by Mason, Dana
“Holy shit!” she shrieks.
“Yeah, we’d better get the hell out of here before it gets any worse.”
We head back to the trail, and by the time we reach the parking lot, I’m feeling relieved. I turn toward Emily, and she’s smiling ear to ear. Her head is tilted toward the sky, and her mouth is open. She’s covered in mud from her bare knees to the tips of her hiking boots and I have to laugh at her.
“Are you laughing at me again?”
“Most people would be dashing to their car.”
“I love the rain!” she gushes with a child-like smile. That’s something we have in common, and I look up at the sky. It seldom rains where I live, so I treasure the downpours when I get the chance.
She spins in a circle, and I can’t help but think of my daughter Hannah. That’s exactly what she’d do in a rainstorm like this.
After a long moment, Emily sighs and heads toward her car. I pop my trunk and throw my poncho and backpack inside before glancing over at her.
“Feel like lunch?”
She turns and squints at me. “What did you have in mind?”
“I know a great little café with a covered patio. We can eat and enjoy the rain at the same time.” The corner of her mouth lifts up again, and the look on her face makes my stomach flip. Even soaking wet and exhausted from the hike, she’s stunning. And she has the best smile––too bad she doesn’t show it more often.
Seven
Emily
When Drew and I enter the resort, we’re both a fright to look at but cheerful after our fun in the rain. I feel a bit out of sorts after our kiss and the taste of him still lingers on my lips. It’s been a long time since I’ve kissed a man and I was actually afraid I’d forgotten how. Thankfully, Drew seemed to know what he was doing.
The concierge looks over at us and nods to Drew. I tilt my head and narrow my eyes questioningly.
Drew shrugs. “He showed me the list of trails he gave you yesterday to help me find you.”
My pulse kicks up when I hear this. “Seriously?” I ask.
“When you left a message to say you were going hiking, I got worried. I wasn’t trying to invade your privacy, but you see the storm blasting outside. Do you really think it was wrong for me to be concerned?” He punches the button to call the elevator. “How was I going to find you without asking Gerry?”
“But it’s not your place to worry about me—much less conspire with the hotel staff to find me.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I feel horrible for saying them. He’s been so kind, I’m just not sure how to take that. I’ve been on my own for so long, I’m not used to someone watching out for me. It’s not like Grant, who was only worried about me because I wasn’t paying him any attention.
Before I can apologize, he says, “Then whose place is it? Because that guy isn’t here.”
Heat shoots through me when I hear this. After we enter the elevator, I turn toward him with my hands on my hips, blood pounding in my ears, my guilt instantly flipping into anger. Does he really think I need a guy to look out for me? It was one thing for him to feel like he needed to worry, but I’m a grown-ass woman, I don’t need a man to take care of me.
“Who do you think you are?”
He steps toward me, cornering me, nose to nose. My breathing hitches at the closeness. I can feel the weight of his wet clothes and the heat of his skin. His brown eyes darken and turn stony as he watches me, his perfect, full lips closed and nearly puckered.
I can’t help myself. Why does he have to look so hot when he’s mad? His hard, angry eyes are too sexy to resist. I lift to my toes and plant my mouth on his, sucking on one of those luscious lips. Before I can react, I’m against the wall of the elevator with his hands running through my wet hair. He’s taken over the kiss and with every dip and swipe of his tongue, I become more and more turned on. It’s been so long since I’ve wanted someone. And damn, I want Drew.
When I feel his erection press against me, I fight not to moan aloud. My arms are tight around his waist, and I’m fisting his wet t-shirt. I want to rip it off him, but I haven’t forgotten we’re in an elevator.
I hear a ding, and vaguely consider pulling away, but Drew doesn’t. I’m not sure if that was our floor or if someone’s getting into the elevator with us. Hopefully, Drew’s paying attention, because I can’t. I only know what I’m feeling right now, and that’s a pulsing pleasure. A need. And a hunger that will not rest until it’s fed.
