Authors: Chanta Rand
Chapter
12
“Do you think Charly will like this one?”
Destiny held up a multicolored sarong for Irene to see. The muted blues reminded her of the tranquil waters the Maldives was famous for.
The price tag was so reasonable, Destiny thought of buying a second one as a souvenir for Phaedra.
“Ooh, that is pretty,” Irene agreed. “But you don’t have to buy her anything. She’s not expecting it, I can assure you.”
“I want to,” Destiny persisted. “Plus, she’s been so sweet to me, and she hardly knows me.”
In fact, all of the ladies had been sweet to her. Irene had welcomed her with open arms. Kendra had
insisted she come on this shopping trip. And Charly had not batted an eye at having an extra guest at the wedding. Destiny had never been in the company of such professional women–at least none that didn’t have a hidden agenda. This was like having sisters. She didn’t realize how lonely she was for female companionship until now.
“Well, if Charly
doesn’t want it, I’ll take it,” Kendra joked. She pulled a matching blouse from a nearby sales rack. “I’ll make it part of my permanent work uniform.”
Destiny laughed. She knew Kendra and Mark co-owned a travel agency and a scuba-diving company.
Kendra was the first female entrepreneur she’d ever met. The business Kendra and Mark had built was impressive. Destiny wondered if she’d ever be that successful. She pushed away a twinge of jealousy. She was sure Kendra worked hard to become the woman she was today.
“
Still, it must be nice to be the boss and wear whatever you want to work,” Destiny said.
“It has its perks.”
“And you get to work with a handsome guy every day,” Irene reminded her.
Kendra elbowed
Destiny. “We both do!”
As
Destiny pulled another sarong from the rack, a wave of sorrow threatened to drown her. “It’s not like that with me and Cayson.”
“What do you mean?”
Destiny’s eyes darted toward Irene. It felt weird to be discussing Cayson with his mother around. “Um, I don’t know. I don’t think he’s attracted to me the way Mark was to you.”
“
Are you crazy?” Irene interjected. “Anyone can see Cayson is head-over-heels for you.”
Destiny’s pulse raced at the thought of Cayson
crushin’ on her. But Irene had no way of knowing what happened last night; how Cayson left her during one of the most vulnerable periods in her life. Shouldn’t a woman’s first time making love leave her feeling joyous? Emancipated? Like Leonardo DiCaprio when he stood with arms outstretched on the Titanic. She didn’t feel like the Queen of the World. Except for the tenderness between her legs, she felt nothing except regret.
“
Let’s just say he’s a hard man to figure out,” Destiny explained.
“He can be moody,” Irene conceded. “Especially when things don’t go his way.”
Kendra snorted. “Then, he’s the same as all men. They get cranky when they’re sick, and juvenile when they don’t get their way.” She shot an apologetic glance at Irene. “No offense.”
Irene smiled. “None taken. After all, I raised three Sulliv
an men. I know everything about them–the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
“
Maybe you can give me some insight,” Destiny said. “I’m not sure what he wants.”
“Now, that’s where I have to step in,” Kendra advised. “Pay no attention to what he wants. You’
ve got to be the woman you’re comfortable being. If a man isn’t attracted to who you are, he’s not the man for you.”
Irene agreed. “That’s right.
You can’t change yourself for anyone, including my son. But I have a feeling you’re being too hard on yourself.” She patted Destiny on the shoulder. “Cayson adores you just the way you are. The problem is he’s been running wild for so many years he can’t face the fact that he’s met his match.”
“You think I’m his match?”
“Honey, yes!”
Kendra giggled. “I agree. He had the proverbial lovesick puppy look on his face the entire night. I’ve never seen Cayson so enamored with a woman.”
Destiny let out a deep breath. She knew about his playboy reputation. She knew there hadn’t been one woman to hold his interest for long. Sadly, she thought she might fall into that bucket too. She would
heed Kendra’s advice. She’d be her own woman. If Cayson liked it, great. If not, she’d live.
