It’s been two days since I’ve seen Michael. He stopped by yesterday, but we were already out and about. He left a note on the door to call him, or stop by when we got in. I made sure we were out the door bright and early and in late, spending the day shopping. I knew he would try to see me, and I’m . . . scared. Michael is a man’s man. He knows what he wants and he’s not afraid to take it. I’m scared to death that if I let things progress between us, he will eat me alive. I confide this in my best friend.
“Yes! Hell yes. That is exactly what you want him to do,” Stacy says.
“Stacy, come on. He would be disappointed, and besides that, I’m not a fling person. I’ve told you this. I just don’t have it in me.”
“You do. You also have all that fear that you’re holding onto. We’ve spent time with him. He’s a good guy. Hell, he called his best friend and had you talk to him. You need to live for you, no one else.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Michael’s deep voice causes me to shiver. Just the sound of it brings me back to his Jeep and the kiss we shared. I’ve never in my life been kissed with so much passion and need. I’ve never had a kiss turn me on from zero to sixty so quickly either. Mr. Triple T has made kissing an art form. Just another item to add to the long list of why I would disappoint him.
“Michael,” his name slips past my lips.
“Paige.” Nothing else, just my name on his lips.
“I’m going to go get some more ice for the cooler. Be back in a few.” Stacy winks at me and walks toward the house. Traitor.
Michael sits next to me on the sand. “Why are you avoiding me, Paige?”
“I’m not,” I lie. “We’ve just been busy.”
“I call bullshit, beautiful. I can see it in your eyes.”
I’m just going to throw it out there, so he can move on, so we both can. “I’m not as . . . experienced as you, and flings are not really my thing. Not only would I be out of my comfort zone, but knowing that you would be disappointed . . . well, I can’t deal with that. Avoidance is easier.” I cannot believe I just confessed that.
Reaching over, he grabs my hand. “Paige . . . it can only be for the time we’re here, but I would like to think that what we would share between us would be more than a fling. My career is . . . complicated. I wish things could be different. For the first time in my life, I wish things were different, but the reality is they’re not.” He brings my hand to his lips and kisses each of my knuckles. “As far as experience goes, you could never disappoint me. I know how to give your body what it needs to make you respond to me. I don’t want to watch you leave here in two days without knowing what it feels like to be inside of you.”
“Michael, I—”
He places his index finger over my lips. “Don’t deny it, Paige. There’s a burning attraction between us. Let me show you how we can be. We’ll both walk away not with the memory of a fling, but the memory of an amazing night we spent together.”
I want this. I want to experience what it would be like to be with him. He’s right about the attraction; it’s been there from the very beginning. I’m taking a risk, living life to the fullest.
“Yes,” I whisper the words. I’m surprised he can hear me from the thunderous beat of my heart mixed with the roar of the ocean.
He does though, and his face lights up. Leaning in, his lips graze my ear. “Tomorrow night, you’re mine. Have dinner with Lynn, since it’s your last night here, but when the two of you are done, come to me. I want you in my bed.”
I can only nod, not able to find my words. He stands, pats the sand from his ass, and walks away from me.
“Bye, Michael,” Stacy calls after him. He raises his hand, but keeps on walking. “What was that about?”
My eyes follow him until they can no longer.
“Logan!” Stacy says my name louder this time.
“That was me agreeing to spend tomorrow night in his bed.”
“Finally! Hell, yes you are. I’m so freaking excited for you. Girl, I want details,” she rambles on while all I can do is replay his words. Tomorrow night you’re mine. I want you in my bed.
Holy Hell!
Tonight’s the night, our last night in Hawaii and my night with Michael. I’ve shaved and lathered lotion over every inch of my body. Stacy insisted we eat an early dinner, so I could go to him sooner. I fought her on it, but didn’t win. So here I am, with one final glance in the mirror, ready for a night I’m sure to never forget.
“Stacy, I’m heading out. I’ll see you in a little while.”
“The hell you will. You spend the night with the mountain of hotness. I’ll see you in the morning.” She walks me to the door. “Let go, enjoy him.” She winks and shuts the door.
I can’t believe we’re actually discussing me spending the night with him, and the implication that we’re going to sleep together. I mean, yes, that’s what happening, but Stacy and I were just discussing it like the weather.
As I make my way down to the beach, I see a dark figure sitting on the sand. As the figure stands, I know it’s him.
