by Terra Kelly
He nodded. “I promise to bring her back happy. Completely happy.”
He wanted to scream, maybe even go dance on a rooftop. He would see Preslie tomorrow. Time to reel it in, he was almost to the studio, and they needed to practice for a concert coming up in a few weeks. When he walked into the studio all the guys stopped and stared at him.
He scowled. “What?”
Ricky laughed. “You’re smiling.”
Seth nodded. “And did you skip into the room?”
The group laughed and lightly teased him. “Fuck you all. Can’t I be happy?”
Andrea walked over and put her arm around his waist. “You can be happy, baby.” She smiled up into his blue eyes. “Skipping, that’s another story.” The room erupted in more laughter.
He pushed her away. “Screw you.” Shaking his head. “Now, are we here to play? I have a date.”
“Okay, you heard the man. Let’s kick it," Ricky said and asked. “Are we changing the set for the next concert?”
Miles was not thinking straight. He was wondering why he even came to practice. His mind was only on Preslie. He stopped and looked at everyone. “Let’s do whatever. I’m not one hundred percent here tonight. I want to practice the new song Falling Deep Into You though.”
Once they were all ready to go, Seth hit his drumsticks together three times, and they were off. Unfortunately, it didn't help to keep Miles’ mind occupied. They went over Falling Deep Into You about four times and agreed it was where it should be. They practiced for about two hours and then Miles packed up quickly.
Ricky put a hand on his chest. “Okay, what’s up?”
“I fucked up and need to apologize.” He shared what happened the other night. The best part of the story was Angie. They all had disliked the woman, so anything she did would piss them off.
Andrea gasped. “Why are you even here tonight?”
“Because we needed to practice," Miles said. "My flights doesn't leave until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. I needed to keep my mind moving with songs.”
Ricky agreed. “Yeah, I get it. Now get your ass home and pack.”
Miles held up his guitar case and started for the door. “See you soon.”
Miles was standing in his bedroom by his closet, he was trying to decide what to take. There would be two ways this trip could go. One, she’s furious he flew down to be with her. Two, they talk it out and they enjoy make-up sex the whole time. If he had a choice, he would choose the latter. Which meant minimal clothes needed. He decided it was better to be safe than sorry and brought a good mix of clothes. When he was zipping up his suitcase, a piece of pink fabric caught his attention. There were a pair of Preslie’s sexy panties on the shelf of his nightstand. He sat down on the edge of the bed and inhaled her scent. God, he missed her so much. He would make this right come hell or high water. He stuffed the silky lingerie in his suitcase and carried it downstairs.
He knew he wouldn’t get much sleep tonight, so he stayed downstairs on the couch watching TV and practicing songs on his guitar. He crashed about 2:00 a.m. and only slept for about four hours. His flight left at 9:00 a.m., so he planned to get to the airport a few hours before the flight was set to depart.
The airport was packed and the security lines were long. He had a charged phone, so he read news articles to make the time pass quicker. When he arrived in Clearwater Beach, he was ready to sink his feet in the sand. From what Vikki shared, Preslie’s cottage was near the end of the island and right on the beach. He had taken a taxi and now finalized the last part of the trek on foot. He was nervous to be here. What if she asked him to leave? God, he hoped that wouldn’t happen.
The cottages in the area were small and looked like little log cabins. Most of the homes felt boring from the front but if you walked around back, the site took your breath away. There was a lovely porch with a hammock swing. They used beautiful fabric to cover the top of the porch, preventing too much sunlight from seeping through. The view was amazing with trees on either side of the cottage and a gorgeous secluded beach.
When he walked around to the back of the first cabin, he didn’t see her inside. Instead, there was a couple that had no modesty. He continued until he reached the fifth cottage. He didn’t even have to look to see if it was her inside, he could smell her scent from a mile away. She was resting on a chaise lounge reading a book. She looked sexy as hell with that little bikini on and her one leg dangling over the edge of the chair. He removed his sunglasses and hung them on the collar of his t-shirt and walked to the doorway. He leaned on the doorframe and waited.
When Preslie arrived at her cottage on Wednesday, she dropped her bags and put on a bikini. She planned to wear a bikini during the day and sleep nude. This trip would be so different with minimal laundry.
The way the cabins were positioned you had complete privacy. She picked up groceries that would get her through the six days she planned to be there. No TV, the beach only a few feet away, ten romance books to read, and bikinis all day. Best vacation ever.
She had a bite to eat and was now settling in with a delicious book. Her eyes kept drifting off and then she would force them open to read a few more sentences. As she fought to stay awake, she felt aroused. Her body was lighting on fire and every part of her needed…no wanted a special someone. It couldn’t be the book causing the emotions because she was only on page twenty-five. Then it was there, and she felt before she saw. Could that be him? How was this possible? Vikki didn’t, did she?
Slowly she turned her head and saw the person in question. He had on black cargo shorts and a white v-neck t-shirt that hugged him in all the right places. His arms were crossed over his chest and his head was resting on the doorframe. She sucked in a breath. “What?” She closed her book and sat up. “I don’t understand? How are you here?”
