SLOW BURN

by Christie, Nicole

  I don’t know what comes over me. Oh, god, yes, I do. I kiss Dean back with everything I have, and it’s still not enough. Pretty soon, I am climbing over to his side, and straddling him, and—

  Dean pulls back a little to look at me. “Did you just hit your back on the steering wheel?”

  “Yes,” I say faintly, biting back howls of pain. “Oh, my god. It hurts so bad.”

  I meet his eyes, and have to laugh, despite the pain. He grins back, carefully trying to shift us so we have more room to maneuver. There’s no room.

  “Ow.” I close my eyes, half giggling, half groaning. “No, don’t move. Can you just drive like this?”

  “Someday soon we’ll test that theory.” Dean’s chuckle is smoky and a little strained as I cautiously try to wiggle off his lap.

  “Ow, ow, ow.”

  I manage to slide off of him, and back onto my seat. I’m still laughing, until I notice Tamara’s front door is open and Tamara, and an older woman who’s probably her mother are standing in the doorway, staring at us. The older woman looks slightly traumatized. Tamara looks so engrossed, I wanna give her popcorn and candy and charge admission.

  “Drive,” I say in a low voice to Dean. “Just drive.”

  Despite the rough start, I’m super excited. We could be going to the dentist, and I’d still be thrilled. I have to keep pinching my arm to remind myself to savor every single moment.

  “Hey, there’s your old neighborhood,” I say, looking out the window. “You know, we should go back to the park one day. Lot of good memories there, despite the bullying.”

  I give Dean a teasing look, and he sighs almost imperceptibly. “I didn’t bully you.”

  “You called me Fun Size,” I remind him indignantly.

  “You called me Gigantor first.”

  “I…did I really?” I gasp suddenly. I totally could have—that sounds like me. “Well, if I did, it was because you used to look at me like I was an insect.”

  I wait for Dean to deny it, but he doesn’t. He just looks over at me while simultaneously increasing speed.

  “You don’t know much about ten year old boys,” he says finally, sounding amused.

  “No, I don’t.” I shudder. “So where are we going again?”

  Dean smirks. “Nice try.”

  In retaliation, I put on my eighties monster ballads, compiled specifically for this trip. As special torture, I sing along. If Heather were here, she would harmonize with me. Dean pretends to be afraid of my awesome dance moves. Okay, maybe he’s not pretending.

  Forty-five minutes later, we’re at Shady Harbor. Why? Because Dean has a freaking yacht moored there! It’s a sleek sixty something footer, and it doesn’t matter that it actually belongs to his grandfather—because apparently the grandfather never uses it. It might as well be Dean’s. Um…why can’t money buy you happiness?

  “Mack and the others use her more than I do,” Dean says of the Eye of the Storm. He shrugs. “I like sailboats.”

  I’m helped aboard by a thin, nice-looking guy about my age. He’s the most monochrome-looking guy I’ve ever seen: brown eyes, fluffy brown hair, and brown skin. His shirt is brown, and he’s wearing ancient khaki shorts. He’s introduced to me as Finley, and I assume he’s the captain’s son—until the captain wraps an arm around Finley’s slim waist, and plants a kiss on his cheek. Unless fathers are that openly affectionate with their sons? I don’t know.

  Captain Dan is an older guy—stringy and tall, with weathered brown skin and bright blue eyes. He seems nice enough as he welcomes us aboard. I’m too awed by my surroundings to pay attention while he and Dean discuss maintenance and weather patterns. Then I hear Captain Dan say, “Miss Deschamps,” and my ears perk up.

  “She and a friend of hers were out here earlier today,” he’s saying. “I’m sorry to say they made quite a mess of the master cabin. We’ll need to be replacing some of the blinds, and probably the mattress.”

  Dean nods, brow furrowing. “Okay. Please bill it to my account. I’ll have a talk with her later.”

  “Kara was here?” I hiss at Dean once Captain Dan steps away. “You let her use your boat?”

  Dean stares out at the water, annoyed. “Not anymore.”

  The thought of Kara partying on Dean’s grandfather’s boat bothers me like an insistent wiggly feeling in the back of my head. I wonder who her friend was. I’m assuming it was a guy. The Preppy Rapist, maybe? Ugh.

