Worth the Wait (20 page)

She arched her back and inhaled sharply. Using his hands and tongue, he fondled, bit, and pinched her until she squirmed beneath him. Her fingers drew lines down his waist and tugged at the drawstring of his pants. Without breaking contact with his mouth, he raised his hips and she used her feet to disrobe him.

Skin to skin, Vivi felt feminine and soft despite being fit. Her flesh broke into goose bumps with each stroke of his hand or tongue.

“Mmm,” she purred.

Her knees fell apart as he reached between her legs.

“God.” He looked down the length of her. “You’re so ready.”

“I’ve been ready for you forever,” she said as she kissed his chest.

“Jesus . . . I really can’t wait.” He bit her shoulder and thrust himself home.

She gasped. He kissed her hard and began a slow withdraw. She dug her hands into his hips.

“Wait,” she breathed. He looked into her glassy eyes.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No.” She looked at him in wonder. “Now we’re finally as one.”

Air raced from his lungs as he gazed in her eyes, which revealed endless stores of love. It gripped his soul and undid him.

As one
. They’d always shared an innate understanding of each other. Now their bodies moved in unison and, for the first time in a very long time, he felt at home. It scared him shitless.

Her hips rolled forward, scattering his thoughts.

“I knew you’d feel this good,” she murmured before closing her eyes and lifting her spine off the mattress.

Her inner muscles squeezed him, urging him to move.

“Tell me where to touch you,” he uttered. “What excites you?”

“You do,” she whispered. “No hands needed.”

When he looked at her quizzically, she said, “Everything you do and say excites me.”

Passion and affection fused within him. He pushed her arms above her head and kissed her as he began to meet her rocking hips with his own. He struggled to maintain control with easy, steady movements while he watched her. Her unpracticed, yet thoroughly erotic, touches enthralled him. His heart pounded in his chest as he nipped at her face, shoulder, and breasts.

As his pace increased, he worried he might break her tiny frame, which didn’t seem capable of withstanding the punishing tempo. She bit her lip and moaned, lifting her hips to meet his. “God, yes, David. Don’t stop!”

He couldn’t stop if he wanted to, which he didn’t. Everything blurred. He was dizzy with ecstasy.

“Oh! Oh, David. Yes, yes.” Her muscles contracted around him as her body shuddered beneath him. The sight and feel of her orgasm triggered his own. Each cell in his body seemed to explode simultaneously. A string of expletives burst from his lips. Before he blinked, he spilled deep inside her.

For an instant everything went dark, then he woke from his haze. His face lay buried against the side of hers. He spent a moment enjoying the feeling of her hands softly caressing his back.

So much mine.

He kissed her neck and thrust himself in deeper, needing to feel closer. Then it hit him.

“Oh, shit, Vivi. I forgot a condom.” He propped up on his elbows to look at her, stunned. “I’ve never forgotten before.”

“It’s okay.” She stretched her neck to kiss him. “I’m on the pill.”

He narrowed his gaze. “Why?”

“My cycle is irregular.” She blushed. “The pill makes life predictable.”

“There are other protections to consider.”

“I’m not worried. If you always wear one, then you’re safe. I know I am. We’re all good.” She smiled and ran her hands through his hair, letting her finger slide down his forehead to rub the frown line between his eyes. “Don’t stress and ruin everything, okay?”

He kissed her again. “Okay.”

He withdrew from her and rolled onto his back, dragging her alongside of him. Her fingers traced the lines of his chest. Closing his eyes, he relived the unforgettable orgasm.

Had it been so incredible because he hadn’t been wearing a condom? Doubtful. His connection with her ran far deeper than he was prepared to consider or admit. Foreboding collided with his pleasure as he realized, despite his warnings and her consent, he probably wouldn’t escape this night without some regret. But regret could wait. Right now he’d enjoy his time alone with her.

Peace settled over him while laying with her in the dark. Her soft breath brushed against his skin as she ran her hands along the planes of his torso. Since they’d met, he’d thought of her as his
muñequita—
one he wanted to protect
.

His sexual desire for her this week still shocked him. Had absence made his heart grow fonder, or had he simply been blind all those years? Why’d she have to fit so perfectly against his body?

If David were convinced they could last a lifetime, he might risk everything. Yet how could he know that now, when these feelings were so new, and when his faith in love was shaken? The stakes were too high, and the likelihood of a breakup too great.