Miles pushed off the doorframe and approached Preslie. “Please don’t get mad at Vikki?” He moved even closer. “She knew this was for the best. We have so much to say to each other.” He was standing just a foot away now and bent down on one knee. “I would never want to hurt you. I regret every decision I made that night. Your face before you left has haunted me. When I close my eyes, I see your look and I want to turn back time.”
She sat there on the edge of the chaise lounge. “You made it very clear. It’s okay Miles, you loved her for ten years.”
He interjected. “I loved her, but not anymore. Angie became someone I don’t recognize anymore, she is not the woman I married. She was trying to mess up our evening, and she succeeded. I won’t let her win though. I want you. I want to laugh with you. Cook with you. Wake up with you. God, I miss waking up with you.”
Preslie was trying not to cry, but the tears fell. He wanted her, like really wanted her. “Miles. I thought.” She hiccupped. “The way you both looked at each other when I walked back from the restroom. It was like you were where you belonged. I felt like I was holding you back. Hell, with all the David shit, you couldn’t focus on your family. So, I thought taking a break would be better for you.” She looked down. “Not me, I’m broken. I miss you so much.”
Miles moved right in front of her and settled in between her legs. Lifting her chin. “I miss you too, princess. More than I can even describe. You were never in the way. You were right where you were supposed to be all along.”
He smiled that heart stopping smile, and she melted. She fell into his arms crying so hard. All she wanted was him, his touch, kisses, and gentle words. She leaned up. “But, I thought…I don’t know. I guess I thought you had too much happening in your life. Including me was just going to be a burden. I was worried about your kids, I know the divorce has got to be hard on them.”
He used the pad of his thumb and brushed away her tears. “Didn’t you know, two hearts are better than one when trying to heal the soul? I do have a lot to work through, but I don’t think I could get through it all alone. I think you would agree with that, right? Are you happy just sitting here by yourself?”
She la
ughed. “Yeah, you’re right. I would rather be in your arms, then here in this cottage alone.” She leaned forward and slammed her lips over his. They were perfect together, their bodies fit together so beautifully. Kissing each other was like perfect notes being played and you never wanted them to end.
“Can you forgive me?” Miles asked leaning in and kissing her on her lips, then her nose, chin, each cheek, and back to her soft lips. “I want you Preslie Summers, heart and soul. I love you so much.”
She smiled and pushed him back onto the floor. “I love you too, Miles Callahan. I’m falling deep into you and I may never find my way out.
He laughed. “Good.” He tickled her side. “I think that was in a song?”
“Yup, some hot guy I adore wrote it.”
He knew at that moment everything would be okay. “Promise me something?”
She was peppering sweet kisses down his neck. “What?”
He pulled his shirt up over his head. “You can’t be mad at Vikki for telling me where you were. If anything,” he said and bent down to untie her bikini top. “We need to thank her.” Then he slid it off and kissed each nipple. She was so aroused and every part of her body was covered in goose bumps. “I want you.”
She reached between them and unbuttoned his shorts. He stood and removed his shorts and boxers for her. The moment he moved them down over his hips, Preslie gasped. He was gorgeous. She sat up and took him in her mouth, he was already so aroused. She loved tasting him on her tongue. The taste alone sent shivers all the way to her core. He pulled free and lifted her up from the floor. In record time she was free of her bikini bottom and up in his arms. He walked out the back door and toward the beach.
Preslie laughed. “We have privacy but I’m not sure about the nudity standards here.” She nipped on his shoulder and neck.
He looked around, there was no one near them. The couple he caught earlier was on the beach nude. Miles shrugged. “Fuck it, let them report us. I don’t plan to wear much clothing while I’m here with you.” He kissed her temple. “I want nothing in between us.”
“This vacation just got a whole hell of a lot better.”
As he walked into the ocean, he let her down. They were hand in hand until Preslie was covered up to her chest. “So, no clothes for the four days we have together?”
“Well, we may need clothes for a couple things” He picked her up. “I have something special planned for you.”
She wrapped her legs around his waist. “Plans, eh?” Moving up and down. “What plans? Do they involve this,” she asked guiding him inside her. “You feel so good.” They both moved together, letting every emotion that played out over the last few days just fade away.
He looked into her eyes. “My plans are a secret.” He smiled. “God, you make me feel so good.” They kept their movements slow since they were in public. It was hard to hide what they were doing. “Let’s make an agreement?”
“Um…okay.” She could feel the effects of her orgasm surfacing. “Miles.” She breathed heavier. “Please don’t stop.”
“Never.” Just then he knew he was about to come. They continued taking each movement but never missing a beat. Preslie placed her lips on his and let out a muffled cry. There was something about what they did that was erotic. Miles hid his head in her neck and yelled her name. They didn’t part for several minutes. It felt too good. He took in a deep breath. “So do you agree, if we get mad, freaked, or anything, we have to talk and then have sex.”
She bent her head back and laughed. “Talk and then sex?” She leaned in for a kiss. “Deal. Now, about those plans?”
He shook his head. “Nope, that happens tomorrow morning. I get to enjoy you like this for the rest of the day.”
