Chapter Twenty
Labor Day Weekend
The weather had been foggy and cool when they’d left San Francisco mid-morning, but had quickly turned warm and sunny about twenty miles south of town. Once they reached the Central Coast, Nathan lowered the top on his BMW so they could enjoy the warm late summer sun.
Julia signed in contentment, her long hair blowing in the breeze. “I hope the weather is this nice in Santa Barbara. It’ll be such a welcome change from all the fog we’ve been having.”
Nathan snagged her hand and brought it to his lips, his tongue flicking over her knuckles. “It’s supposed to be warm and sunny all weekend, baby. Don’t you know I arranged for it?”
She returned his impish smile. “How sweet you are. But you have ulterior motives, lover boy. You just want it to be warm so I can wear a bikini.”
“Can you blame me? I mean, you did look at yourself in the mirror when you modeled it for me, didn’t you? Your tits look twice as big in that top. You are not,” he added sternly, “leaving my side when you wear that itty bitty excuse for a bathing suit.”
“Hmm, and here I was planning on parading through the hotel lobby wearing just the bikini and my favorite pair of Louboutins,” she teased.
He bit her finger, eliciting a yelp. “I wasn’t planning on spanking you this weekend,” he threatened darkly,” but I’m sure I can fit it into my schedule. Behave yourself, minx.”
She smiled, sliding her abused finger inside his mouth and murmuring in approval when he sucked it. “I’ll try. But every time I’m with you I feel this urge to be a very bad girl.”
He ran his tongue over her finger. “Behind closed doors, baby, you can be as bad as you want to be.”
“Then I guess we should lock ourselves in our room this weekend, hmm?”
Nathan laughed in agreement, and Julia noticed that he sped up by several miles an hour, apparently in a sudden hurry to reach their destination.
They were spending the three-day weekend at the luxurious Gregson resort hotel on the coast in Santa Barbara. It had been Ian’s idea, offering them the use of the owner’s suite en gratis, and they had eagerly accepted his very generous offer. It was a relief to get away, for it had been an extremely busy, hectic summer at the office, especially since all of the plans for the Gregson hotel in Napa had to be finalized by the end of September. Since officially becoming a couple over two months ago, this was the first chance they’d had to get away for a weekend.
They were together almost constantly, though, taking turns spending the night at each other’s place. Nathan had followed through on his vow to buy a new bed for his master bedroom, and Julia had been all too happy to help him break it in. She now had a sizeable number of clothes and shoes at his condo, while he had several suits and other clothing hanging in her closet. Since both of them were neat freaks, they had been pleased at the other’s tidiness and never argued about picking up after themselves. They had begun discussing the idea of finding a bigger place where they could live together, with Nathan joking that they’d need a third bedroom just for her wardrobe. He had also pulled out the various design plans he’d drawn up for his place in Tiburon, though Julia had agreed that none of them were exactly right. Unfortunately, he’d been too busy to do any additional work on the house plans, so he was no closer to getting his dream home built.
The weather was indeed warm and sunny when they pulled up to the entrance of the resort mid-afternoon. A valet took charge of Nathan’s car, while a bellhop quickly unloaded their baggage onto a cart. Check-in was accomplished quickly and smoothly, and the front desk clerk who assisted them was exceptionally gracious. Julia was certain that he treated them with extra care because they were staying in the owners suite and quite obviously some sort of VIPs. She sent silent thanks to Ian once again for his generosity.
The suite was spectacular – far larger than either her flat or Nathan’s condo – and almost overwhelmingly opulent. There was a spacious living room, separate dining room, full kitchen, and a huge bedroom with a fabulous en suite bathroom. The carpet was thick and plush, while the terrazzo floor in the bathroom was smooth and cool. Everything was first class and top of the line, from the furnishings to the artwork to the linens. There were two enormous flat-paneled, state of the art televisions with surround sound, one each in the living room and bedroom, and a very sophisticated stereo system. The kitchen was outfitted with high end appliances and gadgets, and Julia could only imagine the incredible meals she could create there. But Nathan had forbidden her from cooking this weekend, insisting on her being totally pampered and catered to.
The suite also boasted its own spacious outdoor patio complete with fire pit, hot tub, and small, private infinity pool. The outdoor space was completely private, and Julia impishly imagined the two of them sunning and sunbathing in the nude.
She glanced at the pool and then at Nathan, and they grinned at each other knowingly.
“You bad girl,” he whispered in her ear, careful that the private concierge who was showing them around the suite couldn’t overhear. “Always thinking of ways to be naughty.”
