The Second Time Around (12 page)

Brenna looked deep into the dark depths of his eyes. She knew then that she'd worry about the consequences later because she needed him now.

To answer his question, she raised on her tiptoes and pressed her body against his. Jabarie pulled her even closer and ground his hips against her. She felt his erection, hot and hard, against her belly and she smiled, loving the fact that she could still invoke such a passionate response from his body.

Jabarie needed no further encouragement. He took her hand and led her down to the lower deck. She allowed him to lead her into the room, knowing this was her last time to say no. But why say no when it wasn't at all what she wanted. She wanted him. She wanted him in her, over her, beside her. This was her choice, her decision and she had made it. And whatever the consequences were, she would deal with them later.

As soon as the door was shut, Jabarie bent to capture her mouth with a passion that could no longer be denied. His tongue sought hers and they entwined.

His mouth incited a firestorm in Brenna. He nibbled on her bottom lip, sucking gently on her flesh and sent shivers of awareness pulsing through her.

His kiss consumed her. His arms held her against him, and the warm pressure of his chest against her aching nipples was enough to make her knees weaken.

Pulling back slightly, Jabarie caught her hand in his, brought it to his lips and stilled her trembling.

She forced a smile. “Is this where you seduce all your women?”

His grip tightened on her hand. A muscle at his jaw ticked before his mouth softened into a slow smile. “You're the only one I've ever brought aboard the
Beaumont Beauty
. The only one I've ever wanted to do everything for, give everything to.”

Brenna tried to shrug off his sweet words, believing he was saying what he thought she wanted to hear. But as she stared into his face, reading his expression, she saw the truth as clear as his desire. His words had a clear meaning. Part of her brain was flickering a red warning light, while the other challenged her to be as honest with him as he was with her. He had arranged this cruise so that he could spend time with her alone. How could she find fault in that? Brenna swallowed hard and no longer feared the feelings and emotions the night would resurrect; instead she was ready to take everything he had to offer. She felt only an overwhelming heat that surged through her and burned out everything but her deepest needs.

She took a step forward. He slipped a hand between the folds of her dress and caressed the underside of her breast.

She shuddered at his touch. “I can't think.”

He came back and nuzzled her throat, then her ear. “Don't think, just feel. I've missed you, missed this.” He cupped her breast then kissed his way down from her ear past the hollow in her throat to the moist valley between her breasts. “You smell good.”

“Oh,” she sighed. With his hands and mouth on her body, it was hard to remember why she had been angry with him, or how rejected and alone she'd felt after she'd left. All she could think about was what was happening now.

While staring intensely at her, Jabarie reached out and cupped her bare breast, teasing her nipple in lazy circles with his thumb. “Do you like that?” he asked. “Tell me you like that.”

“You know I like that,” she gasped. “I always have.” Jabarie had always known what she liked.

Her nipple hardened into hot pebbles. He lowered his head and drew her nipple into his mouth and suckled the sensitive bud. She arched beneath him with a little cry that exploded from her lips. After another sharp intake of breath which was quickly followed by a low moan, he painted a path with his tongue, moving from one nipple to the other. Her pulse raced and her nipples were tight knots of desire, while her breasts ached in his hands. When she didn't think she could stand a second more, he released her and stepped back.

With his eyes holding hers, Jabarie removed his shoes and socks. His hands went to the buttons of his shirt.

“Let me,” she whispered then stepped forward. She undid the buttons slowly, then put her lips to his chest as she parted his shirt and licked his nipples.

He groaned then yanked his shirt off and threw it on the floor, revealing a torso that had haunted her dreams for years. It was hard and defined and covered with a fine coat of dark black hair. Encouraged, she kissed and licked his chest, the ridges of his ribcage and the flat torso, causing him to shudder.

Laughing, Brenna blew warm air on his belly and unzipped his trousers. They fell to his ankles followed by his boxers. She took his stiff rod in her hand and lowered to her knees in front of him and caressed him. He was slick and hot, pulsing in her hand.

She enjoyed the feel of him, anticipating what would come, then took her hand away and allowed her tongue to travel the long, hard length of him until he groaned.

Breath coming fast, he reached down and lifted her to her feet. “No more.”

