I kick off my shoes and then walk around the bungalow, I’m in awe at the pure beauty of this place. I gasp when I open the double doors in the bedroom. The view is breathtaking. It’s blue as far as the eye can see. I move to the end of the deck, a light breezes blowing the loose strands of my hair all around me.
I walk to the stairs that lead right into the water and sit down on the top step. I tilt my head back, and close my eyes, letting the sun beat down on me. When I stand up I find my neighbor standing on his deck as well. It’s the man from the plane. He’s wearing a white linen shirt, khaki shorts, and he’s barefoot.
I hurry inside before he catches me gawking at him. For my first night, I decided to just stay in and relax. When I finally slip into the huge tub, I sigh because it’s heavenly. While I soak, I begin to analyze my relationship with Alex. It wasn’t perfect, but I thought we were happy.
Nausea swirls in my belly when I think about the fact that there may be someone else. He worked a lot and was at the office late most nights, so I suppose it could be possible. I guess nothing would surprise me at the point.
The funny thing about all of this is, I haven’t cried once. No painful sobs, no silent tears…nothing. What’s up with that?
Chapter Two
The sun shines brightly through my bedroom window, pulling me from my slumber. Normally I have a hard time falling asleep in strange places, but I was so exhausted I passed right out.
I check my phone and see that I have a couple of missed calls from my parents. They’re five hours behind me, so I just send a quick text for now.
Lacey: I’m here, I’m safe, and I’m heading to breakfast. We’ll talk later. I love you.
After a quick shower, I throw on a brightly colored maxi dress that hugs my non-curves. I slip my feet into a pair of jeweled flip-flops. I decide against makeup since my plan is to get in the ocean afterward. My light brown hair hangs down in loose waves.
Before heading out the door, I grab my beach fedora and pop it on. Angela bought it for me and said I had to have it. I make my way out of my bungalow and head toward the little restaurant that will give me a gorgeous view of the ocean. The host leads me to a table that’s right in front of the huge window.
He pulls my seat out for me, and as I sit, I spot the man from the airplane. He’s got a Wall Street Journal open, but his eyes are on me. Something in his stare keeps me from turning away from him, which gives me the opportunity to really look at him.
I’d definitely say he’s in his forties. His hair is dark silver, as is his well-manicured beard. He appears to be in really good shape, or at least he did the day before in his shorts and shirt. I glance at his hand and see no ring—wait—what am I checking that out for?
I just had my heart broken—didn’t I? My waitress interrupts my thoughts and breaks our connection. I’m grateful and order an omelet and some coffee. While I wait I turn to look out the window and again I’m in awe. This is exactly what my heaven would be like. I rest my chin on my fists, taking in the scenery, not even turning away when my waitress brings my coffee. “Thanks.”
“It’s something else, isn’t it?” a deep, rich voice says from nearby.
I look behind me and find him standing at the end of my table, his woodsy scent wraps around me, making my heart beat a little faster. “Y-Yes. It almost doesn’t look real.” I turn to look outside, and then back at him.
He smiles and reaches out his hand. “I’m Marshall.”
I take it in mine, and warmth spreads through me. God, get a hold of yourself, I scold. “I’m Lacey.”
Marshall rubs the back of my hand with his thumb and lets go. “Maybe I’ll see you around.” I watch him as he walks away, and don’t miss the appreciative glances he’s getting from other women. I hope I see him again. I want to see him again.
The waitress delivers my food and I turn my attention to my breakfast, which is the best spinach and cheese omelet I’ve ever had. After I finish, I walk around the resort, checking things out. I’m here for ten whole days.
I look at all of the activities and decide to try snorkeling first, which is tomorrow. I walk around a little more when my phone rings. I look at the caller ID and Alex’s name pops up. I hit decline, and a few minutes later a voicemail pops up. Do I listen to it?
Against my better judgment, I decide to hear what he has to say. “Lace, it’s me. I’ve got all your shit packed up. When your dad and brother come to get it, I’ve got the money I’m paying you for, to buy you out of the mortgage. Your dad’s looked over the papers, and he said the price was fair.” He pauses for a minute. “Anyway…see you.”