She’d harbored a crush on him in the past. But her idealized vision of him didn’t match reality, even if she wouldn’t believe him. He could never make her happy long-term. She’d grow to resent his time commitment to work. She’d become bored with his staid emotions.

She believed in everlasting love, and since he no longer did, he doubted he could be the man to give her the kind of commitment and family she deserved.

So they would share one single night of passion. He’d content himself with memorizing every second of it so he could enjoy it again in his daydreams.

“David?”

“Hmm?” He caressed her shoulder and threaded his fingers through her hair.

She rested her chin on his chest. “More.”

“More what?” He pushed her wild hair away from her eyes.

“More you,” she said before nibbling on his jaw.

He briefly hesitated, sensing the more time they spent intimately, the harder it would be to let go. Then her hand tickled his inner thigh and chased away his better judgment.

C
HAPTER
S
EVENTEEN

D
avid’s tender kiss sent Vivi’s heart rate soaring once more. She was living out her fantasy. And reality eclipsed her dreams. He was absolutely perfect in every way, from the musky scent of his skin and its salty taste, to the firmness of his touch. For more than a decade she’d waited for his eyes to cloud with desire for her, and now they did.

I’m so happy. Please let it last.

“Is this my do-over?” He kissed her nose, cheeks, and eyelids.

“Yes.” She giggled and reached between his legs.

He grabbed her wrist, dragging her hand away. “Oh, no.
My
do-over, my pace.” He kissed her, drawing her upper lip into his mouth.

His gentle hands swept over her arms and down the length of her waist, then ran up her stomach to her breasts. She watched his eyes darken as he took her into his mouth. His tongue flicked and teased her, making her body writhe and twist to pull him closer. She wanted him inside her already, so she drew her legs around his hips and tilted her pelvis in invitation.

“Not yet,” he growled while pushing her legs down. “Slowly.”

“Now, David,” she moaned.

He looked at her and arched one brow. “Patience.”

When his mouth found her abdomen and headed south, her body shivered in anticipation. She stared at his shadowed, beautiful face and bit back the words
I love you
. Those words coiled in her mouth like a spring waiting for release. But even in a state of bliss, she knew if she sprung them on him too soon, they’d destroy the fragile bud that was taking root tonight.

“Be still, Vivi,” he commanded before his head sank between her thighs.

She squirmed and gripped the sheets as he explored her with his tongue and fingers. “David,” she rasped.

She heard a rumble from his chest, but he didn’t stop his relentless teasing. His right hand came up to play with her breast while his mouth assaulted her, leaving her panting shamelessly.

“Oh, God.”

He broke away just long enough to whisper, “Come for me, baby.”

And she did. Her body quaked uncontrollably and she moaned in satisfaction. She’d barely recovered before he slid on top of her.

“I love how you respond to me,” he murmured while kissing her. “I don’t know which part of you I like kissing most.”

“Don’t discriminate,” she replied. “You keep on testing until you figure it out.”

He smiled just before his expression turned hungry. Then he was inside her again, stretching her mercilessly. The slight pain somehow enhanced her pleasure.

“You feel so good, Vivi.” His warm breath heated her neck as he tightened his hold on her.

Her body couldn’t take much more. Every nerve tingled with sensation overload. David somehow seemed to remain in complete control. Determined. He alternated slow and quick thrusts, bringing her close to the edge and then whisking her away, only to drive her back over it again. Granted, she had limited experience, but he was beyond amazing.

She loved him with every part of her being. How could her feelings not heighten his every touch? And now she knew he loved her, too. He must, or none of this would’ve happened between them. Surely he felt as awed by their lovemaking as she did.

His hungry groan drew her attention back to their bodies. He flipped onto his back, keeping himself buried inside her while he pulled her on top. His skin glistened from perspiration, emphasizing the corded muscles in his chest and abdomen. The intensity of his gaze and the fullness of his luscious mouth excited her.

She sank down, taking him even deeper inside. His control slipped. He gripped her hips, then reached for her breast. He pulled her down to suck her nipple into his mouth again while driving himself deep inside her.

“David, don’t stop,” she panted. “Don’t stop.”

Teasing subsided as she rode him hard and quick. They came together, their bodies shaking. He swore again, which made her feel powerful and sexy. She collapsed on top of him.