He put his hands at her waist, and she put her hands on his shoulders as he walked her back towards the bed, easing her down onto her back, her legs open.

He stood between her legs, looking down at her with possessive intent. Reaching out, he slipped her silk thong off, and brought it to his nose. “Hmm. I've never forgotten your fragrance.” He held her eyes as he breathed deeply, absorbing her scent. “This smell has always belonged to me.”

Brenna shuddered under his gaze, uneasy with his claim to her, thrilled that he still found her attractive. He dropped her panties to the floor and took her ankles, lifting and spreading them wide, and studied her intimate secrets.

“Put your legs on my shoulders.”

She did as he asked, and he studied her while he ran his hands down her calves, then her thighs, stopping short of touching her where she wanted his hand most. She couldn't hold back the whimper of disappointment and arched her hips in invitation. But he ignored her and had every intention of doing this his way. She groaned inwardly. It was apparent as he retraced his path, that rushing was not on the agenda this evening. Just as she was prepared to scream, he turned his head and used his tongue to outline her ankle. She quivered on contact. It was a combination of a tickle and erotic delight that she couldn't begin to describe.

“My shoes.” She wiggled the foot still wearing high-heeled gold sandals.

“Leave them on.”

Impatiently, she waited for what he would do next. He let her legs slide down his body until her feet rested on the bed.

“Would you like me to taste you?” he asked.

When she nodded, he pushed her thighs apart and sank between her legs. Brenna wrapped her legs around his shoulders. “Yes.”

Jabarie lowered his head and Brenna felt his hot breath on her tender folds. She quivered, waiting for his tongue, and when his finally touched her there, no more than a gentle caress, she clutched the sheets and caught her lower lip between her teeth.

“Oh, yeah,” she moaned. “More, please.”

He looked up at her and replied, “No worries, sweetheart. I've been waiting five years to taste you again.”

After his declaration, Jabarie slid his large hands under her bottom to lift her to his mouth. His fingers kneaded her buttocks; his thumbs held her firmly in place. He buried his face in her essence, inhaling deeply, rubbing his mouth across her damp channel. She closed her eyes, all her senses concentrated on the hooded area. When his mouth closed over it and pulled it gently into her mouth, she gave a strange, tortured cry and her fingers moved to the back of his head to hold him in place.

In the distance, the soft crash of the waves rolled in a rhythm as mesmerizing as his mouth on her. He pleasured her with long strokes, lazy licks, even tiny nibbles on her flesh, pushing her ever closer to the edge. She cried out in pleasure and bucked her hips to his face. She wanted every morsel of what he had to offer. It wasn't long before heat flared through her body and her breath caught, her body arching as she cried out his name and climaxed.

Jabarie lowered her cheeks back onto the bed then his fingers traveled around to her entrance and he slipped two fingers inside. Her hips rocked against his mouth while she begged and pleaded for him to take her. Instead, he spread her legs wider. He dipped one finger into her warm juices, then eased the tip into her as he teased her bud with his tongue. His tongue and his fingers worked together, alternately driving in and withdrawing. He was driving her wild. Every move he made sent a whirlwind of awareness through her. Panting heavily, she arched her hips into his face again.

“Oh, yes, don't stop!” she pleaded.

He kept up the dual thrusts for a few more moments then drew back and positioned her at the center of the bed. When he lowered on top of her, it felt right. A sob clogged her throat. She felt protected in his arms.

He lifted himself up on his elbows and looked down at her. “Everything okay?”

Right now everything in her world was right. “No.”

“Is there something you want me to do?”

Her mind was a jumble of sensations, of arousal. “Yes. I want to feel you inside of me.”

After reaching over to the side table, he pulled on a condom and her hand followed his, moving quickly to the base. He groaned then kissed her slow and deep as he positioned himself at her entrance. He teased her by rubbing against her clit, easing inside, then withdrawing, pushing into her an inch, letting out a low groan and pulling back.

Brenna writhered beneath him. Her nipples were so hard they grazed against his bare skin. Each touch threatening what little self-control she had left. She wanted him and she wanted him right now. “Stop teasing.” She grabbed his hips and tugged him into her, demanding more than he'd given her.

