anyway.
They weren't that far off from what they both wanted. Rational heads would have no difficulty in reaching a compromise. But therein lay the problem. Meg wasn't rational. It was also one of the reasons he enjoyed her company. Unpredictable, funny, but she was generous and loyal with her friends. And she loved her family even when claiming they were the people she wanted to escape. Whether she left Milcott or not, her family would always be there to support her decisions.
He dropped his stuff by the door, crossed the room to the bed and laid the flower on the table.
Meg cocked an eyebrow. "I could see you over there debating." Her eyes narrowed. "What were you thinking about?"
"Do you really want to know?"
"I'm not sure. You're smiling."
"The thoughts were pleasant."
"Then I don't want to know." She tossed off the blankets and parted the mosquito netting.
He helped her lift and tie it out of the way. "I thought you were asleep."
"Not with you and Sara chattering."
Cory sat on the edge of the bed. "Is someone crotchety this morning?"
"Don't start with me." She swung her feet over the bed. "I need coffee before I can fight with you." She crossed the room to her water bottle and took a hefty swallow.
"I don't want to fight."
She met his eyes. "What do you want?" She dropped her arms to the side and her shoulders slumped in defeat.
"You."
He saw uncertainty cross her features. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and twirled a lock of hair around her finger. "You can't have me. I'm supposed to be experiencing life away from Milcott. This is my ideal vacation, not yours. Remember, I wanted tropics. You wanted a wild wilderness retreat."
Cory crossed the room and took the water bottle from her hand. "Actually, you don't get a choice." He trailed his fingers up her arm and was rewarded with a shuddering breath. He rested his hands on her shoulders. "I won't even care if you call me Carlos for the entire time we're here. Do you want to know why?" he whispered.
"I can imagine."
"You won't have to imagine because I intend to rub suntan lotion on your naked breasts." He leaned in close to her ear. "We'll swim in the ocean at sunset." He titled his lips in a teasing grin. "With or without suits."
"Skinny dip? You?"
"Um-humm. And then I want you to lie on your back on the soft sand, stare into the blue Caribbean sky streaked with pinks and oranges at sunset while I lick the water droplets off your skin and taste the sweetness of your desire from between your legs."
Meg clutched the front of his shirt. Her fingers held tight.
"I want to make love to you until you see stars whether your eyes are closed or open staring at the night sky." His lips grazed her neck while he spoke.
"Can I scream out Carlos too?"
He pulled back and laughed. "So much for my seduction. Get your suit on." He swatted her butt. "We'll grab breakfast and eat by the pool."
Meg pushed her hair off her face. Her heart slammed around in her chest. What in the hell was that? Wet panties aside, she'd never been that turned on in her life. His warm breath on her neck, his lips and the pressure of his erection against her tummy heightened her frustration. Maybe if she stayed focused she could sleep with Cory and still maintain their friendship. It could work. Best friends with benefits.
He stood against the wall waiting for her to decide. No, he waited for her to get dressed and go. He hadn't given her a choice. His tanned legs looked amazing. Sculpted calves, just the right amount of hair, she wondered how they would feel sliding against hers.
"Meg, you're blushing." He went to the table and picked up the exotic red bloom. "This matches the color perfectly." He crossed the room and tucked it behind her ear.
Her eyes snapped to his face and the knowing smile gracing his perfectly kissable mouth. "Oh, shut up, Cory." She stomped to her suitcase. "You're trying to confuse me. It won't work. I came to paradise with a purpose and you aren't going to distract me from getting what I want." At present, she just wished she didn't want Cory.
Well, she'd show him. A smile pulled at her mouth as she grabbed a shimmering copper bikini out of her bag. Yeah, she'd see who blushed.
In the bathroom, she put on the suit. If the sun caught her in just the right light, the deep color of her areoles would show. And wet, the suit became transparent. Let's see how he liked the back. Pivoting around, she looked at her butt in the mirror. Technically, it wasn't a thong, but damn close.
She sauntered into the room. "Ready?"
Swallowing, his Adam's apple bobbed in his throat. "Is that suit legal?"
Rolling her eyes, she headed for the door. "Everything is covered."
"Barely."
"Don't be ridiculous. This is Jamaica. People around here are used to a bit more skin on display."
"Not yours," he stammered.
"Not your business."
"Can we talk about it?"
"You're blushing." She took the flower from behind her ear and put it behind his. "I like that you'll be looking at my ass all day." Putting a hand on her waist, she popped a hip. "Does that make me a tease?"
Cory snapped his towel, striking her on the rear.
"Ouch."
"You deserve a spanking. If you don't keep that ass covered, I'm going to end up in a fight today." He held the door for her.
"Ah Cory, you'd defend my honor?" She smiled. Teach him for spiking her blood pressure.
Fifteen minutes later, they had their towels on deck chairs next to the hotel swimming pool. He'd pushed her to try the local specialty for breakfast. Ackee didn't sound too appealing, but it came with pancakes. At least she wouldn't go hungry...not for food anyway. He might not be cooking, but Cory could still be called the Culinary Casanova.
The waiter arrived with their Mimosas.
"Alcohol with breakfast." Her mouth twitched.
"Back home we'd be drinking screwdrivers."
"Then here's a toast to living outside our budget and beyond our means."
Cory clinked his champagne flute to hers then sipped. He leaned back in the lounger and put his sunglasses on. "When you're ready for sunscreen let me know."
"I'm not going topless."
"Not out here." He looked up and down the patio. With the rise of the sun, the tourists flocked to the pool. "We'll find somewhere private this afternoon."
Why did that statement have to excite her? She shouldn't be imagining his hand on her breasts if she wanted to keep complications out of their vacation. But since when did she shy away from a challenge?
"Whatever you're thinking, don't." He sipped more of his Mimosa. "Unless of course, you're thinking about me." He smiled. "Why, Meg, you're blushing again."
"I hate you," she said and then laughed.
Breakfast arrived. The waiter set the sterling covered dishes on the small table between their deck chairs.
"I hope ackee isn't yucky." She lifted the lid. Yellow, fluffy ackee resembled scrambled eggs. She filled her fork and took a bite. "It's good, so what is it?"
"It's a fruit. They cook it without the seeds because the seeds are poisonous."
"You shouldn't tell me that when I still want to kill you." She winked. "You might give me ideas."
He wagged his brows. "You won't kill me because you want to sleep with me."
"It's good to want."
"It's better to get," he countered.
After they finished their breakfast, Meg smeared sunscreen over her tummy, arms and legs. "Will you do my back?" Staying on the deck chair, she flipped onto her stomach.
"Carlos is at your serveece." Cory used his best Latin lover charm on her.
She laughed. "Just my back, please, I've already done the front."
"You might of meessed a spot." He started at her ankles and worked his way up her legs. His calloused fingers slid between her legs. "Spread your legs a bit."
"What happened to Carlos?" Gone was the lightheartedness, now his voice sounded husky and raw. Flutters filled her stomach as she did what he asked. Oh hello, that felt like a tongue on her lower back. She attempted to look over her shoulder.
"No peeking." His hands moved higher. Slick with cream, his fingers worked the muscles of her legs. Each stroke brought him closer to the heat between her legs, but he never touched her.
"You wouldn't want to burn here." His hands smoothed over the rounded flesh of her butt. The intimate caress sent a tingle into her sex.
Meg sucked in a breath when his thumb slipped inside her bikini bottoms. "Cory?"
"Relax." This thumb ran the length of her crack.
How could she with his hands creating delicious sensations throughout her body?
"Here." He handed over her book. "Read. I'll give you a massage while I rub sunscreen into your back."
The scenery was too beautiful to bury her nose in a book. Birds flew from the tops of the lush trees, out to sea and then back again. It was all too much sensory input. Suddenly, she didn't want to lie around and soak up the sun. Truthfully, she couldn't remain indifferent to Cory with his hands on her body.
"I'm good," she said and squirmed out from under his hands. She sat with her legs pulled to her chest so he couldn't see how her nipples had hardened. "Let's go into town. We can shop."
"I have a little problem."
No, not little. Quite obvious. "Oh." There were a few people on the beach, but it certainly wasn't packed. Not this early in the morning. "Let's go find seashells. Explore the shore."
Cory glanced at the beach. "Sounds good to me." He stood with his hands trying to hide his clearly defined erection.
"Should we find Jake and Sara and ask them if they want to come along?"
"Jake and I made a promise not to butt in to each other's vacation. We'll hook up later." His eyes raked down her figure. "Can you swim in that suit?"
Meg ran her hands over her hip playing with the strings holding the bottom together. "Yes." She wasn't going to tell him the flaw in the suit. Let him discover that for himself later if they went for a swim. She played with fire when tempting Cory. Nothing changed. She'd been doing it for years.
They'd strolled along the beach until they reached a shallow inlet. "When you were in the military did you ever go to an island?"
The waters were calm on this stretch of shoreline. He picked up a rock and sent it skipping twice before sinking beneath the surface of the water. Seagulls screeched overhead. Welcomed shade cast upon them when the sun disappeared behind giant cotton ball clouds floating in the sky.
"I spent six weeks in Okinawa." Even wearing sunglasses, she could see him squint against the sun. "I went a lot of places with the military. But temporary overseas assignments aren't vacations. I worked. There wasn't much time to absorb the culture." He slid his hands into the pockets of his swim trunks. The unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt flapped in the breeze. "I always ate with the locals."
"Is that why you had me eat ackee?" She laughed.
"What?"
She couldn't stop the grin if she tried. "Whenever Aunt Bess has to change a diaper, she calls it ackee." She mimicked her aunt's scrunched up face as if smelling something unpleasant.
"We won't be dining on ackee anymore this week." Cory stilled while looking at her. The moment grew heavy with awareness. Aware they were alone, secluded, and they both knew the other's thoughts lingered on the same thing.
"I need to cool off."
Cory thought he was hot. Steam rose from her flesh whenever he looked at her with his penetrating blue eyes. However, getting into the water and frolicking with him would exacerbate the problem. She'd thought she'd pull a fun prank on Cory when she wore the copper bikini. Meg experienced another one of those oh shit moments. Maybe their connection, now, was inevitable.
He tossed off his shirt then dropped his sunglasses on top.
"We didn't bring our towels."
Cory shrugged and ran into the surf. "We'll dry as we walk back to the resort."
Meg glanced in both directions. The beach was deserted. With a nervous quiver in her stomach, she untied her sarong and dropped it by Cory's shirt along with her sunglasses. The breeze might be warm on her skin now, but she had no delusions that she'd feel a chill when they came out of the water.
She tiptoed into the warm Caribbean waters. Gentle waves lapped at her ankles. She stood at the water's edge and enjoyed the waves washing in and receding back. Bubbles puffed through small holes in the sand. The rocks were smooth beneath her feet and the muddy sand squished between her toes.
Cupping her hands in the water, she splashed her thighs. Rivulets trailed down her legs. A few yards out Cory's feet arced through the air as he dove beneath the surf. He surfaced and shook his head like a wet dog. He turned to find her. When he did his smile widened. His teeth gleamed white and his cheeks flushed with excitement.
Water reached her waist as she waded deeper. A wave crashed against her chest and splashed her face. When she touched her tongue to her lip, she tasted salt.
In the clear water, she could see Cory swim close. Beneath the surface his body moved with fluid stokes. He swam straight toward her and popped out of the water less than a foot in front of her. She sucked in a breath.
He combed his wet hair back from his face with his fingers. "Don't you want to swim? It feels great."
"Are you sure there aren't sharks?"
Cory chomped his teeth. "There are always dangers lurking in the water." He put his hand on her hip. "You can hold onto me if it'll make you feel safe."
She skimmed her arms along the top of the water. "Remember going up to the dam?"
His fingers dug a little deeper as he held on. More waves flowed past them, crested and rolled onto the shore. The sound surrounded them.
"Every summer for as long as I can remember." His hand trailed up her waist until his fingers rested between the grooves of her ribs.
"I didn't go much while you were gone." She let him pull her close. "I missed you." She wrapped her arms around his neck and held tight. So many times she'd dreamed this. Cory in her arms, just the two of them, on a deserted island. Only in her dreams, he took her to the beach, laid her on the blanket and made incredible love to her. Just as he'd whispered earlier in the room.
"We'll go this summer, pitch a tent and spend a weekend. We'll leave the lovebirds at home and keep it the two of us."
It sounded lovely...if she stayed in Milcott. If he kept touching her, she would. And that wasn't what she wanted. Well, she wanted the touching, but she needed to keep a clear head.
She pulled reluctantly from his arms, waded back to shore and hurried up the beach to her belongings. Sand stuck to her feet and legs. "We should head back." She bent to grab her stuff. Fumbling with the ties, she knotted the sarong around her hips, and then put on her sunglasses. "Ready?" She turned to see Cory standing perfectly still a few yards away. "What?"
He visibly swallowed. "Your suit is transparent."
She lifted a brow. Yeah, she knew. Imagine when she'd discovered the problem the first time she wore the suit. Thankfully she'd been around friends and not her family. If her dad would've seen, he'd have locked her in the house and never let her out in public again. Ever. She hadn't planned on getting wet while wearing it on the cruise. But this morning, she couldn't resist tormenting Cory.
His eyes focused on her darkened nipples. Heat flooded her body and she grew indifferent to the breeze. It was his erection straining against the front of his swim trunks causing shivers to run up her arms.
"What did you think I'd do if you wore this suit?" He took two steps toward her.
"I didn't think anything." The breathlessness of her voice made a liar out of her. He responded exactly as she'd hoped he would.
"You wanted to get my attention. You had it while I rubbed sunscreen on you." He drew his finger across the taut peak. "What do you think is going to happen now?"
She inhaled and held her breath. Her chest expanded and her breasts thrust forward. Cory accepted the implied invitation. His hand cupped her, pressing the nipple into his palm. She moaned in tortured delight. His calloused fingers caressed the exposed sun-kissed swell of her breast.
"Can we quit playing games?" His finger traced the strap of the bikini top to her collarbone. "Let me take you back to your room where we can really be alone."
The beat of her heart sounded in her ears. Water dripped from his dark hair. Desire smoldered in his eyes as he waited expectantly for her to answer. Suppressing her feelings had grown tiring. Each night she ached to be with him yet continued to fight her heart. In truth, she didn't want to be in love with him, but she was. And whether she spent her time in Jamaica with him or not wouldn't change how difficult it would be to leave Milcott if that was what she eventually decided to do.
Meg licked her lips and swallowed. She put her hand on his chest, then nodded. Lips loomed closer as he bent to kiss her. "Wait." She smiled because she felt the beat of his heart---matching her own pounding rhythm---against her palm where it rested on his sternum.
"No."
He pushed her hand aside and pulled her tightly against his strong body. She loved how her breasts smashed against him. He wasn't sweet and tender, but banded his arms around her, claimed her. His shaft pressed against her bare midriff. She was hot and wet and so turned on she could hardly stand it. All further comments went unspoken as his lips swooped onto her. His tongue boldly pushed past her lips and plundered, hot and wild. She widened her stance, shifted her hips and stood on her tiptoes to bring his cock where she needed it. Cory bent his knees and rocked his pelvis.
Meg moaned and deepened the kiss, sucking his tongue. She was crazed and demanding, feeling wild and out of control. She jerked back. "You're right."
Cory kissed along the column of her neck and her vaginal walls clenched.
"Let's hurry." She slipped her hand into his and giggled.
They walked quickly back to the Rock House resort. Meg continued to sneak glances at him. When he caught her, he'd stop walking, pull her close and kiss her again.
"Our room is closer," she said.
He maneuvered her against the wall. "I can't wait." His voice grew husky with arousal. Fusing his mouth to hers again, aligning his cock to her heat, he teased more pleasure into her body. "Tell me you need this...us...as much as I do." Gentle nips followed leisurely explorations of her mouth.
Warm breath mingled. "More, I think."
"Key?"
She moaned. Where did she put the key? Oh, his velvet tongue tasted of the ocean. He felt familiar in her mouth and now she needed him in her body. "I don't know where I put the key."
Her breath came hard and fast. The rock wall bit into her back. She gripped the stones. Gritty gravel worked beneath her nails. "Cory." She laughed, put her hands on the side of his head and jerked his mouth to hers again.
He shielded her from view as best he could while tugging on the cup of her bikini and exposing her breast. "Fuck." He took her nipple into his mouth.
Hot, wet heat enveloped her. "Oh my, that feels incredible." Gentle sucking pulled her nipple deeper into his mouth. The sensations traveled into her core, to her clitoris. She glanced in both directions. "We can't do this here. Do you have your key? We'll go to your hut."
He adjusted the bikini back into place. With fingers laced, they ran down the path between bungalows. Wind whipped through her hair. Her sarong twisted around her legs. Holding the knot with her other hand, she kept up with Cory.
They laughed. He produced his key, and opened the door. As soon as she entered the room, she dropped her sarong, pushed Cory's back against the door and attacked his mouth. Cory tried to speak. "Shhh. No more talk." She deepened the kiss and placed her hand over his cock. He was long, thick and deliciously hard.
Cory groaned and pulled her hand away.
"What's wrong?" The last fifteen minutes had felt like an eternity and now she wanted him, naked and deep inside her.
"Hi."
She spun around at the sound of a soft, familiar feminine voice. She hadn't noticed the two already in bed.
Cory leaned his head against the door and closed his eyes. "This sucks."
Sara sat with the sheet tucked around her breasts. "Where have you two been? We went looking for you." She scooted to the edge of the mattress. "You'll never guess what happened." She reached behind her and held Jake's hand.
"We can guess," Meg said. Cory heard the disappointment in her voice. He felt the same way. "Do you have your key to our room? I seem to have misplaced mine."
Sara slid off the bed with the sheet wrapped around her body. "You can't leave. I need to tell you what happened."
Cory crossed the room and sat in the chair. His balls ached and his cock was still painfully aroused.
"Jake asked me to marry him."
"I'm shocked." Meg put her hand over her heart and laughed.
"Tonight."
Meg's eyes widened. "Okay, now that is a surprise."
Sara pulled her to the bed and sat on the edge. Cory smiled because Meg hesitantly sat next to her.
"Sorry, Jake."
He shrugged. "Hey, last time I interrupted you and Cory at foreplay." His grin turned lecherous. "We've been around the world. Twice."
Meg's eyes rolled. "No details are necessary. That I'm sitting on this bed knowing you're naked under the covers is enough, thank you."
"Listen to me." Sara put her hand on Meg's leg to draw her attention. "Jake and I talked about how much our little mistake has cost. Because of this resort, and the airfare, well, he wanted to get engaged this summer, but now we won't have the money. You know my parents aren't going to help with my wedding. When I moved in with Jake, I made that choice."