Michael.
I stop and wait for him to come to me. Once he’s within touching distance, he snakes an arm around my waist and pulls me into his chest. “No way am I letting you walk on this beach alone at night.” He kisses my temple and we begin the walk to his place.
My palms are sweaty and my knees are weak. I can’t believe I’m here. That I’m walking into this guy’s house, a guy I’ve known for a week. I can’t even really consider knowing him; he’s more of an acquaintance, one I’ve agreed to share my body with. It’s not too late. I can still back out. The only problem is that I don’t want to. His words play in my mind and he’s right. I don’t want to leave here not knowing what it’s like to have him inside me. This attraction between us is like nothing I’ve ever felt. Moving forward with life, I want no regrets.
Standing in his kitchen, taking in the layout similar to ours, I feel a sudden calm wash over me. I’m doing this, living for me, living with no regrets.
Large hands grip my hips and pull me against a rock-hard chest. Burying his face in my neck, he inhales deeply. It’s erotic as hell, especially the moan that sounds from deep in the back of his throat. “You smell sweet.” His words are whispered against my ear. “Do you know how badly I want to see if you taste just as sweet?”
The calm is gone and I realize I’m in over my head with this guy. He screams experience and kinky sex. I’m used to once a week wham bam roll over and roll out. Something tells me this is not going to be the case with Michael.
“Did you eat?” he asks as his lips make contact with my neck. He nips and sucks, sending an electrical current throughout my body.
I nod, giving him my answer. I’m afraid to speak, afraid he’ll remove his lips from my skin. “Good.”
Spinning me in his arms, his lips crash with mine. I’m standing on my toes trying to get closer to him. I need to be closer. Unfortunately, his six-foot plus frame towers over my five foot four, and I release a frustrated growl. I hear his deep chuckle next to my ear and I want to be irritated that he’s laughing at my expense; however, when those big calloused hands of his grip my ass, I let go of my anger and wrap my legs around him like a damn monkey. Finally, at this angle, he’s able to push his tongue past my lips, giving me a preview of just how talented he is.
Breaking away from this kiss, we’re both breathing heavily. Even if we go no further than this moment right here, this has already been the hottest moment of my life.
Michael sets me gently on what feels like a mound of clouds. My white sundress is bunched up around my waist, my matching white thong, my only other article of clothing, is drenched with my desire for him. Embarrassment floods me and I bow my head, hoping he won’t notice the red tint of my cheeks.
I’m not that lucky. With his index finger under my chin, he lifts gently so that I’m looking into those captivating blue eyes. “Don’t hide from me,” he scolds. “I . . . I’m not,” I manage to push the words past my lips.
“Bullshit. Tell me what you were thinking,” he demands.
I try to turn my head, but he tightens his grip, not letting me avoid my embarrassment. “Nothing,” I try again to avoid him.
“Paige,” he growls my name and heat floods my body.
I sigh in defeat. He’s not going to let this go. “I’m wet,” I whisper. I don’t know why I’m letting this affect me the way I am. This is a one-night thing. I fly out tomorrow and I’ll never see him again, yet my embarrassment still holds strong.
Leaning down so that we are nose to nose, he says, “I know,” with a cocky grin.
“Pfft, you haven’t even touched me,” I fire back.
His hand clasps the back of my neck and he rests his forehead against mine. His free hand works its way across my thigh until he reaches the band of my thong. “You mean here?” he asks as his finger slides underneath the thin barrier. “I can smell you, beautiful.” His lips find mine in a searing kiss. Breaking away, he trails kisses across my cheek. I tilt my head, giving him complete access. His teeth graze my ear. “Now I’m going to find out if you taste just as sweet.”
Holy Mother of all that is holy!
Michael doesn’t give me time to react. His hands grip each side of my thong and he tears it from my body.
Holy hell, that’s hot!
I’ve never had a man talk to me like he does, demand what he wants, not like this. Not to the point that my body melts for him.
Lifting my hips, he moves me up higher on the bed, climbing in after me. His blue eyes, burning liquid pools of fire, rake across my body. Resting on my elbows, I watch him, waiting, anticipating his next move. His hand cups my cheek. “Relax, beautiful, let me take care of you.” His words are a whispered demand. I don’t hesitate to do as he says. I lay my head against the pillow and throw my arm over my eyes.