She slid her palm to his chest, leaning in to nip at his bottom lip. “You must be rubbing off on me, you bad boy.”
He pressed a soft kiss to her temple. “I’d like you to rub something right about now. It’s been a whole seven hours since I fucked you last.”
Her cheeks grew hot and she whispered urgently, “Behave, Nathan. At least until Stuart leaves.”
He murmured back, “I haven’t paid attention to one fucking thing he’s said, have you?”
She giggled. “Some of it. Now, be nice. Please?”
He humored her by sliding an arm around her waist, and politely listening to the rest of what Stuart the concierge had to tell them about the suite and its many amenities.
“A complimentary wine and cheese cart will be delivered at five-thirty,” Stuart told them in his crisp British accent. “As for breakfast, you may have that brought in anytime tomorrow morning. Just give us a mere fifteen minutes notice and we’ll deliver it to you.”
He went on about all the spa services, the top-notch fitness center and various exercise classes, the tennis courts and beach access. Nathan assured him that all of their questions had been answered more than adequately, and after thanking Nathan for the generous tip Stuart was thankfully gone.
“Christ, I thought he’d never leave,” complained Nathan, jerking Julia into his arms. “Come here and kiss me, baby.”
Her giggles were swiftly suppressed by the hungry pressure of his mouth on hers, his tongue licking at the seam of her lips until it plunged wetly inside. Julia gave a little “mmm” of pleasure as she twined her arms around his neck and pressed up flush against him, returning his kisses eagerly. She had to lift up on her toes a bit to slant her mouth fully against his, since for once she wasn’t wearing heels. Her gold and coral jeweled flip flops coordinated with her Matthew Williamson coral chiffon dress and its embellished gold belt. The floaty fabric of the dress was thin enough that she could feel the full imprint of Nathan’s hands as they cupped her ass, lifting her so that he could nestle his hard cock into the notch of her thighs.
“If you don’t want to lose another pair of those ridiculously overpriced panties, I suggest you decide quickly where you’d like to be fucked for the first time in this suite,” he growled in her ear, even as he began to pull the hem of her dress up past her hips.
Julia groaned as his hand fondled her ass through the gossamer thin fabric of her pale apricot panties. His fingers slid along the back waistband to the cleft of her buttocks, slipping further down to briefly tease the puckered hole of her anus. At her gasp of surprise, he soothed her.
“Easy, baby. We’re not going there today. But someday I’m going to claim this gorgeous little ass. Every part of you is going to belong to me. Now, since you haven’t answered me yet, I think we’ll be traditional and head over to that big bed in the next room.”
He picked her up easily and carried her across the wide expanse of the living room to the large bedroom. He placed her gently on the vast bed, the cream colored duvet and pile of pillows matching the canopy that draped the four-poster frame. And then he proceeded to undress her slowly, deliberately. Instead of the wild, hungry fuck that she’d been breathlessly anticipating, he seduced her tenderly. Their lovemaking was sweet and slow, with long, drugging kisses, their hands gently stoking over every inch of the others body. Nathan entered her body with one long, slow thrust, wringing a gasp of pleasure from her throat.
“God, I love you,” she murmured, her lips against the base of his throat as he stroked in and out of her with exquisite control. “And I love the way you love me.”
Every part of their bodies were touching – arms and legs entwined, her breasts crushed to his chest, their lips clinging to the others, while he slid his cock in and out of her wet, clenching cunt with almost maddening slowness, savoring each sensation.
“I love you, too, baby,” he whispered in her ear. “This is perfect. You and I are perfect. I wish we could freeze-frame this moment and stay just like this forever.”
Julia felt tears well up in her eyes, her heart almost too full of emotion as she stared up at him. He was the man of her dreams, her soul mate, the other half of her. And she was so completely besotted with him, so utterly in love, that she would have done absolutely anything for him in that moment.
They took a long, decadent soak in the huge sunken bathtub, Nathan’s hands soaping and teasing her swollen breasts before his fingers plunged inside her cleft and brought her to a quick, stunning orgasm. Then, despite his half-hearted protests at being spent, she stroked and pumped his cock until he was groaning, his hips thrusting upwards in rhythm with her strokes. Just before he climaxed, she took him inside her mouth and he came long and hard down her throat.
