by Eric Asher
Smoothing her hands down the length she says, “It must look horrible.”
“There isn’t a chance in hell anything on you looks horrible, Faith.” I’ve kept a section wrapped around and between my fingers, and her hand runs along mine as she combs out the length. I like the feel of her, slowly warming to my touch, leaning in versus away. Moving quickly, I hold her chin so our eyes meet. “Let’s go back to your place,” I ground out loud enough Mick looks my way.
Her smile hits me like a Ray Lewis tackle: swift and hard. God she’s beautiful. “Not this time, Cowboy. Mickey’s counting on me.”
The waitress arrives with our drinks and Faith’s attention is driven away once again. I can’t help but stare at the full curve of her lips, nature generously plumping both in equal measure. An almost inescapable compulsion to bite and suck her mouth becomes all-consuming, driving a need deep in my groin. I’m constantly half hard, ready to get fully there in a second when she gives the go ahead. With concentrated effort my eyes work over the short button of her nose and the flutter of her lashes when they close, lying on the soft cream of her upper cheek. Faith’s beautiful; not in the pre-packaged Barbie way I’m used to. She’s driven from the earth, clean and fresh, without a stitch of make-up on.
Normally I’m attracted to no expectations, no need to define tomorrow or anything between us. Shallow relationships suited me, my travel schedule leaving little time or inclination for more.
Faith’s different, and if our circumstances were too, I know we’d have a definition. In fact, I want one. For the life of me I can’t figure out why—I’ve spent two days trying to understand it. Tossing in my chips, I’m all in. It’s now or never. I won’t be back to this island if I lose, but if I win all bets are off. I’m done setting boundaries and rules for myself with women, physically taking, emotionally separating. If Faith will have me, I’d try for her. I’ll figure out a way to make this more than tonight.
My patience is running thin. I’m not interested in sharing her with Mick. I concentrate on my beer when he begins droning on about his grandson and college. I’m over it. I don’t even try to keep up with the conversation, fixed on her voice, the ring of her laugh and the hand that’s snaked its way to steady my bouncing knee.
“Anxious about something?” A slow smile spreads along her features. It warms her already spirited eyes, a bright twinkle burning in the corner. It’s in this moment I know I’ve got her. Thank dear baby Jesus for miracles.
FAITH
A knowing warmth spreads slowly through my chest while looking at Kyle. His clear, beautiful eyes draw me in and hold tight. The fit of his body, pressing against mine, sparks against my skin. I’m not afraid of being with him. There’s no fear in tonight. I can’t fall in love that quickly. I won’t be devastated when he’s gone. The life we have together will be brief and honest. For once, there’s joy in the moment. To hell with the what-ifs and what-could-bes or if-onlys. I can have this time with him, just us: only tonight.
Before another thought formulates, Mickey interrupts, forcing Kyle to look away. His eyes are slow to move from mine, and the cool cock of his grin changes his face. He's always sexy, but damn, when he smiles he transforms from calculating hellion to the plain ol’ devil. A slow grin spreads across his face and I know that he knows. This isn’t the end of our night. Somewhere, somehow, this is meant to happen for both of us. It’s clear now, with my fingers so easily falling to rest on the thick muscle of his leg. The beat of my heart increases with the feel of him under me, and that’s just my hand. What will happen when it’s his body underfoot, mine slippery against his? A shiver rolls up my spine, long and drawn out, the hair at the nape of my neck standing on end when it reaches past my shoulders. Kyle under me, on me, in me, taking all of me.
I want to leave, but Mickey’s got him by the tail. I hear the fatherly tone of his voice, always looking out for me. He’ll never let Kyle get away without some kind of warning. It’s the end of the conversation and it has me worried.
“Sometimes fate takes over, my boy. One minute with the right girl and you’ll lose yourself and your mind. Just make sure you know it before you start playing around with someone’s heart. You hear me?”
“Got it . . .”