He plunged, satisfying her demand, thrusting deeply. His breath escaped him in a long hiss as he sank deeply inside her. She cried out at his penetration. It had been too long. She felt filled, her muscles working with his, tightening and releasing as he plunged and pulled back.

“Please,” she pleaded. “Make love to me.”

“I wouldn't have it any other way.” He smiled down at her and started moving again. This time slow, deep thrusts. Her thighs opened wider and she locked her ankles behind his back.

It lasted forever. It was over in a moment. She held him as he rode her. The tension built. Each thrust brought intense pleasure and speed as he rode hard inside her body. It was wild. It was madness. She came an instant before he did. Her orgasm went on and on, as she tightened her inner muscles around him.

He came long and hard, his body arched. Every muscle in his arms corded with tension. His breathing came in furious, hot gushes, scorching her face and temples as his face contorted with passion.

At last, he collapsed and dropped his head onto the pillow beside hers. His breath now was labored, deep pants that matched hers.

He stilled. As her breath evened out, she became aware of the length of his legs wrapped around hers, his smooth torso resting on hers. She lifted her arms and drew him closer, nuzzling at his neck. The pulse in his throat beat hard and fast. He had his eyes closed and his mouth partly opened as he recovered.

“I didn't expect things to get that out of control. I had planned to make it last a lot longer,” he muttered.

She panted still. “Any longer and I'd have passed out.”

He smiled. She watched an expression of supreme satisfaction cross his face. “Next time.”

Brenna clung to him. She'd never experienced anything like that before. Not even when they were together. Oh, the sex had always been the bomb, but today it was in a category all of its own.

T
he next morning, sunlight beamed through the small window. Brenna woke slowly, not ready yet to let go of the tranquility that surrounded her. She rolled over, aware of a slight ache between her legs, and smiled. Last night, Jabarie made love to her! Part of her had expected to wake up to find that it had all been a dream. Reaching out for Jabarie, she found him gone and his side of the bed was cold. But she knew he had been there. She could see the indentation on his pillow. Grabbing his pillow, she brought it to her chest and could smell the faint, masculine scent of him.
Unbelievable.
She was astonished by the sense of fulfillment she felt because for the first time in five years, she felt complete.

Closing her eyes, her smile deepened as the events of the night before came flooding back. Jabarie had made her feel like a woman, but then, he had always been an excellent lover. He'd touched, kissed and stroked then held her tenderly as she came apart in his arms. Afterwards, when their hearts had slowed, he'd whispered passionate words near her ear. He'd made her feel truly special and most importantly, missed. And she could no longer deny that what was happening between them was a lot more than just sex.

Brenna tightened her hold on the pillow as feelings she had thought were long since dead, swelled her heart. Her own driven need to have him buried inside her body last night, again and again, shocked her and had conjured up the possibility that maybe they had a chance of getting back together and getting it right this time.

Impossible.
She squeezed her eyelids together afraid to even think that thought completely through. What if they could? Would she be willing to risk her heart a second time? But then came the scariest question of all—what if she was wrong and just caught up in the moment?

She groaned and rolled onto her back as her mind continued its tortured train of thought. It was ridiculous. There was nothing going on between them but lust. What she thought was happening wasn't really happening and just an unconscious yearning to go back to the way things used to be. Regardless of what she was feeling, she just wasn't willing to risk her heart again. Opening her eyes, she released a heavy sigh, expecting at any moment now to feel a hint of regret. But despite everything, she had no second thoughts about what had occurred last night. Even if she had wanted to there was no way to change what had happened between them. Last night had been special, a brief rekindling of what they once had and she would hold the moment forever close to her heart. The worse thing she could do at this point was to make it more than it really was.

Laughter and raised voices caused her to sit up and peer out her window. She blinked as a powerboat passed, creating waves and zipping through the ocean. Growing up on the ocean, one thing she loved was water sports.

The phone on the wall rang and it took a moment for her to realize the call was probably intended for her. She moved across the bed and grabbed it on the fourth ring.

“Get up, sleepyhead. I'm sending Carmen down with some coffee. Meet me on the deck for breakfast in twenty minutes.” Jabarie didn't give her time to agree or to protest. With a smile, she rose from the bed and moved into the shower.