After drying each other off, they snuggled together on the bed, pleasantly exhausted, and took a short nap. It was the knock on the door to the suite that woke them, and Nathan sleepily pulled on one of the thick, white terrycloth hotel robes before stumbling to the door. Someone – most likely Stuart – had discreetly left a cloth covered cart just outside the private entryway to the suite. Julia, now swathed in her own robe, padded barefoot into the living room to help inspect the array of dishes on the cart as Nathan wheeled it inside.
There was a beautifully arranged platter of fine cheeses and pates, and a basket of crackers and thinly sliced baguette. There were also little dishes of nuts and olives, as well as juicy melon slices with paper thin strips of prosciutto wrapped around them.
She popped one of those in her mouth and sighed with pleasure. “Mmm. Salty and sweet. The perfect combination.”
Nathan wrapped her in his arms, nuzzling the still damp tendrils of her hair. “That’s exactly how you taste, baby,” he whispered naughtily. “Salty and sweet. My very favorite dish.”
She squeezed the firm cheek of his butt through the robe. “Yes, but man cannot live by pussy alone. Besides, you need to eat up. You’ll be burning off a ton of calories tonight.”
He chuckled and pinched her cheek. “You have great faith in my stud-like abilities, baby. What makes you think I have anything left after this afternoon?”
Julia slipped her hand inside the opening of his robe and latched onto his semi-erect penis. “Because you’re Superman, lover. And I bought a bunch of new undies for this trip. You can help me pick out which ones to wear tonight.”
He groaned as she continued to stroke his cock. “Ah, baby, you know me so well. But as good as you’re making me feel, we should hold off for awhile. For what I have in mind for you tonight, you’re going to need nourishment, too.”
She kissed him, then reluctantly stepped back, continuing to inspect the cart. “Well, someone in this place must suspect what’s going to happen in here tonight. Look what’s in the ice bucket.”
Nathan grinned as he extracted the bottle of Cristal champagne. “Liquid seduction. Let’s get this opened and start getting you tipsy.”
She accepted the flute of champagne he poured for her. “You don’t have to get me tipsy to seduce me, you know.”
He snagged her free hand and brought it to his lips. “Really? So what do I have to do?”
She turned her cheek into his palm. “Look at me. Say my name. Touch my hand. Basically, just be in the same room with me. That’s all it takes to make me want to jump your bones.”
“Wanton little hussy,” he teased. “But so long as you’re that way only with me you certainly won’t hear me complain.” He brushed her hair behind her ear. “And it’s the same for me, baby. The sound of your voice makes me hard.”
They walked out to sit on their private patio, nibbling on cheese and sipping champagne, and Julia couldn’t help but think of that evening at the Plaza Hotel. It had been almost a full year since they’d met in New York, and so much had changed in her life during that time that it made her head spin to think about it. The journey to this point had certainly been filled with bumps and missteps, but the trip had been worth all the obstacles.
She reached out with her bare foot and tickled his calf. “You know how you were worried about me being too exposed in that new aqua bikini I bought?”
Nathan eyed her warily. “What about it?”
“Well, if we just swim naked in our own private pool you won’t have to worry about it.”
He burst out laughing. “Baby, some of the things that come out of that pretty mouth of yours knock me for a loop. I think I’m having a bad influence on you.”
Julia stood up, only to straddle his lap and loop her arms around his neck. “Was that a complaint I heard?”
He pulled her down for a long, hungry kiss. “Oh, hell, no.”
They ate dinner at the four-star Mediterranean-style restaurant within the hotel. Nathan wore a pale gray Prada suit with an open-necked white shirt and no tie. Julia had chosen a Narciso Rodriguez panel dress in a delicious shade of citron green with a pair of gold metallic sandals. In a restaurant filled with well-kept, well-to-do patrons, they stood out, easily the most attractive couple in the room. But the lovers seemed to ignore everyone else around them, more than content to stare at each other across the table, clearly enraptured with the other. They fed each other bites of food, shared sips of wine from the same glass, and kept their hands entwined during most of the meal.
They took a leisurely walk around the hotel grounds after dinner and dessert, not having had the opportunity to explore until now. From the back terrace, there were stairs down to the beach but Julia looked dubiously at her high feels and shook her head.
“Tomorrow, I think,” she said regretfully.
Then she was squealing in surprise as Nathan swooped her up into his arms and carried her down the stairs to the sand below. She took off her shoes and carried them in one hand as he snagged the other in his.
“Thank you, baby. My knight in shining armor,” she teased.
“My pleasure, my lady. It’s such a beautiful night I couldn’t resist walking along the beach with you.”
