Solstice Burn (6 page)

“What?” He grinned.

“It’s stupid. We’ve only known each other for a day.”

“Tell me.”

“I’ve never met anyone like you. It seems like even though you have this important job, which reminds me, you still haven’t told me where you work…”

“I haven’t, but that’s only because I’m doing work that requires clearances.”

“Okay, well, it’s the reason you’re here though. The fact that you risk your life, diving down to the depths you do…it’s not like everyone does that. You’re not just adventurous, you seen like an adventurer. My idea of adventure is riding the subway at night.”

“Perhaps I need to be a little more specific with my question.”

“How’s that?”

“Sex, Penny. You seemed to get turned on, knowing someone could watch us.”

“Maybe.”

“Would you like to watch another couple? Or do you just like being watched?”

“Why do you ask such hard questions?”

“Just want to get to know what you like, is all.” Chase held a strawberry to her lips.

“Not sure if I want to watch, but the idea of being watched was exciting.” She accepted the fruit into her mouth, licking his fingertip. “But it may have just been the idea of it. If it actually happened, I’m not sure. I can’t believe I’m telling you this.”

“Do you like to play with toys?”

“Do I own a vibrator? Why yes I do, Dr. Abbott. It’s not like I haven’t been to an adult store with my girlfriends. But never with a boyfriend. And it’s not like I’ve tried anything crazy.” Penny’s cheeks heated as she confessed.

“Would you like me to use a toy on you?” He winked.

“Chase…oh my God.” She sighed and laughed. “Well, let me say that I’d be open to it. Not sure what you have in mind. But you make me want to try new things…I want to do them with you.”

Chase gave a broad smile as if he’d been given a gift, and she wondered if she’d opened Pandora’s Box. But it hadn’t been a lie.

“I’m looking forward to exploring with you. Let’s see what you enjoy.” Chase trailed his fingers over her calf.

“My turn.” She quickly changed the subject. His hands on her skin was all it took to arouse her, and she was afraid she wouldn’t make it through another round.

“Besides sex, what do you do for fun?”

“I love being at the beach, but I think we established that.” He laughed. “When I’m not there? I’m in a club of sorts, Altura. There’s a group of us. We do all kinds of things. Skydiving, climbing. Love skiing too. I like being outdoors.”

“And doing dangerous things, apparently.”

“It’s not like I’m intentionally trying to put myself in danger. But there’s a rush you get. Like going on a roller coaster.”

“An amusement park is slightly different than skydiving or scuba diving. I could never do it,” she replied.

“Have you ever tried it? Skydiving? Scuba diving?” he challenged.

“Well, no, but I don’t think…”

“Did you think you’d be having sex on a beach? A nude beach?”

“Well, no, but it hardly compares.”

“It’s the same kind of thing. Maybe not exactly but when I dive…yeah, there’s a risk, but take scuba diving, for example. I’m seeing part of this world that not many people get to see. It’s not taboo, like what we did, but that adrenaline you felt on the beach? That’s what I feel when I dive or skydive. It’s pretty awesome. Never say never.” He winked

“Have you ever been to New York?” Penny changed the subject but as the question slipped from her lips, she wished she could retract it. Penny wanted more of Chase, and not just for a few days.

“I have,” he answered with an amused lilt in his voice.

“And?”

He laughed. “I’ve been mostly on business. But if you’re asking me what I think of the city? I love visiting.”

Penny grabbed a cracker and shoved it in her mouth before she asked him anything else. Of course he’d never move there. Embarrassed, she waited on him to go next.

“Would you ever considering living somewhere else besides New York?” he asked.

Penny grabbed a napkin and wiped her mouth. Her eyes met his and she considered what she should tell him. Was he asking her if she’d move to California?
There is no way he’s asking me to move there.
Penny tried to rein in her infatuation. She knew she’d say yes, probably scaring the man to the hills.
Don’t answer. Don’t answer. Don’t answer.

“Dare,” she responded, her lips tight.

“Dare, huh? All right.” He laughed and stood from his chair.

Penny’s heart raced as he moved to the end of the bed and wrapped his hands around her ankles. A small smile formed as he spread her legs, climbing onto the mattress. His hands fell to the ties of her robe.

“Tomorrow.”

“Don’t I have to do the dare now?”

“I’m changing the rules. I have immediate plans for you that can no longer wait.” He gave her a devious grin.

