by Lisa G Riley
Carrying his towel, Simone moved back to her chair and took a seat. She slipped her sunglasses on and leaned back. It wasn’t long before she spotted Shaun headed in her direction, his skin glistening with water. Her heart hammered against her ribcage. Fine as hell was the best way to describe him. Glancing to her right, she noticed two women pointing, and damn if they weren’t staring at Shaun. A wave of jealousy surged through her before she looked up and greeted him with a smile. “How was your swim?”
“Wonderful.” He shook his hair and water splashed across her.
“Hey!” Simone cried, while laughing and trying to block the water with her arm. “You’re getting me all wet.”
Leaning towards her, Shaun gave a devilish grin. “I would love to get something else wet.” He scooped her up into his arms and kissed her soundly on the mouth. Simone glanced over to see if the two women were watching. They were. Chuckling, she deepened the kiss.
After they left the beach, they quickly changed clothes and strolled over to the Ocean Walk Village to see a movie. They gorged on popcorn and candy and held hands during the horror flick. Afterwards they visited the shops, then returned to the room and made slow sweet love, then showered and went two doors down for dinner.
Shaun glanced at Simone sitting in the booth across from him at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Tonight she wore a burnt orange halter dress that tied around her neck, then plunged low in the front and left her back bare. Her hair was up in a ponytail that made her look years younger. He reached across the table and touched her hand. “Do you know what it is to have a soul mate?”
Her brows rose. “Soul mate?”
Shaun nodded. “Everyone has a soul mate. That one person who completes you—mind, body and soul. The hard part isn’t finding that person, it’s holding on to them when you do.” Simone opened her mouth to respond, but he pressed a finger to her lips, then said, “Love comes with a price and sometimes it hurts, but if you want it bad enough it can also be quite rewarding.” He lowered his hand and for the longest time she was quiet, apparently thinking about what he had said.
Simone reached for her lemonade, then shook her head. “I watched my mother die of a broken heart,” she began between sips. “All my father wanted from her was sex, and nothing more. That was all he wanted, period. She spent years waiting for him to love her, but he never did.”
He allowed her words to simmer for a moment before saying, “Are you afraid that the same thing will happen to you?”
She lowered her glass and looked up from the table with frank eyes. “No, because I will never allow it to happen.”
Simone’s eyes quickly darted to the table while he took a moment to study her. She was lying. She’s still running. Shaun took a deep breath and decided to change the subject.
“Do you have any siblings?”
Simone shook her head. “No. My mother never had any more children. She was too busy waiting for my dad to come home,” she replied bitterly. “What about you?”
“There are six of us.”
“Six?” She practically choked.
He nodded just as their waitress arrived with their food. After she left, Simone dug into her food and listened while he talked about growing up with the Brady Bunch—two brothers and three sisters.
“Did your wife want children?” she asked while chewing a rib.
“Yes, we wanted a big family. What about you? Do you want kids?”
“I love kids.”
He watched her eyes cloud with tears before she looked down at her plate. In that instant, he knew a family was what she wanted most, despite all her protests. Why would she deprive herself of happiness? he wondered. But he already knew the answer. Fear.
Shaun eased them into a light conversation about sports and found that she was a die-hard Bears fan. It wasn’t long before he had her laughing about dozens of the team’s blunders over the years. His eyes held hers for the longest time before he reached across the table and clasped her hand. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”
Simone couldn’t help but smile. “I’m glad I’m here as well.”
After another moonlit stroll along the beach, they returned to their room. They’d left the air conditioner off and the sliding door open to enjoy the warm breeze.
“Take your dress off.”
His directness zinged straight to her clit. Simone slipped the dress over her head and stood before him. No bra. No panties. Just what the good Lord gave her.
Shaun shed his shirt and shorts, then backed her against the wall. Her body shook with anticipation. He lightly kissed her lips and moved down her neck to her shoulder. Tonight he is mine. Boy, did she want him. Shaun was a total package—handsome, funny, and compassionate.
His hand slid to her breast and the arousing touch sent liquid desire sliding down her thigh. Oh, yeah. He leaned back slightly, and she stared up into his eyes, filled with a hunger and something else that she wasn’t ready to define.
Tonight, she would enjoy every second with Shaun. Every kiss. Every touch. Every loving word. Then tomorrow they would return to Chicago and the fantasy would end. Man, how could she like someone she just met so much and so soon?
“You knew the moment I first held you in my arms you were mine,” he said as if he read her mind.
Simone nodded. Yes. While at her club, she had known something special was happening between them.
“You’re mine, Simone,” he began between kisses. “I want to hear you say it.”
“I’m yours.” Even if it is just for the night.
“Good. Because when I’m done with you, any doubts you may still have will be gone.” The words vibrated as he kissed the length of her neck. She prepared to say something, but he silenced her. “Let me have you for as long as I can,” he whispered against her damp skin.
“But—”
“No buts.” He raised his head and stared down at her. “Tonight, let me have you.” His eyes snapped to her lips. “All of you.” He lowered his mouth again. “Surrender to me, Simone.”
