“What are you thinking about?”
She looked up at Nicholas, pulled from her deep thoughts. “I feel very relaxed, and I think it surprises me.”
Nicholas nodded, gazing straight into her eyes. “I’m glad to hear that. The island can do that to a person.” He grinned. “I don’t mean to bring up a sore subject, but have you thought much about what it will be like when you return?”
She had, and the outlook was bleak. “Yes. I’ve decided to stay here for the rest of my life.”
He froze for a second, his eyes widening before softening, realizing she was joking. “Oh, got me.”
She chuckled. “I have thought about it. When I left, Jack was anxious to try and explain everything. I’m sure he’ll want to try and win me back.”
“And how do you feel about that?”
She shrugged a shoulder. Honestly, she didn’t like thinking about the whole humiliating episode. This honeymoon—vacation, whatever—was a blessed distraction from the images of Jack and that bimbo. A break from the heartache.
At some point, she’d have to resolve what had happened once and for all.
One lesson she’d learned thus far was that maybe she’d changed too much of her life for Jack. Her drawing was just one example.
She was thankful when Nicholas switched the subject.
They walked for some distance, passing large national hotel and resort chains, a few that Cat recognized by name.
On their way back to the resort, the sun hung low in the sky, almost as if God set it on the edge of the ocean for the world to admire. A kaleidoscope of color filled the horizon. Nicholas stopped them to watch the sun slowly dip out of sight. He stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her torso. She bathed in the feel of his body warming hers and rested her head against his shoulder.
He pressed several small kisses against her neck. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Her tummy fluttered as his breath floated over her skin. “Yes. Simple breathtaking.”
After a few short moments, they continued their walk. She loved how inquisitive he was, how interested he was in her. It was easier to forget about Jack when they were talking about so many other things.
A strange noise lingered in the air. Cat gazed up at Nicholas—his alerted expression showed he’d heard it too.
“What is that?”
He shook his head, narrowing his eyes in concentration.
The intermittent sound, sort of a high-pitched whistle, grew louder as they walked.
At this time of night, it was hard to see much and the beach was mostly clear of vacationers as people moved inside to the nightclub and bars.
They passed a cabana with the curtains drawn and the noise returned.
A woman.
Nicholas looked down at Cat and grinned. He squeezed her hand and kept walking. Once they arrived at their resort property, they took a seat on the double-lounger where they’d left their shoes.
She brushed off her feet and leaned back, sinking into the plush cushion.
“Can I get you a drink?” he asked.
“No, thanks. I feel very content.”
He assumed her same position, his thigh flush against hers.
“That was interesting,” she said.
He turned toward her. “Yup—relaxation on vacation.”
Her massage from earlier in the week popped into her head. “Indeed.”
The gentle motion of the sea filled the moment. Moonlight bounced off the waves. “It’s almost like the waves come up, grab your stress, and carry it out to sea.”
Nicholas nodded and leaned close, placing a small kiss on her lips. He pulled back and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re relaxed.”
Mostly relaxed. Being this close to Nicholas, she became unsettled—in a good way.
Inching closer, she laid a hand on his toned chest and kissed him—this time deeper.
His eyes opened, perhaps surprised by her actions. Eyeing the drapes, he stood and unclasped them from the wooden poles they were tied to. The drapes flowed down on each side, leaving only the view of the ocean directly before them.
He returned to her side. “Now, we can have some privacy.”
She smiled. “I like kissing you.” It sounded silly saying it, but it was the truth. She’d thought several times about his kisses and shocked herself that she hadn’t compared them to Jack’s. Maybe there was just no comparison.
With his arm bracing himself above her head, his free hand cupped the back of her neck and drew her in. The tip of his tongue tested her. She opened and let their tongues dance. He tasted faintly of wine, and she craved more. Her hands roamed his chest over his fine cotton shirt. A familiar ache built in her nether region.
What if this went too far? They were outside.
She turned to the side, breaking their kiss.
“Everything all right?” His eyebrows pulled together.
She didn’t want him to think she wasn’t attracted to him. “I’m nervous, I guess.”
“Why? Please don’t be. I love having your hands on me.”
And she loved touching him. But still… She nibbled her bottom lip.
“I know you said you’re not adventurous…”
She nodded.
“But we don’t have to be like that couple up the beach.” He motioned with his chin.
She grinned. As much as she wanted to be with Nicholas, wanted to feel his body next to hers, she wasn’t an exhibitionist.
He leaned closer, laying gentle kisses along her neck and clavicle.
She rested her head back, relishing his firm mouth on her, and exhaled. His masculine scent mixed with the calming ocean waves brought down her anxiety. As his kisses traveled to her shoulder, she felt herself sinking further into the cushion.
She longed to feel his skin. Her hands reached for the buttons of his shirt to unfasten them. She explored his chest, grazing over the smattering of hair and dipping in the grooves of his abdomen.
Without a word, he pushed off the lounger to adjust the back to recline more, then returned to kissing her. He devoured her mouth and pulled her closer. His growing erection dug into her thigh.
The feeling of him being turned on by her fueled her own desire. She shifted under him to get closer. And did she get closer. Unintentionally, the apex of her thigh aligned right with his solid cock. Liquid heat filled her sex.
Oh God.
Nicholas panted in her ear. “Cat, you feel amazing. I want to kiss more of you. Please.”
Night had fallen. The stars were out. It would be hard for anyone to see what they were specifically doing. Not to mention, the drapes on three sides gave good coverage.
Her pulse raced. She could do this—venture out of her comfort zone a bit. “Okay.”
Cupping her jaw, Nicholas tipped her head to the side giving him access to her neck. His kisses traveled down her cheek and neck to her chest. With a small tug on her dress strap, he slid the fabric off her shoulder.
Her breath came quicker, and her breasts grew heavy.
With his free hand, he stroked her thigh, slowly sliding under her dress. His hand gripped the flesh of her ass, pulling her closer.
She moaned at the deeper contact when his cock slid over her swollen lips and clit. Her eyelids fluttered closed, savoring Nicholas’s kisses.
His mouth dipped lower, skirting the edge of her bodice. She bowed her back, aching for his mouth to claim more of her.