“Hmm…you’re making me a little nervous.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll always take good care of you.”

“You seem to be doing well so far.” She took a deep breath as he untied the wrap. Never taking his eyes off of her, he exposed her bare form.

“Scuba diving. You. Me. First, I’ll teach you in the pool, and then the next day, we’ll go for a short dive.”

“No,” Penny replied without thinking. She went to shove up onto her arms but he gently placed his hand on her stomach, holding her in place.

“Yes.”

“Are you crazy?” she asked, wavering between terror and arousal. The ache between her legs decided the latter. “Did you forget I almost drowned?”

“No, I did not. I told you snorkeling could be dangerous for beginners.”

“And scuba diving isn’t?”

“Not when you’re with your own personal divemaster. I promise to keep you safe.” Chase reached for a piece of mango and held it up in the air.

“A master?”

“The very best. I have a feeling you’ll be a very good student.” Chase gave a wicked smile, dragging the small piece of fruit down over her belly.

“I….ah,” Penny gasped as he brought the slippery fruit through her mound. She watched with fascination as his head dipped between her legs. “Yes.”

“See, I knew you’d say yes.”

As his tongue hit her clit, Penny gripped the sheets. The warmth of his mouth paired with the cool fruit on her hot flesh sent her wild with desire.

“Fuck, yes,” she responded. She could drown tomorrow and she decided she’d have already gone to heaven.

“That’s the spirit, darlin’.”

“Chase…”

Penny sucked a breath as two thick fingers filled her channel, curling up into her sensitive ridge. As he lapped at her hooded pearl, her body trembled. She wrapped her legs around his shoulders, tilting her hips to his mouth. His lips sucked at her clit, hurling her over the edge. She cried out, her climax rushing over her. She’d never come so hard and fast in her life.

Within seconds Chase had sheathed himself in a condom. As he swiped his cock through her slick pussy, the remaining spasms of her orgasm rippled through her. The intensity in his eyes told her he, indeed, was a master and she’d willingly submit to his lessons.

Slowly he rocked in and out of her, his thick shaft expanding her core. She lost herself in the moment, her eyes focused on his.
This man will wreck me
, she thought. As his thumb brushed over her clitoris, she moaned and clutched the sheets. With each stroke to her delicate bud, her climax crested. Drenched in arousal, her pussy clenched around his cock, quivering in release. She reveled in the pleasure, but as he pulled out, she protested, unsure of his intent.

“Hands and knees, darlin’,” he ordered.

Her eyes widened. At his commanding tone, a fresh jolt of excitement tingled down her spine. She complied as his strong hands turned her onto her belly. Before she had a chance to push up, he’d pulled her hips to him.

“Chase,” she breathed. Penny clutched at the pillow, bracing herself.

“Ah…wow, look at this.” He caressed the globes of her ass. “Tell me, darlin’. Would you like to be spanked?”

Penny bit her lip, unwilling to admit her desire. As his fingers penetrated her core, she mewled.

“I think that might be a yes. We’ve got plenty of time for that this week, but right now…” Chase removed his hand, guiding his cock to her entrance. “I need to be in you.”

“Yes,” Penny moaned as he thrust inside of her. “That’s it.”

“This,” he grunted, continuing to pump in and out of her. His wet fingers circled her puckered flesh.

“I haven’t…” she began, startled by his touch. As he circled her tight hole, she grew hot, wishing he’d penetrate her.

“It feels good?”

“Oh God.” She dropped her forehead into the covers, embarrassed. As he continued to touch her, she relented. “Yes…oh God, oh God….I, uh…”

“Relax, darlin’.” Chase slowly worked his thumb into her anus, rocking gently back and forth into her. “So beautiful.”

“It feels…I know it’s wrong but oh, yes. Chase…deeper. Please don’t stop.”

“That’s it…just let go. Enjoy the feel of me in you…in all of you.” He wrapped his other hand into her hair, fisting it, lifting her head back to him.

Penny submitted to his dark intrusion, the fullness overwhelming her senses. She arched her back, moving to accept him.

“Harder,” she cried. “Fuck me harder. Now!”

Chase did as she said, slamming into her. She accepted him into her, the force jarring her forward. Flesh meeting flesh resounded in her ears. She gave a ragged gasp with each thrust, her channel fisting his rigid shaft.

“Shit, I can’t hold much longer.”