He wanted her to surrender her heart as well? She swallowed while his hand slid along her inner thighs. If only she could trust him not to hurt her, she would surrender forever. “I—”
“Shhh.” He touched her mouth with his finger, running the pad along her bottom lip.
Simone surrendered to his touch and decided to believe she was truly his. Until they boarded that plane tomorrow, she would pretend she was his, and he was hers. The fantasy was possible as long as she kept her heart out of it.
Reaching down, her fingers brushed the length of him. His dick was hard, erect and ready for her. Shaun crushed his mouth to hers again, only this time the kiss was hard and hungry. Wildly, Simone combed her fingers through his hair and was half-crazed by the time the kiss ended. Shaun swung her around so she was facing the wall and nudged her legs apart.
“You’re not surrendering, Simone.” He pressed his dick against her ass.
Yes, I have. At least for the night. She could barely think straight as his hands worked up to the juncture between her inner thighs. He rubbed against her dampened pussy. Simone shuddered and rocked against his hand.
“I need you to give me your heart.” Shaun slid a finger inside her wet heat.
Then another.
And another.
Simone cried out while she met each delicious stroke.
“Tell me.”
She didn’t feel like talking. All she wanted was to see what he was about to do next. It wasn’t long before Shaun pressed the pad of his fingers to the top of her tender walls and stroked her G-spot. “Oh, yesss!” Her heavy breasts jiggled with the rocking of her body while her nipples brushed the wall.
Shaun then used his thumb and pressed firmly against her clit. She bit the inside of her mouth to keep from screaming.
“Answer me, Simone.”
She groaned, clenching his fingers that continued to move in and out of her pussy with slick insistence.
“Are you ready to s
urrender?”
“I can’t,” she whispered. “Not completely.”
He removed his hand and she cried out at the loss. He was going to deny her until she surrendered her heart as well as her body. Taking her hand, he led her over toward the chair. “Have a seat,” he demanded.
She lowered and waited. Determination hardened his features.
“Now put your legs over the armrests.”
She did as he said and swallowed. Her pussy was wide open and exposed. Juices flowing freely. While she sat there waiting, he moved over to the bed and removed his boxers. Eyes never leaving her. Her clit twitched. She was in a world of trouble. There was no way she was going to be able to deny herself all of that.
Shaun moved in front of her and gripped the back of the chair, one hand on either side of her head. Leaning forward, the head of his dick teased her inner thighs. “Ready?”
She wiggled her hips back and forth, rubbing her clit against him. “No.”
“Look at me.” Eyes locked, he plunged inside, then stilled his body. “Do you want more?”
“Please.” She was begging and didn’t care.
He eased out halfway, then slammed inside her. “Tell me you’re ready to risk your heart. That you’re ready to love again.”
She arched her back off the chair at the contact. “I can’t,” she gasped, while squeezing the muscles of her pussy tightly, never wanting to let him go.
“Yes, you can.” He pulled out completely. His thick length was wet with her juices. She gazed down at it as her body screamed for him to come back.
“Please, Shaun,” she whimpered.
“Please what?” While waiting for an answer, he slid the head of his dick across her clit, teasing her. “Tell me what you want, Simone.” When she didn’t respond, he lowered before her.
Intense heat flowed through her. “I—” she gasped when he licked a nipple with the tip of his tongue. “I—”
“I can’t do anything until you give me your heart.” Gently, he suckled. “Trust me to love you.”
She let out a long, low moan. He was demanding more than her body. He planned to open her up until she had no other choice but to confront everything she was feeling. Surrendering meant trusting and giving without fear of what pain might come after everything was said and done. “I surrender.” And she meant it. As much as she tried to deny herself, she wanted everything he had to give, even if it was for one night. She wanted him tonight and was not afraid to say so. “I surrender to you.”
Shaun brought his mouth to hers. She cupped his neck and wrapped her legs around his hips. “I want you inside of me,” she said. He lifted her into his arms, then carried her over to the balcony, and she lowered her feet to the floor.
“Turn around, baby. I need to see that big ass.”
Simone turned and faced the ocean, then leaned over, holding on to the rail, and stuck her ass out. He smacked her left cheek and she cried out, the sound echoing through the night.
“You like when I spank that big ass?”
“Yes,” she moaned as he smacked her again and again until her ass stung with pain.
“Now bend over. I need to taste you.”
Obediently she lowered her chest to the rail and parted her thighs. Shaun dropped to his knees and spread her butt cheeks wide open. He then worked his tongue all the way down to her clit. “Yesss! Oh, God, that feels so good!” She thrust her hips back to meet each sensual stroke of his tongue. “Fuck me! Please fuck me.”
He rose. “Baby, tonight we’re making love.” With his firm hands at her hips, he rammed his dick inside her. “This is my pussy,” he chanted as he moved in and out, slowly. He smacked her ass. “Tell me whose pussy it is.”
“Yours,” she whispered.
Smack! “Whose?”
“It’s your pussy, Shaun.”