Although I’d probably be miserable without him.
She brushed her negative thoughts aside. She had to believe in herself. Six weeks ago, she didn’t need anyone. She depended on her wits get her through any obstacle. Now, it was as if she couldn’t function without the man.
“
Of all the Sullivan men, Cayson is the most complicated,” Irene told her. “Tell him exactly how you feel, and put an end to this nonsense.”
Destiny nodded.
“Thanks, Irene. I’ll do that.”
“Atta girl.”
Irene hugged her, and then pulled back. “Girl, you’re a tangle of nerves.” She massaged Destiny’s shoulders. “You need the talents of a good masseuse.”
“Yes!” Kendra
echoed. “Let’s all get a massage. There’s a great spa back on the mainland not far from the restaurant where we ate last night.”
“Great idea,” Irene
gushed. “We should pick Charly up first. I’m sure the bride-to-be could use some pampering at the spa.”
Destiny
warmed to the idea. “Sounds good to me.” This trip was full of firsts. She’d never had a professional massage before. She’d never traveled outside of St. Louis before yesterday. She’d never made love before last night. And she’d definitely never been surrounded by sweeter-than-sweet relatives. She could imagine being a part of this family one day. But first, she had to get Cayson speaking to her again.
********
Destiny’s bones felt like Jell-O. It was no wonder Irene pushed for a massage. Having the tension kneaded from her muscles was the most heavenly feeling she’d ever experienced. Even better than Ben and Jerry’s Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch.
After being spoiled at the spa, the five women (including Charly’s daughter, Joi) enjoyed a leisurely lunch before returning to their bungalows.
Instead of catching up on her beauty rest, Destiny headed for the beach.
Now, she lay on her stomach, stretched across her oversized towel, basking beneath the warm glow of the sun. She had two more days before she returned home. She was not going to waste a single minute. The sunshine heated her from her shoulder blades to the backs of her heels. She didn’t care that her backside was partially exposed from the string bikini she wore. She was in paradise. She could do as she pleased.
“I hope you don’t mind if
I slather some sunscreen on you,” she heard a voice offer. “It’d be a shame for that beautiful ass to get burned.”
She
looked up to find Cayson sitting next to her. He was so quiet, she hadn’t heard him approach. She nodded, not wanting to speak. She’d let him talk first. She closed her eyes as he rubbed sunblock over her back and buttocks. Even the simple act of his long fingers spreading the lotion over her skin made her temperature rise.
How does he
always manage to turn me on so easily?
After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke. “Destiny, I’m sorry. I acted like a jack
ass.”
“And?”
“And I had no right to treat you that way.”
“And?”
“And I’m begging for your forgiveness.”
She rolled
onto her side and propped herself up on one elbow. “I’ve been through a lot in life, but that was probably one of the most painful moments I’ve endured.”
“I can only imagine.”
“I gave myself to you and you rejected me for it.”
He nodded. “I apologize.”
“I felt so betrayed.”
“Okay, okay,” he held his hands up in surrender. “I’m trying my best
here, Destiny. I screwed up. How many ways can I say it? I hurt you. I know. I can’t change that. All I can do is move forward.”
She looked down, studying the thick threads of her tow
el. She knew he was sincere. She met his eyes again. “I wasn’t prepared for your reaction.”
“How do you think I feel?
You seemed like the last person who would be a virgin.”
Her breath caught. “
What’s that supposed to mean? You think I’m a slut or something?”
“No.”
He caressed her cheek. “I would never think that of you.”
“
Is it because I was in foster care? Or because I’m a struggling, young black woman?”
“
Your race has never been an issue, Destiny. I would hope you would think better of me.
I didn’t suspect you’d be a virgin because you seem so…confident. So flirtatious.”
There it was again. The insinuation that she was a tease. That remark hurt almost as much as his rejection of her last night.
“A girl can’t flirt?”
“You did more than flirt.
