Authors: Suzan Battah
She was usually reserved in her emotions, but he was tempting her to become more involved. She was caught now in the desire to share and experience new choices.
Julia jumped a little when the captain’s voice announced they would be touching down in ten minutes and to enjoy their stay. The captain
skillfully
maneuvered
the plane towards the landing strip, but a rather bumpy landing had Chris’ hand dropping tantalizingly in the middle of her thigh. When he started to take his hand away, she stopped him, allowing the caress to continue. Each moment seemed to be etching itself into her fuzzy brain, ever since she asked him to come away with her.
The soaring burr of the engine slowed and came to an end as they taxied round to a stop.
The beachside cabins turned out to be two houses side by side, right on the water. It was completely secluded, surrounded by lush bushes, and with a private path leading down to the wide span of white beach. The water was a crystal-clear blue, lapping at the shore. The air smelled fresh surrounded by tropical wilderness. The place was beautiful, ideal for privacy and relaxation, and she took a deep breath, taking in the scenery.
“This is where you’ll be staying,” Chris declared. “I’m next door.”
As she watched, Chris unlocked the massive glass doors and pushed them wide to take her luggage in. She followed, having a quick look around. The place was designed with open plan living in mind and had fans high up on the nine-foot ceilings. Deep blue leather lounge suites encompassed a majority of the sitting area overlooking the beach, and a wide circular staircase led to the second floor, also open. He placed her bags right next to the staircase, turned toward her, and held out his hand. She lean
ed
her crutches against the couch and limped toward him.
“I thought we could stay, together. Unless you’re…”
Chris pressed his fingers to her lips. “If that’s what you want. I’ve wanted to be with you for as long as I can remember.”
He turned to kiss the palm of her hand, sucking gently causing a shiver to run down her back. The simple gesture, most sensual, created in her mind an image of them naked, entwined together as one.
Chris moved to lean closer, his breath brushing against her neck. “You’re so beautiful.”
Desire pulsed through her body in rhythm to the beat of her heart from his subtle caresses. “I’ve got ugly scars.”
“
Shhh
, you’re gorgeous, scars are nothing. You can see mine.” His face was so close to hers, she could breathe in his fresh-washed scent, so clean and very masculine. She sucked in a soft whoosh of air, her heart dropping what felt like ten feet down to her stomach, as if she had no floor to stand on. They were so close, all she could do was feel her body respond with full force.
He glanced down at her, fingering the strap of her dress, the glow in his eyes dilating. “I can’t wait to see how truly beautiful you are with this off.”
Pressing against his chest, she guided his hand to the clasp and zipper at the back. “Then take it off,” she challenged huskily.
“Finally, some peace and quiet, just you and me.”
He grinned, raising a brow while trying to capture a kiss. She leaned back, teasing him, her mouth parted as he caressed her thighs.
Chris unzipped the fastener nice and slow,
savoring
the moment, the dress opening wide at the back. His hands slipped in over the lacy panties clinging to her curvy bottom. He lifted her up and pulled her closer very carefully, mindful of her leg, swooping down for a proper kiss. She could feel him hard against her. She moaned as their tongues mingled, causing whirling sensations all over her sensitized body.
In one swift movement, he managed to pull the dress off her shoulders and past her hips, letting it pool at her feet. The soft sounds that escaped her encouraged him more, kissing a trail over the generous swell of her breasts, over her belly. He touched and played with her body, the thrill and excitement too much for both of them. They were craving each other.
There was no doubt of his strength as he effortlessly picked her up in his arms. He climbed the stairs, kissing her senseless.
She threaded her hands through his hair, flexing and caressing. With her legs so intimately wrapped around his hips, she could feel the control and flexion of his muscles. The tiniest shift or movement and she could feel his reaction. His skin felt hot beneath her fingers, and his groans and reactions fuelled her own arousal.
He carried her into the bedroom. She got only a glimpse of the huge bed before he gently eased one knee onto the corner, letting her body slide down onto the soft pressure of the mattress. His body followed to lie pressed on top of her. He cradled her face, looking down at her with tender eyes. “You’re amazing.”
He made quick work of her brace, with gentle hands unbuckling and loosening the support before sliding it off, his hands soft against her skin, still bright pink with scars. He adored every inch of her body.
