Doug wasn’t one to put time or thought into planning what he imagined was a romantic date. Normally, he’d simply make a reservation at a restaurant before catching a show. But he wanted it to be meaningful for Rose.
What he hadn’t anticipated was her reading his emotions so clearly. He was very good at keeping them in check and hidden from others. How can she see right through my first line of defense? Not only had she picked up on his concerns, she knew exactly how to play it, so she held the cards. He’d underestimated her a few times before. Each time he thought he had her figured out, she threw him another curveball.
There they were just about to land on the beach, and he was second-guessing his choice for the afternoon. I’ll know in one minute if this was a stupid idea.
As they walked in the sand holding their shoes with one hand and clasping their other hands together, they rounded the last bend, and came upon what Doug had set up earlier. The canopy with the white cotton panels set away from the crashing waves. Even from where they stood, he could see the massage table with flowers in the center of the canopy.
A straw picnic basket containing sandwiches, chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne sat on a blanket in front of the canopy. Thank you, Sharma. A large pile of firewood was stacked perfectly, ready for a romantic fire at sunset in a couple hours.
Doug had planned arriving midafternoon, but her volunteering at the center and his nap changed those plans. A romantic sunset might work out even better. He wasn’t going to cut any corners. This was all about her, and he was going to do everything possible to guarantee it was a time she’d never forget. He hoped once she was closer and realized he had a massage planned, he hadn’t gone too far.
He saw the sun shining in her wide honey-brown eyes as she took in the sight. “Wow, Doug. How did all this get down here?”
Her voice was filled with excitement and surprise. So far so good.
“I had a little help.” He wasn’t about to mention how much help. It was amazing how many different resources he needed to get this set up in a short time. The staff at Marpe-Agape certainly went out of their way to help others, even when he wasn’t one of the patients.
“I would say so. This is . . . beautiful, Doug. I never expected this.”
Yeah. Kind of a shock to me too. “I’m glad I was able to surprise you. For a minute I thought you suspected what I had planned.”
She smiled but turned her head away when she answered. “Nope.”
He wasn’t sure when she would’ve had time, but she didn’t look so innocent right now. Even if she’d guessed what he’d planned, he felt as though he could still make this special. I might just have to step up my game a bit.
“I hope you’re hungry.”
“Starving, actually.”
“Then let’s start,” Doug said, stopping at the foot of the blanket. “Sit and let me serve you.”
“Doug, you’ve done all the planning, let me help,” Rose replied as she knelt down on the blanket.
“Not this time. Today, it’s all about you.”
He was thankful she didn’t argue and sat down waiting while he opened the basket. Doug wasn’t up on etiquette but what he’d had Sharma pack was simple enough for him to handle. He handed her a linen napkin that she placed on her lap. Then he pulled out a container with little sandwiches.
“I think these are supposed to be sandwiches,” Doug said with his brow arched. They were so small and cut in quarters. “Maybe for a mouse.” He laughed.
Rose took the container from him, picked up one of the small triangles, and said, “They’re called tea sandwiches. They’re supposed to be like this.” And this is why I asked for help packing the basket. I’d never have packed something like this. Sharma, on the other hand, hit the mark.
Doug picked up one, looked it over, shook his head, and popped it into his mouth. They were tasty, yet his idea of a sandwich was steak, mushrooms, and cheese on a twelve-inch roll. He had no idea why someone would make a sandwich bite-sized. Hell, I’ve eaten cookies bigger than this. He should’ve been clearer about what he was looking for. Rose said she was starving and this wasn’t filling.
Unlike him, Rose took a small bite, then another. “How did you know these are my favorite? They’re wonderful.”
Or maybe being vague on my list to Sharma was the right choice. Doug sat next to her and watched how she truly enjoyed each morsel. Had he ever seen her so relaxed? When she finished the last one, he reached back into the basket and pulled out two glasses and a chilled bottle of champagne. “How about some champagne to wash that down?”
He popped the cork, poured their glasses, then reached in one last time to retrieve the chocolate-covered strawberries he’d asked for. Now, these look like real food.
Rose took a sip of champagne, and Doug picked up one of the berries and held it up to her. “Try one of these.”