You talked dirty to me.”
“And you loved it. Admit it: you got a boner every time I looked your way.”
His dark gaze raked across her body. “I don’t have to admit it. I think you already know how bad I wanted you–still want you.”
“Then, why
did you freak out? I thought you would feel privileged to be my first lover.”
“I know
everything there is to know about getting laid. I’ve had plenty of women. Ever since I can remember, females have been throwing themselves at me. I never had to coax anyone to have sex.” He stroked her hand. “I’m not saying this to brag. I’m telling you that for the first time in my life, I had a partner who knew absolutely nothing about lovemaking. I’m ashamed to confess, I didn’t know how to handle you, Destiny. I guess I just panicked.”
She squeezed his hand. “You don’t have to
trip around me. If you don’t know to handle me, just ask. Anything you want to know, I’ll tell you. I have no secrets.”
“
Fair enough. While we’re sharing, I want you to know that I’m honored to be your first. I regret the experience wasn’t pleasurable for you.”
She grinned. “I didn’t say it wasn’t pleasurable. You m
ade my knees buckle.”
“
I wanted you to make you want me like I want you.”
As though drawn by some
powerful magnetic force, their heads bowed towards each other. Cayson’s lips plied hers apart. He took command, putting his stamp of passion on her mouth and making her whimper in response. He teased and nibbled her bottom lip, tenderly sucking her mouth, setting her body on fire in the process. When his tongue swept inside and boldly stroked the insides of her mouth, she returned the favor, fondling his tongue with her own, enjoying the erotic dance. His hands cupped her face, his fingers trailing whisper-soft caresses down her cheeks, her chin, and finally, her neck.
She wondered if it was possible to self-combust from passion. She pulled away, breathless.
“I said you could ask me any question, Cayson. But I have one for you.”
“
Ask me anything.”
“
Can you show me some of those sexual positions you were talking about?”
The raw
sensuality in his eyes gave her goose bumps. “I thought you’d never ask.”
********
Mark’s boat was docked near the office he shared with his wife, Kendra. It was a smart investment on his part and a necessity for conducting his snorkeling tour business. Cayson took full advantage of the empty boat. It wasn’t in operation due to Dane’s wedding tomorrow. Below deck, the modest schooner was roomy with space for a kitchenette, a shower, and a sizeable sofa that converted into a wide bunk.
They’d barely descended the bleached wood stairs before Cayson pulled Destiny into his arms.
This time he would do things right. He would show her how a woman should be made love to. He would prove he wasn’t some insensitive animal. He stared into her eyes, seeing the barest hint of hesitation. “Thank you for giving me a second chance,” he told her. “I promise you won’t regret it.”
She fluttered her long lashes.
“I can’t deny you, Cayson. That’s why I chose you.”
Cayson’
s heart leapt at Destiny’s admission. She tugged the collar of his shirt and pulled him toward her again. This time, she was the aggressor, sliding her tongue smoothly into his mouth. He accepted her invitation, placing his hands on her waist and grinding his pelvis against hers. His dick was harder than concrete, and he wanted her to know it. He palmed her backside, pulling the narrow strip of fabric that covered her smooth globes to the side. A red-hot friction sparked as he dry humped her. He knew she could feel the power of his cock straining against his swim trunks and rubbing her clit.
He suckled her tongue, delving deep, then pulling back to tease and nibble her lips, then delving back in deep again.
He switched his focus, groping her full breasts, tweaking the buds of her nipples with his thumbs. All he could think of was having his hands pressed against her bare nipples. He trailed kisses down her throat, nuzzling his nose in her full cleavage. He pushed her bikini top aside, and then dipped his head low and feasted, showering each dark nipple with lavish attention. He pulled the puckered buds into his mouth and softly licked and caressed each one. Roughness had its place, but not when he was introducing Destiny to new pleasures. There would be time later for him to show her his bag of tricks. Right now, he planned on kissing every inch of her lush curves until she begged for mercy.