That’s it? See you? I gave him four years of my life. I was stupid and got my breasts done for him. Hell, I changed who I was for him. On my way back to my bungalow, I remind myself over and over that if he could throw me away so easily, then I’m better off without him.
Do I feel any better by the time I get back to my bungalow? Hell no, but I’m not letting that asshole ruin my trip in heaven.
I change out of my dress and slip into my blue string bikini. I braid my hair, slather myself in sunscreen, and slip on my fedora. I step out onto the deck and get situated on my stomach on my lounger. Closing my eyes, I let the warmth seep into my skin, clear my thoughts of Alex, and soak in the sun.
After a half hour or so I get up and make my way to the stairs. As soon as my feet are submerged, I moan loudly. A chuckle has me looking up to find Marshall sitting on his lounge chair.
“Sorry, this water feels so good.” When I’m in up to my waist, I push off the stairs and tread water. “Join me.” Why did I say that?
“Okay.” He stands up, and I hold in a moan that threatens to spill from my lips as he peels his t-shirt off. The man is muscular. His chest is sprinkled with dark hair. As soon as he hits the water, he swims over to me. “This water is amazing.” He gives me a smile that makes my belly quiver.
A little voice inside my head keeps telling me that this is what I need to get over Alex. That little voice is also whispering that he’s probably amazing in bed. Marshall has probably had lots and lots of experience. I tell the little voice to shut up for now.
“I told you,” I say playfully.
Again he gives me that smile. He’s wearing sunglasses, and I’d give anything to see his eyes. “Yes, you did.”
“What brings you to Bora Bora, Marshall? Business or pleasure?”
“Pleasure, and you?” I swear he’s moved closer to me.
“Same.” I take off my fedora and stick it on his head before I dunk underwater, and when I pop up again, I slick back my hair that’s not in the braid.
I reach for my hat, but he moves away. “I’ll give you your hat if you agree to have dinner with me tonight. I’m alone, you’re alone, let’s keep each other company.”
It’s just dinner, that doesn’t mean I need to do anything with him. Plus it’d be nice to have someone to talk to. “Sure, dinner sounds great.”
Marshall swims toward me and places my hat back on my head. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”
“Okay, sounds good.” I swim back to the stairs and climb up. When I turn around I spot him watching me. I shake my head and go inside, where I shower before promptly passing out on the comfy bed.
Chapter Three
When I get up from my nap, I order a sandwich and some chips for lunch, then enjoy them on the deck.
I grab my phone and pull up Angela’s number and hit send. My bestie answers after the first ring. “How’s paradise?”
“Ang, it’s gorgeous. I’ve never seen a more beautiful place. It’s weird being alone though. Is it odd that I haven’t cried once since my wedding, or the wedding that was never finished?” That thought has been plaguing me since the day it happened.
“I hate to say it, and you know I love you, but I’ve always hated him. I mean, he took you away from me and your family. Made you move into that pretentious apartment, and made you get your tits done.”
Everything s
he says is true. All that I did was for him, never thinking of myself. He took advantage of it, and all it did was make me look like a major pushover. Hell, maybe I was a pushover.
“Well, I needed boobs. Without them, I look like a boy.”
Her laugh makes me smile. “You could never look like a boy, but I will admit that the doctor did do a phenomenal job on them.”
She’s been my bestie since we were in diapers, so she’s seen them and touched them. Call it morbid curiosity, but we got a laugh out of it. “Well, you’ve seen them enough.”
“Let’s get to the important business. Have you seen or met any hot men yet?” Of course she’s asking me about guys. This is what she wanted—for me to get laid.
Do I tell her about Marshall? But honestly, there’s nothing to tell. He’s probably married, but then why would he be in Bora Bora by himself? “Okay, don’t jump to conclusions, but the man staying next to me in another bungalow has asked me to have dinner with him.”