She didn’t reach for it. Instead, she leaned her mouth toward the berry and slowly bit into it. The juice clung to her lips. Everything around him seemed to fade, and all he could do was hold it up and watch her take a second bite. Each time her sweet lips wrapped around the berry, his cock tightened with need. He’d never wanted anyone like he wanted her; the pull and all-consuming heat was undeniable.
Doug resisted pushing the basket and items aside and pulling her into his arms. He knew once he tasted her again, he wouldn’t be able to stop. This wasn’t supposed to be a quick romp in the sand. He wanted this to be healing for her. She’d been through so much the past few days, and he wanted to help her forget, even if only for a few hours.
The juice of the last berry dripped down her chin, and he wanted to lick it so badly. Not because he enjoyed berries, but because it was part of her. Damn. I can’t focus on anything but you.
He loved how she told him more about growing up with hard-headed brothers and what she considered a perfect sister. Doug couldn’t relate to either as he’d been an only child. Yet she was excellent as expressing herself. I wonder why you can’t do that with Beckett. Are you afraid he won’t listen?
Rose’s laugh tugged at his heart. He could listen to her for hours as she continued to share family stories. He wished he had as many to share with her, but she practically was rolling on the ground when he told her how he used to give his mother a hard time when he was a teenager.
Spending time with Rose was so much easier than he thought possible. Was it because he had never given the women he’d dated his free time in this way? Or was it her? She was smart, witty, kindhearted, and fiercely loyal. Why is she single? Why did she waste even one hour on Martin, let alone six months? I like her.
Doug brushed all thoughts of Martin away. As far as he was concerned, the asshole never existed. If he had his way, she’d forget about him too. I really like you, Rose Davis. If only I could be the man who deserves you.
The juice of last berry dripped down her chin, and he wanted to lick it so badly. Quickly he tossed the empty containers back into the basket and stood. Reaching a hand down to her he said, “I have a special surprise for you.”
Rose accepted his hand, and he guided her up. He pointed at the canopy. “I hope you like massages.”
She looked at him puzzled. “I do, but I want to spend this time with you, not someone else.”
Doug grinned. “Trust me, the time will indeed be ours. There are things people don’t know about me. Before I joined the Marines I wanted to study medicine to be involved in helping people recover from injuries. My high school guidance counselor talked me into going to school to become a sports massage therapist.”
Rose looked him over as though she didn’t believe what he was telling her. It didn’t fit his mold at all.
“No. It’s not a line so I can get my hands on you. I really was licensed. I haven’t done it in about fifteen years, but I don’t think I’ve lost my touch. What do you say? Are you willing to give it a try?” Doug winked at her as she contemplated his offer.
“Right here on the beach?”
Doug stepped under the canopy and untied one set of the cornered panels, and the white cotton fabric fell, creating a makeshift wall. Then he went and did the same to two other corners. He left the front open, facing the ocean.
“Your very own private spa. Just you, me, and the ocean.”
She looked up and down the beach as though making sure no one else was around.
“Trust me, Rose, we have this entire beach to ourselves. I’ll make a fire while you undress. There is a sheet on the table to cover yourself. I’ll start with your back so lie on your stomach facing the ocean.” He kept his tone professional, so she felt comfortable. This was exactly what she needed. Her body had been battered and bruised. Although she emotionally was doing so much better, he wanted to ease the tension in her body. The proper technique would increase the blood flow to the affected areas, and tomorrow she’d feel amazing. All she needed to do was trust him.
Giving her no chance to dispute his intentions, he stepped out from under the canopy and headed toward the wood pile.
Doug was attuned to his surroundings, and he knew Rose hadn’t budged. He could try to convince her, but he knew she was processing everything. Why wouldn’t she? He’d just asked her to get naked on their very first date. Fuck, I’m not sure I officially asked her out. Damn, I suck at this. Although it was an innocent request, it sure as hell was an odd one. What the fuck ever made me think I could pull off a romantic date? I’m the least romantic man who ever lived.
He didn’t want to face her disappointment. Things had been going well so far. The ball was in her court. If she wanted the massage, she’d let him know, and if she didn’t, he’d respect that.
“I’ll be by the fire. Call me if you decide you want this.”