When Brenna came out of the bathroom, a pot of coffee waited for her on the dresser. She filled a mug and sipped while she dressed in red shorts, a white tube top and flip-flops. Coffee in hand, she moved up onto the deck and found Jabarie sitting at a small table chewing on a croissant. He smiled when he spotted her coming and slowly rose from the chair to greet her. “Good morning.”

He was wearing swim trunks and nothing else. Her throat went dry, while she stared at his broad chest. He was fabulous with large biceps, washboard abs, defined pectorals and lean legs. Jabarie came around the table and circled her in his arms, pressing his lips to hers. With him staring down at her, Brenna knew he was thinking about last night. She too remembered and it brought a flush to her cheeks.

“You hungry?” he asked, and the look in his eyes told her he was talking about something other than food. The thought of his hands on her body made her skin sensitive all over again. Her knees wobbled. She felt moisture gathering between her thighs, even her breasts felt heavier, more tender. She leaned closer to him, absorbing his heat and scent.

“Yes, I could eat a little something.” She wasn't sure where she found the strength to step back and lower in the chair.

Jabarie returned to his chair as well and slid over a tray of croissants, fresh fruit and bacon.

Brenna reached for a slice of bacon. “What time are we heading back today?” she asked between chews.

“We're not,” he replied as he reached for his coffee mug.

Her smile faded. “What do you mean, we're not?”

“I mean we're going to stay out here until tomorrow morning.”

“But I have to get back to open the store,” she protested.

Shaking his head, he speared a slice of honeydew melon. “No, you don't.”

“Jabarie, I'd appreciate it if you'd stop speaking in riddles,” she snapped.

The corner of his mouth twitched then inched upward as he tried and failed to bite back a grin. “I mean that Ms. Nellie and I had a long talk and we both agreed that you needed to take some time off and relax. So she decided to close the store for two days,” he added when a frown appeared between her eyes.

Crossing her arms against her breasts, Brenna glared across the table at him. “How dare you trick me into coming out here with you!”

“I didn't trick you into coming out here, you agreed. But now that we're here we can use this time to ourselves. Whether you want to or not, we need to talk about us. Besides,” he said quietly, “I needed a break and I'm sure you needed the same.”

She bit down on her bottom lip until it pulsed between her teeth. He was right. She hadn't had a vacation in years. Some weeks, Brenna worked seven days straight, barely stopping long enough to rest. What he said was true, but that didn't make it right.

Reaching across the table, he lightly stroked her arm. “Consider this a mini vacation.”

She couldn't resist staring off into the peaceful blue water. Even though she was angry, he was right. She did need a vacation.

Brenna finished her food in silence and Jabarie who had sensed her anger, left to check with the captain while she finished her food in private. As soon as she was done, Brenna moved onto the bow of the yacht and lowered onto one of the chaise lounge chairs. It was a gorgeous morning. A cool gentle breeze caressed her skin while she lowered her sunglasses onto her eyes and enjoyed the Maryland sun. She wouldn't admit it but she was glad to be spending another day aboard the
Beaumont Beauty
.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing, just enjoying the moment,” she replied, eyes still closed. “I'm on a beautiful yacht. The weather is gorgeous.” Brenna sighed. “It don't get no better than that!”

He laughed along with her. “I guess that means you're no longer mad at me.”

She pursed her lips. “I'm not mad. Just don't appreciate you and my aunt scheming.”

“You can't blame a brotha for trying.” He bent down over her chair and captured her lips in a hot, searing kiss. “There is no place I'd rather be. I'm hoping to spend the day together, relaxing and being adventurous.”

Brenna sat up some on the chair. “What do you have in mind?”

Jabarie wagged his brow suggestively. “You'll have to wait and see.”

She snorted rudely. “I think I'd rather read my book instead.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “Too late. I tossed it over the side of the boat while you were still sleeping.”

She snatched her glasses from her eyes. “You didn't?”

“Okay, maybe I didn't,” he teased. “But it's hidden where you won't find it until we return to shore tomorrow.” He scooped her up into his arms and she squealed. “We are out in the middle of nowhere. And I'm holding you captive.”

“Does that mean I'm your prisoner?” she asked around a giggle.