  I try to put all those irritating thoughts of Kara out of my head as Dean gives me a tour. The Eye of the Storm really is an awesome party boat. The deck has a dining area where you can either enjoy a meal at the table, or convert the benches into a big lounge to sunbathe. There is a TV mounted in the helm station area, and there’s even a built-in sink and grill in the cockpit. Downstairs is even more amazing, with all the comforts of home—and then some. I love the dark wood and cream design, and the efficient use of space. There are little cabinets and compartments everywhere—I want to open them all up to see what they hold.

  There are two cabins, but we don’t go in the one Kara was in. If the mattress needs to be replaced, I don’t want to go in there. I guess Dean feels the same way since he keeps that door closed, and shows me the other cabin, which is just big enough for a decent-sized bed. The shelves and cabinets on the sides are built in, as is the entertainment center.

  I nudge Dean’s arm, my eyebrows raised. “Does this mean we’ll be sharing a bed since there’s not really any space for you on the floor?”

  His answering grin is stunning, and so sexy it makes my heart stop. “Oh, yeah,” he says under his breath.

  Impulsively, I grab his belt buckle and start backing up towards the bed. “Well, then, what are we waiting for?”

  Dean lets me pull him forward until the back of my legs hit the bed, and let myself fall back on it. He leans over me, placing a soft kiss on my forehead, then he says next to my ear, “We’re waiting until we’re alone, so you can be as loud as you want when I make you scream my name.”

  I gasp, blushing so hard my entire body warms. What an un-Dean thing to say! His eyes gleam wickedly as he straightens up. Then he just walks out of the room, leaving me sprawled on the bed. When I’m able to close my mouth again, I jump up and sprint after him.

  “I cannot believe you just said that to me,” I tell Dean as I follow him up the steps to the deck.

  He tries to ignore me until I tug on the bag of his shirt. “Dean.”

  He turns and suddenly tugs me forward so I’m leaning against his chest. “You don’t think I can do it?” he murmurs, and I repress a smile at the arrogant tone in his voice. This is the first time I’ve heard it. Dean’s never arrogant—he doesn’t have to be.

  I laugh nervously, trying to wiggle out of his grasp. “That wasn’t a challenge.”

  There’s a flash of Dean’s straight white teeth. “I think it was, Juliet.”

  Oh, no.

  I notice that guy, Finley, watching us from the cockpit. When he sees me looking, he smiles and swivels his chair to face Captain Dan. He leans over and whispers something in the Captain’s ear, making him laugh.

  Definitely not father and son, right?

  The sun is setting as we cruise out of the harbor. The pink-orange glow cast over the rippling waves and the scattered clouds is absolutely breathtaking—but even the beauty of the scenery pales in comparison to the guy with his arms around me. His eyes in the dying light are translucent jewels. My heart just aches as I stare at him. I remember when I thought his beauty didn’t move me.

  Who was I kidding.

  ******

  Chapter 46

  After Finley serves us our dinner—seared ahi tuna crusted with sesame over a soba salad (yum!)—he and Captain Dan prepare to leave on jet skis. Captain Dan says they’ll see us bright and early tomorrow morning, so I guess they plan on staying in town overnight. I don’t want to picture the two of them shacked up together, but the images keep coming because of the way they keep smiling
at each other. Please don’t let them be related.

  After an absolutely delicious slice of lemon cheesecake, Dean converts the benches into a bed, and lie together under the stars. Between the built-in heaters on the sides and Dean’s arms, I’m plenty warm, despite the chill in the air. Thank goodness there’s not much of a breeze tonight, or it would be downright cold.

  After some prodding from me, Dean reveals more about himself. Apart from working on cars, most of his hobbies are physical activities—working out, running, mountaineering. I hate working out and running, but I’d be totally down for some rock climbing. Dean tells me about some climbs he and Ben have done in the Sierras, and despite the plain words he uses, he makes it sound like a magical experience. I silently add that to my list of things to do before college. Ooh, maybe we could do that over spring break!

