Chapter 10
Ocean Magic
Caspian
Once we were out of view, Juniper tensed, and from the lines around her eyes and the way her mouth pinched, I knew she was pulling back.
“I meant every word,” I said.
Endlessly dark eyes blinked up at me. Her lips parted to form a little “o”.
“Come on, little witch. I have a better idea for our day.”
She leaned into me, wrapping her other hand around my arm. “Really? What would that be?”
“You’ll see.”
We hurried back to the condo. She punched in the door code and then hesitated. “Caspian, I’m not sure we should do anything.I mean, there’s the whole—”
“Get inside, Juniper,” I ordered.
Her expression relaxed, and she stepped over the threshold as I pulled the door shut behind us. She looked up at me with such trust, I wanted nothing more than to strip her down and fuck her until she didn’t know her own name. But that was too much, too soon. I couldn’t risk losing her.
“Now go to your room and change into your swimsuit,” I said with measured, deliberate words.
Her eyes flicked over my face, lingering on my mouth, and I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to argue. She nodded, her beautiful face still soft and compliant. My control wavered, and I reached for her, brushing her hair back from her face.
“Hurry, baby.”
Juniper padded back to the bedroom, and I couldn’t help noticing how she left the door slightly ajar. That was not helping my fraying control.
Shaking my head, I grabbed swim trunks and headed to the bathroom to change. It took a few minutes and some decidedly unsexy thoughts to calm down.
“Come on, Rafferty, get it together,” I muttered.
I emerged from the bathroom, and Juniper stood there, an expanse of bronze skin framed with glossy hair the color of warm moonlight. A navy bikini pushed her gorgeous tits up. I could have perished at the sight. All of her delicious curves were on display.
“I didn’t think I’d ever wear this swimsuit,” she said quietly.
“I fucking love it,” I said, squeezing the door frame so hard I was worried I’d leave a mark.
“So, what now?” she asked, a blush warming her cheeks. Tides, she was perfect.
“Let’s go swimming,” I said, sounding a little strangled.
“I figured that was the plan with the swimsuits,” she said, holding up a bag with towels tucked inside. “I’ve got water, towels, sunscreen.”
“You always take care of everyone else, don’t you?” I asked, dipping my head. “You don’t need to do that, but I appreciate how thoughtful you are.”
Her bottom lip rolled through her teeth, her eyes full of conflicting emotions. I hated to see her uncomfortable, so I reached out and offered her my hand. Her expression melted into affection as she threaded our fingers together.
The comfortable silence wrapped around us as we walked the block to the beach. A few people enjoyed the beach, but we walked down the sand to a less popular area. I held her hand the entire way. The magic flowing between us was intoxicating, and I knew she felt it.
“How’s right here?” I asked.
“Looks good,” she murmured, setting her bag down.
I couldn’t help running my hands over her sides and settling them at her waist. She leaned into me, and I drew her toward the water. She followed me without hesitation. Thefaith and trust in her eyes sent my heart soaring.