The elevator dings again. When Drew lifts me off my feet, I’m surprised but I wrap my legs around his waist. He carries me out of the elevator as if I weigh nothing. Then he gently puts me down and tows me by the hand to his room. I grip him tightly as my heart races. Every inch of my body tingles from his touch, stirring things inside me I thought were dead. But no, every cell is alive and humming with the electricity between us.
It takes him seconds to get the door open. When he does, we both drop our packs and lunge at each other again.
I grab the hem of his shirt and tug it off, tossing it aside. Then my shirt is being ripped over my head. Seconds later, he’s palming my breasts, and I’m unbuttoning and pushing forcefully on his wet cargo shorts.
I have to pull away from his lips to look down at the button. I take a deep breath, and before I get the chance, he says, “I got it.” He unbuttons and drops his shorts before I have time to respond. With that obstacle out of the way, I tug off my wet sports bra. My bare breasts bounce free and Drew cups them. His eyes are focused, and his expression is pure delight. I almost want to laugh, but I’m too enamored.
As he’s admiring my breasts, I glance down to see that he’s completely naked. I don’t even know how or when he managed to get his shoes and socks off, but they’re gone. This actually makes me laugh––I can’t help it.
Drew pauses and his eyes lift to mine. “This is funny to you?”
I’m laughing so hard, I can’t talk. I’m not sure what’s wrong, but it’s probably just nerves. It’s been a long time since I’ve… This thought cools my giggles. “I’m sorry, but how did you manage to get your shoes and socks off so fast?”
He glances down and chuckles. “The question is, why are you still wearing yours?”
My arm rests across my chest to shield my exposed breasts. I just can’t let them hang out while I’m standing here laughing at him. He tugs my other hand until we’re further into the room, then he sits me on the bed. He kneels in front of me, and his eyes travel up to mine as he tugs on the laces of my boots.
He slowly removes my shoes and socks while staring into my eyes. I fight not to look away but I finally close my eyes and say, “It’s been a long time since I’ve done this.”
“That’s okay. It’s like riding a bike.”
“I hope you’re right.”
When my feet are bare, Drew leans forward and plants his lips on mine. Then he pulls back slightly. “I don’t care how long it’s been. Do you?”
“No,” I whisper. “I only care about now.”
His lips tilt up at the corners. “Me too.”
Then he lowers his mouth to my nipple, and one touch of his tongue is all it takes for goosebumps to pop out on my skin. His hot mouth feels incredible against my cool skin. He lifts his hand to caress my other breast, and I drop my head back, enjoying the feel of him.
The storm is raging outside. The pounding rain and the crashing, angry ocean seem to echo our passion. Between the sun setting and the thick, murky clouds, the room is becoming darker by the minute. I turn slightly to see the water rivulets slipping down the window, but when I feel Drew grip my shorts and panties, I lift myself so that he can pull them off easily.
Once I’m naked, I push back into the middle of the bed. A second later, Drew’s over me, his hair falling forward and his warm eyes lingering on me. “I take it you’ve gotten over your anger?”
“Shut up,” I groan as he slides his hand down between my legs. I’m watching him as he does this, but as soon as his finger p
resses my clit, I close my eyes at the sensation. He’s good. Just the perfect amount of pressure and movement. My entire focus shoots to my core, and before I can stop myself, I’m grinding with the movement of his hand.
“Oh God, Drew.”
“Is that good?”
“Yes, yes, really good.”
He moves his hand but before I have time to protest, his tongue is there, and with every lick, I lose more and more control. I’m moaning, and it’s ridiculous, but I can’t stop myself. It’s been so long since I’ve been touched by a man. So long since I’ve felt this. My entire body stiffens, and a shiver breaks from my core, travels through my limbs, and fuck… it feels good.
“Please don’t stop,” I manage to say as I shudder through my orgasm, and Drew carries on licking.