  After a while, the back of my neck starts to hurt from the strap of my halter dress. I pull my hair to the side, and yank on the material.

  “I can’t wait to get this dress off,” I groan, flipping over on my stomach.

  Dean quietly chuckles beside me. “You stole my line again.”

  “No! Not like that! I, uh, meant the strap is uncomfortable on my neck.” I sigh, burying my face in my hands.

  I feel him shift next to me. “Let me see,” he says.

  He gently brushes strands of hair away from my neck, making me shiver in the process. My bare skin feels exposed and unbearably sensitive. His fingers lightly brush against the back of my neck, and suddenly the top part of my dress loosens.

  “Dean!”

  “What?” He’s kissing the back of my neck, and it feels soo good. “No one can see us, I promise you.”

  I glance around nervously. He’s right. Even if there were other boats nearby, we don’t have any lights on. I can only just make him out even from a few inches away. Well, um, okay. I rest my head in my arms and close my eyes as Dean’s hand glides up and down my back. I practically purr in contentment.

  Now he’s trailing kisses on my skin. I keep my eyes closed as his hands move down my sides, slowly peeling my dress off. The material catches at my hips, and he tugs gently. I lift them up, and he pulls it the rest of the way off.

  “Turn over, Juliet,” Dean says huskily.

  I obey, slowly rolling, but keeping myself propped up on my elbows. “Take your shirt off,” I order him back.

  Keeping his eyes on me, he complies. I watch him, mesmerized. He pulls his shirt off, and my eyes feast on all that smooth hard flesh. I reach out to run my fingers over his abs, and feel his muscles contract in response. He lowers himself over me, shifting one leg between mine.

  Dean watches me intently as I squirm under his touch. He’s moving his thumb in slow torturous circles over a sensitive part of my body. “You’re so beautiful,” he says softly.

  “Dean.” I’m practically panting. “That feels so good. Please…”

  Please what? I don’t know. He’s slowly driving me insane with his hands. I think I’m going to explode when he starts kissing my breasts. I groan in frustration when he abruptly pulls away.

  “Look at me, Juliet. I need you to tell me something.”

  My eyes flutter open. Breathing hard, Dean looks down at me with a fierce expression. I put my hand on his cheek, concerned. “What?”

  He holds my gaze with his. “Tell me you want me. Only me.”

  I can see the uncertainty in Dean’s face, and it makes my heart thump painfully. He’s still wondering if I have feelings for Johnny, and that’s totally my fault. How many times have I put Johnny’s feelings ahead of his? I have to fix this. I have to tell him.

  “I want you. Just you,” I say emphatically. Then I take a deep breath. “Make love to me.”

  “Juliet…”

  “No.” I quickly shake my head before Dean can protest. “I know what you’re going to say, but you’re wrong. I’m ready. I don’t just want to—I need to. Please.”

  He gives me a brief searching look before he nods once. “I’m not going to ask you if you’re sure.” He pushes off the bed, taking me with him. “But not here.”

  I cling to Dean like a monkey as he walks over to the steps, then slide off of him to go below. Excitement and nerves have my legs wobbling so bad, I’m afraid I’ll do a face plant down the steps. This is really happening!

  Dean takes my hand and leads me to the cabin. He senses my apprehension, and cups my face with both hands, just kissing me until every part of my body is warm and liquid with desire. When I wrap my arms around the back of his neck, he picks me up and places me on the bed.

  I lie there, watching as he removes the last article of clothing from me. He takes a foil packet out of his back pocket before he takes off the rest of his clothes.

  This is the first time I’ve been completely naked in front of him. I take a deep breath. I’m so ready for this. Dean moves, bracing himself over me so that his face is inches from mine.

  “I love you,” he says simply.

  My breath hitches. “I love you.” Then I laugh, because it’s so easy to say.

  His answering smile is pure sex. Without breaking eye contact, he slowly begins to enter me.

  It hurts at first…then it doesn’t. Dean is so careful with me, letting my body adjust to his. His tensed muscles gleam with a sheen of sweat as he holds himself back. God, he is so beautiful everywhere. At some point, I stop thinking about the pain, and start to lose myself in the waves of sensation—until my whole being is focused entirely on this momentous thing that’s about to happen. I hold on tight to him, and let myself be carried away.