He stacked the wood and used kindling to start the fire. The sun had already begun to set; it’d be dark in less than an hour. They were going to need the fire if they were going to be sitting on the beach later. Although it never got cold there, the breeze off the ocean could be cool.
He was about to sit on the sandy beach when he heard her call out.
“Ready.”
At least one of us is. No matter how hard he was telling himself this was only a professional massage, his body was reacting to the thought of touching her. He controlled his actions, and she wasn’t at risk of being taken advantage of. That didn’t mean his cock wasn’t going to be trying to fuck with him the entire time.
Rose couldn’t believe she was lying naked, waiting for Doug to massage her. She could picture doing many things with him naked, but none of it in public. She reminded herself that the beach was empty. The sun would set very soon, and no matter what, only she and Doug would know what happened under that canopy.
Lying on her stomach with her arms folded and her chin resting on her hands, she had the perfect view of the sunset. No one had ever taken such tender care of her. Is it just because it’s Doug, or is this the most romantic date I’ve been on? Quietly, Doug entered the canopy and avoided meeting her gaze. She was tempted to reach out and touch him as he walked past but resisted. For the moment, she’d let him do his thing. He said he was a trained professional and heck, her body needed a massage right now. It’d been days since she’d felt like herself. This was what she needed. Or at least, a great way to start before I can have what I really need.
She had no idea what was wrong with her. It wasn’t as though she’d never been attracted to a man before. And she wasn’t a virgin either. She felt no interest in intimacy with the last few guys she’d dated. Rose was beginning to think there was something wrong with her. But around Doug, she knew better. I can’t stop thinking about Doug touching me.
Rose tried to get all thoughts of him out of her mind. He planned this for her, and she wasn’t going to ruin it for him. She respected he was trying to be professional. No matter what the pulsating need between my legs says.
She focused on the beautiful sunset, enjoying the sky’s bright orange reflecting off the high, thin layer of clouds. When was the last time I stopped and took time to enjoy a sunset?
No matter how beautiful the sight was, her body refused to ignore the feel of the sheet being pulled down to expose her back to Doug.
He stood at the right side of her, and his strong hands started at the center of her back pressing gently down her spine. He removed his hands, and she felt warm liquid dripping down the same path his hands had just traveled. When he resumed his massage, his fingers glided from her spine outward, over her ribcage, and down the side of her body, stopping just before touching the outer side of her left breast. His hands were large, and when he spread his fingers, he covered almost the entire side of her back.
She’d had many massages over the years, and she instantly knew Doug hadn’t been feeding her a line. He. Is. So. Good. Each touch relaxed her more than the one before. Her eyes closed and she rested her forehead in the cradle of the bed. Doug took her arms and moved them to her side, his fingers moving down her shoulders to her fingers. Each finger was tugged gently, stretching out her ligaments.
Then he walked around the table and did the same to the other side. His hands were on her lower back and the top of her glutes, down over her hips, up her side and repeated again. It was a rhythm that rocked her, building up a need for more. She wanted him to remove the sheet covering her bare bottom and knead her butt cheeks. He didn’t.
Instead, he lifted the sheet off her legs. Once again she felt the warm oils being poured on each leg. As his hands massaged their way from the back of her thigh to her feet, she felt more than the heat from the oil warming her body. His hands began to massage her inner thigh and back down her leg again. She had no idea what got into her, but she found herself opening her legs wider.
She swore she heard Doug gasp at her boldness. Rose wanted to feel his touch higher, yet no matter how she adjusted her hips, welcoming him, he refused. It was embarrassing when she heard a moan rumble through her.
He covered her again then stood on the left side and held open the right side. “Okay, turn over.”
His voice didn’t hold a hint of desire. Was it just her going crazy with need? I should tell him I’ve had enough. I want to stop. But damn it, it feels too good. I don’t want his touch to end. What would he do if I lost the sheet completely?
Rolling on her back, she kept her eyes closed. Did he look over the sheet? Her arms at her side, Doug stood at the head of the table. He’d put the warm oil on his hands this time, and she felt his strong hands start on her shoulders, kneading each sore and well-used muscle. As he tenderly kneaded, his hands continued to move along the back of her neck and down the front of her chest stopping at the crest of her breast. She knew her nipples were hard. Could he see them through the sheet? Probably so, yet something within her didn’t care. She wanted him and wasn’t ashamed of it. If she had her way, she’d end this massage and have him join her under this sheet, although the massage table might not hold their weight. It could be fun trying . . .