They strolled up the hard packed sand for long, leisurely minutes, not speaking, just enjoying the balmy evening and each other’s company. The tide was out so they didn’t have to worry about getting splashed by an errant wave.
“This is an amazing place,” she signed. “I haven’t been to Santa Barbara since I was in high school. Have you been here before?”
He hesitated a moment before nodding. “Once, several years ago.”
She grinned at him. “I’ll bet it was with a woman and you don’t want to talk about it because you think I’ll be jealous.”
Nathan shrugged. “It was a long time ago, and I’d almost forgotten about it. It was pretty casual. I didn’t really have a serious long term relationship until – well-“
“Until Cameron,” she finished for him. “So what you’re trying to tell me was that you were something of a manwhore.”
He laughed. “I am definitely not trying to tell you that. I admit I dated a lot during college and in my twenties, but even before I met Cameron I was really toning it down. There haven’t been nearly as many women in my life as you might think.”
Julia rested her head on his shoulder as they walked along. “That’s a relief. And you already know about my previous relationships. Sam, of course, and then that total asshole whose name I refuse to mention again. Two others, very brief relationships, who meant less than nothing to me. And then you.”
He kissed her forehead. “I still don’t know how I lucked out. I’ve seen you completely ignore a room filled with men and somehow you chose me.”
She ran a finger over his lips. “Hmm, must be that dirty mouth of yours. You say such nasty stuff but then do such delicious things to me with it at the same time.”
Nathan chuckled and swatted her playfully on the butt. “Good thing all those other guys don’t know the secret to your heart is a dirty mouth.”
Julia shook her head. “That’s only a small part of it, baby. While the sex is spectacular, and your body is the stuff girly dreams are made of, it’s what’s inside of you that I love the most. When I saw you for the first time in New York, I just – knew. I can’t really explain it properly.”
“You don’t have to, because I get it.” He wrapped his arm about her waist, holding her close. “It’s exactly the same for me. It’s like I was waiting my whole life for you and then one day there you were.”
“Can we go back to our room now?” she whispered. “I’m feeling in need of some dirty talk.”
He slid his hands into her hair and bent her head back for a deep, searing kiss. “Baby, I’ll talk dirty to you all night long if that’s what you crave. Do you want me to start now?”
She closed her eyes. “Yes, please.”
Nathan trailed hot kisses down the side of her neck, cupping her breast in his hand. “I’m going to take you back to our room now, Julia, and you’re going to undress for me. Very slowly. And then when you’re beautifully naked, I’m going to eat out that delicious cunt of yours until you come.”
She groaned as his thumb flicked over her nipple, and his lips continued their descent to the base of her throat. “Then you’re going to return the favor and suck me off in that sexy mouth of yours until I shoot my load down your throat,” he rasped.
Nathan ground his rapidly hardening erection against her cleft as he cupped her ass, holding her still for him. “And then I’m going to lick these pretty nipples and play with these gorgeous tits until I’m hard again.’ He squeezed one round breast. “Then I’m going to fuck you hard. From behind. And you’re going to let me do whatever I want.”
Julia was panting now from excitement, fully aroused just by his words. “Yes, Nathan. Yes, whatever you want. I love you so much.”
They were back near the staircase now, so he picked her up and carried her up to the terrace. Once they reached the top, Julia wiggled in his arms.
“You can put me down now,” she teased.
Nathan smiled, but made no move to set her down as he continued walking. “I know. But I can walk faster than you, which means you’ll be naked that much sooner.”
Nathan lowered his sunglasses and ogled Julia as she sunbathed on their private patio. The aqua bikini did a piss-poor job in covering up her curves, especially those tits that threatened to spill over the low-cut top or expose a nipple. He couldn’t resist snapping a photo of her with his phone, adding it to the considerable album he’d already compiled of her.
She turned her head and gave him a mock glare behind her oversized sunglasses. “That picture had better not wind up on your Facebook page. The last picture you posted of me with some cleavage showing got some rather pervy comments from your buddies.”
He grinned. “Just showing you off a little, baby. And every one of my friends is off the wall jealous of me.”
“Aren’t most of your friends married?”
He snapped another photo, this one a close up of her cleavage. “Yeah, and they’re all eating their hearts out. And relax – there’s no way I’d share a photo of you baring this much of your tits with anyone. These are for my eyes only, baby.”
She took a drink of the ice-cold margarita that had been delivered along with Nathan’s Corona just a few minutes ago. “Lucky for you. I’ve met a few of your friends, don’t forget, and I can’t say for one hundred percent certain that some of them wouldn’t plaster photos like that all over the place.”