I have to pull the phone away from my ear while she does her signature shriek. When Angela’s excited squeals finally die down, I put the phone back to my ear.
“Okay, calm down, psycho. It’s just dinner, but he’s very sexy in an older man kind of way.”
“How much older is he?”
“I’m not sure, but he’s got grey hair. It’s that pretty grey hair, and his body is sick. If I had to guess his age, he’s definitely in his mid-forties.” I wait for judgment or some smartass comment.
“Do it, go fuck that man right now.” Her voice is deadly serious.
“What? I can’t go,” my voice drops to a whisper, “fuck him. That’s not me.”
“Who cares? You’re in Bora Bora, you’re single, and he’s obviously interested. Plus older men know what they’re doing in the sack. If you don’t ride him, and ride him hard, I’ll kick your ass.” She’s quiet for a moment, and then she gets serious. “I just want you to have fun, be spontaneous. Just be safe, but please, for the love of God, enjoy your time there.”
I smile as I stare outside at the beautiful scenery. It’s nothing but turquoise-colored water as far as the eye can see. “I promise I’ll have fun, be safe, and I’ll even throw in some spontaneity. I love you, girlie.”
“I love you too. If you can get me a picture of the hot older man, I’d be much appreciative.” After we hang up, I grab a bottle of water and head back onto the deck with my Kindle. I have a couple of hours before our dinner. Maybe I’ll order a bottle of wine for later so I can calm my nerves.
Let’s be honest I’m nervous as hell. Alex was my first “real” boyfriend, and before him it was boys. Marshall is all man, and I have a feeling he’s going to be too much of a man for me.
I give myself a once-over in the mirror. I’m wearing another maxi dress, but this one is definitely sexier than the one I wore this morning. This one is white, with spaghetti straps, and a built-in bra that helps showcase my cleavage…a little. Just enough to be sexy, but not slutty.
I’m wearing the diamond pendant necklace my parents bought me when I graduated college. My hair is back in a low curly ponytail. I kept my makeup light, watching a quick tutorial on YouTube on how to give myself the dewy look. There’s a knock on the door, and immediately the butterflies in my stomach take flight.
My high-heeled sandals click as I walk across the floor. I grab my glass of wine, drain the glass, and set it on the desk. When I reach the door I take a deep breath and open it. “Wow,” I whisper.
He chuckles. “Thanks.” He’s wearing a dark grey dress shirt tucked into a pair of black slacks. Marshall’s wearing a cologne that makes me want to bury my nose in his neck. “You look stunning.”
“Th-Thank you. Let me grab my bag.” I feel his eyes on me as I walk further into the room and grab my clutch wallet.
He offers me his elbow. I reach out and place my hand on his bicep. We walk in silence toward the restaurant, but it’s not awkward. People are milling about, and I don’t miss the way women stare at him with lust. Then they look at me and roll their eyes.
I know what they see, older man, younger woman…aka gold digger, but I honestly don’t care. When we reach the restaurant, the hostess leads us to a romantic table in front of the huge windows that face the lush greenery.
Marshall pulls out my chair, and he surprises me by moving his chair so he’s next to me rather than across from me. We order a bottle of wine and then he grabs my hands. “Tell me. What is a beautiful woman like you doing in Bora Bora alone?”
Do I tell him the truth? I have a feeling he would never judge me or look at me badly for what happened. When the waiter brings us our wine, he pours Marshall a glass first. Marshall drinks it and nods his approval. After he pours me a glass, he gives me an expectant look.
I take a healthy swallow and then look at him. “My fiancé left me on our wedding day, and when I say wedding day, I mean I was walking down the aisle when he decided he was done.”
A humorless laugh slips past my lips. “This trip so far has given me time to think and I honestly should’ve seen it coming. Sure, I was shocked in the beginning, but never sad—does that make me sound like a bad person? I mean, I did love him once, but I think that love died long before the wedding.”
“How long were you engaged?” He refills my wine glass.
“Two years. He proposed after I told him I wanted to break up.” I shake my head and look Marshall in the eye. “I was dumb. Tell me what you’re doing here alone.”