Guilt niggled at Cory. He'd convinced Jake to come to Jamaica. He'd been more concerned with his own needs than that of his brother. "Hey, I can help with the wedding costs. This is partially my fault."
"And I'll help," Meg said.
Sara shook her head. "No, you don't understand. We're getting married here, at Rock House. They have the service available. We spent the wedding fund, might as well get married. And besides, we're in paradise."
Cory laughed. "Patty is going to have your ass in a sling."
Jake sat up. "I hadn't thought about that."
"Don't think. It's decided and you aren't changing your mind." Sara gave Jake a slug then turned to Cory. "Close your eyes so I can get my robe on." She smiled at Meg and squealed. "Can you believe it? It's my wedding day."
Cory closed his eyes and sighed. Great. He knew Meg and if she had too long to think about what they'd almost done, she'd change her mind. Buried feelings didn't have to be acknowledged.
"We need to shop. The wedding is scheduled for six. Then we'll have dinner and drinks here at the restaurant."
"Sounds good to me." Meg turned to Cory. "Do you guys want to come?"
He gave a snort. She didn't need to ask. Yes, he wanted to come, but he didn't want to shop. "We'll hang out here." Why was the timing always off for them? Outside interferences seemed to undo any progress they made. Namely his brother's interference.
"Great." Sara was dressed and she and Meg left a few minutes later.
Once he was alone with his brother, he said, "You have shitty timing."
Jake laughed. "It isn't my fault." He stood from the bed and then headed for the shower. "The wedding is in a couple hours." He stopped and turned. "Oh, and pack your shit. Sara's staying in here with me. Tonight will be our wedding night and tomorrow...the honeymoon. You and Meg are on your own. Good luck."
Sara looked beautiful in a halter-top-style cream-colored sundress. Her hair danced in the breeze. Standing on a rock outcropping, with the ocean behind them, Jake and Sara said their vows. Jake stood regally in tan Dockers and partially unbuttoned gauzy shirt the same color as Sara's dress. Eyes only for Sara sparkled with unshed tears.
Meg's thoughts reflected on the years she'd spent with Sara, Jake and Cory. It had always been the four of them. Marriage represented a new beginning. Jake and Sara were like peanut butter and jelly or salt and pepper. They were fine apart, but better together. In fact, their names were always mentioned in tandem. Jake and Sara. It wouldn't be long before they had children and a mortgage.
A waiter circled the group and offered champagne to toast the couple. Meg took a flute.
"You aren't supposed to frown at weddings," Cory whispered. His hand slid across her lower back and wrapped around her waist. She wore a simple pale yellow sundress with spaghetti straps. The plunging back revealed an abundant amount of skin and the front dipped enough to give a glimpse of pleasing cleavage.
She blinked back tears and grinned. "I guess I don't want to accept that Jake and Sara have grown up. Our foursome won't be the same. As happy as I am for them, I feel a little sad for myself." She scrunched her face. "That makes me sound selfish."
"This from the woman who wants to take on the world. Careful, Meg, or I might just think you're a sentimental country girl."
Sentimental country girl---wasn't that what she wanted to get away from? Why then, when she looked at Sara and Jake, did she feel like she was missing out? And why when Cory touched her skin did her breath have to catch and her heart flip?
Meg and Cory followed Jake and Sara into the restaurant. Everyone stood and clapped. Jake pulled Sara close, touched her cheek, then kissed her long and deeply. When he pulled away, he bowed to the room.
The hostess led them to a table in the back of the room.
Cory held the chair while Meg sat. "Champagne, please."
Dinner was pleasant but it was easy to see Jake and Sara's eagerness to be alone. She wouldn't have thought their wedding night would be that big of a deal. Sara lost her virginity to Jake in high school. It's not like sex still held mystery. Then again, if she'd just sworn her love and fidelity she'd want to be alone with her husband.
Dinner tasted fabulous. Fresh seafood, a little bubbly, and to finish they savored cheesecake with rum sauce.
Jake and Sara linked fingers on the table. "We're going to walk along the beach and watch the sun set."
Cory put his hand on the bill. "We've got it."
Jake smiled and escorted his wife out of the restaurant.
Cory clasped his hands on top of the table, leaned forward, his eyes resting on her. They were alone again. And probably would be for at least the rest of the night. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach.
"I swear, if you keep looking at me like that I'm going to cry again." She fidgeted with the edge of her linen napkin.
His blue eyes blazed into her soul with scorching intensity. He didn't need to speak for her to know what thoughts crossed his mind.
After slipping his credit card into the check folder, he leaned back in the chair. "I'd like to show you the sunset."
"That sounds romantic."
"I'm trying." His lips twitched and then smiled.
"You've succeeded."
The hostess discreetly took the bill and credit card.
Meg laid her cloth napkin on the table. "I had a nice time today."
"It sounds like it's coming to an end."
She sighed. "I'm tired. Maybe I soaked in too much sun."
"Or maybe you don't want to acknowledge what almost happened between us on the beach."
That he knew her so well didn't seem fair. "I guess I'm not sure if making love will change us."
He chuckled and cocked an eyebrow. Then he lifted his champagne. At the same time, his lips turned up into a pleasing smile. "I'm counting on it." He upended the flute finishing the drink.
"Cory, we'll change our friendship."
"Don't you think the friendship changed a long time ago? I don't want regrets."
But that was what she feared. Cory thought of regrets if they didn't explore an intimate relationship. This time, she didn't want to act on impulse. It wasn't as if she hadn't been burned by her escapades. Hell, getting on a cruise and winding up on Jamaica had been one giant impulsive act.
"I promise, you won't have anything to regret."
Her heart hammered in her chest.
"I need to go."
She stood and nearly ran from the table. Cory's blatant sexuality left her mouth dry and her pussy wet. While he was stuck signing for dinner, she booked it out of the restaurant. So she was a coward. Leaving him at the restaurant wasn't the nice thing to do, but she did need to use the restroom. Okay, she'd failed to tell him she was going to the bathroom in her bungalow.
Now, she sat on the bed in the room, heart racing, and out of breath from the sprint from the restaurant. Cory possessed a quick mind, but even if he didn't, it wouldn't take a genius to figure out she'd run away.
"Oh no." Just as her insight predicted, the sleeping arrangements were about to get complicated.
Glancing around, she noted Sara had taken her belongings to the room Cory and Jake shared. She could hardly blame them for wanting to turn the rest of their vacation into a honeymoon, but that left her bunking with Cory. The thought both thrilled and terrified. She'd never be able to simply share the room with him when she actually wanted to share his bed. If nearly succumbing to their desires earlier hadn't convinced her of his intentions, his statement at dinner did. He'd come to Jamaica to romance her.
It was working. So she either committed to the idea of sharing her body and her bed, which meant she risked her heart, or she had to figure out another solution.
The room only had one bed. She sat and stared at the door. Never in a million years...
A light tapping alerted her that decision time was over. Adrenaline raced through her system and her heart pounded. If she opened that door and invited Cory into her room, the invitation extended to her bed. The conclusion was inevitable. Today, she'd given him her heart on the beach. Damn him, he'd made her fall in love all over again.
Her knees weakened as she stood to go to the door. Too many uncertainties rumbled around in her head. Her hand shook as she reached for the handle.
"Meg," Cory called through the door and tapped again. "Are you in there?"
She took a deep breath. Then she opened the door.
"Are you okay?" He had his duffle bag in his hand, but didn't appear smug or happy, but concerned. He'd banked the lusty sparkle in his eyes and the normally full smile that turned her insides warm.
She pulled the door wide. "Hi."
"You're thinking too much." He stepped in and dropped his bag by the dresser.
With the shut the door, she summoned her courage. She took a hesitant step forward. "Yep."
Cory took a deep breath causing his chest to strain the fabric of his shirt. It pulled tight against his pectorals.
"But I'm done thinking." Two more steps and she put her hands on Cory's cheeks. "And done talking." She brought his mouth to hers. Gentle pressure meshed her lips to his. When her tongue touched the smooth, soft texture of his lips, his mouth opened. Tongues mated. She slipped into his liquid heat.
Desire engulfed her in intense flames of passion. Her fingers threaded through his hair until her hands clutched the back of his neck. Pressing against him, she couldn't touch enough. Breasts to chest and hip to hip, she tried to feel more of him. She wanted his cock nestled in her heat. More---she wanted him inside.
He groaned and wrapped his arms around her. His embrace grew tighter as the kiss grew more frenzied. He tasted of sun and salt from the ceremony on the beach. Champagne flavored his breath. His kiss intoxicated and numbed her mind. Yet when his hands roamed over her bare back and down to her buttocks, her nerves tingled.
Pulling away from her mouth, he placed gentle sucking kisses along her jaw.
"Mmm." Cupping her ass, scrunching the silky fabric of her dress in his hands, he lifted her more intimately against his rigid erection. Wet, hot strokes of his tongue against the pulse points in her neck sent chills down her spine.
Cory kissed her mouth again and his fingers blindly sought the edge of her breast. The texture of his calloused fingers on the sensitive skin sent her heart pounding. She gasped. Sliding his hands higher, he slipped the spaghetti straps from her shoulders, first one then the other. The thin straps dropped to the crook of her elbow. Cool air and his touch had her nipples erect and aching.
He took a single step back and raked her with his hungry gaze. "You're beautiful." Their eyes locked. Then she glanced down and watched his knuckle graze across her pale breast. A string from her clit to her nipple tightened and strummed with sexual tension. Rapid breaths made her chest rise and fall.
With his knees bent, he brushed his lips against her puckered areola. His tongue moistened the cherry-hued, taut tip. "You taste as good as you smell. Like vanilla and the ocean." Hot, moist breath fanned her breast and then his mouth latched on.
Meg held the side of his head and pressed him more firmly against her breast. Her head fell back as delicious sensations rolled through her body. Cream dampened her panties. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
"Naked," she whispered. "I'm ready and I need you naked."
He stood and unhooked the top button of his pants. "You're sure?"
"Now." She shimmied and her dress slipped to the floor. Then she started tugging on the buttons of his partially opened shirt. She needed to touch, taste and see every part of him. Once she had his shirt open, she yanked it down his arms.
Cory chuckled. "Easy, baby."
She licked his flat nipple like an ice cream cone and wanted more. Slipping her hands into the waistband of his pants, she eased them down along with his underwear. She paused at his thighs because the sight of his fully erect and bobbing cock held her momentarily mesmerized.
Dark, masculine whorls of hair circled the base. She let his pants drop to his ankles. Sitting on her haunches, she buried her nose in the thatch of hair, and drank in the earthy scent of his arousal. After wrapping her fingers around his girth, she took him into her mouth.
"Oh god, Meg." Cory tunneled his fingers into her hair and gently encouraged her oral assault. She took him deep, tasting the flavor of his nectar on her tongue. Simultaneously her hand slid up and down the shaft. He was wondrously perfect. Hot and smooth. Hard and thick. She licked a pearl of moisture from the slit and then slid her mouth over the head again. Humming low in her throat and sucking, she heightened his enjoyment. "Don't make me come. I want to be inside of you."
Unable to stop the laugh bubbling up, she released him from her mouth. "Are you trying to tell me your stamina might be lacking?"
He put his hands under her arms and helped her from her knees. "Nothing about me is lacking." He backed her against the edge of the mattress.
Meg sat and then scooted into the center of the bed. He stood still, his eyes traveling over every curve, lingering on her breasts. Blood flowed hotly through her veins and pooled in her core. She'd dreamt of this moment. Literally. Over and over again. Nothing she'd imagined came close to reality.
Cory hovered near her. The intensity in his eyes had her on the verge of one of those spontaneous orgasms. "Now. I can't wait." She spread her thighs inviting him between them.
"You taste good here." He kissed her neck, then trailed his lips lower, whispering kisses along her collarbone. "You breasts are so sweet." His wet tongue stroked her nipple. She arched her back and his hands slid beneath her, holding her up to his mouth. He kissed one breast and then moved to the other. "I want to savor the rest of you." He dipped his tongue into her navel, then trailed lower over the sensitive skin near her hip.
She was about to say something, but his breath warmed her. Anticipation of his intimate kiss stretched the moment. At last his hot, wet tongue parted her slit and slipped between the moist folds of her pussy.
"Mmm, sweet." His kiss searched and found her clitoris. Pressing and flicking, he brought her to the brink of an orgasm then teased by sucking and drinking her juices. She moaned softly, frustrated that he wouldn't bring her to release.
"Please, Cory, make me come." She reached her hand between them, spread her folds and exposed her clit. "I'm going mad."
Frenzied kissing and precision pressure built her to the precipice of release. "Oh yes!" Spasms tightened her vaginal walls, and then she broke apart. Tiny shocks convulsed her body as he continued tonguing her clitoris.
"Enough," she pleaded. "I want you."
He rose from the bed and went to where his duffle bag rested on the floor.
"Hurry."
"A few minutes ago you were worried about my stamina. Now you want to rush." He returned to the bed with a condom.
"Don't tease."
Meg ran her hands over his muscular chest and down his hips while she watched him stretch the latex over his shaft. She couldn't touch enough. It felt like she'd spent an eternity waiting for him.
While cupping the back of her head, he leisurely kissed her lips. The softness and rhythm of his tongue stroking hers emulated the mating of their bodies.
She reclined, taking him with her. He used his knees to spread her thighs. Then he pressed his pelvis against hers and gently ground his cock against her swollen folds. The heavy weight of his body felt right. She'd waited years for him. And now, as she held her breath, the crown of his cock parted her soaked folds. In one fluid motion, his shaft stretched her walls and he filled her for the first time.
The pleasure made her gasp.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. You feel incredible," she whispered.
His hips drew back and then he slowly pressed forward again. She wrapped her legs around his slim hips and locked her ankles behind his back. Cory angled higher and ground hard against her.
Meg rolled her hips, meeting his thrusts. Pressure built and his cock entered at the perfect angle, surged deep and sent her spiraling into orgasm. She cried a string of unrecognizable words.
"Does that mean you like this?" He shifted slightly and thrust again.
She grabbed onto his butt and held tight. "Unbelievable."
Perfect rhythm created a delicious friction inside her channel. He pumped harder, faster and then long and slow. Their breaths mingled as they shared another kiss. Tongues parried. First she would initiate and then Cory would counter with thrusts of both kiss and cock.
His climax built in the strain on his face. His eyes closed. Lips thinned to a tight line. Sweat glistened on their bodies and created slickness between them. With a groan of release, he exploded. His body shook. Muscles strained and tightened. Meg locked her legs around his waist and rode his orgasm with another one of her own.
Cory rolled over and tossed his arms over his head. The only sound in the room was their breathing returning to normal.
"I'll be right back." He stepped into the bathroom to dispose of the condom. When he returned he asked, "You okay?"
She hummed her pleasure. Her whole body pulsed, electrified from orgasm.
"Come here." He turned onto his side and pulled her flush against him. His cheek rubbed her hair. Then he kissed her.
Moist tropical air blew through the windows causing the mosquito netting to billow. The bedding twisted around their legs. Meg tugged the blanket and sheet and covered their lower bodies. "This is nice." She rested her head on his chest and listened to the beat of his heart. The moment stretched as did the pleasure. This was where she belonged. In his arms, his bed, and before their vacation ended, she'd be in his heart as much as he was in hers.
Meg's skin felt like silk beneath his fingers. He trailed gentle caresses over her ribs, across her tummy and then around the heavy globe of her breast. He loved the way her sensitive nipples tightened into hard, erect tips.
Spooned together on the bed, Cory pulled her tight and sniffed her hair. The sound of the ocean crashing against the rocks, the warm breeze blowing across their nude bodies and the smell of their lovemaking perfuming the air all contributed to the perfection of the moment.
She stretched, rolled into him, then pressed her lips to his sternum. "Hold me, Cory."
Forever, if she let him. He held her close. After a moment, he could tell she'd fallen asleep by her even breaths. He wondered if she'd have another erotic dream. This certainly felt like one to him. He closed his eyes, sighed and relaxed completely into the softness of the bed...and Meg.
The howl of the wind through the windows woke him. Predawn glow revealed churning dark skies out the window. Cory slipped from the bed, careful not to wake Meg, pulled on his boxers and went to the window.
The seas were angry. White capped waves crashed against the rocks sending spray six feet into the air. Palm fronds whipped into frenzy. Gulls circled over the waves. In the distance, it was difficult to distinguish where the sky met the sea.
He walked out onto the small patio facing the ocean. Closing his eyes, he turned his face into the moist wind. This was paradise.
"Can I intrude?" Meg asked, draped in the sheet from the rumpled bed. When he opened his arms to her, she took a hesitant step toward him.
Sleepy softness snuggled close, her back to his front. He wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I don't think I want to go to the beach today."
Cory laughed at the disgusted tone in her voice. "The tide would carry you out. You'd be lost at sea." He kissed her temple. "And I'd be lost without you."
"Then it's agreed. We stay in bed all day."
He cupped her chin and lifted her face for a kiss. Brief, yet full of promise. "I thought we could go on the rum tour."
"You don't have to get me drunk to get me into bed."
"Noted for future reference. However, my thoughts were more toward taking in the local culture."
"I'm sure we can drag the newlyweds out of bed for a few hours. Sara will come with the promise of a daiquiri."
"I won't comment on how open that statement is." He glanced at the sky again.
"Now that we're sleeping together, you can't think about making other women come. Even in jest."
Cory slipped his hand inside the sheet and found her breast. "I only want to make you come."
"Where's my daiquiri?"
"You just said it wasn't necessary to ply you with alcohol."
"Maybe I just want something salty."
His lips twitched. "Do you want me to comment on that one?"
"I don't think words are any more necessary than alcohol." She reached behind, found his erection through his boxers and wrapped her fingers around his girth. "I think we should take a shower."
The sky was dark and the scent of rain hung heavy in the air. "We're going to get wet anyway."
She squeezed and stroked his cock. "I'm already wet."
He held the weight of her breast in his hand and pinched her nipple between his thumb and finger. "Are you?"
"Please, don't take my word for it."
He gently touched her skin, caressed her tummy, then his palm splayed across her pelvis. His finger slipped into her hot wetness. She moaned and arched against his hand.
"You're so hot...so wet." Parting her folds, he grazed her clitoris and slid into her pussy.
"We need to hurry because it's going to rain any minute."
Meg held his hand and led him back into their room. Once inside, she dropped the sheet and continued walking. All the blood drained from his head into his shaft. Beats of his heart pounded in his ears. He grabbed a condom off the table and followed.
She turned on the water and then stepped into the open rock walled shower. Because there wasn't a roof, he could watch dark gray clouds swirling above. Showering in the middle of a tropical storm might not be the smartest activity. But because Meg stood gloriously nude in the shower, with water cascading over her upturned face, he shucked his boxers and took the risk.
