Solstice Burn (3 page)

In a romantic location overlooking lush gardens, Chase and Penny laughed throughout their meal, keeping their conversation light and enjoyable. She told him about her life in New York City, speaking in a self-deprecating manner about her position within the law firm. And while he was unable to tell her the details of his own projects or company, she appeared interested in his diving experiences and knowledge of the ocean.

By the end of dinner, he’d grown even more attracted to Penny Travis, and it caused him concern, given they had no future. After meeting her, however, he suspected things might never be the same.

They toasted, and Chase nodded to the band who’d begun to play. Without answering, she smiled and took his hand. They made their way to the dance floor and he laughed in satisfaction as she fell into his arms. He’d never been a dancer but with Penny, the only thing he could think of was the rush of excitement he felt every time their bodies came together. As the song slowed, she laid her head upon his shoulder, her coconut-scented hair teasing his senses. They swayed as one to the sultry rhythm, his erection brushing against her belly.

She smiled up at him, and he shoved away a pang of guilt, knowing it could only be a fling. He swore to himself that he’d talk to her before they made love. If there was one thing Chase believed in, it was honesty. He didn’t play games with others, not even when it would clearly benefit him or his own goals. As she brought their clasped hands to her side, and his thumb grazed her breast, he knew they’d better talk soon.

Penny’s heart caught as she danced with Chase and she realized how much she enjoyed spending the evening with him. They’d spent several hours talking, and she couldn’t recall ever having such an intense connection with someone she’d only just met. Captivated by his charismatic personality, she’d fallen under his spell. Like old lovers, they engaged in an easy banter, but their attraction sizzled hotter than the sun itself. Earlier in the day, she’d expected the sexual tension she’d experienced in the ocean would wane, proving her libido wrong. But as the night proceeded, she’d fantasized about making love to him.

In his arms, Penny breathed in his masculine scent, and deliberately ground her body against his erection. Within Chase’s safe embrace, she reveled in her sexuality, knowing he was every bit as turned on as she was. As his lips pressed to her collarbone, she moaned, yearning for him to touch her. The desire to be consumed by her handsome savior far outweighed her need for logical explanations of why she shouldn’t be with him. No longer did she wish to dance, she wanted him…now…on her, inside her.

“Chase,” she breathed. Penny lifted her head from his chest, and her eyes locked on his. As his palm cupped her cheek, her world stalled on its axis.

“I like you, Penny.” Chase glanced to her lips, leaning toward her, but stopped within inches of kissing her. He gave a small smile, his eyes darting to the ocean and back to her. “How do you feel about moonlit walks on the beach?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever done that,” she admitted.

“You don’t know what you’re missing.” Chase took her hand in his, leading her off the dance floor.

Penny wondered why he hadn’t kissed her and she grew concerned that what she thought was growing between them had all been in her own head. When they reached the beach, she watched as he kicked off his shoes and rolled up his white linen pants. She began to walk toward him, her sandals filling with sand.

“Hold on,” Chase said.

When he knelt in front of her, she smiled as he gently removed her shoes and set them aside. He locked his eyes on hers and ran his hands up the back of her calves. She shivered as he grazed them upward, his strong fingers pressing against her thighs.

“You have beautiful legs,” he began.

“Thank you.” Penny laughed, embarrassed. She swiveled her head to see if anyone was looking.

“Does this make you uncomfortable?” He smiled.

She went still as his hands moved to her hips, his fingers slipping underneath the strings of her panties.

“Chase…”

“Or are you aroused?”

“I…there could be people watching.” As he tugged her panties down her legs, she reached to steady herself on his shoulders.

“There are things you don’t know about me. The things I like. Risk…taking chances.”

“I can see that,” she giggled as he lifted each of her feet to remove her underwear.

“Is that something you might be interested in exploring with me?” he asked, stuffing them into his pocket.

“Maybe. That sounds like a commitment and we don’t have much time,” she hedged.

He stood, brushing his hands up the sides of her legs, pulling the fabric up to her hips. Her heart raced as he exposed her skin.