“Well, I know my buddies a lot better than you do, and I can say with one hundred percent certainty that a few of them are perverted enough to do just that. And since I don’t want my girl to be the next Internet sensation, the photos stay private. I don’t share, Julia, and that includes a photo like this one.”
She patted his hand and took another sip of her drink. “I know you don’t. And I love how protective and possessive you get at times. You make me feel cherished.”
He squeezed her hand in return. “That’s because you are. I adore you, Julia. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”
She smiled at him saucily. “How about skinny dipping in the pool? Would you do that for me?”
He shot to his feet. “Absolutely, except I think that would be more for my benefit than yours.”
Julia allowed him to help her to her feet, and then took a long drink of the margarita before divesting herself of the bikini in two swift motions. Nathan stared at her slack-jawed as she strode to the edge of the pool, proudly nude. She crooked a finger at him.
“What are you waiting for?”
He watched as she slid gracefully into the heated infinity pool, then yanked off his swim trunks and dove in after her. Julia gave a little yelp of alarm as he caught her around the waist, pressing his chest against her back.
“Temptress,” he scolded. “Do you enjoy provoking me?”
She wiggled her bare buttocks against his rapidly hardening erection. “Of course. I mean, after all, you’re so easy to provoke. But only with me, lover. I don’t share either.”
Nathan’s hands slid up the side of her waist to cup her swollen breasts. “Like I’d have anything left to share after you had your way with me, wench. Keeping you satisfied is a lot of work.”
“Mmm, sounds like you’re due some overtime pay.” She gasped as he pinched her nipples. “Could you be persuaded to accept your compensation with sexual favors?”
He groaned as she reached behind her and took hold of his throbbing cock. “Oh, hell yes.”
They swam and played in the warm water for awhile, kissing and fondling each other in between. Julia splashed him and Nathan retaliated by diving beneath the surface to grab her ankle and tug her underwater. She was sputtering indignantly but giggling at the same time when they both surfaced, her arms looped around his neck and her legs wrapped around his waist.
“Having fun?’ he asked her, grinning.
She gave him a wet, smacking kiss in reply. “Absolutely. This has been the best weekend of my life so far. And it’s not even half over.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. We both needed this break. And it’s been the most fantastic time of my life, too. I owe Ian big time for this.”
Julia ran her fingers through his wet hair. “Hmm, we should set him up with a nice girl. I can’t believe someone as yummy as he is doesn’t have a steady girlfriend or wife.”
He tweaked her nipple playfully. “Yummy, huh? Just keep that particular observation to yourself, okay? I think if I wasn’t in the picture – and he wasn’t our client – that he’d be all over you, baby. He asked me jokingly if you had a twin sister.”
She stared at him in dismay. “Oh, God, please tell me you did not offer to fix him up with Lauren.”
Nathan gave a mock shudder. “Good Lord, no. Not that Ian wouldn’t be able to hold his own against her, but he might come out with a few scratches. Worse, he might fire us.”
“Trust me, he’s not Lauren’s type. She either likes the dangerous, tattooed bad boys, or the outdoorsy, adventure seeking guys. Somehow I don’t think Ian has a tattoo or a piercing, nor can I picture him rock climbing or ocean kayaking.”
He walked her over to the edge of the pool, with her legs still wrapped around his hips, and lifted her to sit on the patio, her feet dangling in the water. “Well, as it happens, I can vouch for both. No tattoos or piercings, and he prefers golf or tennis or swimming laps to anything more extreme.”
Julia ran her hands over his shoulders. “You’ve seen him naked? Come on, I want details.”
He glared. “Hey, I didn’t exactly give him the once over, you know. He invited me to play a round of golf at his club once and we showered afterwards in the locker room. I can’t give you any other details save that I did not notice any ink or jewelry. And stop sounding so interested in what Ian Gregson looks like naked.”
“You’re right. I mean, I’ve got my hands full here, don’t I?” She squeezed his biceps.
He bent his head and licked a drop of water from her nipple. “I’ll tell you what I’d like to have your hand full of. Not to mention what I want a handful of.”
She gave a low sound of pleasure as he cupped her breasts, his thumbs rasping over the nipples.
“Except that my hands aren’t big enough to hold all of you at once,” he murmured huskily. “And by the feel of how hard I’m getting, it might be too much for you to handle as well.”
“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?” she teased. “Come here, lover.”
She slid her hand down his rock-hard, sculpted abs to find his fully erect cock. “Mmm, you’re right,” she breathed sultrily. “Way, way more than a handful. Have you ever fucked in a pool before?”