With her hands braced on the wall in front, she arched her back and pressed her buttocks into his groin.
Cory molded his form to hers from behind.
She widened her stance and stood on her tiptoes.
He teased her opening with his finger. Hot, silken pressure compressed his finger and sucked him deep. Coaxing honeyed cream into his hand, he then inserted a second finger and flicked against her g-spot. Using his other hand, he moved her hair off her neck. He drank rivulets of water from her skin while he kissed and suckled. Her flesh pulsed beneath his tongue. He kissed up her neck then gently bit the shell of her ear.
"Now, Cory."
After taking the condom from the shower shelf, he held it with one hand and tore the package open with his teeth. His other hand slipped from inside her body, to circle her clit, and then back into her body.
She moaned when he pulled his hand back.
"Hold on, I need two hands." He stretched the rubber over his hard length.
Cool drops from the sky mixed with the warm needles of spray from the shower. With bent knees, he angled his body and slid easily into her. Soft walls gripped his cock, flexed and held tight.
Misting raindrops quickly became a downpour. Thunder crashed. Cory increased speed and depth, plunging into her hot channel, easing back until just the crown remained in her heat, then driving forward again. "I like my cock right here." He shifted his hips and penetrated a fraction deeper.
"Oh god, I'm coming." Meg cried out and clawed the rock shower wall. Internal spasms pulsed. She weakened and her legs buckled. He gripped her hips, thrust twice more and followed with his own shout of release.
As he eased from her body, he kissed her shoulder. Deep emotion welled in his chest. She was exquisite. He'd always suspected she'd be a perfect match for him. Amazing sense of humor, good heart, best friend and the sex had just been fucking fantastic. There weren't any more unanswered questions for him. Denying the truth was futile. He'd held her, made love to her through the night. Now he knew without question. He whispered the words, "I love you."
"Hand me a towel." Shit. What could she say? Her heart sputtered and restarted. She snuck a glance at Cory while he reached for a towel. She couldn't think of anything to say. She didn't know how to respond. If she said, I love you too, he might think she said the words because of expectation. Did she say I know? Because she had suspected his feelings ran deep, just as hers did.
Until today, she hadn't been sure she wanted to hear him say the words. The sentiment hit hard. She'd cherish this day and remember it for as long as she lived regardless if he'd said the words or not. That he had, proved Cory knew everything about romance. More than that, he knew her.
She wrapped up in the thick hotel towel. His eyes lingered on her. A blush started in her chest and rose into her cheeks. She turned away, went to the vanity and picked up her brush.
Cory accepted her silence and went to his duffle bag.
"Are you sure you want to go out in this? We could order room service," she said as she pulled her hair into a ponytail and bypassed makeup, opting instead for a touch of waterproof mascara.
"Let's see what Sara and Jake have planned." He buttoned his shirt. Long cargo shorts left his calves bare. Those bare calves reminded Meg how his legs felt lying between hers.
He glanced at her and winked. "You're blushing."
She realized that and wasn't happy about it. Pink cheeks were like a banner advertising her thoughts. Heat rushed into her face and ears. "I can't help it."
"You never used to blush."
"It must be the romance." Nothing else had changed. She'd always had these feelings for Cory. Everything they'd done in bed she'd imagined numerous times. Although, her dreams had never been close to reality. Thoughts of Cory paled to the veracity of his body moving within hers. The perfect ebb and flow of motion brought about an almost spiritual bond. Whispered words weren't necessary. How he loved her told her everything she needed to know.
She grabbed her purse, put her arms through the straps and wore it like a backpack. She put on a baseball cap and smiled. Soaked or dry, as long as she was with Cory she didn't care. She slipped her hand into his.
He opened the door. A curtain of rain fell from the gray skies. "Ready?" He kissed her quickly. She nodded and they rushed into the wind and rain.
Cory huddled with Meg under a palm frond and waited for Jake and Sara to order meat sandwiches at the stand across from the resort. Heavy drops dripped from the leaves into muddy puddles. Ruts in the road collected trickles of water. The torrential rain had turned into a heavy mist that clung to the skin. Water drops soaked Meg's shirt, causing it to cling to her torso. Nipples strained against her bra.
Jealousy at anyone staring fired his blood. However, she wouldn't appreciate machismo. If he wanted forever, he had some proving to do today.
"How long does it take to throw meat on bread?"
"I think they butcher the cows out back while you wait. The sign reads 'fresh'."
Meg giggled. "As long as the meat comes from a cow."
A Benny's Tours beat-down VW Bus waited for patrons on the side of the road. Benny would drive them to the Jamaican interior to the rum plantation.
"Here they come." Cory nodded to the happy couple crossing the muddy road.
"About time. Let's go."
After they had been on the road for a while, the cabbie craned his neck and looked at them through the rearview mirror. "Do you want to stop and take the six mile tour of da Black Reevar?" The two-hour drive took them past the Black River.
"Will we see alligators?" Jake rubbed his hands together.
"No, mon, the reevar is full of crocs."
Jake rolled his eyes. "Can you see crocs?"
"Ya, mon, on the tour."
Meg and Sara glanced at each other. Then they turned to the guys. "No," they said in unison.
However, when they came to the village of St. Elizabeth, they stopped to stretch their legs.
Cory linked his fingers with Meg's. "Let's at least walk to the river's edge. Say we've been here."
"Will you rescue me if a crocodile tries to grab me and spin me in the death roll?"
"Absolutely. I'd wrestle crocs, giant spiders---"
"Hey, if the shoe is big enough, I can fight spiders on my own."
"Sweetie, you'd need Shaq's shoes to kill tropical spiders. Everything is bigger in warmer climates."
"Hmmm."
He loved the tilt to her lips. Something sexual crossed her thoughts. He could see her mind playing. "What?" he asked because she didn't speak.
"Everything is bigger in the tropics. I wondered if that accounted for last night. And if so I'd say we discovered one more reason to stay in paradise."
He narrowed his eyes. "Are we discussing my performance?"
Meg batted her dew-kissed lashes. "I'm simply stating the obvious."
Cory squeezed her fingers. "I agree. Making love with you was incredible." They walked a few steps. "But my size had nothing to do with the tropical temperatures."
She laughed. "So you say, but I know the truth about what happens in cold temperatures."
"Touché. But you should know shrinkage from cold is a temporary condition, whereas last night had everything to do with you."
"Aw, more romantic sentiment. Careful, Cory, or you'll make me swoon."
He could do more than make her swoon.
The river cut a wide swath through the tropical jungle and snaked lazily around the bend in the unblemished flora.
"I see why they call it the Black River." Murky waters rippled with movement. "I don't see any crocodiles."
Cory glanced over his shoulder. Jake and Sara disappeared into a gift shop. Great. They had a moment of privacy.
"We need to talk about us."
Meg looked up from the waters. "I thought we just did. We came to the conclusion the tropics grow things bigger and that cold caused those same things to shrink."
"You can't call it a thing."
"So do you want to name it?" Her eyebrow arched.
He slipped his hands into his pockets. "No, I want to know how you want to handle us in front of Sara and Jake."
"I think they can guess."
True, he had held her hand and they'd shared a few hugs, but he hadn't put out any blatant public displays of affection. PDAs had never been his thing, but then, this was Meg. Now, he wanted the world to know they were together.
"Then you aren't opposed to a little kissing." He pulled her flush against him, bent his head and nibbled her neck.
"I'm not opposed to a lot of kissing." She turned into the kiss and gave him a full lip lock. Tongues briefly touched, yet the taste lingered and the sensation traveled into his groin.
She pulled back and he fisted his hands at his sides to keep from reaching out, grabbing her shoulders and pulling her into a kiss to send his cock into a full-blown, raging erection.
Technically their relationship was twelve hours old. He couldn't be sure what her thoughts were toward the future. They'd proven compatibility in and out of bed, but would she consider building a future with him in Milcott? Could he consider leaving if she wanted to live in a big city?
He sighed because he could never raise children anywhere other than Milcott. Family was too important. His parents doted on their grandchildren. And Meg's mother... Maybe he ought to toss out the condoms. Grandma Snow would never let a pregnant Meg out of Milcott. Hell, she wouldn't be able to leave the house without her mother's knowledge. Yes, her interference could get aggravating, but Rose meant well.
"What are you thinking?"
Something he shouldn't. "About us." He kissed the tip of her nose. Of course, he'd never intentionally get her pregnant without her willing and eager participation. He wanted kids, but not until he could provide for them. He swallowed the lump in his throat. Twelve hours into the relationship wasn't the most opportune time to discuss long-term logistics, children or marriage. Better to show her how great time spent together could be.
Jake and Sara waved them over to the bus. "Time to go," Meg said. Cory held her hand as they walked to the bus. A few minutes later, the bus sputtered, backfired, then pulled onto the narrow two-lane road and they were on their way again.
The farther inland they traveled, the greener the foliage. Big leafy trees along both sides of the road made it seem as if nothing existed beyond the narrow corridor. Pristine, untouched flora and fauna abounded on all sides of the bus. Bright colored birds flew between trees and large insects smacked against the windshield with a splat.
He sat next to Meg in the third row with Jake and Sara sitting in front of them. When he put his arm around her, she slid closer until they were hip to hip. She put her hand on his thigh and his heart took a jump.
"I'm starting to think your idea was better than mine." Cory hadn't anticipated the torture of not being able to have his hands on every part of her.
"It's a good thing you're figuring out I have moments of brilliance," she said.
He chuckled and kissed her lips. "I'll give you moments."
She slugged his arm.
The bus lurched. He braced is arm against the seat in front of him. Because they weren't wearing seat belts---the old VW bus didn't have them---Meg flew forward and rammed her chest into the back of the middle seat. The bus screeched and stopped.
"Ohh." She clutched her breasts and slumped to the floor.
In a flash, Cory went to his knees. "Where does it hurt?"
Putting his hands under her arms, he helped her back onto the seat.
The Jamaican dialect flew from Benny's mouth so fast that Cory couldn't understand exactly what was said, although it wasn't hard to guess the sentiment. The driver slammed his shoulder on the driver's door to open it. Smoke plumed from the rear of the vehicle. More muffled profanity from Benny.
Meg hunched forward with her arms crossed over her chest. "Let me see." He gently lowered her arms and ran his fingers over her collarbone.
Sara and Jake turned and knelt on the middle seat. "We're okay." Seeing his ministrations, Jake asked, "Is she okay?"
"I had the wind knocked out of me. I'll be fine."
Cory knew the rapid blinking was to keep tears from her eyes. "Are you hurt?" he whispered.
She shook her head. "Flying off the seat scared me." She wiped her eyes with her fingertips. "When we get back home, I guarantee I'll always wear my seatbelt." Her attempt to laugh off the situation didn't fool him.
"Did we hit something?" Sara peered out the back window.
Cory stood and looked out. "I don't think so, but I'll see if our bus driver needs any help." He put his hands on Meg's knees. "Are you sure you're okay?"
She nodded. He kissed her quickly then went out the side door to see if Benny the tour bus operator needed help. Cory could fix about anything on the fly with a few exceptions. The broken-down bus probably blew a rod. If so, they had a long walk ahead of them.
Meg shifted her focus from Sara to Jake. Both wore grins. "What?"
"We knew it."
Her lips twitched. What the hell? She couldn't stop the full smile from finding her mouth. So she radiated the O glow. Jake and Sara could tease if they wanted to. "Okay, I admit it."
Jake slumped into the seat. "About time."
Sara pushed him toward the door. "Go help your brother get this death trap back on the road."
Sara crawled over the seat and plopped down next to her. "Spill it. I want details."
"I'm outta here." Jake laughed as he opened the door. Through the window, they heard him call to Cory. "I hear you're banging my cousin-in-law."
Meg groaned. She leaned her head back against the seat, and then snuck a glance at Sara. "Yes, he's wonderful." And that exhilarated as much as terrified. The connection intensified with every stolen kiss or secret glance. Now all she wanted was to feel the delicious sensations of having his hands on her body, the pressure of his lips in a kiss and the intense pleasure of him sliding into her.
"Does sleeping with Cory change your plans?"
She gingerly leaned over and glanced out the window. Benny was talking and whatever he said entertained Cory and Jake because they laughed. Her tummy did a little flip at the sight of Cory's smile. She sighed and turned to Sara. "All I can think about is right now."
Whatever might happen back in Milcott wasn't going to dictate today. While in paradise, she intended to enjoy everything he offered.
"Cory wants more than a vacation. That's why he came all the way to Jamaica---to prove how he much he cares for you. You can't sleep with him, lead him to believe you want him as much as he wants you and then bail out anyway. That isn't fair. If you aren't going to stick around you shouldn't risk hurting him."
"He hasn't asked for more than today and neither have I. We're fucking," she said in a low voice. "I've wanted to have sex with Cory for a long time. Don't lay a guilt trip on me. You provided the opportunity with your marriage. I'm not complaining. He's the best lover I've ever had. Just don't judge me."
"He loves you."
"I know!" Meg inhaled sharply and released her breath slowly. "He said the words, Sara. I love him too."
"Then it isn't just fucking. It's making love. Did you tell him?"
"No." Meg furrowed her brows. "Drop it. Here they come."
"You should tell him."
"I'm having fun and I'm not going to make this vacation heavy with emotional baggage. Now change the subject."
Benny climbed behind the wheel and Jake opened the side door.
Meg smiled. "Did you get it fixed?"
Benny turned the ignition and the bus sputtered to life.
Cory sat beside her. "Did you have any doubts?"
The rest of the trip into the Jamaican interior was uneventful. Finally, they stopped at The Appleton Estate in the Nassau valley.
They signed up for the tour and were handed umbrellas.
Cory brushed her bangs away from her face. "It's a little late to worry about getting wet."
He had no idea. He stood close so their arms were touching.
Meg found it difficult to concentrate on the tour guide because she was intensely aware of every time he put his hand on her lower back, or leaned in to whisper something in her ear. She wanted to get through the tour so they could get on with the rum tasting, but couldn't seem to stop her thoughts from wandering. Damn Sara for spouting off in the bus about love, commitment and what would happen when they returned to Milcott.
She'd rather pretend ignorance, simply enjoy their time in Jamaica and not think about the repercussions. Panic squeezed her chest. She blinked quickly to keep tears from her eyes. Her friendship with Cory meant the world to her. But just as when he left for the military, he'd have to understand her need to see some of the world. If she made this trip as unforgettable for him as it had already become for her, he'd want to leave Milcott with her.
Why then was fear niggling at her conscience?
Later in the day, Cory held the camera to photograph Jake and Sara behind the bar. After tasting several types of rum, Meg teetered beside him. She'd grown quiet midway through the tour and only started to loosen up again after a few drinks. Cleary she intended to get a little buzzed, so he eased up on the drinks. One of them needed to be able to get them back to the resort.
Numerous times while touring the estate the skies opened to a ten minute downpour and then the sun would shine again. They were wet, tipsy and ready to go. After purchasing a few bottles of rum to take home, they climbed back into Benny's tour bus. First Cory and Meg climbed into the rear and then Jake fell into the middle. Sara laughed as she crawled in beside him. They barely had the door closed before they were lying together on the seat.
"Are we moving yet or is it just my head?"
Cory leaned forward and looked at them slumped together. "Sleep it off, brother. But listen, you'd better not get sick in this bus."
Jake struggled to sit. Sara grabbed the front of his shirt and helped him up. "I know how to hold my alcohol." His head fell back against the seat and his eyes closed. "Wake me when we get there." Sara leaned her head on his shoulder. Jake wrapped his arm around her back and pulled her close. With his eyes still closed, he kissed her forehead.
Cory sat back and slid his hand under Meg's. Her fingers laced with his.
"I had fun."
"I wasn't sure." He squeezed her hand. "You got quiet on the tour. Is something wrong?"
He hoped not. He wanted this time to convince her to give them a chance at more than time together in paradise. She was stubborn. Even in her inebriated state, if she made a decision she'd stick to it. Better to work those choices to his advantage.
"Nothing is wrong. I had fun." She yawned and stretched.
"Are you tired?"
"Are you asking me if I'd like to go to bed?" She wagged her brows.
"I thought if you weren't too tired we'd go to Rick's Café for dinner. We can watch the cliff divers."
She leaned forward and checked on the drunks in the middle seat. "In their condition---" she sat back, "---we'd better wait until tomorrow."
"Afraid to be alone with me?"
Meg glanced at Benny who seemed to be enjoying the Reggae music pumping through the speakers. He puffed a cigar and bounced his head to the beat.
She put her hand on his thigh and then inched higher. Cory sucked in a breath.
"Kiss me." She leaned in and their lips touched.
Cupping the back of her head, he opened his mouth and deepened the kiss. He groaned and slid his tongue along hers, tasting the hot flavor of rum and passion. She smiled against his mouth and placed her hand on his swelling cock. Blood pumped hard and fast into his shaft. He slumped in the seat to give much needed room in the front of his shorts. Meg took the action as an invitation to slip her hand inside. She wrapped her fingers around him and slowly stroked the sensitive skin.
"Ahh." Heat from her hand traveled into his balls and drew them tight against his body. "Are you sure you want to start this here?" He stared into her eyes as she continued to manipulate her skilled assault on his sanity.
"Absolutely." She gripped him firmly.
Cory spread his thighs wide. She took her other hand and lowered the zipper on his shorts. Risk of getting caught heightened the pleasure. He'd never considered himself an exhibitionist until Meg and Jamaica. Now it didn't seem to matter that the driver could glance into the rearview mirror and see his girl stroking him off. Thankfully, the driver appeared oblivious to the erotic encounter happening in the third row seats.
"I wish I had worn a skirt. Do you know what I'd do?" She kissed his lips and changed the pressure of her hand. Now she barely touched him, but moved her hand faster.
He wrapped his fingers over hers and squeezed. She stopped stroking but applied the most unbearably pleasurable pressure. "Tell me." The raspy tone of his voice reflected just how hot he'd become. He wanted to strip off her shorts, bury his nose in her pussy, drink in the sweet scent and feast on her honey. Then once he'd had his fill, he'd impale her on his shaft, buck hard and fast, making her scream.
Meg glanced down at his cock. She stroked hard and slow. A bead of moisture glistened on the crown. She caught the pearl on the tip of her finger. Lifting her face, she met his stare. Then she brought her finger to her lips. Her mouth opened, tongue slipped from between wet lips and she sucked as if she were sucking him off.
She moaned low so only he could hear. Her eyes closed and she slowly plunged the finger in and out of her mouth. Cheeks hollowed in when she sucked hard. Her other hand took a similar rhythm on his cock.