When the intensity is winding down, he reaches over me and opens the drawer to the nightstand. I hear a wrapper open, and then he’s hovering over me again. A shaft of light from outside is slanting across his face, highlighting the stubble on his chin and the firm lock of his jaw. He looks intense and hot as hell and after a moment of intense anticipation, he’s pushing inside me. That’s when his expression changes. The look on his face—eyes closed, mouth slightly parted, pure satisfaction—that look describes exactly how I feel.
Drew moves slowly and my God, it’s torturous. Slightly painful at first, but it’s a good kind of pain. Like a good stretch after a workout. He must understand because he’s gentle, moving easily until we’re locked together.
His eyes pop open, and his breathing picks up. I think it’s because he’s trying hard to go slow when he really wants to pound me. I can see the restraint in his eyes, so I lift to him. I lift high and hard. I want all of him and all of this. I don’t need gentle, I need him to show me what he’s made of––what I’m made of.
He takes my hint, and before I realize what’s happening, he flips, and I’m on top. Holy shit! His hands grasp my breasts, then they travel all over before landing on my hips. This feels good. I lift to my knees, drop my hands to his chest, and find my groove, but damn, I’m not sure how long I can maintain this pace. I’m not sure how long I can last. My body reacts instantly, coiling like a spring. He lifts to meet my thrusts and I have my lip clamped between my teeth to keep from crying out, but I can’t stop it.
Drew’s not exactly quiet either and the sound of his grunting, his low, gravelly voice, pushes me forward. I tighten around him. I can’t stop, and seconds before my release, crying with pleasure, I’m on my back again. Drew’s got my wrists pinned to the bed, and I can’t touch him. “Oh, God, Drew. I can’t wait.”
“Don’t wait.” And as he says this, he thrusts forward one more time. I can feel the tightness and the rigid pulsing inside me… and I let go.
Eight
Drew
I did not see this happening today. My face is resting between Emily’s breasts, and I’m fighting to catch my breath. I inhale and get a whiff of jasmine. How can she possibly smell this good after spending hours in the pouring rain, and after the sweaty sex we just had?
Emily runs her hand through my wet hair and her chest rises in a deep breath at the same time. I can’t believe how good this feels. How natural it is to be with her and how genuine our connection seems. I lift my head to see her face but her eyes are closed and she’s frowning. That’s not fair. How can I be completely satisfied just to find her disappointed? There’s no possible way she didn’t enjoy that. I can’t be that bad a judge of great sex. Really great sex. I can’t be the only person feeling so captivated.
I lift up and hover over her, placing my hands around her face. “What’s wrong?”
She shakes her head, her eyes still squeezed shut.
“Emily, did I do something wrong? Something to hurt you?”
“No,” she whispers. “It was amazing.”
“Gee, for some reason, I don’t believe you.”
She inhales deeply, letting the breath back out slowly, and as she does, I feel the muscles in her shoulders relax. Her eyes open and focus on mine and finally give way to a smile. “Thank you.”
That’s a first. I feel like I should be thanking her. “Oh, no, thank you.” I watch her for another moment, then ask, “Really, are you okay?”
She nods, but the sadness is back. Instead of pressing, I let it be. I have a feeling whatever is happening with her has nothing to do with me, and I don’t want to risk upsetting her further.
She curls into my side, and for the first time since we walked into the hotel, my eyes look around at something other than Emily. It’s dark. When did that happen? I glance toward the window to see the rain hitting the glass hard. “It’s really coming down out there,” I mumble as I plant a kiss on the top of Emily’s head. I pull her closer, and I like the way she fits so comfortably next to me, her warm skin melding with mine.
“I’m starving.” Emily yawns and I think I hear a faint tummy rumble behind her attempt to cover up the sound.
“Right, sorry. We never made it to lunch.” I glance at the clock. “And now it’s closer to dinnertime.”
She sits up with the sheet clutched to her chest. “I think I’m going to head over to my room and get cleaned up.”