Enjoying the feel of hard to soft body, she could only sense and anticipate where his hands would roam. It didn’t matter where he touched. Her skin ignited everywhere. His hands skimmed down over her thighs, hooking his fingers in the crook of her knees to spread them wider. She gasped, breaking away from the kiss. He moved lower to suckle the bare skin between her lacy underwear and bra.
She moaned as tingles hot as fire flickered over her body, wave after wave rippling in quick succession, gasp after gasp, sigh after sigh.
Chris didn’t relent, continuing to play havoc with her senses. He was manipulating her to a new sensual peak with every touch, every kiss and taste of her body. All her nerves responded.
Julia wanted to give him the same pleasure. Her numb fingers pulled off the first three buttons of his shirt, but she wasn’t as adept as he at getting clothes off.
“Chris, I can’t…” She yanked at his shirt.
He grinned at her continued frustration before leaning back for barely a second to lift and pull the shirt off over his head, revealing a large expanse of well-honed male chest to explore. She immediately reached out to touch.
She was eager to explore. Her hands ran up and down his torso, skimming her fingertips down his rock-hard stomach. She closed her eyes to
savor
the feeling propelling through her blood. Muscles moved at her soft touches, vibrant under her fingers. His body became hotter beneath her hands. For the next few moments, he allowed her to do as she pleased. His breathless entreaty of her name urgent against her ear told her he was close to losing control.
She noticed the moment he slowed down, feathering soft kisses across her cheek and neck. At her continued pants, he ended up swiftly changing positions. So they were both sitting on the bed, Julia straddling his lap. He raised a brow at her shocked expression while he unhooked her bra. The straps slid from her shoulders down her arms to disappear through the air, disposed of on the floor with a flick of his wrist.
Her eyes locked with his. She was mesmerized as she
savored
the touch of breast against muscle. It began all over again. Slow, with great intent, his hands
traveled
up her bare back. She shivered in this new position, pressing her hips closer to enjoy the heat.
“My jewel, beautiful Julia.” He breathed in her scent, his lips pressing to the plumpness of her breast.
As she heard those words, her heart tripped and fell just a fraction. She was not just feeling the physical pleasure but the emotional pull was strong. This was all so new to her, the sensations, the emotions, and everything behind it. Julia ran her fingers through his hair. He shifted his head, resting his ear against her chest.
Julia could feel the rapid beat of his heart, matching her own, and her temperature soared. His tongue flickered over one nipple and then the other. He was suckling, licking, and tasting her breasts. Her body seemed to spark wherever he touched.
She gasped for breath, ready to explode at any moment. Her hands fell away from his shoulders, down his biceps to catch onto his elbows. She gripped hard. As her nails scratched into his skin, he winced.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, rubbing his arm in a soothing manner. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m alright,” he reassured her. Slowly, he eased back, allowing her sensations to ebb away for a moment. Shifting positions, they now lay stretched out side by side. He reached for her again, caressing her inner thighs. He turned her so that she lay partly on her belly, nearer the
center
of the bed. He trailed kisses down her back, squeezing her bottom before
turning her back over. She laughed out right, delighted with his passionate enthusiasm and the wickedness behind it. Then he trailed kisses over her injured hip, bright pink with scars.
“Nice, always beautiful. You smell so good.”
Julia reached down to tug at his shorts, again frustrated with the buttons. She was grateful when he jumped up and got them off,
rejoining
her in a split second. She could feel the length of him hot and hard against her.
He hooked two fingers into the band of her panties, tugging them down. She lifted her bottom up and the scrap of lace went flying through the air. Their clothes were scattered across the floor.
Julia felt her entire body tremble, close to the brink. They were entwined, limbs and tongues dancing in tune just as she had imagined. The bedspread and sheets were a tangled mess around their naked, sweaty bodies.
Chris rolled away, reaching over to the dresser to pull out a packet of condoms. He whispered, “I feel like I’m going to explode.”
The tips of her fingers skimmed down his chest, crisscrossing over his tight abdomen. She shifted lower.
It was too much for him. Within seconds of her touching him, Julia found herself flat on her back, knees spread wide, hips tilted, with her hard, hot man thrusting with expert precision, hitting all the right spots.
The slow intensity was driving her insane and she dug her nails into his back, urging him on. He was riding her to the brink. The rush of sensations began to build and burn to boiling point. She slowed down, trying to control her breathing.