Lying in the dark, she listened to the sound of his heartbeat thudding in her ear. Strong and steady, just like him. Her beloved David.

She closed her eyes and absorbed every detail of the moment, each one like a tattoo on her heart. His arm lay slung over her shoulders while he tucked his other arm behind his head. She couldn’t tell if his eyes were open or closed, and wouldn’t risk being separated from his body for even an instant to check.

Her fingers traced a capital
I
, the shape of a heart, and a capital
U
on his chest. He stopped breathing for an instant. No, she felt his breath against her hair. Perhaps she’d imagined it. His hand came to rest on top of hers. Neither said a word.

Minutes later, she giggled softly.

“What’s so funny?” He stretched his neck to peer down at her.

She raised her chin to face him.

“I’m imagining Jackson’s and Cat’s reaction to all of this.
Shocked
is not a strong-enough word.”

He didn’t smile. In fact, she saw a thousand conflicting emotions race through his eyes in the span of five seconds. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, then frowned.

“I didn’t think we’d be sharing this with them.” His sober expression made her stomach fall to the floor.

“You want me to lie?” Her body stiffened.

“I want this to be our private memory. Something intimate and special only we share.” He paused, then stroked her arm. “I don’t want it debated, dissected, and joked about by my brother and sister from now until eternity.”

All the heat drained from her body. She felt disconnected from the setting while she processed his intent.
Stupid, Vivi. Stupid, stupid, stupid
. Tonight hadn’t been the beginning of their love affair.

For him, it had been a whim. For her, a mistake.

An enormous, brutally painful mistake.

Her ears buzzed louder than a chainsaw. She moved mechanically, unable to focus on him or anything else in the room. She needed to escape before she cried, hit him, screamed, or did anything else to further humiliate herself—if that were even possible. Pulling away from the warmth of his body, she searched for her clothes in the covers. He gripped her arm.

“Where are you going?”

She couldn’t meet his eyes. Shrugging out of his grasp, she sprang from the bed as if it were on fire before she bent over to retrieve her discarded pajamas. The chill of her bare feet on the cold floor helped shake her from her haze.

“If Cat wakes up, she’ll wonder where I am.” She pulled her tank over her head. “I should go.”

“Hold on. Don’t rush off.” He sat up. In her peripheral vision, she saw him extend his arm to her as he spoke. “Let’s make this last a little longer.”

Her throat closed while tears collected behind her eyes. Thank God for the dark room. She shook her head in silence, eager to flee.

“Vivi, look at me.” She heard a twinge of remorse in his voice. His pity only heightened her anguish.

From across the room she faced him. Her heart squeezed at the sight of him sitting naked where they’d been so intimate. Flashing a weak smile, she dashed for the door. “Bye.”

He called her name again as she turned and ran. She tiptoed downstairs without slowing.

Once on the ground level, she dropped to her hands and knees, curling into a ball. His scent clung to her body. She listened for his footsteps, but he hadn’t chased after her. It was done.

They’d destroyed their friendship. He’d tried to warn her away tonight. Of course, she’d ignored him.
Please let this be the last of my punishments.
Now another big secret threatened to damage her friendship with Cat and Jackson.

Hiding the truth mere hours from now, with David lurking around, would be unbearable. She had to leave right away before anyone realized she’d gone. In a day or two, she’d start to put the pieces of her heart back together and face the world. By morning? Not possible.

One final lie would be required to explain her abrupt departure, but she had to do whatever it took to get away.

Drawing a deep breath, she entered her bedroom noiselessly. Cat was in a deep sleep, as usual. Moonlight slipped past the edges of the shade, illuminating Vivi’s corner of the room. Her suitcase lay on the floor—clean clothes inside, dirty ones piled next to it. For once her slovenly habits would pay off. Gathering her belongings would be quick and quiet work, without drawers to open and close.

She glanced at her watch and raked her hand through her hair and over her face. Only three o’clock. The first ferry wouldn’t depart the island for five more hours. If undisturbed, Cat might sleep in late enough to make it impossible for her to storm the harbor and drag Vivi back. Vivi would have to leave the house before seven in order to avoid questions and confrontations. It wasn’t much of a plan.

She dozed in and out of fitful sleep during the following hours. Shortly after six, she awoke again. Although the ache in her body weighed her down, fear of discovery pushed her out of bed.