He takes a sip of his wine. “Once a year I like to get away. Take some time for myself and refocus.”
Before I can say anything the waiter brings our food. While we eat, the conversation is nil, but it’s a comfortable silence. I glance at him while he eats, and he’s so sexy while he does it. Who the hell looks that sexy while they eat? Apparently, he does.
After dinner, he orders us a chocolate soufflé…just one. When the waiter brings it my mouth waters. The soufflé is topped with powdered sugar and raspberries. “Oh wow, that looks delicious.”
He picks up the spoon, scoops up some of it, and holds it out to me. Marshall nods to the spoon, and I lean forward, open my mouth, and wrap my lips around the spoon. I close my eyes and moan as the raspberry, chocolate, and powdered sugar melts on my tongue.
I open my eyes and find Marshall’s heated gaze on me. Without thinking, I lick the chocolate off my lips and don’t miss his gaze following my tongue. I grab the other spoon, dip it into the chocolate, and hold it out to him.
When he wraps his lips around the spoon, he has the same reaction that I did. “That is amazing,” he says.
We finish our dessert and our wine. Marshall pays for dinner and helps me up from my chair. He leads me out with a hand on my lower back. “How about we take a walk on the beach?”
“Yeah, sure. That sounds great.” He grabs my hand and laces his fingers with mine. “Thank you for dinner. It was wonderful.”
“You’re welcome.” When we reach the sand I slip off my sandals, and he does the same. The sand is soft beneath my feet.
“I still can’t get over the view. It’s breathtaking.” We stop at the edge of the water, staring out at the horizon. “It makes you realize just how small we really are.” I laugh. “That sounds so dorky.”
Marshall faces me, reaching out and cups my cheek. My heart starts hammering in my chest as his thumb strokes back and forth over my cheek. “You’re not dorky at all.” His voice sounds deeper, sexier. “You’re fucking beautiful.”
His lips touch mine, and I swear I see stars. I’m such a cliché right now, but I don’t care. I feel a spark between us—one I hadn’t felt with Alex in a long time, if ever. Barefoot, I’m a few inches shorter than him, and I wrap my arms around his waist as I sink into the kiss.
My mouth opens to him the minute Marshall’s tongue touches the seam of my lips. He dominates my mouth in a slow seduction that makes me weak in the knees.
“Congratulations,” someone shouts from the distance
.
We pull away from each other, confusion obviously written all over my face. “I think they thought we just got married.” He looks down at my body, and then up at my face, smiling. “I think your white dress is throwing them off.”
He grabs my hand and we make our way back to our shoes, which we carry on our way back to my bungalow. I’m not ready to say goodnight yet, but don’t know if I’m brave enough to tell him what I want.
We reach my door I take a deep breath and look up at him. “Would you like to come in?”
Marshall wraps his arm around my waist, lifting me with ease, and with the other he opens the door to my bungalow, carrying me inside.
He stops right in front of the French doors that lead to the back deck. It’s like a scene from a movie. Marshall sets me down on my feet. He cups my face in his hands, our faces bathed in moonlight. “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I just want to kiss these sweet, juicy lips.” He punctuates every word with a kiss.
While he kisses me, I reach up, grab the straps of my dress, and pull them down until it flutters around my feet. I pull his shirt from his pants, undoing the buttons until it hangs open. Marshall’s lips travel down to my neck, causing a moan to slip from my lips. He nips the skin behind my ear, causing me to shiver.
He reaches down, cupping my breasts in his large hands. I was so worried I was going to lose my feeling in my nipples, but thankfully they’re just as sensitive as they were before. Marshall bends down, sucking one nipple into his mouth before switching to the other.
I wrap my arms around his head, hugging him to my breasts. He leads us blindly to my bed and tosses me onto it. Marshall shrugs off his shirt while I watch him. “Stick your fingers in your panties and show me how wet you are.” He didn’t ask, and that makes my belly quiver.
Craving Forbidden (Craving Series Book 8) Page 28