All of a sudden, Julia felt tense. He looked down at her and cupped her face until she looked back at him. She opened her eyes, trying to calm down.
“Am I hurting you, you’re tense. What’s wrong?” Chris groaned, glistening with sweat, holding firm onto her hips. He stopped, nudging her ear lobe. “Are you alright?”
“No, I’m fine. Yeah, it feels so nice.”
The sexy smile flashed back at her. “Good…you’re so tight. What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” she quickly reassured him.
“Are you sure I’m not hurting you?”
“No, no you’re not. You feel so good.”
He just smiled and feathered soft kisses down her neck and back up her jaw to press against her parted lips. She relaxed a bit and he started to move again. This time, she allowed the sensations to burn.
“Let it go!” he demanded in a shuddering command, nipping the delicate spot at her nape.
Julia felt the urgency ripple through. She arched, ready to let go. As she felt his lips press against her neck, she set free a spectacular display, and he came with her.
She closed her eyes as the tremors subsided and her heartbeat slowed to a normal pace. He held her next to him, doting small kisses on her lips and eyelids.
“Does it always feel like that?” she asked into the silence.
He leaned up on his elbows, a frown marring his brow. The sheet dropped down as he twisted to the side. “What do you mean?”
“Nothing. Forget it.” She wished she had been more discreet because now he was peering at her oddly.
Then Chris rolled onto his back. The silence stretched for several minutes. She could sense him still awake beside her. She curled up beside him and his arm automatically pulled her close.
It never felt like that before. How could I know? How could I possibly know there was something more… or is it only because I’m mad about the Augustine Boy?
Chapter Eleven
Julia woke with a start, her leg cramping painfully. The light through the curtains made her shift and jolt out of bed, her leg buckling beneath her and she crumpled onto the floor. The unfamiliar surroundings had her disoriented for a moment and her heart palpitated until she saw Chris roll and turn.
Her sudden movement caused him to stir restlessly. He mumbled something and his sleepy eyes blinked open. “What’s up?” He rolled toward her on the bed, and started to sit up. The sheet was tangled about his naked body, his long limbs thrown about, ruffled hair making him all the more desirable - very sexy. As soon he saw her lying on the floor, he jumped out of bed.
He knelt beside her, she gripped his arm for support. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“My leg, it’s cramping.” She rubbed it back and forth, but the burning didn’t ease.
“What can I do? Do you want the brace?”
She wasn’t exactly sure. “I’m sorry, I’ll just massage it for a bit. No, I hate the brace.”
He scooped her up, laying her down on the bed. Gently, he began to knead the muscles around her knee. “How does that feel?”
“Better.” Content now, she fell back to sleep herself as he climbed into bed, pulling her close to him.
The next time Julia woke, Chris was no longer next to her. For a second, she panicked, gripped with a sudden fear. She nearly bolted out of bed until she heard the faint noise of Chris moving about downstairs, probably making coffee. Flopping back down on the bed, she looked about the room. Everything was neat and in place. No clothes were scattered across the floor. Julia blushed, remembering how quickly she had responded to Chris. He had kissed and touched every inch of her skin. The way their bodies came together, just right. It was nothing like what she was expecting or had experienced before.
Now she glanced around the sunlit room, and felt the fresh sea breeze through the open sliding doors. The white sheer curtains billowed in and out, she could smell relaxation already. It was time to get up. Sighing, she rolled out of bed, looking out the
verandah
onto the private stretch of beach. Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, she groaned. It was already eleven! She had slept most of the morning away.
The luggage Chris had brought up was just inside the door. She gathered some essentials before going into the bathroom. Her jaw dropped at the size of it. There was a huge black and white tub facing the beachside view and a massive glass-screened shower. The tiles were beautifully ornate, the whole bathroom richly designed with a definite masculine feel.
It had Chris’ personality written all over it. This was no resort cabin. She smiled with a shake of her head. The place was likely worth millions. She was pretty certain he owned it.
Running the hot and cold water until the temperature was just right, Julia stepped under the spray. The pelt of water over her limbs and hair invigorated her. She lathered soap all over her body, which was a little sensitive from the previous night.
Once she was done, she switched the faucet off and grabbed a fluffy white towel to wrap around her body. Her image in the mirror made her pause to look at her face, wondering if there was any difference since experiencing her first real orgasm.