"You're going to make me come."
She smiled, mischief glinting in her eyes. Her tongue slid out and stroked her lower lip. The hard pounding of his heart traveled into his shaft. Blood pumped fast and flowed hot. Her fingers tapped out a cadence along his shaft and then milked him with gentle pressure. His stare locked on her face. She enjoyed what she did to him.
Blind and numb with lust, he couldn't stop her from bending over his lap. "Meg---"
"Just a taste." She opened wide. Smooth, wet heat closed over the crown.
He groaned.
"Shhh." Meg laughed. "You have to be quiet. Pretend I'm asleep in your lap."
Nothing about him relaxed. Every nerve buzzed with awareness. Hot breath fanned across him once again. Then she took him deep. Deeper. She took him all.
Cory yanked on her shoulder and pulled her off. "We can't do this here." She must have had more rum than he first thought.
At the front of the bus, Benny still appeared to be oblivious. He wondered if the cigar was tobacco or ganja.
"Then we'll finish this later," she whispered.
"Count on it." And he would the moment he had her alone.
As expected, Jake and Sara passed on going to Rick's Café opting instead to stay in their room. The storm from earlier in the day had ripped fronds from palm trees and left debris littered about. Employees from the local establishments worked diligently to return the area to pristine condition.
Meg relaxed. She wanted a bit of down time. Maybe take a stroll on the beach at sunset or lay by the pool for a few hours. Finish what she and Cory had started on the bus.
On the way to their hut, they stopped by the pool.
"What happened?"
The clear blue pool water of yesterday was cloudy. Two hotel employees used nets to remove seaweed and ocean plants floating on the surface.
"Looks like ocean filled the pool. The waves must have come over the rocks."
"Great." There went one option. That still left the beach at sunset. Not a bad plan. She smiled. Of course, after they spent a couple hours pleasuring each other.
She slid her hand into his as they walked to their room. Once there, Cory took the key from his pocket and opened the door.
"Oh shit."
Her arms dropped to her side. Just great. "I guess now we know why they have cement floors in this place." She stomped through an inch of water and tossed her bag onto the bed. She took off her baseball cap and adjusted the ponytail in her hair.
Reaching down, she picked Cory's duffle bag off the floor. Water poured from the seams.
"Unbelievable." She dropped it. Water splashed her legs. "Who cleans this up?"
"I'll call the front desk." Cory picked up the phone and she worked her way around the room picking their belongings up and taking them to the shower to drip into the drain.
"I'm glad we weren't here when the waves came in," she said when she returned from the shower. "Another storm must've blown in."
"Or a rogue wave. I've heard of those."
She bent to pick up her shoes. Cory grabbed her hips and bumped his groin against her rear.
"I love your ass." His hand caressed the curve.
"Don't tell me rogue waves turn you on?" She stood and took a step away from him. "Maybe we shouldn't stay here. I don't want to get washed out to sea in the middle of the night."
He laughed.
"You think it's funny now, but people disappear from resorts and cruise ships."
A knock at the door brought the conversation to a halt.
When he opened the door, a hotel employee handed him a mop and long-handled squeegee. She spoke with a thick accent, told them to leave the cleaning supplies outside the door when they were finished and then she turned and left.
"Don't they have maintenance to clean this up?"
"Apparently not." He laughed, still holding the mop and squeegee.
She placed her arms akimbo. "Cory, I don't clean my own house. I do not intend to clean on vacation." She was on the verge of blowing her temper and that wasn't what she wanted to blow at the moment. Sexual energy still hummed through her body. On the walk to their hut, she'd planned the seduction. Mops and squeegees never entered into her mind.
Not that she could blow Cory. An inch of seawater flooded the floor of their room. No way was she getting on her knees---well, getting on her knees to scrub.
He put his hands one over the other on top of the mop. "I'll get the water pushed out the door. Will you hang my stuff around the room to dry?"
"I don't think I have much choice." She picked up his bag and went to the shower. She set the duffle on the grate for the water to drain. After she unzipped the top, she pulled out clothes. The tang of warming saltwater hit her senses. Rinsing the clothes in fresh water first, she then draped them over the rock shower walls.
"You should feel lucky," he called from the other room. "Your stuff wasn't on the floor."
Feel lucky? She had on the bus, but wasn't feeling it now. A smile curled her lips. She could change that.
Heat turned the room muggy. No one had ever called her a fool. She recognized an opportunity. Outside the bungalow, they had miles of beach, most likely storm damaged beach. That could be an unexpected benefit. They had each other, and a bottle of rum. She grabbed a couple of towels and went back into the main room.
Cory used the squeegee. There was no longer standing water, but the floor was still wet. He'd taken off his shirt. Moisture glistened on his flexed muscled and made her salivate.
She went to the dresser and picked up a string bikini. Without a thought to modesty, she took off her clothes and put on her bikini.
He stopped and stared. "What are we doing?"
"We're going to the beach to watch the sun set." She grabbed a spare blanket from the shelf in the armoire.
After he set the mop and squeegee outside the door, he pulled on a T-shirt. "Let's go."
They navigated their way down the rocky cliffs and then walked along the beach. The sound of the surf and gulls offered solitude. With the bungalows well behind them, she felt the world slipping away. Cory, the Culinary Casanova who kept his house immaculate had just left their hotel room in chaos. Wet clothes draped from the windows and shower. The rugs dripped on the balcony. Back home he couldn't have done it. Maybe they were both changing.
The silence stretched between them but it wasn't uncomfortable. In fact, she had never felt closer to him.
They both seemed to understand why they'd come to the beach. Romance.
"This is nice." Cory picked up the medium to big rocks and tossed them a few feet away. They'd reached a secluded pocket of beach out of view from the bungalows. He spread the blanket and then took her hand.
Pressure tightened her chest and her heart raced. Warm winds caressed her skin and heat from his stare scorched a trail from her breasts to the apex of her thighs. She wanted him on, over and inside of her.
He knelt on the blanket and brought her down beside him. Then he pulled the ponytail holding her hair loose and slipped his hands into her locks above her ears. Thumbs traced her eyebrows, ran along the bride of her nose and followed the line of her upper lip.
"Please kiss me." She leaned in and opened her mouth under his. Soft velvet lips brushed hers, lingered. His tongue touched the seam of her mouth. She parted her lips, inviting him in. His tongue twined hotly around hers and coaxed hers into his mouth. She greedily wanted more, tasting his tongue, angling her head and taking the kiss deeper, steadily becoming more insistent.
Cory ran his hands over her shoulders. A gentle tug on the strings at the nape of her neck, and then her breasts were bare.
"Turn around."
She did and he pulled the bottom tie of her top. The scrap of fabric dropped to the ground. She turned back around. His stare lingered on her breasts. He put a hand behind his head and pulled his T-shirt off.
Meg swallowed hard at the sight of his wide strong shoulders, ripped arms and corded abdominals. Masculine strength emanated from him and the lust in his eyes had her quivering with expectation.
"You're blushing again."
She glanced away, looked at the ocean, then turned back and met his stare. "Sometimes it hits me hard that I'm here with you. I've wanted this---you---for so long. When you look at me I can see what you want in your eyes."
"I want you."
"I know."
"Meg, I always have."
She furrowed her brows. "Not always. Not the way I wanted you."
He tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry I screwed up. If I could go back four years, I'd take you with me when I left."
Her chest tightened. "Make love to me." She pressed close, flattening her breasts against his chest.
Cory eased her back onto the blanket. His gaze touched her, then his hands, finally his mouth. Warm wet kisses puckered her nipples. His mouth closed over one breast while his fingers gently pinched the nipple of the other.
"I love how sensitive you are." His hand cupped the full globe and he grazed his thumb over the pebbled tip.
She arched into his palm. Desire pulled from her nipple to her clitoris. "Ohh." Heat from his hand and the cool air caressed her skin. She came alive under his touch. Her pussy clenched because she wanted him deep, filling her. "Please," she whispered and spread her thighs.
Soft, tender kisses trailed lower. His tongue swirled around her bellybutton. Hot breath fanned against her flesh and she shivered. She fisted her hands in the sand as he kissed her pelvis. "I can't wait," she whimpered.
Cory sat up and stripped off his swim trunks.
Meg pulled the ties at the side of her bikini bottoms and lifted her butt off the blanket. She put the bottoms with the top and then bent her knees, spreading her thighs. She could almost feel him moving inside of her just from the want. Anticipation tightened her tummy and her heart beat loudly.
Kneeling between her legs, touching her softly, he trailed his finger over the curve of her calf. Quivers crawled across her flesh when his touch fluttered against her inner thigh. His hand drifted closer and she didn't think she'd ever wanted anything as much as his touch on the throbbing folds between her legs. Scorching heat pooled deep in her center. If he touched her now, she'd shatter.
Closer.
She sucked in her breath. "Cory," she pleaded and arched off the blanket. "I need you."
He didn't ease the ache with his finger, but lengthened out above her. The smooth moist head of his erection played at the swollen, ready opening of her pussy.
Poised above her, he was ready to plunge into her heated sheath. His arms supported his upper body. "Look at me."
She did and he smiled. His cock nudged her soaked folds. The connection intensified as he held, barely inside of her.
"You're beautiful." He penetrated another inch. "So hot and tight."
"Now." She arched and he sank deep until his hips rested snuggly against hers. A moan rolled from her chest. Oh god, his cock felt incredible. He braced his upper body with his arms. Sliding in, stretching and filling, then retracting. Bracing her hands on his hips, she dug her heels into the sand and matched his rhythm.
Cory plunged in and out of her with the tempo of the waves crashing against the rocky sand. Her breaths took on the rhythm of the surf rolling up the beach. Steady beats built to a crescendo. She arched her hips, taking him deeper. Another wave crashed and so did she.
Her cries of release echoed against the rocks. Shudders rippled her vaginal walls, gloving them tightly to Cory. Her thighs squeezed his hips and her hands clawed at his shoulders. She wanted to climb into his skin to get closer. Her breasts prodded against his chest and her pelvis met his strokes. Together they ebbed and flowed with the tide.
In a final burst of energy, he pressed his knees into the sand beneath the blanket, thrust hard, closed his eyes and filled her with warm rivers of his seed.
Spent, she absorbed his weight as he gently collapsed on top of her.
Meg ran her hands over his back and combed through damp hair clinging to his neck. "I love you too," she whispered. Her eyes welled with tears. She closed them to keep the emotion from spilling onto her face.
Cory sighed and banded his arms around her. His lips turned and he placed warm, wet kisses along her neck.
The sound of the ocean cocooned their isolated pocket and made her feel like the rest of the world didn't exist. Then he slipped from her body and rolled to his side.
"Hey," His fingertip traced a tear down her cheek. "What's wrong?" He leaned up on his elbow and kissed her cheeks.
She shook her head. "Nothing. Everything is perfect. Being here with you is like a dream."
Cory's lips twitched. "I've been present for a few of your dreams. I hope it was always this incredible."
She pressed a brief kiss to his lips. "This was so much better." In her dreams, something always managed to ruin the best part. Having Cory come inside of her was the most erotic experience. Yet concern niggled at her conscience. They'd made love without a condom.
Meg grabbed her swimsuit and retied the bottoms back onto her body. She sat crossed legged on the blanket and he lay on his stomach. His pale butt contrasted with the darker coloring of his wide back. She traced the line separating white from bronzed.
"We can't do that again."
He turned his head and smiled. "Wanna make a bet?"
"I'm not talking about sex." She swatted his butt. "We didn't use a condom. I'm not on the pill."
He pulled her down beside him. His hand lovingly stroked her breasts. "Your mom would completely freak if we had a baby."
"My mom?" Her mom wouldn't freak. The woman would love a grandbaby to fawn over. However, she couldn't think of anything more contradictory to what she wanted in her life for the next, what, ten years. Maybe not ten, but at least five.
"Don't you want kids?"
She sat up and tied her top around her neck. "Sure, someday." She reached behind and tied the bottom string. "But I still want to see some of the world." She kissed the dimple above his ass. "Now that we're together, I won't have to see it alone."
Cory rolled to his side then sat up. He looked out over the ocean. Concern clouded his face. She wasn't sure which part of what she'd said caused the change. He grabbed his trunks and pulled them on.
"Now I have to ask, what's wrong?"
Reaching to the side, he picked up a handful of sand and let it trickle from his clenched fist. He cocked his head and looked hard at her. His lips held a thin line. The easy smiles of a few moments before were gone. "I guess we need to talk about where each of us thinks this relationship is going."
"You came to Jamaica. What else could I assume than that you wanted to be with me? You didn't come here to drag me home. You staged the perfect romantic encounter. What else should I have thought?"
While releasing a growl, he raked his hands through his hair. "I'd hoped you'd see how amazing we could be. Back home you claimed I didn't understand romance. I came to Jamaica to show you differently. Yes, I have staged the entire seduction. I screwed up back home. I tried to show you that romance is about being with someone you love. I had to show you that I do know what you need. My god, Meg, I've been in love with you for years."
She pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her shins. "But you want me to go home to Milcott and have kids." She rested her head on her knees with her face turned so she could look at him. "You want me to do what you want, fit into your life."
"I sort of hoped you'd see it as our life."
"Are you going to get on your knees and ask me to marry you? Will we have Sunday dinner at my mom's and camping trips to the dam with your family?"
"What do you want me to say? That I'll put aside my plans for the shop, leave home again and take you around the world. We need money to travel. This trip tapped us both."
She realized that and she'd thought of a solution. "We can get jobs on a cruise ship."
He groaned, plopped to the sand and fell onto his back. "I'll take you everywhere you've ever wanted to go---" he took her hand and laced their fingers, "---on vacation, but I want to live in Milcott."
"I want to go back to the room." She pulled her fingers from his. "We don't have to talk about the future now. We'll end up in a fight and I don't want to ruin our vacation." She nudged his shoulder. "Hopefully some of your clothes have dried. We can go to Rick's Café and see the cliff divers."
Cory gathered the blanket and shook off the sand. He didn't speak to her as they walked to the bungalow. But the silence didn't offer calming quietness with the sounds of the ocean. Instead, the air between them was rife with uncertainty. Unless she said what he wanted to hear, she didn't know what to do.
Cory sat across from Jake at Rick's Café. Empty margarita glasses filled the table. Totally sober and not happy about it, he watched an intoxicated Meg get her groove on out on the dance floor. A mesh of bodies pulsed in rhythm with the Reggae music from the band.
Jake smiled at his wife as she did a seductive move in his direction. Meg on the other hand, seemed to draw the attention of men on the dance floor. Her hips swiveled provocatively bringing to mind carnal images of her movements in bed.
He clenched his fists remembering how she'd moved beneath him earlier on the beach. Soft moans from her parted lips had had him holding back his own pleasure to give her another orgasm before he took his own.
"She's just dancing."
Snapping his gaze off Meg, he turned to his brother.
"You look like you're about to do something that could get us kicked out of here."
"I'm not going anywhere." He wasn't stupid. Meg had four margaritas making her decisions for her. Not that he wanted to be her chaperone. No, what he wanted was for the tension between them to disappear. He wanted to get back to how they were before the conversation on the beach. Rather than alcohol causing her impairment, he wanted to kiss her drunk until she danced naked on the table in their room for a private show. His cock jumped in his shorts thinking of her straddling him and grinding those hips in a private lap dance.
Damn. After the conversation on the beach, he didn't know if it would ever happen. Hell, he didn't know if she'd be in bed with him tonight.
"My wife is signaling for me to come out on the dance floor." Jake upended his beer. Once he finished drinking, he set it back on the table then wagged his brows. "It doesn't look like Meg is interested in a little dirty dancing with you."
Jake was right. She had yet to look at Cory and he understood why. In only a few hours, their relationship had deteriorated into awkward silence and fear of looking each other in the eyes. He couldn't guess what she'd read into his expression, but he saw betrayal in hers. His throat tightened. He hadn't misrepresented what he wanted. She'd just assumed the same way he had.
Cory watched his brother gather Sara into a loose embraced and move his body in a way that suggested his sexual intentions. He sat alone at the table and watched Meg. Whether from the humidity or the energy exerted on dancing, her hair clung to her forehead. When she whipped her head, a few tendrils stuck to her cheek.
In a large group, she appeared to dance with everyone and no one. She wore a flowing skirt that draped to just above her ankle. When the spotlights on the dance floor hit the brown and bronze pattern just right, he could see the silhouette of her trim thighs and sculpted calves beneath. For a top, she wore a copper colored bikini bra that accentuated her caramelized flesh.
Before they'd left the room, she'd rubbed shimmering lotion into her skin. Even if he'd wanted to, he couldn't turn away. Her movements focused his gaze in a hypnotic trance. She spun in a circle with her arms in the air. When she stopped, her head fell back and laughter drifted from her lips to his ears.
A cheer from across the bar announced that another diver had climbed the rocks to dive into the blue waters below. Jake and Sara didn't seem to care, but Meg slowly made her way to the cliffs. A gentleman followed. Possessiveness, pure and unadulterated fired his blood to boiling.
As much as he wanted to clear the air, he needed to be with her more. Almost without thinking, he gravitated across the dance floor and made his way to where she stood to watch the cliff divers. He stepped in close behind her.
She looked over her shoulder and smiled. "This is so exciting." She peered up at the diver poised on the edge of the steep, sheered off edge of the cliff.
The diver jumped and the crowd gasped. Meg gripped his arm until the diver splashed into the water below. Applause rang through the air when he surfaced and waved.
"You know anyone can jump," she said pointing to the rules for diving. "Do you want to try it? I think it would be fun."
His gaze traveled from the diving area to the water below. "I'd rather watch."
She rolled her eyes, but she still smiled. "Where is your sense of adventure?" With a nudge to his hip, she turned. "I'm ready for anything," she said and made her way to the table where Jake and Sara waited.
There was a veiled meaning in her words. But being carefree and adventurous didn't equate to recklessness. "Care to go for another walk on the beach?"
"Haven't you two gotten enough?" Jake asked him.
"Listen. I know where we can find an adventure." Sara leaned close and lowered her voice. "I heard there was a nudist beach not far from here. It would be a bit of a walk."
"Baby," Jake grabbed onto her hips. "If you want to be nude on the beach I'm sure we can find somewhere where we could be alone."
"There's a quiet, secluded spot close to our bungalow. Cory and I discovered it."
Jake cocked an eyebrow. "Did you?"
She blushed and Sara laughed.
Sara turned to Cory. "What have you done to her? My god, she's giddy."
He put his hands on her shoulders. "I think she's drunk."
Meg took a sip of a margarita. "Not drunk. Not yet." She touched her tongue to her upper lip tasting off a droplet. Cory nearly groaned with the images that pink tongue brought to mind.