“Penny.” His tone grew serious. “I can’t promise you more than the time we have here together. If we lived closer…”

“Fair enough. But we just met, so who knows what the week will bring?” She placed her hands over his, and brushed them away. Reaching for her shoes, she picked them up and walked toward the surf. Penny gave him a flirty smile, going slowly enough that he’d easily catch up to her.

“True. But you’ve given me the most wonderful souvenir.”

“Listen, Chase, you need to know…I didn’t come on vacation thinking I’d meet someone.” When he reached for her hand, she laced her fingers with his. “I work a lot. I know the office stories I told you over dinner make it seem enjoyable, but I can assure you that most of the time what I do is not fun. I want to make partner someday.”

“That’s a good goal.”

“So I guess what I’m saying is that it’s not like I have any big expectations about what’s happening here. I mean, I like you…a lot. But you and I…”

“We lead different lives.”

“It seems like you travel a lot.”

“Yeah, I do.”

“It would never work, I get that.” As she said the words that defined the situation, her heart squeezed. It was true she hadn’t expected anything, but every second she spent with him, she was becoming addicted. If they made love, she guessed it would be even harder to say goodbye forever.

“Wait here,” he told her.

“Um, okay.” Penny dipped her toes in the surf as he ran up toward the path. When he returned, she grinned, watching him lay several towels onto the sand.

“Come sit.” It was an order that sent tingles down her body. She obeyed and relaxed as he put an arm around her. “I know we just have a few days, but I want to get to know you better. At the same time, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t hurt me,” she protested, aware she was lying to herself. “But it does seem like you enjoy risky behavior.”

“Diving to the depths I do is dangerous, but is it worth the risk? Hell yeah, because it’s exciting. This is who I am. It’s my life. I know you’re not really like that, but I can teach you.”

Penny considered his words. His fingers guided her chin to meet his gaze.

“How far do you want to go with me, darlin’?”

“In a week, I’ll go back to working fourteen-hour days.” She sighed, her lips tense as she expressed the reality of the situation. “How far will I go? With you?” She adjusted her body so she faced him. As she answered, she didn’t hesitate. Even if she could only taste happiness for a few days, she’d take it. “All the way. I want it all.”

“This place is special….you’re special.” Chase reached for the spaghetti straps that held her dress up and slid them over her shoulders.

“What are you…?” Despite her concern that they’d be watched, she sat still as he gently pulled down the fabric, her nipples hardening as the air rushed over them.

“You’re beautiful.” He grazed the back of his fingers over her firm tips and she exhaled.

“I…I’ve never done anything like this.”

“I want to make love to you, Miss Travis,” he said, never taking his eyes off her.

“Here?”

“Yes, here.” He smiled.

“But…are you serious? Here on the beach?” The prospect of being watched should have disgusted her, she knew. But the rush of knowing it could happen only served to make it all the more exciting. Penny jumped slightly as his hands cupped her breasts.

“Yes. Here,” he repeated, his lips mere inches from hers.

“Yes.” Penny shifted in an attempt to assuage the painful ache between her legs. She’d never wanted a man so badly in her life.

As he captured her lips, she opened to him. His tongue swept into hers and she returned his soft kiss. Gently, he made love to her mouth, and the startling realization hit her that this person she’d met, the man who’d saved her, soothed her vulnerable heart. Closed and cautious, she’d long dismissed the idea that she’d develop an attraction for someone. Chase had taken her off guard, her body and mind welcomed him into her life.

She supposed she’d expected a quickie, being that they were on the beach, but this man was in no hurry. Just as his words had drawn her into his web, his slow sensual kiss drove her mad with desire. She reached for his chest, grazing her palm down the hard expanse of his pecs. Her hand slid under his loose shirt, and she thumbed over his raised tip. He groaned in response, and as she moved down toward his pants, he clamped his hand over her wrists. Laying her back onto the towel, he placed soft kisses along her collarbone. Breathless, she panted as he held her arms over her head, his soft lips tasting her skin.

“Darlin’, you sure you want to do this? Because I don’t think I can resist you.”

“Yes,” she whispered.