“Open for me, Paige. Let me see you.”
My embarrassment is long gone as I shamelessly spread my thighs, inviting him in.
Live with no regrets.
His hot breath is the first indication that he’s . . . there. I bite down on my bottom lip to keep from crying out, to keep myself from begging him to touch me. The feel of his index finger sliding through my folds causes my back to arch off the bed.
“Shh,” he whispers against me. One hand traces me and my desire for him. The other travels up my stomach, until his hand is resting over my heart. “I got you, just feel,” he says as his lips make contact with my skin.
My heart is racing. I’m sure it’s going to thump right out of my chest. He has to feel it against the palm of his hand.
He moans and the vibration sends me into an orgasmic bliss. One like I’ve never known. The sensation hits me so hard my vision blurs as I cry out.
As I return from my blissful state, he’s there, his lips and hands caressing my breasts like it’s the first and the last time he’ll ever be able to witness such a marvel. Of course I know this is not the case. Any man who looks like Michael and can use his tongue like that . . . women are not in short supply for a guy like him.
Releasing my breast with a pop, he rests his arms on either side of my head. His hand glides across my forehead, effectively removing my hair from my eyes. He hovers over me, eyes still burning with desire. “I was right,” he says with a wink.
In my current state of mind, I don’t catch his meaning. “About what?” I ask.
With a smirk, he leans in so we are nose-to-nose, eyes locked. “You do taste as good as you smell.”
I suck in a shocked breath at his words. My surprise doesn’t faze him as his lips travel from one ear, down and across my neck, to the other. He’s driving me crazy, pushing buttons I didn’t know could be pushed, and I want more. I want it all.
“Tell me,” he says, reading my mind. How he does that is beyond me. How he’s already so in tune with me, with my body.
I wrap my legs around his waist, lifting my hips to rub against him. Hoping that will show him what I want.
“I need your words, Paige. Tell me what you want.”
He rocks his hips, causing his erection to slide against me. I don’t even try to stop the moan that escapes my lips. “Please,” I beg him. I can’t believe it’s come to this, but if begging is what it takes, then so be it.
“I can make it go away. The ache.” He rocks his hips again, causing me to cry out. “I can fill the void, Paige. I just need to hear you say the words.”
“Please,” I try again.
“Tell me,” he breathes against my ear.
“I want you inside me, please.”
Seconds, mere seconds it takes him to sheath his length with protection and slide into me. No warning, just one solid thrust of his hips. He stills once he’s there. I watch as he squeezes his eyes closed tightly. I don’t move, afraid he’ll pull out. I don’t want that. I want him to move, to get rid of the ache like he said.
I’m once again surprised by this mountain of a man when his forehead rests against mine. “So fucking tight,” he whispers as if he’s talking to himself.
Not able to take it, I lift my hips. This causes a smile to light up his face. His eyes remain closed, forehead resting against mine, smile broad as he rocks his hips.
I close my eyes and let his body command mine. My nails dig into his back as his thrusts become more demanding. “Open your eyes,” he growls into my ear.
My eyes pop open, and he’s there, so close, watching, never breaking his rhythm as he moves inside of me. “Watch me. I want you to see who’s inside you when you come.”
His words, that’s all it takes for me to once again fall off the cliff of bliss known as Michael. I cry out his name at the same time he shouts, “Paige!”
His body rests against mine and I welcome the weight. I welcome the reminder that what just happened was real, that I just had the best sex of my life with a stranger.
I wake with a start and take in my surroundings. When I feel a heavy arm around my waist, it all comes rushing back to me.
Michael.
We took full advantage of each other’s bodies until just about an hour ago. The clock reads five a.m. Our flight leaves at eight, so I need to get moving. Carefully, I slip from underneath his arm. He grunts in protest, but doesn’t wake up. I don’t want to wake him. I don’t want to deal with the awkward goodbye, but I feel like I should at least say thank you or have a nice life, something.
I study his naked body, committing every ridged muscle, every swirl of ink to memory. “Thank you,” I whisper. I quietly step from his room, carrying my sundress. Once I’m in the living room, I slide my sundress over my head, throw my panties in the trash and slip my feet into my flip-flops. I find a pad of paper on the counter.
Leaving the note on the counter where he will be sure to see it, I quietly slip out the French doors for my first ever walk of shame.