"Do you want to go find the nude beach?" Sara asked again.
A flicker of mischievousness flitted in Meg's eyes. She wanted to go. He knew it. He also knew the reason. She wanted to drive him to distraction revealing all her delicious curves in front of an audience. He wasn't sure he'd be able to tolerate other men staring at her. And he knew he couldn't say no. This was his Meg. He'd do anything to keep her happy. He pushed down regret threatening to surface...almost anything.
"We should decide," Sara said. "It'll be dark soon."
Meg finished her drink and then linked her arm with his. "Are you up for it?"
Her prophetic choice of words caused him to will his body to relax. "Yeah, we can go." He leaned in close. Her hair tickled his nose and her subtle scent played havoc with his desires. Simply being near her caused a riot of emotions to surge. "Once we get there will you watch...or participate?"
He could see her heart race in the pulse point on her neck. She sucked in a breath. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours."
"Deal."
"You'll do it?" she asked. "Take off all your clothes?"
A slow smile parted his lips. "No different than skinny dipping up at the dam."
For the first time tonight, Meg wondered if maybe she'd had too much to drink. Only alcohol and thoughts of Cory watching her naked could make her brave enough to bare her body for the world. Although thoughts of him naked created a pang of jealousy. In her attempt to show him how adventurous she could be, she'd overplayed her hand and now the world would get an up-close and personal look at what belonged to her.
She considered putting her hand on the front of his fly to confirm the sneaky suspicion that he was as aroused as she was. But maybe she ought to let him figure out for himself how to overcome that growing concern. She was wet from the anticipation of his touch, but who'd know besides Cory? A bit of a blush and he'd know exactly where her thoughts lingered. Everyone else would assume the colorful stain on her cheeks would be first time nudist jitters.
Meg walked next to him through the tourist-filled street. Sounds of the ocean drifted closer as they approached the sandy beach.
"I want to walk barefoot." She smiled. "That is until we can walk bare-body."
Sara and Jake walked ahead. She squatted and slipped off her sandals.
Cory stuffed his hands into his front pockets. "Meg, I'm getting mixed signals from you and I don't know what to think."
She put her hand out for him to help her stand. "Maybe you're thinking too much. We both know what the other wants." She brushed off her butt and then stepped closer. "At least I know what I want. Do you?"
He touched her shoulder and trailed his finger to her elbow. "I want you."
She stepped even closer. Her budded nipples brushed his chest. "I haven't told you that you couldn't have me."
"But---"
"Shhh. We're on vacation. We'll talk about the rest when we get home."
If in the end all they had was Jamaica, she wanted the memories of their time in paradise to be idyllic.
"We only have a few days. Do you want to spend them arguing or would you rather skinny dip, work our sex drives into a frenzy and spend the rest of the night in bed?"
Earlier she would have said making love, but right now her emotions had less to do with love and more to do with an absolute need to be as close to him as possible for as long as she could. If she thought about how much she loved him, she'd forget about all that which was important to her.
Or at least what she wanted to be important.
Convincing herself that she could actually walk away from him was becoming increasingly difficult. Keeping perspective meant keeping him at an emotional distance. She only wished she knew how to do that, because the way his eyes turned smoky with desire when he looked at her made all thoughts melt away.
Cory paused for a moment. His gaze blazed as hot as the tropical sun on her skin. Even with the heat of the day warming the earth, she shivered. More than needing her next breath, she needed him to pull her close and smother all talk with a scorching kiss hot enough to curl her toes into the sand beneath her feet. Instead he took her shoes.
"Come on. Let's catch up with Sara and Jake."
Disappointment weighed heavy on her chest. Taking a long, deep inhale, she calmed her racing heart and put her out-of-control lust in check. Yeah right. She was hot for Cory and there was no point in denying it.
They walked about a mile down the beach until they noticed people climbing a rocky hill.
"It's on the other side," Sara said.
"At least the sun is starting to set." Jake glanced at his crotch. "I wouldn't want to sunburn Big Bob and the boys."
Cory wrinkled his forehead. "You call him Bob?"
"You just gave it a gender," Meg said to Cory and laughed.
"Thirty five percent of men and thirty percent of women name their junk."
"Jake, don't call him junk," Sara said. "You'll hurt his feelings."
Meg grabbed Cory's arm. "Can we name yours?"
"Later."
"How about Sergeant Johnson?" she continued. "Colonel Cory, finger licking good."
"Oh god." Sara laughed.
"He does carry a big gun." Meg raised an eyebrow. "And heavy artillery."
"Hey, Big Bob is going to get jealous." Jake scrunched up his face.
"Then let's get to the nude beach and check out the unconventional weapons of mass destruction," Meg said.
"Careful, your military jargon is turning me on."
Meg winked. "Then you'll really be standing at attention."
"I already am." Her eyes dropped to his groin. "Trust me."
A smile found her lips as he slid his hand into hers. They climbed the hill. The ground was moist and she slipped on the grassy incline. He wrapped his arm around her waist. "I've got you."
That was what she was afraid of.
When they crested the top, they stood still and surveyed the scene below.
Naked bodies of all shapes and sizes peppered a stretch of white sand.
"Wow, that's a lot of...parts." Meg shuddered.
"I don't know," Sara said. "Now that we're here I think I'd rather be voyeuristic than an active participant." She crossed her arms over her chest and gave herself a hug.
"We've come all this way. We can at least walk down and look around." Meg walked a few feet ahead.
"It's what we'll be looking at that gives me the heebie-jeebies." Sara stepped closer to Jake. "Do we want to look at other hoochies and hoohas on our honeymoon?"
Meg laughed. "Hell yes." She grabbed Cory's hand. "And I'm not going down there alone."
Cory and Meg led a hesitant Sara and wide-eyed Jake down the side of the hill to the beach.
"We didn't bring towels," Jake said. "And I don't want sand up my ass."
Cory stepped in front of Meg, put his hands on her shoulders and whispered, "Are you sure?" Most men weren't aroused and the women seemed oblivious to their own nudity.
"Are you chickening out on me?" She reached behind her neck and unhooked the bikini top. Her breasts kept the material from falling forward. His eyes locked on her puckered nipples and she couldn't help noticing the raging erection in his shorts. She licked her upper lip.
Cory groaned. "I can't drop my shorts while I have a hard-on. And it isn't going flaccid if you're naked and licking your lips like I'd love for you to lick the Colonel."
Meg lifted her head and stared at him. Heat filled her cheeks at his statement. "Technically we've already been naked on the beach."
Sara and Jake approached. "We've seen enough and are heading back. Are you staying?"
"Are we?" Cory reattached her bikini top.
Meg didn't really want Jake to see her naked. Strangers that she'd never see again would make her nervous, but Jake would make comments until the day she died. And what if her mother found out? No, it was definitely better to say they'd seen the nudist beach, but didn't participate.
"We're coming." She grinned at Cory and arched an eyebrow. Alcohol might dull her senses but there was no mistaking the desire smoldering in his eyes. Whatever unresolved issues they had regarding the future, at the moment, weren't on his mind.
The sun set as they walked back. At Rock House, Meg and Cory parted ways with Jake and Sara.
They walked in silence to their room. Once inside, Meg expected more conversation. Instead, Cory pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his.
She sighed and relaxed into his embrace. His hands stroked up her back. He shifted his mouth and his tongue, hot and firm, slid against hers.
A piece of her heart melted with the heat of his kiss. Possession, complete and consuming, expressed in the alignment of their bodies and the intent of his kiss. Firm fingers kneaded her ass as he brought their centers closer.
Cory released her mouth and trailed wet kisses along her jaw. She leaned her head back and he sipped the sensitive skin of her neck. Her heart pounded in tempo with the pulsing in her pussy. Desire, fierce and intense heated her blood making it slide fast through her veins. Light-headed and intoxicated on the salty scents and tastes of him, she surrendered to the passionate moment.
His fingers tunneled under her hair and undid the neck strap of her bikini top.
After slipping his arms under her legs, he carried her to the bed. He didn't speak when he set her down. Nor were words whispered while he stripped off both their clothes. He climbed onto the bed and spread her thighs.
Cream flowed from her pussy anticipating his touch. She wanted his mouth on the knot of nerves, but needed to have him buried to the top of her womb more.
"I want to taste your sweetness, Meg."
"Later, fuck me now."
His fist wrapped around his shaft and squeezed. "I'm going to come too fast." He bent his head and inhaled. His breath disturbed her curls. "Let me make you come first."
"I don't care." She pulled on his shoulders. "I'm almost there, Cory." Her hips lifted into the air in invitation.
He growled and stretched over her body. The tip of his penis penetrated her opening. Hot and smooth, he rubbed the head over her slit to spread her juices.
Just as he was about to plunge, she forcefully pushed on his chest. "Wait!" She squirmed out from under him. "Condom."
Meg grabbed one from the nightstand and tore it open. Cory's hands tightened to fists at his side as she rolled the latex over his incredibly hard shaft. He inhaled sharply and flinched.
"Did I get a pube?"
He laughed and toppled her to her back. He grabbed her thigh and lifted her leg to his shoulder. "Put your other leg up."
She did.
"Ah hell." He wrapped his hands around the front of her thighs and lifted her slightly.
Meg closed her eyes and tipped her pelvis. Because her legs weren't spread as wide, her smooth walls gripped tighter. She could feel every inch of his cock stretching her internally. He pressed deep until he couldn't press any further into her body, and then he flexed.
Meg cried out as her body spontaneously erupted in waves of pleasure.
"Oh, baby," Cory crooned, pulling back. And then he slammed home hard again.
Damn, damn, damn. He felt too good. He pumped his hips. A muscle ticked in his jaw and the muscles in his forearms bulged. Cory pounded into her with intense, full strokes, driving them both into orgasm. Finally, he clenched his ass, and tensed. His cock pulsed and her walls quivered. He groaned, dropped her legs to the bed and then collapsed beside her.
"I can't breathe." She gulped air.
"Easy." He kissed her forehead then adjusted the mosquito netting. His arm flopped over his head. Naked, eyes closed, he sighed.
Meg leaned into him and draped her arm over his chest. "That was incredible." She closed her eyes and sighed. After a moment, she wondered if he had drifted off to sleep. She inched her hand lower. No response. "Cory?" He started to snore.
She rolled over and adjusted the pillow beneath her head. A smile tugged on her lips. Just what she asked for---a perfectly romantic encounter that ends with her lover falling asleep. It was probably for the best. Snuggling meant intimacy and connecting. Meg was the one who'd rubbed the love out of their Jamaican vacation. All he offered tonight was what she asked for---a booty call.
Cory leaned up on one elbow and watched Meg sleep. Her gentle mewing and moaning told him exactly what she dreamt about. Only the previous times he'd witnessed one of her erotic dreams, he had been hesitant to touch her as he wanted to now. And after yesterday, he still wasn't sure if he should.
As tough as it was going to be, he intended to stay away from her today. At least as far as no public kisses, no handholding. In fact, he thought about going golfing. That was saying a lot considering he didn't enjoy golfing all that much.
She arched and moaned loudly. Then her eyes flew open and she bolted upright. Her breath came in wispy little pants. Her own voice had startled her out of her sleep.
"Bad dream?"
She narrowed her eyes. "Actually, pretty damn good." She flung the netting out of the way, tugged hard on the sheet, held it over her breasts and slipped from the bed.
"About me?" Cory smiled at her butt peeking out from the fold of the sheet as she walked away from him.
"I'll never tell."
"You moaned my name."
"Liar. I'm taking a shower."
He wanted to join her. Instead, he threw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Then he walked into the bathroom.
"Meg."
"Cory!"
He laughed. "I'm not looking." Not the first lie of the day...she hadn't moaned his name either. Water sluiced over her body. Nipples puckered beneath the spray. He wanted to join her, touch her and pull the tight, sensitive buds into his mouth. Not today. Yesterday he'd made assumptions and so had she. Today he had to consider what was truly important to him. She was---but so was home. He needed a clear head and Meg made his mind crazy.
He raked his fingers through his hair to comb it. "I'm going down to the hotel concierge. Do you want me to bring back breakfast?"
"I'll meet you in the restaurant in a couple of minutes."
Worked for him. Today was basically their last day in Jamaica---their last opportunity to pretend the rest of the world, Milcott, didn't exist. Tomorrow their flight left early. With travel time and layovers, it would be a long day.
Cory stood at the concierge desk and inquired about golfing in the area. While there, he noticed the tourist packages. Parasailing, snorkeling, catamarans, glass bottom boat rides. He could golf at home. He'd rather spend their last day taking in more than the local bars and nudist beach.
He made reservations for the four of them. If he kept busy he wouldn't have time to think about Meg, and how he'd rather stay in their room.
Cory grabbed a table in the hotel restaurant. About the time he sat, Sara and Jake joined him.
"Where's Meg?" Sara took the seat across from Cory and Jake sat next to her.
"On her way. She's taking a shower." Cory handed the brochures to Sara. "I thought snorkeling sounded fun." He picked up the menu. A minute later, he'd decided on breakfast, but Meg still hadn't arrived.
"Do we need to wait?" Jake asked.
He glanced at the front of the restaurant not really wanting to start without her.
"Here she comes," Sara said.
Meg hurried across the room and took the vacant seat. "Sorry I'm late."
Jake picked up his coffee. "Better late than pregnant." He took a sip.
The table fell eerily quiet.
Jake's brows furrowed and his lips twitched with a smile. "It was a joke."
Meg stiffened beside Cory. "Did you say something?"
He shook his head. "No."
"Then why would he say that? I told you I'm not ready for kids."
"He didn't say anything," Sara said. "But if you're pregnant and didn't tell me, I'm going to kick your ass. What's going on between the two of you?"
"Nothing." She turned her coffee cup over indicating to the server she'd like it filled. "Let's order."
"No way. You aren't getting out of this conversation, dear cousin." Sara put her elbows on the table. "You come flying in here and act like a bitch. So you either are pregnant or you're feeling guilty for something. Before yesterday you two couldn't keep your hands off each other, now you won't look at each other. What gives?"
Cory waited for Meg to offer a response...any response was better than leaving the conversation on the table like a dead body.
"She isn't pregnant," he finally said. "We had unprotected sex."
Meg picked up a menu. "But what are the chances?"
"Eleven percent if it only happened once."
Everyone turned to Jake.
"Not that I need to worry about that anymore." He took Sara's hand. "But we slipped a few times."
"And you checked statistics?" Meg asked.
Sara took a sip of coffee. "I was always willing to use a condom. You were the one who couldn't take the time to put it on."
"There is no point in negotiating the use of a condom while you're having sex," Meg said.
Cory arched a brow. "I don't recall that we negotiated anything."
"Which is probably why you're both crotchety this morning, you need to go back to your room and negotiate."
"Meg's crotchety," Cory clarified to Sara. "I'm short-tempered."
Meg cracked a smile. "And the negotiations are over. We've reached a tentative agreement."
"And that is?"
"None of your business." Cory snapped at Sara.
"Cory," Meg said with a condescending tone, but with a smirk to her lips. "I think you made it their business when you opened the subject for a group debate."
He recognized when to give up an argument. Later he'd remind her that it was Meg's jump to the wrong conclusions that started the conversation...or maybe he'd just let it go. Why start another argument?
After breakfast, they agreed to meet for the snorkeling expedition. At least under water they couldn't talk to have further misunderstandings.
Later in the day, Cory sat in the sand next to Meg. "What should we do for dinner?"
She sipped a tropical concoction heavily laden with rum. He didn't know if her flirtatious smiles were from the alcohol, heat stroke, or if she was genuinely glad to be alone with him on the beach after having spent the day with the newlyweds. Constant touching and kissing between Sara and Jake had made him acutely aware of Meg throughout the day. Semi-hard and ready for full arousal at the slightest provocation had him on edge. He knew what he needed to take that edge off. Meg. Naked. And writhing beneath him.
But she hadn't alluded to what would happen tonight. He wasn't sure she'd want to spend time alone with him because inevitably they'd end up in bed. Sara and Jake would want to spend their final night in Jamaica in each other's arms. Sounded like a great idea to him too, but the future of their relationship weighed heavy between them. How did he get close without getting too close? "Do you want to eat at the Rock House restaurant?"
"I think we should get some island fruit, go back to our room and revel in our last day by pretending there isn't a giant unresolved issue between us." Her brow arched. "And we should be naked."
He chuckled. "Can you do that? I can't stop thinking about what is going to happen when we get home."
Leaning over, she briefly kissed him. "I want to have sex with you. That won't change here or at home."
Shit. He growled, leaned over his knees and clawed his nails back over his scalp. He had a solution. A choice had ricocheted around in his thoughts for most of the day. Maybe it was watching Jake and Sara together. They laughed easily and seemed to love completely. Cory wanted that for himself. He wanted Meg. He'd pluck the moon from the heavens if he could. Stars he could give her when buried in her slick heat, surging with the tide of their connection.
Not only could he give them both what they wanted, a life together, but he could correct the mistake he'd made four years before. When he'd left the Air Force, he'd held the rank of staff sergeant. He'd done well. His superiors had encouraged him to seek the military as a career. Tunnel vision had kept Milcott and Meg in his sights. Reenlistment would give her the life she wanted. And one he could live with. What was four more years in the grand scheme of things?
Four years to gift to the woman he loved with adventure. Granted, many of the military wives he'd met didn't enjoy the life. Relocating a family created complications. Children would have to wait. He wouldn't want to raise kids anywhere but Milcott. So what did it matter? For now, it didn't.
But Meg was stubborn. No way would she agree to his reenlistment if she thought he was doing it for her. And he was, but more than that, he would return to military life for them.
Fuck. His decision was made.
"Meg?"
She'd dug her toes into the white sand. Dust coated her skin to her ankles. She glanced up and he reached a hand out, wrapped his palm around her neck and pulled her into his kiss. His lips were firm, rough, challenging. With a hissing breath, he pulled her into his arms. Exerting pressure, he parted her lips and plunged his tongue wildly into the erotic depths of her mouth. Flavors of Jamaica, the tang of the tropical drink she'd sipped and the salt of the ocean floated across his tongue.
Damn, but she could kiss. Wild and frenzied, then soft and hesitant. She sucked and then sank deep when he demanded more.
Cory shifted the angle of his head and sealed their lips. He pulled her bottom lip into his mouth and then tasted her again.
Wet kisses grew into prolonged mating of mouths. Teeth touched. He groaned and braced her face with his hands. The tempo of the kiss increased. He needed more. Eating at her mouth, he plunged his tongue again. And again.
Pressure intensified and her lips softened. Hard nipples of her firm breasts crushed against his chest. "God. I need this...need you." He pulled her tighter and kissed along her jaw to her neck.