Another moan escaped her lips as his hands trailed down her throat and over her chest. Her breasts swelled and ached for attention. She arched her back, causing the sheet to slip down a little. She knew her nipples were taut and engorged with desire, and her breasts were fully exposed, yet he didn’t touch them. Instead, his hands took a path no other therapist’s had. Removing the rest of the sheet, his hands went below her breasts, over her flat stomach, and stopped below her belly button, then up her side again. “Oh . . . that feels so good.”
She hadn’t meant to speak the words out loud, yet Rose knew her body was giving away far more than any words could say. He didn’t reply. Instead, his hands continued to caress her. Somewhere along the way, it stopped being a therapeutic massage and had become a caress. An extremely erotic caress.
Being so tall, he could easily lean over her, stretching to touch her. She couldn’t stand it. Rose had the perfect view of his bare chest, and his huge biceps continued to pass over her. She lifted her hands to run them up his arms. She felt his arms tense with her touch.
“Doug, I—”
“Shh. Just enjoy.” His voice was deeper and huskier.
With anyone else, she’d have felt self-conscious and never would’ve been so bold. Doug made her forget her inhibitions. Her body was on fire, and she needed him. She caught hold of the sheet with her feet and edged it farther down. She lay naked before him. So. Turned. On.
“Please,” she whispered, closing her eyes.
“Fuck,” she heard him groan.
She grabbed his wrists and urged his hands lower. Although she enjoyed each and every touch, the ache between her legs became harder to ignore. She needed him to touch her more intimately.
“In time, angel.” Doug didn’t refuse her request. He moved his hand lower, and she opened her legs to him. His fingers slipped through her wet folds and over her swollen clit. Her body almost exploded.
Lifting her hips, she pumped her flesh against his hand. He called her angel as he muttered a few expletives, but she was a vixen. It was sweet torture each time a finger slid over her clit. Her pulse was racing; this wasn’t the time to be timid.
He was treating her as though she was fragile; she was anything but. She wanted him to take his clothes off and bury himself deep inside her. To replace his hand with his mouth and to fill her mouth with his own sweetness. She gripped him again, her fingers practically digging into the taut muscles of his forearm, and strained to open her legs wider. His response was to increase the strokes over her clit. Each time faster than the one before. Digging her heels into the massage bed, she lifted her hips, frantically meeting each stroke. The heat in the pit of her stomach spread throughout her body. Her breathing became pants as he continued his assault on her clit.
“Doug, I need you.”
“You have me, Rose.”
Trying to catch her breath, she pulled harder on him. “Inside me. I need you inside me,” she begged him.
While still stroking her feverishly, she took his other hand so he could slip a finger inside her; Rose’s body went rigid, and her cries of passion echoed through the sky as her core clenched around Doug’s finger. Each wave stronger than the first. Doug entered her with a second finger bringing her climax to yet another level. Doug. Oh, Doug.
She could barely breathe, yet she reached up and gripping him large frame the best she could in this position, pulled him down to her roughly. “Please,” she begged again.
For the second time this evening, Doug didn’t deny her. As he let her go, he stood and quickly removed his clothing. She’d rolled over to watch. He was magnificent to look at, and she could stare at him forever, but she wanted more than looking.
“That was the most fucking exquisite thing I’ve ever seen,” he said. She almost moaned again, hearing his deep, raspy voice. God. This man.
Doug stepped closer to her, and she ran her hand down his broad chest, over his rock-hard abs, and stopped at his cock. Everything was big on him, so she should’ve guessed this would be as well.
Rose grasped it, her slender fingers barely able to wrap around him. She slowly stroked him. Long strokes from the base to the tip. She increased the rhythm, stroking him faster and harder. His male scent filled her nostrils, and she wanted to taste his sweetness. She could feel him throbbing under her grip and let her tongue lick the head. He shuddered and tangled his fingers in her long hair, pulling it back from her face. She turned her eyes up to see him watching her closely. It was erotic, knowing he was watching her.
“So beautiful, Rose. So damn beautiful,” he garbled as though he was unable to concentrate on anything other than her hand on his cock and her mouth that was about to devour him.