  I would have been content to sleep in Dean’s arms all night, but he has other ideas. Good god. It’s not that it isn’t completely amazing—I just want to be able to walk the next day. On the other hand, I don’t think a girl has ever told Dean Youngblood no. Turns out, there’s a very good reason for that. Ahem.

  He gets me up at what feels like the crack of dawn. I fall asleep under the shower while he brushes his teeth. Hm, I’m not usually awake when Dean leaves my house in the morning. Getting ready together feels like such a couple thing to do. I think I could get used to this.

  “You look tired,” Dean says with a sexy little smirk when I step out of the shower.

  I wrap a towel around myself before I give him a sarcastic look. “That’s because my sex-crazed boyfriend woke me up several times last night.”

  He just chuckles, low and dark, as I saunter into the room for my clothes.

  Captain Dan and Finley are back, and have breakfast waiting for us on the deck. I shamelessly eat everything put in front of me. I’m still munching on a couple of bacon strips when Dean goes over to talk to Captain Dan. I wonder if he’ll notice if I take some bacon from his plate?

  Finley sits next to me as I’m stealthily reaching a hand over. I startle and snatch my hand back, looking guilty.

  “Hungry this morning, huh?” he says with a knowing look that makes me scoot a couple of inches away from him.

  “Must be the ocean air,” I say, forcing a polite smile to my face. This guy gives me the creeps.

  Finley slowly runs his hands through his hair as his grin grows wider. “Or something else.” He leans an elbow on the table, turning his body to me. “I just have to ask—how do you guys do it without him hurting you? Because you’re, like, so tiny. And he’s…well, he’s a big guy.”

  I gape at him in disbelief, shocked that he would dare to me ask me such a question. “Excuse me?”

  “Hey, relax.” The creep goes to pat my shoulder, but I jerk away from his touch. “I was just curious, you know?”

  “Really?” I drop the bacon fisted in my hand, and glare at him. “Are we asking inappropriate questions now? Why are you dating a dude old enough to be your dad?”

  Finley crosses his arms and smirks. “He buys me alcohol and shit. Your turn. How does Dean not break you?”

  I stare at him, totally creeped out. “Go away.”

  His laugh makes me wan
t to buy a degreaser and pour it all over his head. I watch him slink away, then I glance over at Dean. He’s still talking to the alcohol-buying Captain Dan, but he’s looking my way with a concerned expression. I give him a little wave so he doesn’t worry. I think I’ll just keep that totally inappropriate conversation to myself, since I don’t know how Dean will react. He’s not as cold and controlled as I once thought he was.

  Dean drops me off at Tamara’s. I make sure to thank him for yesterday with a very thorough kiss. He responds by hauling me onto his lap. Once again, my back hits the steering wheel—but I barely notice this time.

  “What are you going to do today?” I ask, self-consciously pulling away after a couple of minutes of intense kissing.

  Dean gives a little shrug. “Work out some. I’ll probably head to L.A. for some car parts I need. What time will you be back from your dad’s?”

  “Um, maybe around four or five?” I estimate. “Do you want to go over to Mack’s when I get back?”

  He rests his forearms on the steering wheel, and gives me a sideways glance. “Not really. Come over to my house after.”

  My heartbeat speeds up at his intent look. “Why?” I ask teasingly. “Last night wasn’t enough?”

  Dean’s grin is slow and mind-blowingly sexy. “I’ll never get enough of you.”

  Both blushing and laughing, I reach in the back to grab my bag, and open the door, preparing to slide out.

  “Hey,” he says softly. I stop to look at him questioningly. “Do you regret it?”

  I pause for a second before giving him a shy smile. “Not at all. Do you?”

  His gaze is suddenly solemn. “The only thing I regret is having to watch you walk away from me right now.”

  Oh, wow. Must not jump Dean in Tamara’s driveway. Okay…I need to go…

  Taking a steadying breath, I place one reluctant foot out of the car. “Text me later?”

  “Count on it.”

  God. Just look at him. How the hell am I suppose to walk away from that?

  I am in so much trouble.