“Yep.”

His words swept over her. He was teasing her, yet it didn't stop the tingling she felt at the pit of her stomach. Smiling, Brenna hadn't felt this comfortable in years. While in Dallas she was serious, professional and lived by a schedule. But back on the East coast, she was rediscovering herself and seeing a side she hadn't realized was missing until now. She was laughing, feeling relaxed and living for the moment.

“How about a swim?” he asked as he lowered her back to her feet.

She frowned as she lowered back onto the lounge chair. “I didn't bring a suit. If I had known you planned to kidnap me I would have come prepared.”

“You don't need one,” he said with mischief gleaming in his eyes.

Her brow rose. “Are you serious?”

“Sure. There's nothing wrong with skinny dipping.” With her brow raised, he continued. “There's nothing out here for miles but me and you.”

Brenna remembered the motor boat disturbing the water this morning and the couple behind the wheel, then she looked at him for a long, thoughtful moment before she giggled and rose from the chair. “Last one in is a rotten egg,” she said then kicked off her flip-flops and reached for her shirt.

Jabarie was a competitor who liked to win, but as he watched Brenna slip the white tube top over her head he froze. All he could do was stare at her heavy, firm breasts. When she found him watching her, she tilted her head to the side. “Are you letting me win?” she asked as her fingers toyed with her waistband.

Her voice was a purr that tickled his senses and left him speechless. Jabarie struggled to get his thoughts under control. “No, not at all,” he answered, his voice thick with desire. Watching her, he realized that he wanted more from this day than just a pleasant outing. Their relationship was more complex than a man simply wanting a woman. No longer was he trying to get her out of his system. It wasn't going to happen. Deep in his heart, he knew he wanted her back in his life permanently and was willing to do whatever he needed to do for the next twenty-four hours to show Brenna that she, too, in fact, wanted the same.

Giggling softly, she reached for her shorts and pushed them over her hips and down her legs. A pair of pink low-riding panties hugged her hips. He balled his fists at his sides as she straightened.

Frowning, Brenna glanced over her shoulder at him. “I'm going to win,” she said, taunting him as she pivoted on her heel and lowered her panties.

His throat turned dry and lust throbbed at his groin. The sight of her naked body had his pulse racing.

Brenna looked over the side of the rail at the ocean below. “I'm curious. Once we jump how are we going to get back up?”

Jabarie swallowed hard. “There's a ladder at the back we can use to reboard.”

“Cool. I guess I'll see you in the water.” Then she took a leap off the edge of the boat.

Jabarie's trunks caught on his feet and he kicked them off just before he tumbled over the side. As the water closed over his head, he heard the sound of her laughter filling the air. He pushed to the surface and enjoyed the feel of the water flowing around him. It was surprisingly warm. He swam over to Brenna and came up behind her. Reaching for her, he skimmed his hand down her spine. He felt her tremble beneath his touch.

“I won,” she said while doggy paddling.

He glanced over at her. “I let you win.”

“Oh really?” she said, as he pulled her closer and treaded water to keep them both above the surface.

“Yes. We both know I'm a better swimmer than you,” he said.

She pulled away from him. “Since when?”

“Since always.”

“That's what you think,” she said, and took off. He followed her easily, making out the shape of her caramel legs under the water. Jabarie caught her ankle and pulled her to him, using a powerful scissor kick to bring them both to the surface.

He loved the way she moved against him. Already, he had a hard-on and felt as if he was going to explode if he didn't get inside her soon. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer before cupping her breast in his hand.

“I'm good at everything I do,” he murmured close to her ear.

“Sounds like someone has a big head,” she replied with a wry grin.

“I'll prove it,” he said. Already he wanted, needed her again. Five hours had been too long. Still, he knew he had to take this slow, because despite her teasing Brenna still wasn't ready to talk about their past, and he didn't want to cloud their relationship with sex.

Brenna pushed away from his hold and dived under the water. She still hadn't surfaced when he felt her hand on his knee, skimming up the inside of his thigh. She cupped his length in her hand.

“Oh!” he gasped, then forgot to tread water and started to go under.

She surfaced a few inches from him. “I don't know if you noticed, but I'm also good at what I do.”