“And don’t you forget it.” Shaun then gave her a long and thorough spanking, causing her to cry out with pleasure. He pulled out to the tip and plunged deep inside again. “You belong to me.” He increased his speed and she met him stroke for stroke. His breathing increased while she screamed out his name, her voice floating out into the night. He plunged harder until she peaked and jerked. Her muscles clenched around him. With one final thrust, he released a deep growl and came.
Shaun withdrew slowly and carried her over to the bed. Once under the sheets, he pulled her into his arms as he had done several times this weekend. It felt like heaven to be held while she felt so fulfilled, so all alone. Again their strong connection scared her and caused silent tears to stream down her cheeks. Shaun was everything she had ever wanted in a man.
It wouldn’t be easy parting tomorrow. Once back in Chicago, she would probably be miserable. The thought was unbearable. Nevertheless, that’s the way it had to be.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered close to her ear.
What’s wrong? Simone wanted to say. What’s wrong is how complete I feel with you and how scared I am of this wonderful feeling. “Nothing.”
His expression told her he didn’t believe her. However, he didn’t press for answers. Instead, Shaun rolled her onto his chest, her breasts pressed against his steady heartbeat. Squeezing her eyes closed, she forced herself not to think about the sadness tomorrow would bring.
“What do you fear most?” Shaun whispered.
Her heart clenched and it took her a long time to answer. “Falling in love again. What about you?”
“Losing love a second time,” he replied as he pressed his lips to her forehead. Shaun pulled her tightly into his arms and Simone wished she could hold on to the moment forever.
8
On the flight home, Shaun sat near the window. Taking Simone’s hand, he laced their fingers together. Simone rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Shaun had made love to her until the wee hours of the morning. Then they’d fallen asleep for a few short hours and had just enough time to share breakfast in the hotel before they caught a shuttle to the airport. Taking a deep breath filled with the scent of Shaun, Simone buried her nose against his shirt. She wanted every detail of him embedded in her brain. Memories of him would always be a part of her heart. He had become quite special to her and she would not forget that. When the pilot’s voice came over the intercom, her stomach sank.
They were beginning their descent. The fantasy was officially over.
As soon as they departed the plane, Shaun walked beside her. He placed a hand at the small of her back to steer her toward the parking garage and her body stiffened.
“Simone, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she mumbled without bothering to look at him.
“No, it’s something and we need to talk about it.” He caught her elbow in a firm grip and guided her across the floor away from the flow of traffic. She turned and looked at him. Frustration was prominently displayed on his face. “I love you. Can’t you see that?”
“Love me?” She shook her head with disbelief. That wasn’t possible. He hardly knew her. “You couldn’t possibly love me.”
Reaching out, he cupped her elbow and pulled her closer. “Why not? My father knew he loved my mother the second he met her in the checkout lane at the grocery store. They’ve been together ever since.”
She shook her head. “That’s wonderful, but that doesn’t happen often.”
“It happened with us. I love you and I know you have feelings for me. The sooner you realize that, the better off we’ll be.”
Simone stared up at him, stunned by his words. She wanted a life with him. “It won’t work, Shaun,” she said softly.
“Why?” he asked as he pressed his lips to hers.
“It just won’t,” she managed, then gasped as he pulled her in his arms. “I can’t risk feeling that way again.”
“I don’t want this to end.”
Neither do I. But she had to because it was easier now than it would be later. It was way too soon for love. There was no way Shaun could be sure of his fe
elings. And she wasn’t prepared to take that risk. Making the break now would give her memories instead of heartache.
He nuzzled her neck with his lips. “At least have dinner with me tomorrow night.”
Simone pulled back from him and nodded. “I’ll call you.” Turning on her heels, she moved toward her car on the second level of the parking garage before the tears started falling.
9
It had almost been a week and Simone still hadn’t called. Battling his frustration, Shaun swiveled around in his office chair and stared out the window at the hurried traffic below. For five days, he’d sent flowers and handwritten notes expressing his love and gotten nothing in return. Not a peep. Not a phone call.
Shaun forced himself not to call her, even though he constantly watched his cell phone. Her departure from his life made him face the painful truth. It had been what she said it would be—a weekend fling. Not a relationship or commitment. Just sex. He wanted a life that as far as she was concerned would never work. And after a week of nothing, he was starting to think that maybe it was time for him to face the strong possibility it was over.
“What do I do now?’ he murmured in his empty office. He didn’t have a clue. He couldn’t sleep or eat. Everything about Simone haunted him. Her scent. Taste. Wet, hot pussy. He just couldn’t seem to get her out of his mind…because he didn’t want to.
Leaning back in his chair, he let his head loll to the side, feeling defeated as he recalled their last conversation together. He couldn’t be angry because from the very beginning Simone had been totally honest with him. He was the one who refused to believe that what they had wasn’t real. It was hard for him to admit, even to himself. He had been brought to his knees by a woman who refused to love him back. Simone was too afraid and there was nothing he could do but wait and hope that she would come to her senses and follow her heart. He also needed to face the fact that it might never happen. If not, he would have to be thankful for the memories. Shaun raked a frustrated hand across his face. Who was he trying to fool? He didn’t want memories. He wanted Simone.
