“Yeah?” I stand and study her. Paying extra attention to her disheveled hair, her glossy eyes, and freckles that are muted by the pink in her cheeks. She’s practically glowing.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” She bites her lip and pushes her fingers through her hair.
“Because looking at you after I’ve satisfied you, used to be my favorite thing.”
Her gaze locks on mine, heat flaring in her pupils. “You never told me that before,” she whispers like a revelation.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve.” I glance down, my eyes sweeping up her naked body and admiring every piece of her, before landing on her eyes again. “There’s a lot of things I should’ve said. Should’ve done…then maybe…maybe you wouldn’t have left.”
There’s a long, delicate pause before she finally speaks. “Maybe.”
I’m not sure if her response surprises me or if it’s simply the guilt. “I’m sorry.” I finally speak the words I’ve been holding in for seven years, “I’m sorry I never came after you.”
Through watering eyes, she shakes her head. “No, I’m sorry. I never should’ve left.”
I reach around to the back of her neck and grip it, pulling her close. “I get it. I understand why you left.” I catch her gaze and lift my chin, trying to reassure her while I rub my thumb against her soft skin. “I spent that whole first year angry at you for leaving but I never even considered what part I played. And then…well…and then it was too late. I assumed after a year or so if you hadn’t come back and I hadn’t gone after you, it was over.”
Tears roll down her face and she sniffs. “I’m sorry.”
“I know. Me too, honey. Me too.” I haul her forehead against mine and close my eyes, holding her like this for several long moments, our naked bodies molding together.
31
ROSIE
On the ferry, dressed in yesterday’s clean clothes, I settle my elbows on the metal railing while Beck stands behind me. He grips the rails with both hands, his arms enveloping me on either side while I lean against the firm plane of his body. He rests his chin on top of my head while a continued breeze sweeps through my hair.
The warmth from his body shields me from the chill in the air. It guards me from the reality that waits for us when we step off this ferry. Here, in the comfort of his embrace, I’m safe.
I close my eyes and breathe in a mixture of Irish Spring from his dad’s soap and a hint of his cedar and bergamot cologne that must be lingering from the day before. A rueful smile tugs at my lips, and I settle my head against his chest. There’s a lingering pulse of pain between my thighs. Instead of dwelling on the discomfort of it, it’s a reminder of my mind-blowing orgasms.
After we made love on the sofa, Beck led me into the bathroom where he sat me on the ledge of the tub, got down his knees, and pleasured me further. He licked, sucked, and devoured my pussy possessively. Then he turned on the waterand we showered together where he washed me with tenderness. It was like a dream. One I don’t want to wake up from.
We don’t talk on the ferry. Maybe we’re both afraid that if we do, this perfect moment will disintegrate. It’s too precious. Too delicate.
We stay like this until the ferry docks and most of the passengers have gone below to their vehicles. But we take advantage of every single second. Beck takes my chin in his hand, turning my face until I can peer up at him. He licks his lips as his eyes draw me in and holds my gaze. Heat surges through my body.
He’s gorgeous, just like this. Vulnerable and confident. There’s a spark in his chestnut eyes that hasn’t been visible until today. Or maybe I hadn’t noticed it until now.
“I could stare at you all day and it still wouldn’t be enough,” he growls.
Warmth fills my legs, and I curl my toes. If I don’t steady myself, I’m afraid I will launch myself into his arms and wrap my legs around his waist, and never let go. That’s what Beck makes me feel when I’m with him. Crazed and reckless.
“This face. This mouth. You’re flawless.” He smiles and cups my chin, coercing my lips to his as he bends.
Our mouths crash together. The kiss is needy and passionate. It’s the kind of kiss that I don’t want to ever end.
I grasp the collar of his flannel in my grip and tug him closer to me, desperate to have him nearer. Like his very presence is air for my lungs. My heart races and a thrill rushes between my thighs. I find myself frantically attempting to hold on to this feeling.
When Beck draws back, I inhale a trembling breath. He grins down at me and there’s a satisfied gleam in his brown eyes. Like provoking my surrender is his reward. He reluctantly releasesme and wraps an arm around my shoulder, guiding me across the upper deck.
“What do you say after we get back to Golden Harbor and you pick up Charlie, you come to my place and I cook breakfast?”
“Your place, huh? I was wondering if I’d ever get to see the mysterious place you’re living now.”
For years, I’ve imagined him living in a messy bachelor pad. Only because I don’t think my heart could handle him living in a nice, clean place with a new woman in his life. But I’ve mostly been grateful that he was forced to move out of our little place we lived in by the beach when a developer bought it and tore it down and built new million-dollar condos.
He shrugs against me. “I don’t know about mysterious, but it’s on the opposite side of the busy part of town, a block from the beach, and it’s always stocked with the ingredients to make pancakes.” An adorable smile forms on his lips.