Her lips were plump and red, but it was her eyes that really stunned her. Dreamy was the only way she could describe it. She wanted to laugh. A bright red mark was right under her neck next to her ear. If she left her hair free, it would hide the mark. But she pulled her hair up into a ponytail. She didn’t care if the love-bite showed. Somehow, she doubted Chris would forget he was the one who left his mark on her.
Rummaging through her luggage, she picked out a casual pair of black shorts and a pink tank top. Sitting on the edge of the rumpled bed, she buckled the brace again and headed downstairs.
As she made her way down the staircase, she could hear vigorous typing. Sure enough, Chris was perched on a bar stool clicking away at a fast pace on his laptop, a bowl of cereal and a coffee mug next to him. He was wearing only a pair of black boxer shorts. Deep in thought, he hadn’t heard her come down the stairs.
“You’re working?” she queried, coming to stand next to him, glancing at the open email.
Clear frustration was etched in his face as he concentrated hard on reading the email in front of him. “Good morning,” he mumbled, a little distracted. His attention focused on the email in front of him, as he barely glanced her way. She moved to his other side, trying to peer over his shoulder. His eyes continued scanning over the email and he squeezed her hand. He took a deep breath, looked at her, back at the email and then his gaze returned to her and he gave her an appreciative once-over for the briefest second.
“You look amazing. Good morning.” He pulled her in for a quick kiss.
“Are you working?”
He turned back to the computer screen. “Not really, just give me a minute.”
“You are working?” She gave him a half-stern look. “What happened to our rule of no work while we’re away?”
“Sorry, just give me a second. I’m nearly done.” He was shaking his head as he perused the email over and over. Julia glanced over his shoulder, but all she could see was a line of incomprehensible financial figures.
Chris blew out a large breath and shut the laptop screen down. Then, spinning in the stool, he pulled her close for a kiss. Finally, she broke free, sensing his concern. It was unbelievable how easy it was for him to shut down his emotions.
“What’s wrong?” she demanded. “Maybe I can help?”
Chris pulled her back for another kiss, this time opening his lips. Groaning, she again pushed away. “What’s wrong? You don’t look happy. Is it something at work?” she asked, dodging the next attempt to kiss her by pressing a finger to his lips, squashing them.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Chris said. “Now can we…” He tugged at her tank top, but she pushed her hands against his chest.
She managed to duck under his arm, as he came off the stool. “Wait.”
“What’s the matter? Are you
sore
? Your leg, how is it?”
Julia’s face flamed red. She couldn’t believe he’d just asked her that. “What? No! I just want to help with your problem. You know, two heads are better than one. Let me help.”
“And ruin our rule of no work, which I’ve already broken.” Chris rolled his eyes and reached for her. “I’m having a problem right now,” he murmured huskily. “Let’s fix that one and forget about rubbish finance emails.”
He easily lifted her up into his arms. Two strides and they were cushioned in the oversized black leather lounge suite, both still ravenous to explore their passion. When he was kissing her, she forgot all about the email that had concerned him.
Afterwards, they lay together, Julia resting comfortably against the back of the lounge with him pressed against her. Chris was partly covering her body, as he played with her hair by fanning it between his fingers. She liked his mellow mood after all the intense energy.
She decided that quizzing him about his family might be a good idea. She was so curious, he had never revealed much of his life to her.
“Tell me about your family?” She ran her hands down his chest, waiting.
“Hmmm,” he murmured low. “You’ve met my brother Ben and I have a sister, Charlotte, who lives in Paris. My mother, Claire, is in Los Angeles.” Chris shifted, settling his arm behind his head. “You wouldn’t think we’re a close family, but we are. I also have a much younger brother, Dylan, from my father’s second marriage. You’ll love him. He spends a fair bit of time with me when his mother lets him. Dylan is always elusive, on the run with his mother.”
She sat up on her elbow to look over at him, her hand resting on his chest. “Why don’t you like your condo?”
Chris’ frown furrowed his brow and she traced his cheek until he relaxed again. She could see him contemplating whether or not to answer her question. She wondered about that in him, the deep intensity there. Something deep within him that he didn’t want to share.
Finally he muttered, “My parents gave me the condo as a gift for achieving good grades in college. That was the same day they signed their divorce papers.” He was trying to cover his face under his palm, hiding the emotion behind his revelation, but it tensed the muscles of his face.