He released her hair and reached around her torso.

“Oh my God, yes, yes, yes…” she repeated, unable to keep her climax at bay.

“That’s it, baby, fucking come with me now. Oh yeah.”

He pounded into her, and she splintered out of control. Screaming his name over and over, she shook, ecstasy claiming her. Penny clawed at the pillow and fell forward into the sheets. She heard him grunt as he came. Like a comforting blanket, his powerful frame covered hers.

Floating in the afterglow, she was barely aware of him removing himself. She rolled onto her side, bunching the covers up to her chin. He returned, spooning her, his warmth enveloping her. As he pressed his lips to her temple, her heart pounded, her thoughts swirling with emotion. Wishing for something she couldn’t have, she shoved the errant thoughts into the depths of her mind. As she drifted into sleep, she dreamed of her lover, one who belonged to her, not only for a vacation, but a lifetime.

Chase studied Penny’s expression as the boat sped over the azure water. Ever since breakfast, she’d been withdrawn, and he wondered what was going on in her beautiful mind. He questioned if he was being selfish for asking her to indulge in his passion after she’d nearly drowned. He knew she was nervous, but she’d bravely learned the scuba basics. The previous day, she’d been the quintessential student at the pool, following his every instruction.

Chase had ordered her custom scuba equipment, so she’d be as comfortable as possible when she went for her first dive. One phone call to the concierge, and she had brand new gear, a warm water wetsuit specified to her size. He hadn’t told her that it was a gift, but she’d learn soon enough.

He recalled how they’d made love the first night. Their game of Truth or Dare had given him an insight into the alluring woman who had drawn his fascination. When he asked her if she’d consider moving, he’d been surprised that she’d chosen a dare over revealing her answer. He wondered about her reasons for refusing to tell him, but he hadn’t given up on discovering the truth.

Guilt seized his conscience for even allowing the idea to seed. He’d known her all of three days, and he’d become slowly obsessed with figuring out a solution to the quandary of their location issue. The days would pass quickly and he’d have to say goodbye. But unlike when he broke up with his ex, someone who he’d lived with for over a year, he missed Penny already. The stab of regret had already begun to tear into him, and he considered once again that he should stop seeing her.

But as she glanced back at him, her long hair adrift in the breeze, his heart caught, and he was reminded that there was so much more to discover about his mermaid. Not only did he want to know her, the need for her to know him had rooted. He looked to Evan, who shook his head in disapproval. It wasn’t as if his friend didn’t like Penny. But after Chase opted to teach a novice the ropes instead of going on research dives, Evan expressed concern that he was becoming too involved with her. Chase shrugged off his objections, reminding him that they had already collected samples.

The engine cut to silence and the boat bobbed in the gentle swell. Chase’s eyes fell on Penny, who smiled at him. She leaned back into the sun, her palms flat on the deck, bracing herself. He admired how her royal-blue bikini accentuated her every delicious curve.

“We’re good,” Evan called, drawing his attention.

“Penny, you ready?” Chase studied her face, wondering if she’d changed her mind.

“Not sure if I’m one hundred percent ready, but I trust you.” She carefully navigated her way down the steps.

“Listen, I know we did this as a dare the other night,” he paused and took a deep breath, “but I’d never make you do something you don’t want to do. If you don’t want to go, just say the word and we’ll relax here on the boat. No worries.”

“I’ll be fine,” she assured him.

“You sure you’re okay with this?”

“You don’t think I can do it?”

“I know you can do it, darlin’.” Chase took her hands in his, bringing them to his chest. “There’s nothing I’d rather do than share this world with you. Down there, it’s more beautiful than anything you’ll ever see. But as much as I’d love it, I want to make sure you’re going of your own accord, is all.”

Chase glanced to Evan, who rolled his eyes at him. He knew he sounded like a sappy-ass fool, but he wouldn’t risk her safety. Her sexy smile told him she wasn’t going to chicken out. Although he hadn’t seen her practice law, something told him she applied the same tenacity to every aspect of her life. Even if she’d never experimented sexually prior to her vacation, every indication, every caress and touch, led him to believe she’d meet him toe for toe in the bedroom. Like a flower, she bloomed before his eyes, giving him a glimpse into her personality. Both intellectual and playful, her zest for life was apparent in her words and actions.
Two more days. I have to let her go
, he reminded himself.