Fourteen
The day couldn’t have been any better. It was sunny, amazing, and Miles was with Preslie. They spent last night talking and sharing their true feelings. They discussed what they both wanted for their future.
Preslie made it very clear she wanted kids someday. Miles made it clear he loved being a cop and that his partner in life would have to understand that. In between each confession, Miles would grab her and kiss her like crazy. She was stunning. Preslie had a mind of her own and knew what she wanted in life. She also shared her deepest secret that she had a thing for cops. Miles went nuts with that news. They crashed late, but neither cared. When they woke, they were both holding each other so close. It was like they were afraid to let go.
Now they were walking hand in hand on the beach. Miles wouldn’t tell Preslie where they were heading, but they were obviously heading somewhere specific. For this adventure, they were required to wear clothes. Pity really. They each had their bathing suits on underneath their clothes.
Before Miles had left Toronto, he contacted a local boating company and talked to the captain of a sail boat. He let the captain know he would pay him whatever was required. All he wanted was to take his girlfriend out for maybe the afternoon. The captain said that he didn’t take people out but finally caved and agreed.
On the way, they stopped to get a bite to eat. Preslie picked out a cute little cafe with an amazing view of the gulf, but everything around them had an amazing view.
Preslie was just taking a sip of her coffee when her phone buzzed. She looked down and smiled. “Viks.” She answered quickly. “Hey there tattle-tale.”
Vikki was silent for a beat. “Shit, are you mad at me?” She sighed. “Is he there with you? Are you both okay?”
Preslie laughed. “Hey babe, it’s all good. I’m not mad. He is sitting right next to me and he may not go anywhere.” She squeezed his hand. “Thanks, Viks. I mean it.”
Vikki exhaled. “Oh my God, I was going crazy. Miles was supposed to call and let me know he made it. I usually heard from you in the evening. Then I realized you must be together, but I was still freaking out.”
Preslie put the phone on speaker. “Sweetie, we are more than okay.”
Miles nodded. “Yes, we are for sure.”
Vikki laughed. “I love you both. Okay, now I can breathe again, go have fun!”
“Yes, we will do just that and more.” Preslie leaned over and kissed Miles. “So much more.”
Vikki made a gagging sound. “Ummm…yeah, TMI sweets!”
They all laughed and said their goodbyes. Preslie took a sip of her coffee. “I can’t wait much longer.” She leaned over and poked his sides. “Where are we going today?”
“You told me you wanted this, so I am making it come true.” He leaned in for a kiss and stole a few more in the process. “Because this,” he said kissing her again. “Is all I want.”
Her breath hitched, and she went still. “What does that mean?”
He smiled and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t know. I love what we have.”
She leaned into his touch. “I do too.” Her heart skipped a beat, she was feeling so nervous. What could all this mean? Did he plan to propose to her? Was she ready for that? Were they ready for that? Questions were swirling around like a spinning top. She took in small breaths of air and let them out.
“Don’t be nervous. Just trust me, okay?” He squeezed her leg.
They ended up spending about forty minutes at this little cafe. Which was perfect because the captain was not due to arrive at the dock for another ten minutes. Miles paid for brunch and then wrapped his arm around Preslie’s waist. He tugged her in close and kissed the top of her head. As they walked together, he thought about everything that happened. Here they were together, two people who had both experienced the unthinkable. Somehow fate had a way of making sure you were always okay. If you were to ask his younger self where do you see yourself in ten years. He would answer, more kids, still in love with Angie, and maybe a bigger house. How was it possible he never noticed Angie’s true feelings? She hid them well. Being a cop was a part of who he was. Loving music was a part of his heart and soul. He was lucky to get to do both things he loved. Now he was holding the one woman who un
derstood it all and accepted him. It took losing a dear friend and getting injured to bring him to this point. Life was fucked up in some ways.
Preslie glanced up at Miles. “You still with me?”
He beeped her nose. “Always.”
She was blown away by the events that played out over the last twenty-four hours. She thought she would be spending her vacation alone. Miles was right though, she hated being alone. It was just for the best, she had to get away from Toronto for a few days. The last several months were fucked up. How many people could say they were almost killed three times?
She owed Vikki so much. Not only did her friend make sure Miles came to Clearwater Beach. She also was the one who assigned Preslie to room 325 so many months ago.
They rounded the corner and Preslie sucked in a breath. Miles pulled her closer. “Your sailboat awaits, Madame.” He put his arm out for her to lead the way.
Preslie glanced back at Miles, then at the captain standing on the dock. “Oh my God.”
“Preslie, this is the captain of Don’t Look Back and he agreed to take us out for the day.”
Preslie shook the captain's hand but was still speechless. A lonely tear escaped, and she wiped it away.
The captain nodded and could tell this was something more than just a day trip together. He instructed them on the ins and outs of what to do and what not to do. He let them know where to sit and gave them a tour of the boat. Then, just like that they were off.
Preslie was shaking as she sat down at the bow. She brought her legs up and wrapped her arms around them. She took in the scenery.
Miles was talking to the captain for a few minutes. When he made his way back up to Preslie, he smiled. He sat down next her and wrapped his arm around her waist. “I could get used to this view.”