He nuzzled her neck. “No. And I’m not going to do it now, either. The footing is too slippery for as hard as I need to give it to you. Come on, I have an idea.”
His idea was to pull the thick, dark blue cushions off their chaise lounges and lay them side by side on the patio. The warm sun beat down on their wet bodies, quickly drying them as they kissed and caressed each other boldly, hungrily. Nathan rolled to his knees, and then sat back on his heels, pulling her up to straddle his lap.
“I want to take you this way,” he told her in hushed tones. “Tell me if it’s too much.”
In answer, she lowered herself slowly, impaling herself on his cock an inch at a time until he was buried to the balls inside of her. For long seconds they didn’t move – Nathan savoring the incredible feeling of being so deep, and Julia letting her body adjust to accommodate his thick length. Then she began to move, slowly at first, and then with increasing speed, his hands at her hips guiding their movements. He bent his head and took a nipple into his mouth, sucking hard, and eliciting a moan from her.
“Christ, you feel so good,” he rasped against her breast. “Lean back now, baby. My turn to ride you.”
Julia obliged, her yoga-toned body giving her the flexibility to lower herself onto her back with her knees still bent beneath her. Nathan reared up onto his knees, and plunged into her hard.
She bit her lip to control the scream that would otherwise have escaped. “Ah, Nathan, oh, God,” she panted, as he continued to fuck her relentlessly, his body pounding into her. The same hot sun that had dried the pool water from their bodies now caused a fine layer of perspiration to form on their skin. Sweat dropped from his forehead onto her bare torso as he worked her over, pushing her hard.
“I want your legs around my neck,” he demanded. “Do it now.”
Again she obeyed instantly, hooking her ankles behind his head as his hands slid beneath her buttocks, lifting and positioning her to the angle he desired. And still he continued to drive into her, each thrust somehow harder than the one before, until she was dizzy and almost incoherent from the intensity, half-afraid that it was more than she could take. He kept at her for what felt like forever, drawing out their mutual pleasure to the limits of their endurance. She didn’t know how he was able to hold back for so long, for he felt harder and thicker and hotter than she could ever remember, his cock stroking into her again and again. She was so wet that she could vaguely hear slurping sounds where their bodies were joined as he continued to work her over. And then, when she feared she might pass out from his demanding, almost brutal possession, it took only the smallest flick of his thumb on her clit to send her crashing into orgasm, her pussy convulsing around his cock until he, too, came hard, his body shuddering over and over. Groaning, he collapsed next to her on the cushions, his breathing as labored as hers.
“I’m not sure I’m going to be able to walk after that.” She stretched her arms and legs in opposite directions, giving a low groan as she did so.
He propped himself up on one elbow and grinned down at her. “I’ll just have to carry you everywhere, then. Though my legs feel pretty shaky right now, too. Once again you’ve wiped me out.”
Julia wiggled her toes, relieved to see she could move at least one body part. “I’ll probably fall asleep during my massage this afternoon. Good thing I forced myself to get up early for that yoga class, because there’s no way I could move a muscle after this.”
“Hmm, I was just thinking I don’t need a workout this afternoon after all. Think I just found the ultimate aerobic exercise. And it’s a hell of a lot more fun than swimming laps or running five miles.”
She trailed her fingers down his chest to his stomach. “We both worked up a sweat, that’s for sure. Shower or bath?”
The glint in his eyes should have warned her, but she was still caught unawares when he stood, hefted her up into his arms, and strode towards the pool.
Julia kept her arms tightly locked around his neck. “You’re not really thinking about throwing me in, are you?”
In answer he tossed her into the pool, grinning broadly at the sound of her shrieks and sputtering when she surfaced a moment later. She was glaring at him through the wet curtain of her hair.
“Just for that, I’m going to request that my masseuse be the tallest, hottest guy they have on staff,” she threatened.
“Too late, baby,” he smirked. “When I so nicely offered to make the reservation for you, I specifically asked for a female masseuse.”
She stuck her tongue out at him. “Well, then, you don’t get to pick my undies for tonight. I might decide to wear plain white cotton ones.”
Nathan hooted. “Sweetie, you don’t own any plain white cotton anything. But even if you did, you’d still look hot in it.”
“Speaking of hot – you still look pretty sweaty. I think you need to cool off.”
Then it was Nathan’s turn to yelp as she splashed him from head to toe, just before tugging at his ankle and pulling him into the pool.