Chase pulled down the fabric of her dress, and Penny gasped, the warmth of his mouth teasing her nipple. As he took it between his teeth and flicked it with his tongue, her pussy throbbed in arousal. She writhed underneath him, attempting to get him to relieve her need. But his attention lingered at her breast, painfully escalating her anticipation.

“Beautiful,” she heard him say right before he released her wrists, and shoved her dress up over her head. She reached for his shirt, which she deftly unbuttoned and removed.

“Let me see you.” With his pants still on, he gazed upon her.

Aware that she was fully nude out on the darkened beach, Penny’s breath quickened. Lights flickered in the distance, the soft notes of the steel band beating into the night. Her focus was brought back to Chase as he spread her thighs wide open. The ocean breeze did little to cool the heat between her legs.

“Chase.” She feigned protest.
Good girls don’t do these things
, she thought to herself.

“Darlin’.” He paused. Dragging his thumbs into her folds, he pulled them apart so he could view his prize. “I’ve been waiting for this all night.”

“Ahh,” she cried.

Any remaining doubts disappeared as the first lash of his tongue grazed over her clit. Her hips tilted up to meet his delightful assault. She reached between her legs and dug her fingers into his hair, guiding him to her. Quivering, she pumped her hips upward. Her eyes closed, every cell in her body awakened.

“Holy shit, Chase,” Penny said as he plunged two thick digits into her channel. He curled the pads of his fingers along her ridged band of nerves, driving her orgasm to the surface.

“That’s it. I can feel you,” he spoke into her lips. He took her hooded nub between his lips and sucked, flicking his tongue over it.

Penny’s eyes flew open, her climax slamming into her. She came hard, his lips unrelenting on her pussy. Panting, she thrashed her head, shocked at the ecstasy he’d brought.

He rose, pressing his lips to hers, sweeping his tongue into her mouth. Tasting herself, she sucked his lips and reached to free his cock. Taking it into her hands, she stroked it hard, sliding her thumb over its weeping slit. She went to brush him over her clit but he stopped her.

“Condom,” he breathed.

“Yes, of course,” she agreed, panting. Penny couldn’t believe she’d almost had unprotected sex.
Shit. What the hell am I thinking?
While she was on the pill, she cursed her stupidity, aware of the possible consequences.

She heard the sound of the foil tearing and within seconds his hard tip pressed at her entrance, focusing her attention. Penny gasped, his cock spearing into her, stretching her wide. She breathed through the twinge of pain, her channel opening to accept him. As she lifted her lids, she caught him watching her.

“You’re stunning tonight. Did I tell you that? The moonlight on your face…”

Penny smiled and held his gaze, aware that whatever was happening between them felt like they’d known each other forever. Lost in the moment, she’d forgotten about everything in her life, her ex, her job; and for the first time in years, she felt alive.

“Jesus, you feel so good,” he whispered, slowly retreating and pumping into her.

“Oh my God…” Penny wrapped her legs around him as he filled her, meeting his slow thrusts. Her head tilted off the towel into the sand as his lips brushed behind her ear, causing gooseflesh to ripple down her arms. His tongue lingered at her collarbone, and she arched her back, her breasts crushing against his chest. “Chase.”

“You like this?” He laughed, continuing to kiss and suck at her neck while he rocked into her.

“There…harder.” Penny’s breath quickened as he slowly tantalized her clit. Raising her hips, she sought more friction. He grazed his pelvis against hers, and she shuddered beneath him. Her pussy contracted, her legs clenching him tighter. “I’m going to come…Chase…please…”

“Hmm…not yet.”

Penny squealed as he rolled over onto his back, and brought her with him. She hadn’t thought he could be inside her any deeper, but she was wrong. Her swollen nub slid down against him, his shaft embedded to the hilt.

“Let me see you,” he told her. Placing his palms on her shoulders, he guided her upward to ride him.

She moaned in protest as her lips left his chest, but complied. Her hair spilled forward, a satisfied grin on her face as she impaled herself on him.

“Ah, yeah…you feel so good,” Chase groaned.

He reached for her breasts, and strummed his thumbs over her rigid nipples. Penny undulated her hips, her clitoris tingling in desire as it brushed over him. Rising above Chase, she slammed down onto him, his shaft plunging into her quivering channel.