I reach over and click the bedside lamp on. When I do, I see the mud all over the bed. “Oh, crap. I guess we should have cleaned up before…”
“Wow,” she says, looking down at the filthy sheets. “We were a little distracted when we came in.” She starts laughing, and I can’t hold back mine either. It feels good to laugh with her… it’s just plain good to see her happy.
She turns toward me, and I’m struck by how incredibly beautiful she is. Even after the long day in the rain and mud, even after our rush to get undressed and fall into bed. Her grin fades, and I reach out to draw her in for a long, lingering kiss. “Will you have dinner with me?” I mumble into her lips.
“Can I have a solid hour to clean up?”
“Of course.” I turn and gesture toward the closet. “Feel free to take my spare robe for your jaunt across the hall.”
“Thank you.”
When the door clicks behind her, I pull my phone out of my backpack. I have a voicemail and several text messages from the kids.
Hannah: Hi Daddy. We’re at Disneyland today.
She’s sent a photo of herself with Minnie Mouse and all of the Disney princesses, including her favorite, Merida. Hannah’s fiery red hair is nearly a perfect match to Merida’s and it makes me happy to see that bright smile on her face.
Hannah: I love you.
Hannah: How’s Hawaii today, Daddy?
Hannah: Are you having a good day?
Hannah: I miss you!
I start replying.
Me: I love and miss you too, Hannah. It looks like you guys had fun at Disneyland. I’m sorry I missed it. I went hiking in a storm. Not as much fun as you had.
Kyle: Dad, check this out! We rode the Matterhorn! I got soaked!
He’s sent a photo of himself with his grandpa, and they’re both pretty wet. I’m sorry I missed it. Not that I didn’t enjoy myself today, but I miss them so much.
Kyle: Dad, Gramps was talking about buying me a go-kart, would that be okay?
Of course he’s trying to buy my son expensive gifts like that. They’ll do just about anything to buy my kids’ affection. I’m sure it’s done with the hope that the kids will one day choose to live with them instead of me.
Kyle: You could teach me how to drive it. I’d let you drive it too.
Kyle: What do you think Dad?
That was the last message, and it was sent an hour ago.
I tap out my reply.
Me: We can talk about it when I get to LA. Did you have fun at Disneyland too?
Once I’ve read all of the messages, and caught up on my responses, I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed at the bombardment of feelings. After two full weeks of relaxation, being away from them and living at an island pace makes me wonder how I manage to keep this family toge
ther on a daily basis. Even when they’re thousands of miles away, they’re still mine. I glance at my phone to see the time. It’s a little after seven in the evening in Hawaii, so it’s after ten in LA. They’re probably getting ready for bed so I go ahead and call them.
“Daddy!” I hear the phone clunk around, and then I hear Hannah at full volume. “Daddy?”
“Hi, love. How are you?”
“I’m fine. I’m tired. We walked all day today.” Her voice drops an octave and I fight not to snicker at how quickly her tone changed from the cheery greeting I got when she answered. This kid can go from a hundred to zero in seconds.
“I had a long day too, but I’m happy to hear your voice.”
“Me too. Goodnight, Daddy.”
“Goodnight, Hannah. Let me say goodnight to your brother.”
More clunking and then I hear Kyle say, “Goodnight, Dad.”
“Goodnight, Kyle. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
And then they are gone. Just like that. I sigh and drop my phone on the nightstand. I love the peace and quiet of Maui, but damn, I miss them when I’m away. I drop back on my pillow and my mind drifts to Kayla. I wish she could see how great they are. She and I made awesome little humans but she’s been cheated out of experiencing them and they’ve been cheated out of having a mother. And what a wonderful, loving mother she was too. I often wonder what Hannah would be like with a mom. She has zero memories of Kayla, and even though I’m relieved she doesn’t grieve for her, I mourn for the relationship she’s missed out on.
I sit back up and look around at my messy bed and chuckle. Who knew we were carrying around that much mud from our hike? It’s not like we got in bed with our shoes on.