"I guess they made up."
Cory eased away. He heard Jake but he couldn't take his stare away from the intensity of Meg's eyes. "I want to take you back to the room."
She laced her fingers with his. "Let's go."
As they walked back to the hotel, Meg wondered what had brought about the change in Cory. He seemed happy. The kiss proved he'd gotten over whatever had distanced him from her this morning. Whether he had said something to Jake and Sara at breakfast wasn't bothering her anymore either. She'd been the foolish one to have unprotected sex. It wasn't having his baby that upset her, just having a baby in general. Someday...could she even contemplate someday?
Warmth spread through her chest. Damn, but love had a way of screwing up life. She couldn't think straight since...well...since they'd slipped up and had incredible, in sync, visceral sex without a rubber.
"Wait here," he said to her. "I need to get a few things."
"Like what?" she asked. The resort lobby had a small gift shop and the restaurant. "We'll come with you."
"Stay with us, Meg." Jake wrapped his arms around Sara and pulled her back, flush against his front. "The man wants a minute alone."
"It's not like he's going into the bathroom for alone time," Sara said.
Meg snorted. Little did they know Cory had no qualms about interrupting a person's alone time in the bathroom.
He was only gone for a few minutes. When he returned, he smiled and carried a paper bag in his hand.
They continued along the path to the bungalows.
"We need to check out early and catch a ride back to Montego Bay. Our plane leaves at noon." Cory glanced at his watch. "Let's say we meet for breakfast at seven."
Sara and Jake agreed and went to their bungalow. About the time Cory opened the door to theirs, her pulse started to beat a little faster. Blood flowed through her veins and pooled in all the right places. She couldn't help sneaking a peek at his crotch to see if he was suffering the same effects. Knowing they were about to get naked, touch, explore and satisfy created a tingle in her breasts with a direct effect on her clit.
In truth, they hadn't just been fucking. He'd been making love to her since their first time. A simple glance had her wishing they were alone, and an accidental caress made her wet.
Sex had always been important to her. Even before she'd actually screwed Cory, he'd been fucking her well in her dreams. Hell, she'd named her vibrator after him so that she could moan his name for a reason.
"I want to take a shower." Cory set the paper bag on the nightstand. "I'm covered with sand and salt."
First, he shrugged off his shirt then dropped his shorts. She marveled at the raw, masculine sight of him, naked, with his cock thrusting proudly from a dark thatch of hair. It bobbed against his stomach. The beautiful dark head glistened with moisture. Meg licked her upper lip while she raked her gaze over the bronzed contours of his corded stomach. She knew how those muscles quivered beneath her fingers. How her touch made his breath catch. She loved how he combed his fingers through her hair while she took his cock in her mouth and sucked---loved the taste of him, the earthy muskiness. Tears filled her eyes. She loved him.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded, but her insides trembled. Cory headed for the shower. He walked with powerful movement in his legs and there was a dimple in his firm ass. He was big, strong and masculine. She watched until he disappeared into the shower. Shivers chased down her spine. Her nipples tightened and her pussy clenched. Lust. Love. Desire. A myriad of emotions surged through her. Cory just made her want. He always had.
Water beating against the rock shower walls echoed in the room.
"Ahh." Cory groaned with pleasure. Was it the soothing, hot needles of the water or had Cory wrapped his fist around the base of his cock and stroked his heated flesh?
She shimmied out of her clothes and followed.
Meg cracked open her eyes. Predawn glow outside the window bathed the balcony. The mosquito netting around the bed billowed in the breeze off the ocean. The tang of salt and sea carried on the air. Her last morning in Jamaica. She stretched her legs and flinched at the soreness between them. Cory had ridden her long, hard and oh so completely throughout the night until she'd drifted languorously to sleep.
Melted candles sat on the dresser. Wax drips marred the top. An empty bottle of wine lay on the floor. Noticeably absent were condom wrappers. Eleven percent chance for a one-time screw up. Last night Cory had romanced her to the point of no return. No use in trying to calculate the odds. She'd lost count of the times he'd brought her to orgasm. Her oversensitive clit still tingled. His cock had finally given out about two hours ago. She smiled. She couldn't help it. He'd been amazing.
After a quick shower, she wrapped up in her kimono style robe. She tied the belt and went to her suitcase. She unzipped carefully so as not to wake Cory. A gust of wind blew through the bungalow. She turned her head and glanced out the window. The morning sky glowed with pinks and oranges. After grabbing her camera, she went to the patio.
Ocean mist sprayed from the rocks below. Gulls screeched as they dipped and flew into the wind. They spread their wings and hovered over the surf. She snapped a few pictures. Her belt loosened and the wind caught the fabric. Moist wet air laved her nipples.
She turned at the rustle of sheets. Cory sat on the bed stretching his arms over his head. Dark hair, whiskered jaw, he looked like a native islander. He scratched his chest, and then noticed her watching.
A lazy smile found his lips. "Morning."
"Hi."
"You're up early. Come here."
She crossed the room and stepped between his thighs. "I'm surprised to see you awake." Noting the tented sheet she said, "I didn't think the Colonel would be up for a while."
"It's a soldier's duty to always be at the ready." He parted the fabric and put his hands on her waist. "You smell clean." He buried his face in her tummy and kissed her navel. "You taste clean."
His hands reached around, pulled her tighter and cupped her derriere. Meg dropped her head forward and kissed his soft, sleep mussed hair. "We need to get ready."
She put her knees on the bed and straddled his lap. He inched back, then slid her onto his shaft in one intense thrust. She moaned at the pleasure of him stretching her slick heat.
Cory's mouth latched on to her breast sending shock waves straight into her core. She gripped his head and held him firmly. Raising and lowering, circling and grinding, she set the tempo with her gyrating hips.
He tensed, every muscle bulging in his arms. With his hands fisted in her hair, he pulled her mouth to his. In a torrent of emotion, he growled in the back of his throat and plowed into orgasm. Meg squeezed her thighs against his hips. Spasms rocked her walls and pulled Cory deep. She circled her arms around his neck, holding him as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"The Colonel deserves a medal for performance."
"He'll settle for a pledge of allegiance."
She laughed and toppled him to his back. "Take a shower. We need to get going."
Actually, she jumped in with him to rinse the wetness from between her legs. Add another eleven percent to the equation.
Half an hour later, she sat on the edge of the bed. The suitcases and Cory's duffle bag were packed and waiting by the door. She couldn't believe the time to go home had come. She was ready, but she was also afraid of what would happen tomorrow, or the day after that. Was it Jamaica or could this idyllic time continue?
"We're ready. Let me call over to Jake and Sara's room and have them meet us in the lobby."
She patted the bed. "Cory, can we talk for a minute first?" A lump formed in her throat and she swallowed hard, trying to force it back into her stomach. "I've been thinking about us."
"Oh no, not again." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "We shouldn't think until we're home."
"We made an agreement not to talk about us until after our trip."
"But we are talking."
She chuckled to lessen the seriousness. "You just need to listen."
He didn't speak.
"Maybe we should take a couple of days apart. Not see each other so that we can have a clear perspective."
"Meg---" He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Fine, if that's what you want." He stood.
"Are you mad?"
"Nope, just done debating." He looked in drawers. "Check the room. I don't want to forget anything. Then let's get out of here."
Forget? She'd never forget anything that had happened in this room.
Home. The day had been too damn long. Hopping from one flight to the next as they zigzagged their way to South Dakota had been worse than trying to catch a standby hop home in the military. At least Cory could count on a couple of hours reprieve. Peace and quiet or kicking back for some television. He hadn't really missed it in Jamaica, but now he flipped on the tube with the remote and caught the last of the local evening news.
Of course, the reprieve would end once his parents realized Jake and Sara had tied the knot without them. And Patty, good hell, he didn't want to be around for that. He thought of Meg for the hundredth time in an hour. Once Rose found out that he'd spent the night with her daughter, the Ellacombe would ring from the church organ just before the wedding march. Meg would hate a big wedding, but he also believed she wouldn't deny her parents a wedding with all the traditional trappings, big cake, Dad walking her down the aisle and tossing the bouquet. That is if Cory could get her to say yes.
He tossed his duffle on the bed and unzipped it. As he took his soiled clothes from the bag, he separated them into piles for the wash. The shaving kit was stored in the bathroom closet and his toothbrush went back in the holder on the wall. Reaching over, he flushed the toilet to change the stagnant water. He washed his hands and went back to the bedroom. He bent and plugged in the alarm clock radio. Once the house was put to rights, he allowed himself a minute to collect his thoughts. After grabbing a beer from the fridge, he sat on the couch and sighed.
Now that he had decided to reenlist, he needed to decide if he should stick with the Air Force or put out feelers and see what incentives another branch could offer him. And he needed to decide if he should tell Meg before or after he spoke with the recruiter. Hell, he wouldn't be surprised if she tried to enlist with him. She was willing to work on a cruise ship; she just might opt for a naval career. Imagining her in the service made him chuckle.
The wall between his side of the duplex and Meg's began to thump with heavy bass from the stereo. He smiled. Damn, the girl made him happy. Jamaica had been bliss. He'd always suspected once he'd allowed himself to love Meg, she would have his heart forever.
Now he had a way to ensure they stayed together. That is if she agreed. Why wouldn't she? On more than one occasion she had mentioned her disappointment that he'd never come home for her. Talk about wasting years. Now she had plans of her own.
Tightness choked his throat when he thought about her leaving. Yet she seemed determined to get out of Milcott. When he'd returned from the military, he couldn't have conceived of leaving again. His family meant too much and four years had been long enough. He tipped the beer to his lips and drank. Meg meant more.
He could go next door and kiss her into submission, make her swear to stay with him while he slid into her hot sheath and brought her to the pinnacle of release. He'd done it in Jamaica hoping he'd show her the depth and strength of his feelings. Words failed. Yet actions hadn't been enough. He didn't harbor any doubt that she loved him. But because he loved her, could he ask her to stay? Just as she'd asked him to leave.
One thing for sure was that there was no way he would sign on to her plan to work for a cruise ship. He chuckled to himself. No, his plan had more practicality. First he'd see the recruiter. Then he'd tell her.
Meg dropped her suitcases by the front door. Before she'd have a moment's peace, she needed to call her mother and tell her she'd made it home safely. She grabbed the cordless phone off the cradle and dialed while she went to the kitchen.
She opened the fridge door and grabbed a Diet Pepsi while the phone rang a few times. Then the machine picked up.
"Mom, I'm home." She hung up and tossed the phone onto the couch. Sipping the soda, she looked at her luggage waiting by the door. She crossed the room, squatted on the floor and unzipped the first one. She sat back on her haunches, grabbed the shoes and tossed them over against the wall.
Separating clean from dirty would be an exercise in futility. In her haste of packing at the hotel in Jamaica, she'd barely folded let alone sorted. She tossed dirty bras, panties and bikinis onto the chair. Everything else she wadded into a ball and pitched across the room to the loveseat.
"Eww." She lifted one of the plastic Ziploc baggies out of the suitcase. The conditioner bottle had cracked during the flight. White cream coated the inside of the baggie and had oozed into the bottom of the suitcase through a tear in the plastic. She set the items on the coffee table. Once the first suitcase was unpacked, she unzipped the second. Glancing around, she laughed aloud. It sure didn't take long to clutter up a room. She needed more space to unpack the second case. Meg zipped the suitcase back up, stood and rolled it into her bedroom. She had the second suitcase half unpacked when the front door slammed.
"Meg?" Cory hollered from the front room.
"In the bedroom." She tossed her curling iron on the bed.
"Damn, Meg." Cory released a few more colorful words on his way through the obstacle course of clutter strewn throughout the duplex.
"Hi." She stopped unpacking when he appeared at the threshold of her bedroom door.
"I don't even want to ask your thought process on this disaster." He stepped through the door. Her stomach flipped at his presence in her bedroom. She hadn't expected to see him tonight because they'd had an agreement to give it a few days once they were home.
The past week had been a whirlwind of emotions. Knowing she loved him made her decision to leave tear at her heart. Yet she'd go.
She turned away from him. Still his scent brought back intense memories of their limbs intertwined together.
Thankfully the bed was cluttered with her crap. Otherwise she'd be tempted to strip out of her clothes, strip him out of his and tackle him to the sheets.
"Did you need something?" She grabbed her makeup and attempted to step around him.
"Yes." Cory put his arm out blocking her way. "You."
"I'm talked out." In fact, she didn't think she could go another round of discussions.
"I didn't say anything about talking."
Her gaze dropped to the front of his pants. "I'm not sleeping with you either."
"I didn't say anything about sleeping."
Meg pushed his arm out of the way. She stomped to the bathroom. With every step, she felt his eyes glued to her. She went to the living room to put much needed distance between herself, Cory...and the bed.
The distance didn't last. He followed. She couldn't think with him in the room---except about his hard cock, skilled hands and wicked mouth. She needed time to put perspective on all that had happened between them. When he hovered above her, plunged his hot shaft deep into her wet, slick core, he made her brain numb.
"We aren't having sex. I can't think when you're touching me and we decided to take time to be sure what happened between us in Jamaica wasn't tropical fever." She picked up her Diet Pepsi. "If my family finds out what happened, I'll be sentenced to life in Milcott as your wife." She put up her hand. "Don't get defensive. I'm not saying that I don't love you and haven't thought about the future. You know I have."
Cory stepped closer. "I'm not letting us go."
She looked down at her feet. "You might not have a choice."
"We always have choices."
The tone of his voice made her raise her head and look at his smoldering eyes. She couldn't be sure if he reflected passion, or steadfast determination. This was a side of Cory she hadn't seen before, at least not directed at her. Her chest tightened. This was a man preparing to fight for what he wanted. The muscle in his jaw ticked. His lips thinned and not a hint of a smile played over his mouth.
"We'll end up hating each other," she whispered. "You want to be near your family and I want to get the hell away from mine."
"I'm making my choice. I'm here."
She shook her head. "Then I'd hate myself."
He growled and ran his fingers through his hair making tuffs stick out at odd angles. Cory never looked mussed. The disheveled look was even more appealing. Why did he have to affect her this way?
"I've already decided to apply for a position on a cruise ship."
"No."
"No?" She cocked an eyebrow and put her hand on her hip. "Did you just tell me no?"
"Yes, I just told you no." He stalked closer.
He had a gleam in his eyes that made her breath catch and damn it, he made her want. Strong assuredness manifested in his squared shoulders. His head tilted at an almost knowing angle only it wasn't arrogance. Confident in his intentions, he had come to her side of the duplex with a purpose.
A frisson of arousal raced up her spine. An ache started in her center radiating out until every nerve ending tingled with awareness. "You should go home." Because if he stayed, she'd end up putty in his hands, naked in his arms and writhing beneath him...or straddling him...or on her hands and knees while he pounded her into euphoric ecstasy.
"No. I'm not going home."
Meg snorted. Her posture might convey indifference, but her heart flirted with bursting. He put his fingers into the front of her jeans and yanked on the waistband. She stumbled toward him and bumped against his chest.
"We're done talking." His mouth crashed onto hers silencing any protests. The only sound she could make was a moan of pleasure as his tongue ventured into her mouth and coaxed lover's play from hers.
"But---" She tried to speak.
He silenced her with more kisses. Through his shirt, where her hand rested on his chest, she felt the pounding of his heart. The quick rhythm matched the pounding within her.
She moaned when he pulled her closer. The phone rang.
"Let it ring. No one knows we're home except Jake and Sara."
Meg glanced in the direction of the ring. "I don't know where the phone is and I don't think we could find it anyway." Not with the piles of clutter strewn about on the furniture...table...floors...
"Kiss me." Cory cupped her cheek with his palm and turned her face. Lips touched. His tongue boldly played against hers. Tasting, touching, communicating with lips, hands and bodies. The sensations flowing through her intensified. His hands stroked her arms, over her shoulders, down her ribs and onto her hips. Holding her firmly, he ground his raging erection against her.
He rested his forehead against hers. "Meg, I'll take the good with the bad. I can't love you in pieces. It's all or nothing."
"What are you asking from me?"
Cory kicked a pile of clothes out of the way and knelt on one knee. "Will you marry me?"
Blood rushed to her brain. The room swayed. She reached down and put her hands on his shoulders to balance against the onslaught of dizziness. Marriage? He wanted to marry her and they hadn't been able to agree on anything but incredible sex.
Oh my god, she'd imagined marriage to Cory her entire high school years. It never felt like this. Fear snaked up her spine. Sweat beaded between her breasts. Heat radiated off her skin and a sudden nausea roiled in her stomach.
This wasn't at all like she'd imagined. Her heart, body and brain began warring. When you loved someone, marriage was the natural progression. But her head knew Cory wanted a nice, quiet life. Then why was he kneeling in front of her? That position made her body respond. He'd been in the same position in Jamaica. They had been naked in the shower and he had his fingers buried deep inside her pussy while he drank from her slit. But they had to be about more than amazing sex. He had to know she wouldn't...couldn't make him happy forever. "You'll change your mind."
He gave a hard yank tumbling her down on top of him. They both fell back onto her dirty clothes. "I won't stop loving you." He reached over his head and pulled one of her high heels out from under him.
Sexual compatibility wasn't debatable. Hard and tempting, his cock pressed into her belly. They had other things in common. They both loved to laugh, loved hanging out on the couch in sweats watching movies. In Jamaica, she'd discovered Cory did understand her style of romance. He understood more than she did.
He'd been right. Location didn't have much part in romance. Sharing time with the right person could turn doing the dishes into something special.
But what about their differences? Cory loved to cook and she hated it. He wanted to be entrenched in not only his family, but hers too. Don't get her wrong, she loved her family. But with large families, everyone is always in someone else's business. More than family dynamics, one major obstacle remained between them. Well, actually not one obstacle. She glanced around the room. More like a dozen or so obstructions making up what he had often called an obstacle course. He was an anal neat freak, and she wasn't. "I don't clean unless my mother is coming over."
Cory laughed while he rolled her over onto her back. "Then we'll have to invite her over often."
"Bite your tongue."
"I'd rather bite yours." He nipped at her lips. "Meg, I've known you for your whole life, loved you forever. I know you never have a toilet paper on the roll in the bathroom. Your refrigerator needs a hazardous waste label on the front."
"By the way, you don't want to go in there. Something reeks."
"Thanks for the warning."
Meg wrapped her legs around his back. "So in addition to great sex, I'll be getting a hottie to cook and clean for me. And you'll be getting..."
"You."
She rolled her eyes and shoved against his chest. "That's the problem." She scooted out from under Cory and sat with her back against the wall. "We don't have enough in common. We're total opposites. You want to stay and I have to go. Yes, I love you. Yes, I want to marry you. But not now. We've had a great time in Jamaica. Here at home won't be the same. Isn't that why we agreed to take a break?"