Sudden understanding fell into place for her. “That would have been hard on you.”
“It wasn’t easy. I had no idea. I was such an idiot. For so long, I got used to them always being apart. I didn’t see it coming.” He shifted and fell silent. “That will never happen to me.”
“So you don’t stay at your condo at all?” Julia asked gently, rubbing her leg over his calf to ease his tension.
He shook his head. “Rarely. Ben has been after my place for ages.” After a moment, he added triumphantly, “Forget about what I said. Finish the renovations and then Ben can have it. I’m serious, just keep going and it’ll be his when you’re done.”
He was so proud of himself for coming with that idea. His eyes lit up, the corner of his mouth turning up in a cheeky grin. She couldn’t help but grin as well, planting a soft kiss on his lips. “And that’s it? The penthouse at the Augustine will be your home?”
Chris ran his hand down her back, resting his palms on the curve of her bottom. “Basically, you could say that.”
“Why, Chris? Don’t you want your own private sanctuary, a place to call your own?” She sucked in a breath when he lean
ed
down to kiss the sensitive curve of her neck.
He contemplated what she said for a few minutes, his brow creased as he continued to skim his hand over her curves. “No, you’re right. I’ll have to find a new place as soon as we get back,” he finished evasively.
Frustrated, Julia knew she wouldn’t get much more out of him. Chris was not one to tell her much. “So, what was the email about?”
Chris glanced up at her, beneath his lashes. She could see his unease, but he refused to let it show in any other way. “It was nothing. You’ve got a good eye for design. Maybe you’ve got some tips on getting a new place, so we could go looking together.”
“Sure,” she muttered, annoyed he had avoided her question.
“I’m going to get some clothes on,” he said, sitting up. “We’ll head down to the markets and eat from the stalls there. I’m starving. You make me hungry, woman. Will you be alright walking?”
“Yeah, it’ll be slow, but I want to see the markets… Christophe?” She stopped him before he could disappear up the stairs. “You own this place, don’t you?”
He chuckled, a cocky grin on his face. “What makes you think that?”
“The bathroom gave it away.” Actually, it wasn’t just the bathroom that gave it away for Julia, but the entire house. It all seemed “Chris” to her. “And next door too?”
He raised a brow. “It’s that obvious?”
“This place has been designed for you, very cosmopolitan, masculine, and it screams your personality. You can’t fool this designer. Resort cabin, my butt. I wonder what next door looks like.”
“Actually, next door is Ben’s place.” Chris laughed. “Well, it’s a gorgeous butt, Jules. And I notice you always use my full name when you want to rattle me.”
Then he disappeared up the stairs.
She slipped back into her shorts and tank top, glad for the time away to get to know Chris better. She glanced over at his laptop with the disturbing email. For a second, she was tempted to open it back up and read the email. No, she wouldn’t dare break the trust between them.
When he returned downstairs, he was wearing a pair of army cut-offs with a black t-shirt splattered with multi-
colors
. She loved the way he dressed.
“Ready?” He headed for the screen door, turning back to stop and wait. Julia lifted herself up off the couch with her crutches and joined him.
They headed off for the markets. It wasn’t far at all and the bustle of the market was lively. The exotic smells and spices tantalized the senses. They took their time, inspecting each individual stall. Julia loved the markets. She was perusing unusual items of one stall, completely absorbed in the statues and collectables.
“I’m going to get us some fried plantain, it’s good stuff. Don’t go anywhere.” Chris headed off toward the food stall.
“Oh!” Julia cried out, finding the perfect ornament.
The old woman sitting down under the tarp of the stall smiled a toothless grin. The statue was unique, made of metal and wood. The two figures were embraced in a dance pose and Julia fell in love with the disproportionate figures in an odd way. The heads were out of balance, the legs were exaggerated in length, but the sensual dancer embrace was what Julia loved about the statue.
Chris joined her a few moments later when Julia was trying to communicate with the woman in Spanish. He handed Julia a piping hot fried plantain, while giving the statue an odd look.
“What’s that?” He frowned at the statue Julia was holding in her hand.
“Don’t look at it like that, Chris. It’s two dancers together, can’t you see?” Julia turned the statue so Chris could see the two figures embracing better.