It made her body burn with desire. Before she could take him in her mouth, his hands gripped hers, preventing her from continuing. There was no denying he was enjoying it.
“Angel, if you do that, I’m not going to be able to hold back.” Doug moved her hands and pulled her against him. His entire body was hot and hard against her cool soft one. “Do you know what you do to me?” he asked, never breaking eye contact.
“Tell me,” Rose said to him seductively. She didn’t want him to regain control. She enjoyed seeing him affected. She wanted to bring him over the edge, make him feel as damn good as she did.
God, help me, I want this man.
He didn’t answer. Instead, his head dropped to her neck, nibbling gently. He pulled her higher into his arms, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. His hot cock teased her in pure torture. As she opened her mouth to tell him, he claimed her lips. His kiss, though rough, was met just as fiercely by her own. She’d never felt such raw desire or hunger. She purred softly into his mouth, and he snapped.
Any restraint he’d been holding was lost. Her hands gripped his shoulders, as if they were her lifeline, and she positioned herself for what was only inches away.
“Rose, we can’t. I don’t have any protection.” Doug’s voice was filled with frustration.
“I’m on the pill.” Although true, she always used a condom as well. Tonight would be the first time she broke that rule.
Doug looked deeply into her eyes, and she felt he could see her soul. Her own desire was reflected by his.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” Doug said, his voice hoarse with need.
“You couldn’t if you tried,” Rose said, claiming his lips.
She felt Doug position himself, the head of his cock now between her wet folds, her own juices ready to blend with his. He slowly entered her. She slid down him and took him completely inside her. Oh my God, Doug. He filled her completely.
Doug gripped her ass and lifted her again as he entered her. Each time faster and deeper. She thought her body couldn’t take more. It was the sweetest pain she’d ever known. When she thought there couldn’t be more, her hips ground down to him, begging. And he gave it.
Her moans filled the air. His strong arms controlled each movement as he plunged deep inside. “Oh, sweet angel, you feel so damn good.”
“Doug, don’t stop.” So, so good. Never this good.
Her pleas were answered as he increased the rhythm. He’d positioned himself so he stroked her G-spot. Normally, to achieve an orgasm, she needed to touch her clit. What he was doing to her right now was building into something so strong her body shivered and tingled with unknown bursts of ecstasy. Her toes curled as she began to release. Her core gripped him so tightly she feared she’d hurt him, yet he never stopped plunging into her.
“Doug, oh, Doug. Yes. Yes! Doug, yes!”
She screamed his name over and over as her body shook. He held her as she wildly bucked against him, his fingers digging into the flesh of her bottom as she lost control. Then she felt his body tense like her own, and a deep growl escaped him as his own hot release joined hers. Holy. Shit.
Once their bodies quieted, Doug carried her to the blanket he had prepared by the fire. Gently he laid her down before joining her. She rolled up against him. Her body was spent, but she felt better than ever. She wasn’t sure what it was they had shared, but it wasn’t just sex.
She was tempted to ask him, but tonight she only wanted to enjoy the feel of being in his arms.
Lying under the stars, she closed her eyes, and as she drifted off to sleep, she remembered their earlier conversation. He’s leaving. I know he has things to settle regarding his father, but he’s never mentioned anything beyond that. Could this be all I have with him? One night?
The painful thought of not seeing him again was too much to bear. She’d never felt such joy and panic at the same time. But she needed to do the one thing she didn’t want to do. Be strong for him. He has to go, but I know he’ll stay if I ask him. This isn’t about what I want, it’s about what he needs to do. And all I can do is hope he returns.
For the next few hours, she was going to enjoy their time together. No matter how tired she was, she refused to sleep until he was gone.
Running her hand over his muscular chest, her body came alive with yearning once again. Pulling herself up to practically lie on top of him, she knew how she wanted to spend these hours. She knew he felt the same as his cock hardened beneath her.
“I want you,” she said.
His answering smile was all the confirmation she needed.
He gripped her waist and rolled them over so she now lay beneath him. “This time, we go slowly so I can taste every inch of you.”
Yes. Please.
The moon was glowing behind him as he claimed her lips. This night was magical, and she’d never forget one detail.