"Say what you want, call it whatever you want. But you won't convince me you can walk away." He grabbed her ankle and pulled. "If you tried, I'd stop you."
"You know, you have a bossy side to go with your crotchety side. I'm not sure I'd want to spend forever with you if you're going to be domineering."
"You want domineering?" He wrapped a hand around each ankle and pulled. "I intend to spend the night making you say yes so loud and so often while I make love to you that it'll become instinctual."
She laughed. A gleam sparkled in his eyes. "Should I cry out uncle?"
"If you do you'll really prove you're from the backwoods."
"Gross. I don't want an image of Uncle Fred in my head."
The phone rang again. They both stopped speaking and glanced around the room. "I swear I don't know where I tossed it." Meg scrambled to the sofa and sifted through her clothes and he went to the chair.
The phone continued to ring. Three. Four. Five.
"They're persistent."
"So am I." Cory put one arm under her knees, one around her back and lifted. He took her into the bedroom, set her down by the dresser then went to the end of the bed. A quick tug on the bedspread and the entire cover and everything on top slid to the floor.
"Cory!" Her heart spiked.
He reached behind his head and pulled off his shirt. Meg licked her lips. Just as her heart was pounding, his chest rose and fell with hard breaths. There was no denying he was as turned on as she. He stepped closer. Taking pleasure in the movement of his body, she detailed the ripples in his tanned torso and the trail of hair leading into the strained front of his pants. His long fingers reached down and popped the snap, lowered the zipper and gave her a glimpse of what he had for her. "You know, a week ago we could be alone in a room and not have to get naked."
He closed the space between them. His hands went into her hair and his lips crushed hers. Opening her mouth, she glided her tongue along his as he explored her mouth wildly. She slipped her fingers into the front of his pants and wrapped her palm around his solid length. So hot and smooth, she pressed her thumb to the tip and smeared the dewy wetness along the hard ridge of the crown. She wanted him in her mouth, but he wasn't going to give her time. In quick jerking motions, he had his pants around his ankles and kicked them off.
Wet, frenzied kisses lingered with tasting of tongues. "I need you." He kissed along her jaw. "Take me inside."
Her hand stroked the length. She broke from the kiss. With trembling fingers, she fumbled with the buttons of her shorts.
"Shit. What was that?" They froze and listened.
"Meg, who has keys to your house besides me?"
"My mom!"
"Your mother?" He grabbed his pants and jerked them on.
The door opened. Meg met Cory's eyes. His pupils were huge. She almost laughed. Almost. He looked ready to bolt out the window.
"Oh my god!" Her mother's horrified voice spoke from the living room. "Meg! Talk to me, Meg. Where are you?"
"Hold on," she hollered still adjusting her clothes. She could hear her mother scrambling to get through the clutter of the front room.
"Oh thank heavens. Are you okay?"
Meg stepped out of her room just as her mother stepped over a large pile of clothes.
"Meg, what happened to your apartment? I thought you'd been burglarized." She put her hand to her heart. "Or worse."
Rose paused in her approach. A wide smile titled her lips. Meg glanced over her shoulder. Yep, Cory had stepped out of her room and he still wasn't wearing a shirt.
"I see you're busy."
"Not that busy," Meg denied.
"I tried to call." Rose cocked an eyebrow. "But under the circumstances I suppose I'm glad you didn't answer."
She wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. Not only was her house completely demolished, but now her mother had guessed, and accurately, that she and Cory were a lot more than friends. Sara and Jake were going to be thrilled. This news would take the heat off them. Aunt Patty's words rang in her head. She could hear it now, "At least Sara and Jake are married." Forget that they'd been living together for years.
"Looks like the jig is up."
Meg turned and glared at Cory. "You're not helping." Bringing her attention back to her mother, she said, "Well, what did you need? Is it about Sara and Jake getting married? If it is, you can tell Aunt Patty I didn't have anything to do with it. They decided to tie the knot in paradise."
"Jake and Sara got married in Jamaica?" She put her hands on her hips. "Well, it's about time. But that's not why I'm here. I also want to know what's going between the two of you, but that isn't important right now either." Her brows furrowed. "Cory, honey, would you please put some clothes on. I can't talk to my daughter with you standing naked behind her."
Meg mentally counted to ten. "Mom? He isn't naked."
Rose's lips pursed. "I knew you were lying to me when you said nothing was going on between the two of you. I might be ignorant about a lot of things, but I didn't just fall off the turnip truck. Meg, you need to fix your hair before we go."
"Go where?" She combed her fingers through her hair.
Rose's face turned serious. "I need you to sit down and listen to me." The sarcastic playfulness left her voice. She clasped her hands in front of her. "I'll wait for you and Cory in the living room." She turned and took a few steps. "If I can find a place to sit. Tsk. Tsk. Meg, I suspected you were a piglet, but honey, how can you have your boyfriend over in these conditions? Cory's never going to want to marry you if he thinks you're incapable of cleaning your home."
Meg walked into the bedroom. Cory sprawled out on the bed with his elbow bent over his eyes.
"I can still hear her bitching. Are you sure you want her for a mother-in-law?"
He moved his arms and cracked his eyes open. "I can't believe she walked in on us."
"She didn't see anything."
"You need to get the key back from her."
"You hold her down and I'll pry it from her fingers because that's the only way we'll get it." She fished around on the floor for a shirt to change into. "You better finish getting dressed. I can hear her making herself comfortable out there." After pulling on her Harvard sweatshirt, she pulled her hair on top of her head without the benefit of a mirror.
Cory chuckled. "Do you know what I love best about you?"
"I'm sure I could guess."
"This." He tugged on her ratty sweatshirt. "I love that you're ready for anything, anytime. Meg, you are adventure."
She snorted. "New spin on staying in Milcott. I like it, but it isn't quite what I had in mind." She tossed him his shirt. "If we keep Mom waiting, she's going to think we're doing it." Meg groaned. "She's already got enough ammo against us."
He got off the bed, slipped on the shirt and grabbed her around the waist. "Get used to it." His lips found hers in a brief, but toe-curling kiss.
They went into the living room.
"Mom, you can clear off a spot." She pushed clothing and crap to the side of the couch.
"I'm fine here."
She wasn't, but Meg wasn't going to argue. Her mother's butt rested on about two inches of sofa.
"I wanted to prepare you before we leave." Rose took a deep breath. "It's Aunt Bess. She's had a heart attack."
Cory drove to hospital. Meg sat next to him. Tears streamed down her cheeks and dripped from her chin. Pressure tightened his chest and a lump lodged in his throat. Aunt Bess meant the world to Meg...and to him.
He reached over and patted her thigh. "She'll be okay."
"We don't know that."
"No, but we have to believe she'll pull through."
Meg nodded without speaking. More tears seeped from her eyes.
Visiting hours were over, but several cars parked in the hospital lot. Cory recognized some of the vehicles. He pulled in next to Uncle Fred's pickup truck.
They walked in silence. Crickets chirped in a nearby field. Buzz from the streetlamps echoed above their heads. The dark night air hung heavy and warm with the scent of wet grass from the recently watered lawns.
Inside the hospital, fluorescent bright lights lit the hallway to the elevator. On the second floor, they went to the nurse's station. Before they could inquire about Aunt Bess, Lem stepped from the waiting room.
"Daddy." Meg launched herself into her father's arms. Lem wore the night on his face. Tears filled his bloodshot eyes and his trembling lips kissed his daughter's cheek.
Cory waited until Meg parted from her dad, then he approached. "Any word?"
Lem shook his head. "She's in surgery."
They stepped back into the waiting room. Cory shook Fred's hand. "Doc said it'll be a long night. You might just want to come back in the morning."
Cory slid his hand into Meg's. He wasn't about to leave her. Not now when she needed him. "We'll stay." Her fingers tightened in his.
Meg sat next to him, clutching his hand while she listened to the details of what happened with her aunt and who had found her. He gently rubbed his finger over her knuckles.
Rose arrived a few minutes after they did. Meg stiffened beside him and tears filled her eyes again. He leaned in and wrapped his arm around her lower back. "Do you want to step away?" he whispered.
She nodded.
They stood and Cory pulled Meg close to his side. "We're going for a coffee. Would anyone like something?"
Rose stepped forward and put her hands on Meg's cheeks. "She's going to be fine."
Meg hugged her mom. "I hope so. I don't want to lose her."
"None of that." She wiped tears from Meg's face. "We need to think positive." She kissed Cory on the cheek. "Go get a cup of coffee."
He swallowed hard. "We'll only be a minute."
They walked down the vacant corridor to the elevator. The cafeteria was on the first floor.
Seeing Meg in total despair tore through his chest. Pain gripped his heart. When the elevator doors closed, he pulled her tight and held on. Sobs racked her body. Her fists clutched his shirt and a torrent of emotions drained from her until she sagged against him.
The bell dinged and the doors opened.
After they bought two cups of coffee, they went back to the waiting room to wait for Aunt Bess to come out of surgery.
The hours tickled slowly passed. Cory sat in a chair with his head propped against the wall. Meg slept next to him with her head resting on his shoulder.
Lem eased his body out of the chair across the room and came to sit next to him. "Want to talk about what's going on between the two of you."
Cory glanced down at Meg's face. "I asked her to marry me."
Lem leaned back and smiled. "About damn time."
"Yeah, well she said no."
"Harrumph. Fool girl. Did she tell you why?"
"Well, after what I saw today, I don't think she has a choice." Rose spoke from a few chairs over.
"What happened earlier?"
He didn't particularly want to share the details. It was enough Rose suspected that he was sleeping with her daughter. Lem didn't need that information.
"We were unpacking."
Rose laughed. "Cory, honey, you're going to be a part of this family. You better not lie to your father-in-law."
"Nothing had happened." It was the truth. Barely.
Rose moved a few chairs closer. "Tell us why she said no."
He looked at Meg again. She was definitely asleep. Another thought crossed his mind. He'd wake her at the slightest suspicion her dreams turned erotic.
"She wants to travel. I want to stay in Milcott. I'm going to the recruiter today and see what he can do for me."
"Reenlist?" Lem asked.
"Hopefully, if they have a job for me. I should've told her I loved her four years ago. I'll make it up to her now."
"What does she say?"
"I haven't told her." He brushed her bangs from her forehead. "I don't hate military life. I hated being away from her...from Milcott. She'll have an opinion and I've already made the decision. Reenlisting is the best way for me to give her the life she wants. I won't lose my rank and I'll probably get a nice incentive package."
"She'll be surprised," Rose said. "But I do think it'll make her happy."
"I know it will."
The doctor came into the waiting room. Rose and Lem stood. Cory nudged Meg awake. It took her a moment to register her surroundings. Then she sat upright and listened to the doctor.
"She's out of surgery and I think it went well. We'll know more in the coming hours."
"Can we see her?"
The doctor nodded. "Two people at a time. Short visits."
Cory breathed a sigh of relief. Glancing at his watch, he checked the time. He could go to the recruiter first thing this morning and see what was available. There wasn't much he could do waiting at the hospital and he doubted Meg would leave until she knew her aunt would be okay.
Lem and Rose went with the doctor. Cory pulled Meg to the side. "I've got some things to take care of. I'll be gone a couple hours and then be back."
Her brows furrowed. "You're leaving. What's so important that you need to go now?"
"I'll tell you when I get back." He kissed her quickly and left.
Sara and Jake arrived while Lem and Rose were with Aunt Bess.
"How is she?" Sara hugged Meg.
"Where's Cory?" Jake looked around.
Meg wished she knew. She wondered what could be more important than making sure her aunt survived surgery. Nausea rolled her stomach. What if she'd still been in Jamaica and hadn't been here for her aunt? Or worse, if she'd followed her crazy plan of working on a cruise ship. If anything had happened---she swallowed hard---what if Aunt Bess had died and she'd been traipsing around the world looking for adventure?
Cory was right. Tears filled her eyes. Family was too important. If anything, his four years away should have shown her that. She'd missed him. His family had worried, her family had worried---god, and she had ached.
"Have you seen my mom?" Sara asked pulling her from her thoughts.
"Everyone has been up. I'm not sure where she went either." Meg wiped a tear from her eye before it had a chance to fall. "So what did she say about the wedding?"
Sara grinned. "She's good. We're going to have an open house reception at your mom's."
Lem and Rose came back into the waiting room.
"How is Aunt Bess?" Meg asked.
Lem gave her a comforting smile. "Weak, pale."
"Pissed," Rose said. "And do you know she wanted me to sign a promissory note that says I'll have her buried in Pierre. Even after a major heart attack, half the night in surgery, she's still going on about that damn marquee sign."
Lem put his hand on Meg's shoulder. "She wants to see you and Cory now."
She smiled and felt the first flicker of relief. "Cory left. He said he had something to do this morning."
"He probably went to see the recruiter."
"What?" Meg and Jake spoke at the same time.
"Oh shoot, we weren't supposed to say anything." Rose put her hand to her mouth.
"Why?" A sick feeling roiled in her stomach. He wouldn't make that monumental of a decision without discussing it with her. Hell, less than twelve hours ago he'd asked her to marry him.
"My brother is one hundred percent stubborn. If he said he's reenlisting, good luck getting him to change his mind. You've got about a one percent chance of that."
"He's going to give you the life you want." Lem put his arm around Rose. "The boy's been in love with you for years. What did you think he'd do when you told him you wouldn't marry him?"
She covered her face with her hands. "But Dad, Cory was right and I've changed my mind. That's not what I want." She swallowed, but the boulder stuck in her throat wouldn't budge. "I realized that I could never leave Milcott, my family...Cory.
"Besides, that isn't want he wants. His dream is to open his own automotive shop. I ruined everything. The cruise, Jamaica, the whole vacation drained both our accounts. He gave up everything to come after me." How could she not have seen the depth of his affection?
She turned to Jake. "I can fix this." She could follow him. "Will you drive?"
He dangled the keys. "Let's go."
"What about Bess? She wants to see you."
Meg hesitated. She'd learned an important lesson in the last few hours. "I've got to see her, but I'll just be a minute." She hurried down the hall to the recovery room.
Slowly pushing open the door, she peeked in to see if Aunt Bess was still awake. "Come in, Margaret."
"Hi." Meg came in and sat in the chair next to the bed.
"Where's that handsome man of yours?"
She picked up her aunt's frail hand and kissed her knuckles. "He's not mine yet, but he will be as soon as I find him and kick his ass." She willed her racing heart to slow, but adrenaline flowed too hot. "Aunt Bess, I have to go, but I'll be back with Cory in a little while." She stood. Because she couldn't kiss her aunt's face through all the tubes and wires, she caressed her soft, wrinkled cheek with a finger. "You rest."
Meg slipped from the room and ran down the hall. Jake leaned against the wall twirling his keys on his finger and talking to Patty. Oh no, they didn't have time for more delays. They needed to get to Cory.
"Sorry, Aunt Patty, we've got to go." She grabbed Jake by the sleeve and turned to Sara. "I'll bring your husband back as soon as I have my fiancé."
Sara laughed and waved.
"Is Meg engaged?"
"Yep." Sara wrapped an arm around her mom. "Get ready to welcome another Traven into the family."
Cory stopped at home, changed his clothes and then headed across town. Before he met the recruiter, he pulled through the coffee shop drive through for a heavy dose of caffeine. Latte in hand, he drove over to the recruiting office. Nearly five years ago, he'd made the same decision. At least this time he knew what he was signing up for. Military life took a bit of getting used to, but for the most part he'd enjoyed the work. Although he'd never thought of making it his career.
He waited at a red light. A horn blasted behind him. He glanced at the light, still red. Then peered into the rearview mirror and squinted at the car behind him. About the time he recognized the driver, Meg was out the passenger door and rushing to the passenger side of his vehicle. She threw open the door and climbed in.
"Hi," she said breathlessly. "I didn't think we'd catch up to you." She rolled down the window, leaned her upper body out and waved to Jake. "I'm good," she hollered. Jake flipped a u-turn and headed in the opposite direction.
"What's wrong? Is it Aunt Bess?"
Her cheeks were flushed. "No, it's us. We need to talk." She put her hand to her chest and slowed her breathing.
Another horn blasted behind them. The light had changed to green so Cory stepped on the gas. Darting out in front of the car on his right, he flipped the blinker. He pulled into the post office, drove around to the employee parking and stopped beneath a shade tree.
He didn't want to hear this. No way would he let her toss away what they had found years ago, but only acknowledged in Jamaica. His hands gripped the steering wheel. Reaching down, he cut the engine and braced for her arguments. "It won't matter what you say, I won't give up on us. Not this time."
"Cory, you don't understand."
"I understand all I need to. You want a life outside Milcott. I have no problem with that. I'd live in the gutter with you if that's what you want."
"That's not what I want." She slid a little closer on the seat.
"I know what you want."
"You do?" Meg's eyes went to his crotch and he couldn't help smiling.
"Yeah, I know. You want the Colonel too."
A little closer. Her hips brushed against his. "Dad said you're reenlisting."
"I am."
"Do you want to? Or are you joining for me?"
"For us." Cory tunneled his hands under her messy hair and wrapped his fingers around her neck. "You'll be a military wife." Their breaths mingled. "We'll relocate about every eighteen months."
"So you can risk your life to give me the one I want." She shook her head. "It's never been about being a military wife. I couldn't believe you left without me."
She leaned back and looked down. He jumped when she traced the seam of his pants. Slight pressure from her touch fired his blood. He glanced around the quiet parking lot. Seeing they were alone, he put his hand over hers and guided it to his rigid erection.
"I don't want you to reenlist." Her thumbnail ran the length of the hardness. "I want to stay in Milcott." She blinked a few times, stared out the windshield, then turned and met his stare. "I want to live in paradise...with you." She brushed his lips with hers, applied more pressure to his groin. "Paradise is in your arms and in your bed."
Warmth spread through his body. Meg pressed closer. Their lips sealed and her mouth opened for him. He plundered, tasting the soft tissues, tongue stroking tongue.
"Are you sure? I know you want to see the world and now you've had a taste of wanderlust."
"A taste was enough. But I have more to say." She straddled his lap.
He thrust his cock against the heat radiating from her core. "I'm listening."
"Will you marry me and open your shop? I want a house outside of town to raise our kids." She kissed him and wiggled her hips. "According to Jake's statistics we're nearly guaranteed a baby in nine months."
"If you continue to grind against me, we're going to add another eleven percent of risk." He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her still. Heat between her breasts released the subtle fragrance of her perfume.
"Cory?"
"Hmmm?" His lips found the ample swell of her cleavage. Cupping her breast, he lifted it and opened his mouth over her skin.