Moving like a cat burglar, she changed into clean clothes, threw her other clothes in her bag, and crept from the room. She stopped in the hall bathroom to brush her teeth and splash cold water on her face. Once she calmed her shaky hands, she twisted her hair into a ponytail, then she started for the front door.

At the top of the first half flight, she reached for the doorknob. She paused, her body paralyzed. Doubt took root as she considered that fleeing might only raise suspicion. No, she must go. But if she left without any word, everyone would worry.

Texting would wake Cat, so she nixed the option. She glanced up the stairs to the main living area. David slept only yards away. Pain momentarily crippled her as she pictured him asleep in the bed where they’d made love mere hours ago.

Like a rabbit on guard, she listened for any sounds. Nothing. No signs of Hank, the other early riser in the group. Could she risk it? Placing her bag by the door, she sneaked up the steps.

She eased open a drawer and withdrew a pen and notepad. Without any thought, she wrote:

So sorry. I had to go. Don’t worry. Will call later. Love, Vivi

P.S. I assume Cat can come home with David, so I’ve taken the rental car. Sorry for any inconvenience.

She dropped the note on the counter and tiptoed back to the front door. Holding her breath, she clicked the deadbolt open. No one stirred. Slipping outside, she pressed the door closed and scurried across the yard. The heavy bag banged against her thigh as she ran down the driveway and out to the Painted Rock.

Once she reached it, she burst into tears. She sat atop the stupid symbols she’d painted with David—symbols that failed to live up to their meaning—and glanced at her watch. Six thirty. She looked up the number for a taxi service on her phone and called for a ride. Dark gray clouds had rolled in overnight, threatening rain. Thank God she was leaving; being trapped indoors all day with David might well have killed her.

Hopefully the rain would wash away the paint on this rock and erase all evidence of that night. She’d never paint that rock again. In fact, she’d probably never return to the island, at least not with this family.

Tears ran down her cheeks at the private admission that her own impulsive behavior might cost her the family she’d come to love. He’d warned her. Begged her to leave him alone. Would she never learn to think before acting?

The next twenty minutes may as well have been twenty years. Ironically, the beginning and end of her trip shared a certain symmetry: on both occasions, she felt like throwing up. When the cab arrived, she tossed her bag in the backseat and slammed her door closed.

By quarter past seven she was sitting on a railing sipping coffee at the harbor. When her phone rang, Cat’s name popped up on her screen. If she avoided the call, Cat would come searching for her. Steeling herself, she answered with a chipper tone to fool her friend. “Hey, you’re up early.”

She slapped her hand over her mouth when Hank’s voice replied, “I saw your note and wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

“Hank? Why do you have Cat’s phone?”

“She left it charging in the kitchen. Now, tell me what’s going on.”

Vivi heard the concern in his voice. She hadn’t actually promised David she’d keep their secret. But telling everyone would jeopardize her relationships, and his. Fudge. She’d been so busy getting out of the house unnoticed, she hadn’t given any thought to a credible reason for her hasty departure.

“Vivi, talk to me. Everyone else is asleep, so I’m alone.”

“I needed to leave, Hank. I just . . . I just feel responsible for stirring up trouble between David and Laney. It’s humiliating. David looked so dejected when he came home last night, I couldn’t face him today. Please don’t tell them all the truth, though. I’m going to say my dad needed me. It’s best this way. Please.” She held her breath, hating herself for making Hank complicit in another one of her lies.

“Okay. Relax. Your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you.” Vivi’s fierce grip relaxed. “Meeting you may’ve been the best part of this trip, Hank. Really. I hope we keep in touch back in New York.”

“You bet. It’s been a real pleasure for me, too. Take care now.”

Vivi put her phone away and finished her coffee. Hank had been so sweet to go along with her silly plan to fool everyone into believing she was over David. She wanted to find a way to repay him one day. Just not today.

Cars had begun to line up at the dock. Exhausted parents struggled to entertain their children while awaiting the call to board the ferry. A wistful smile crossed Vivi’s face as she watched one father hoist his toddler onto his shoulders.

Her own father had never been playful, or maybe he had been when she was young. People said her dad was a happy man before the accident—a man who loved his wife and two young children. Her scant early-childhood recollections weren’t reliable. Most were based on photographs, or stories her father had told her during his lucid moments. Any real memories of things prior to the accident had apparently been deleted without backup.