Page 39 of Summer Affair

He nudged her shoulder with his and took her free hand and continued to walk.

They browsed for another hour, picking up various items along the way—freshly baked bread, homemade jams, and a selection of cheeses.

As they walked, Dean couldn’t help but notice how relaxed and happy Andrea seemed. It was a stark contrast to the tension he had seen in her at the charity event the other night. He felt protective towards her when her family was around and admired that she somehow kept that smile on her face no matter what.

They reached a stall selling fresh lemonade, and he bought ice cold drinks for them. They sat down on a nearby bench under the shade of an oak tree to enjoy the cool drink and a blueberry scone they’d purchased from one of the bakery tents.

“This is nice,” Andrea said, leaning back and closing her eyes. “I needed this. Time to reset. To act like a tourist.”

“Act?” he asked, watching her.

She glanced at him. “We live in paradise yet watch everyone else enjoys it while we help in their relaxation. Every now and then, it’s our turn to relax.”

“You need more days off,” he pointed out.

“That’s the number one reason why I’m training you,” she pointed out.

“Right.” He smiled.

They finished their lemonade and treat then continued exploring the market. It was in this simple moment, surrounded by the warmth of the sun and the buzz of the market, with her by his side, that he realized he felt the happiest he’d been in years.

They stopped at a local eatery for lunch and then hit a flea market before returning to Andrea’s beach house in the early afternoon. He helped carry in several bags full of fresh produce. While they unpacked everything, his mind returned to the night before. He wanted to touch her again. To be with her.

“Today was perfect,” Andrea said, looking up at him.

“Was? It’s not over yet.” He wiggled his eyebrows as he pulled her closer and started to kiss her. He knew that this time, he wouldn’t freak out.

“Are you sure about this?” she said, leaning back. “I don’t want to send you running again.”

He sighed and leaned his forehead on hers. “I’ve done some pretty stupid things in my life. Last night was one of them.” He felt her tense and then realized how she might have taken his words. “Leaving so quickly,” he added and instantly felt her relax.

“I promised myself I wasn’t going to ask, but why did you leave?” she asked, her arms circling around him.

He thought for a moment and then shook his head. “I have no excuses. Just, right now, know that I want to be here, with you.” He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. “All night, if you’ll let me.”

She reached up on her toes and kissed him. “As long as you want to stay,” she said and then started to pull away. “But I think I’ll make you cook us dinner.” His eyebrows shot up. Then she gripped his shirt and started tugging him back towards the hallway, towards the bedroom. “After.”

Chapter Twelve

Waking up in Dean’s arms was, well, pretty amazing. Almost as amazing as he’d made her feel the night before when he’d slowly explored every inch of her body and made her vibrate.

How long had it been since someone had made her feel so…much? Too long.

She had always been an early riser but Dean wasn’t, so she tried to roll out of bed without waking him. She’d almost made it when he reached for her, wrapping his hands around her waist and pulling her tight against him.

“Trying to sneak out? I thought that was my MO,” he said in a sleepy voice.

She smiled and enjoyed the feeling of him, hard against her backside.

“I didn’t think you’d be awake this early.” She rubbed herself against him. “Guess I was wrong.”

In a quick move, she was pinned under him, laughing. When he slid into her, her laughter died away, replaced with a low groan of pleasure.

“Morning,” he said against her ear as he started to move inside her.

“Dean,” she sighed and held on as her body woke up completely.

Half an hour later, they stood together in her shower under the warm spray.