Meg leaned back and he accepted the invitation to nip at the raised peak strategically poking through her shirt and bra. "Take me home."
The horn startled them both. Meg jumped and he laughed. She slid off his lap and scooted back to the passenger side.
With the turn of the key, the engine hummed.
"But let's go to your house. Mine is a bit of a mess."
Just like the woman he loved.
About the Author
To learn more about KyAnn Waters, please visit www.KyAnnWaters.com. Send an email to KyAnn at kyannwaters@hotmail.com or join her Yahoo! group to join in the fun with other readers as well as KyAnn: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EroticCravings
Look for these titles by KyAnn Waters
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With or Without You
The best mistake she ever made...
With or Without You
© 2008 KyAnn Waters
Tessa Brooks is dated. Not dated as in going out with men---having dinner and light conversation in poorly lit restaurants in hopes of finding someone with whom she can get naked. No, Tessa is dated. And the year she seems stuck in is 1988. The year her life changed.
With her twenty-year high school reunion coming up, Tessa's daughter has surprised her with a makeover on the Jade Star television talk show. However, that's not the only surprise. Enter Matt Toler, the best mistake she ever made. Tessa might not feel a ribbon of panic tightening around her neck if Matt had spoken to her again after their one-night sexual encounter...and if knew he had a daughter.
Enjoy the following excerpt for With or Without You:
Tessa sat on the loveseat next to Matt. Her left knee jiggled a nervous tempo and, of course, he noticed. He covered her knee with his palm. The weight and warmth of his hand seared her flesh. Butterflies flitted about in her stomach. Her eyes locked on his hand.
He had long fingers with dark whorls of hair over the knuckles. They were hands of a man. Not the boy who had given her one night of teenage passion twenty years before, but hands she imagined drifting higher on her smooth thigh, slipping beneath her dress and seeking her heated folds.
Wetness dampened her panties. She squeezed her thighs together and shifted her knees.
Matt lifted questioning brown eyes and her breath caught in her throat, making swallowing difficult. She'd seen those same eyes often over the years. Matt had been starring in her nighttime fantasies since their magical encounter on that warm spring night.
"I'm sorry about all this. I thought it was a makeover show." She clasped her hands in her lap. If only the couch could open up and swallow her whole. Mortification heated her cheeks. "I'm surprised too."
She'd forgotten the lopsided smile that disarmed and could disrobe a girl in thirty seconds flat.
"Surprised is a good word. Tessa, it's not an unpleasant surprise...just unexpected."
He leaned back and settled more comfortably in the loveseat. His hip still rested against hers, sending alarming heat into her core. She hoped he couldn't feel her temperature because she felt like a nuclear reactor with the red warning lights blazing and emitting dangerous levels of sexual radiation. Overexposure could lead to fried brain cells. Clearly hers had already been damaged. Had it been that damn long since a man had heated her to the point of meltdown from innocent skin contact? Well, okay, there was one memory, most likely distorted with age, supplying the fuel.
Damn, why did he have to look so good?
Dark hair, cut neat and clean around the ears, was left longer on top, enough so that the bit of natural curl tempted a woman's fingers. Tessa clasped her hands in her lap before she reached up to comb a stray lock from his forehead with her fingertips.
Awkward silence stretched between them. Pressure built behind her eyes and her heart pounded hard and heavy. God, she felt like a fool. Her daughter had brought her one and only one-night stand to daytime talk.
"So where are you living these days?" Not that she needed to ask. He lived in Chicago. At least he had the last time she Googled his name.
"Chicago."
More silence.
"Matt." She adjusted her position so that she faced him directly. "This is awkward. Let's just make the best of the situation. This has to be over soon. Exactly how many hours of footage do they need for a one-hour show?" She smoothed her dress, trying to inch it down her thighs. Had she known she'd be sitting with the one who had gotten away, she'd have chosen something more conservative.
The hot Hollywood starlet needed to go back to wardrobe. The sexy clothes were pickling her brain. Sexy clothes, sexy new look---however, she was too scared to play sexy kitten. She needed out of the situation. Rehashing the past would raise certain questions she wasn't ready to answer...would never be ready to answer.
"Relax, Tessa."
She hated the way he said her name. Okay, so she loved it. His voice was deep and smooth like fine brandy. She wanted to savor a sip. More than a sip, she wanted to get drunk. All of which posed a huge problem.
Mentally beating her libido into submission, she focused on the priority, getting through the show.
"We're supposed to be getting reacquainted. I assume you aren't married. At least, I hope the show wouldn't try to set me up with a married woman."
He smiled and her stomach swooped. Just as he had in high school, he turned her knees to jelly. Matt Toler had been her ideal for a boyfriend---too bad he'd always had another girl on his arm. Even if he hadn't been the guy all the girls lusted after, they didn't belong to the same cliques. Matt had been Mr. Popular and she'd just been...Tessa.
She laughed nervously. "I'm not married."
"Divorced?"
She shook her head. "I never married." She realized he might wonder about Brianna. Anyone could tell they were mother and daughter. But that's not all they'd notice. Brianna was a perfect blend of her mother and her father. Tessa groaned.
"What's wrong?"
Tessa snapped her eyes to his. "Oh nothing." Just that she intended to keep as much distance between Brianna and Matt as possible. With her luck, Jade would notice the family resemblance and Tessa's entire world would collapse around her.
As if she'd conjured the woman, Jade approached. Her smile widened. "Looks like our high school sweethearts are getting along." She spoke into her microphone, at the same time keeping eye contact with the camera. "We have another surprise."
Tessa didn't think she could handle another surprise. All she'd wanted out of the show was a new haircut. If this day taught her anything it was to never procrastinate. If she'd taken the time to update her look, her daughter wouldn't have had a reason to call the show. Lesson number two: never go on a talk show.
Matt stood and held a hand out to help Tessa. She slipped her hand into his. Warm strong fingers closed around hers. The heat moved up her arm. Tingles tightened her nipples beneath the silk of her dress. "Thank you," she said, a bit breathless. High heels didn't help the wobble in her knees.
Matt wrapped an arm around her waist and supported her against his side. He leaned in close, his breath tickling her ear, and whispered, "Let's have some fun and make it good for the cameras."
Make it good for the cameras, what's that supposed to mean? "Matt---" He stopped any further words by dragging her close. She caught sight of his devious grin a moment before he captured her lips. His mouth covered hers and her heart fluttered. Firm lips confidently moved against hers. This was nothing like she remembered.
This was better. A perfect kiss, lips to lips, tantalizing textures to tempt and to hint at the promise of passion given a more private setting. He didn't try to part her lips, deepen the kiss, although she ached for a taste of his tongue.
Cheers of approval penetrated through the mind-numbing fog. Tessa slipped her hands between their bodies and pressed her palms to his chest. With a slight push she broke the kiss.
Can a red-hot fling equal true blue love?
True Blue Love
© 2008 Melissa Lopez
The Thorns, Book 3
Something's flying on Miller Thorn's trip home to the Australian bush---and it's not just the plane. The attractive American woman sitting next to him is striking sparks hotter than an Outback wildfire.
Miller's never claimed to be good at relationships---witness the straining ties that bind his own family---but this woman is just his type. The type that flat-out asks for a one-night stand. No strings, no names.
Kaycee Hollenbeck's ready to start a new life as a free woman, and what better launching pad than a gorgeous Australian's bed? Anonymity suits her just fine, but a girl's gotta know whose name to scream.
One night turns into two, and suddenly fate seems to be conspiring to weaken their determination to keep it simple. Particularly when it turns out her new job is just down the road from the Thorn family station.
Caught between a family that's falling apart and a woman he doesn't know how to let go of, Miller struggles with trust issues when a secret from Kaycee's past rears its ugly head.
A secret that could threaten the future they had told themselves they never wanted in the first place...
Enjoy the following excerpt for True Blue Love:
How easy it'd be to get used to her sharing his life.
Clearly, he was losing his mind to think about what was impossible. She was on holiday. And in the end the bloody world separated them. Besides, hard life lessons had taught him good things like Kaycee never panned out.
Best to focus on what had brought them together. Sex. The hottest sex of his life. Her arse that had his full attention now.
Her round arse peeked out from beneath the nightshirt she wore. Her cheeks couldn't be contained in her panties.
Eh, a fine arse. Curvy thighs and hips. And breasts that made him want to squeeze his prick between them until his load erupted. Her nearness kept him hard. Half the time he felt like an uncontrollable stud stallion. The rest of the time he felt as if he were a teen again.
Bugger me.
Good things like Kaycee didn't happen to him. He'd had another excellent day with her. As much as she'd wanted to stay in, he'd forced her out to see a couple of attractions Alice had to offer. She'd liked the botanical gardens, but hadn't been too thrilled at the reptile center.
She was a wuss, though cute as bloody hell. Prissy too. He liked to watch her fuss with her hair. Straighten her clothes.
Slowly, his gaze roamed up her delectable body to take in the exposed skin on her back. Her sculpted shoulders.
What a bloody beauty she is.
When she met his gaze in the mirror, she blew him a kiss.
His chest caught in an ache he was beginning to get used to. This was one of those moments she made him feel young again.
"Is the water getting cold?"
"Not yet."
After she washed and dried her face, she joined him at the tub. She sat on the edge at his back. "Lean up for me so I can wash your back."
His semi-erect prick thickened, stiffening at the mere thought of her bathing him in such a way.
Still, only hesitantly did he do as she bid. His back held scars from his childhood. Countless times his father had laid his back open. The old man had a temper. At least when it'd come to him. There'd been no pleasing the man. Christ knew he'd worked his arse off trying.
Using a soapy rag, she lathered and scrubbed his shoulders before moving down his back.
On a groan, his head dropped forward. She took the opportunity to clean the back of his neck. She was thorough in her attention. If he'd been standing, her continued touch would have brought him to his knees.
How was she able to make him feel so weak? So bloody good? What about her made him want to bare his soul? He trembled with a vulnerability he'd never understand.
She scrubbed, then rinsed twice from his neck to arse.
At the feel of her lips on his back, he tensed and gripped the edge of the tub. His other hand fisted.
Oh, fuck.
"I'm sorry for the times you were hurt." More passes of her lips lingered on his back. "I first noticed these scars while you talked on the phone to your brother." More kisses trailed along his skin. "I won't ask, but know I'm sorry."
He groaned.
Oh, fuck.
She pushed what little control he had. She now kissed the scars his father had put on his back. Too many times to count, his father had laid the metal end of a belt or a razor strap into him.
"Hmm, stand up for me."
Shakily, he did as she ordered. His prick stood out straight begging for some attention. He put a hand on the wall he faced.
Just as thoroughly as she had the rest of him, she washed his arse and the back of his thighs.
At the feel of her tongue on his lower back, he braced his knees. His balls tightened with each caress of her mouth. Her lips didn't stay in one place for long. Open-mouth kisses played across his arse cheeks. The intimate caresses kept his arse clenched.
His prick pulsed in need.
He wanted her to keep up the contact forever. But knew from the tightness in his balls he already hung on the edge.
"Turn around."
Need the job done right? Get a handyman with the right...tools.
All Tied Up
© 2009 Cathryn Fox
Pleasure Inn, Book 1
Interior decorator Lindsay Bell jumped at the chance to help restore the old inn at Mason Creek. What could be more fun than letting her imagination run wild on an unlimited budget? Eagerly she plans to turn her assigned room into a fantasy BDSM playground.
All she expected from her newly hired handyman was to help her tear down a support wall. She certainly didn't expect Brad Caldwell to be so drop-dead gorgeous in a tool belt. When he proves to be a steady, hardworking, stand-up guy---unlike the men she's dated---Lindsay has a new and wicked idea.
To take her new creation on a test drive down the road of their deepest, darkest, most delicious desires---and seduce her way into his heart.
Warning: Smokin' hot sex with creative use of toys, and a dash of magic.
Enjoy the following excerpt for All Tied Up:
He shut the door. Lindsay's eyes widened at the sound of the lock clicking in place. He could almost see her body stir to life. Almost hear her mind reeling with possibilities.
"What---"
In two long strides he closed the distance between them and pressed his fingers to her lips. "Shh."
He watched her throat work as she swallowed and knew, by the heated look in her eyes, her untamed passion and desires matched his. She wanted this as much as he did. No questions about it.
He gripped her slim waist and packaged her soft body against his. Christ, she felt so incredible in his arms, he could only imagine how wonderful she'd feel trapped between his legs. Nudging her feet with his, he backed her up until the rear of her knees hit the padded table. Eyes wide, questioning, her chest rose and fell with her erratic breathing.
He tugged her T-shirt out from her tight jeans. When his fingers connected with her soft skin, his brain nearly shut down. "I'm going to give you what you want, Lindsay."
Her voice hitched, color bloomed high on her cheeks. "How do you know what I want?" He heard the intrigue in her voice and felt her hips push against him. It was a slight movement but hadn't gone unnoticed.
He offered her a slow smile. "You're going to have to trust me on that one."
"I can't possibly see---"
He pitched his voice low and demanded in a deep tone. "Take off your clothes. Nice and slow." He touched her arm and felt her body shake with excitement.
"You've got to be kidding me?" Her voice betrayed her emotions. He could see the passion, the invitation building in her eyes.
He shook his head. "Not even for a minute."
"Brad---"
"Take them off, Lindsay. Now. Nice and slow like I told you. If you don't follow the rules, I'm afraid you'll be punished."
He slid his hand between her legs and cupped her sex, just to prove just how serious he was.
An edgy laugh morphed into a heated moan. He noted the way her legs wobbled. "Sweet mother of God," she whispered under her breath. Then she starched her spine and met his glace. "What if I don't want to?" Her voice lacked conviction. They both knew it.
He trailed his finger over her arm and felt the goose bumps on her flesh. "You do. Now take them off. Then I want you sprawled out on that bench. I want you naked, hot and wet, and begging me to fuck you."
"Ohmigod," he heard her gasp as his lips closed over hers for a deep, intense, mind-numbing kiss. He slipped his tongue inside her delicious mouth and spent a long moment just tasting her lush sweetness. Jesus, he wanted to devour her. All of her. Right now.
Lindsay inched back, her eyes clouded with emotion, her voice breathless. "This can only be about sex, Brad. Just to help ease the tension between us. Nothing more."
"Naturally," he agreed, lightheartedly, feeling anything but. He might have readily agreed with her, the truth was, he wanted to see where this led them. With that he gave her a gentle push.
Lindsay landed on the bench, her legs spread. Brad let out an agonized groan as his groin tightened and throbbed in heated anticipation. Jesus, he'd never felt such intense desire before. It took all his strength and willpower not to act on his natural urges and answer the demands of his body. At the moment he'd like nothing more than to strip her clothes off, spread her legs wide open and sink his cock into her damp heat. Honestly, it practically killed him not to ravish her caveman style, to push inside her pussy and fuck her until sundown. But, right now, this was about Lindsay, so he needed to control those urges for the time being.
He growled low in his throat as she sat there, eyes glazed with lust as she awaited his instructions. God dammit he wanted her. So much so that he ached to the point of pain. He took a moment to get himself under control before he fucked her with wild abandon.
Obviously not wanting to give him time to catch up and anxious to get the game started, she asked, "What is it you'd like me to do?"
It didn't take her long to assume her role of submissive, which led him to believe she'd been fantasizing about this for quite some time. It also led him to believe no man had ever taken the time to get to know her on a deeper lever and understand her needs and desires. Stupid bastards. With a girl this incredible, this amazing, a guy had to be a total asshole not to spend all his time getting to know the real her. And give her what she wanted.
"Take you pants off and then resume that position."
Lindsay obliged without hesitation. She lowered herself onto her back and brought her legs onto the bench. She unsnapped her pants, pulled the zipper and wiggled her gorgeous, curvy ass. Once her jeans were at her ankles she kicked them away. Without inhibition, she sprawled across the bench. He was pleased at how comfortable she was in her own skin. He met her glance. The look in her eyes conveyed without words just how excited she was. Which pleased him immensely.
Brad walked around her, devouring her with his eyes. With exquisite gentleness, he touched her bare legs, his fingers trailing lightly over her soft skin, going higher and higher, coming perilously close to her pussy. Her body quaked. Her legs inched open in invitation.
He lowered his voice. "Very, very nice." He inhaled and could already smell the tang of her arousal.
"Brad please," she begged, and reached for him, her fingers brushing against his throbbing cock.
He shackled her hands and put them to her sides. "Sit up," he commanded. "And take off your shirt."
Lindsay sat up, her legs wide open, straddling the bench. As he took in the sight of her, he thought he'd go mad with want. The need to fuck her made him edgy, shaky.
He swallowed and worked to control his voice. "Spread your legs wider." She did, but it wasn't nearly wide enough for him to have a full, unobstructed view of her sweet spot. "Wider, Lindsay," he whispered his glance going to the unpacked box of BDSM toys in the corner of the room. "If you're not going to listen, I'll have to punish you."
Her face flushed from heat, her dark eyes glazed with passion. A soft mewl caught in her throat. He stroked her again. Her body buzzed, her skin felt hot to the touch.
She shimmied to the end of the bench and spread her legs impossibly wider, offering her pussy up to him so nicely.
"That's a girl."
Twin folds opened for him, affording him a view of her luscious pink softness. Jesus, her pussy was drenched with desire. He did this to her. Damn that pleased him, knowing he could raise her passions to such height and make her soaked with need.
He lowered himself to his knees to get a better look. He leaned in and inhaled, pulling her feminine scent into his lungs. Then he blew a warm breath over her pussy. Her damp hairs bristled.
She drew a shaky breath. "Oh God," she whispered and tilted her pelvis forward, an obvious plea for more.
Her heat beckoned him and he wanted to touch her. No. He needed to touch her. If he didn't soon feel her softness, he was certain an artery would blow. His jeans tightened painfully reminding him just how much he wanted her, just how much she affected him. Brad couldn't ever remember feeling so crazed, so out of control.
He drew a breath, gathering himself. "You are incredible, babe," he breathed the words over her pussy and watched her sex muscles tighten and throb.
After a light brush of his knuckle over her swollen clit, his finger moved her moist opening. He probed her pussy and knew, as well as he knew his own name, that once he entered her, once she branded him with her heat, he'd never be the same again. With her hips bucking forward, she drove his finger inside.
"Jesus," he said, loving the way the tight walls of her pussy closed over him. He'd never felt anything so divine.
Brad pressed a finger inside her, unmoving. His gaze went to her shirt. "Didn't I tell you to take your top off?"
"Yes, but---"
"Shh," he silenced with a frown. "Don't question me. Just do as I say." His glance went to the box of toys a second time. "Otherwise, you'll be punished."
It's all about the story...
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