“Miiiiccckkkey,” I interrupt. “It’s time for our song.” I love him and his over-protective nature, but this is one night I don’t need him to interfere with. Leaning over the table I warn him in a low tone of my own, “Leave Kyle alone.”
A wink and a big smile are his answer. “Don’t worry, lovely. We're just getting to know each other. Isn’t that right, my boy?”
Kyle nods and looks to me to say, “Go, finish your song, and then I’ll take you home.” My gaze snaps from his mouth to his eyes. They're telling a story, and I love the ending. Our breaths expel at the same time, and we’re fused together even without physical contact.
I can’t think. Standing abruptly, I knock my chair back and reach around to save it from falling over. Kyle’s hand lands behind my knee, steadying at first in its grip and then soothing my overheated skin. Every nerve cell in my body stands to attention, waiting for his command. I feel everything—the tips of his fingers as they graze over my skin. Shivers follow. The warm pad of his palm presses down, awakening an urge to move over him. My muscles contract. The warm spread of his hand trails up my leg, his thumb an inch from the Promised Land.
A groan escapes my parted lips and my body readies to accept him. I can feel the evidence dampen my bikini bottoms. Kyle. A man I just met promises with his look and a touch to bring more pleasure than any other brought before. He knows exactly what he’s doing, and I like a man who takes control. I want to give it up, to feel the freedom that comes with giving in.
My hand is drawn to his hair, the front of it rebellious, just like him. Longer than the rest, it begs to be pulled and I mark it as a must-do. Mickey’s laugh drags my gaze from his and has me rolling my eyes at his merriment. I just want to finish this song and get Kyle out of here.
“Let’s go. You’re having way too much fun.” I grab Mickey’s arm and pull him on stage.
“Fun.” He laughs and slaps his thigh. “I didn't think I'd live to see the day someone finally got under your skin, little girl. ’Bout time you started feelin’ something for someone.”
“May I remind you, he hasn't gotten anything but a beer at the bar.”
Mickey raises his brow, and gives me a leveled eye. “You can't stay locked up on this island the rest of your life.”
“The hell I can't. No man is going to change my life. Not again.”
Shaking his head, he says, “Sing me a song and then take that boy out of here.”
The music is cued up and my heart races ahead of the beat. I’m never nervous on karaoke night, but butterflies are antsy in my stomach, no doubt because of Kyle. His rapt attention is more nerve-wracking than the other hundred people watching.
We sing the same song every week, sometimes adding another, but“Islands in the Stream”is Mickey’s favorite. It’s become easy for me, the words second nature, so I don’t have to watch the monitor. Instead I study Kyle. I’m diverted by the smirk that hasn’t left his face, and his eyes that have fallen into shadow. The ice is melting into a pool of amusement, and most definitely hunger. He wants me, and I’m okay with that.
I left New York two years ago to escape violent hatred after my fiancé ruined countless lives, including mine, and my reputation along with it. My sole purpose was to start over, alone; I don't want to care about anyone or anything. I like numb disinterest.
Kyle threatens that because I can't stop my body from reacting to his. I can't help but like his smile and the thrill of his proposition. The only thing saving this is the duration, and if he makes good on his promise: I want it hot and sweaty.
Kissing Mickey on the cheek as the song ends I hop from the stage, bee-lining for the bar. I want a shot, but I’ll settle for water. Kyle’s getting to me, and the nerves that started at the be
ginning of the song have flourished. He either needs to take me or take me home.
It’s not the longevity, or lack thereof, causing the rumble of emotions. What I can’t comprehend is the growing sense of belonging I have toward him. It’s not normal. I met him hours ago. It’s only tonight, yet it feels like so much more.
KYLE
The soft slide of her skin lingers on my hand the entire time she’s on stage. I’m hooked, unable to look away. She’s my Dolly and I’m her Kenny. There’s definitely something going on between us, something unexplained, something I never knew I sought until the moment I realized it was missing. Her eyes never leave mine, the song rolling off of her tongue. Mick and Faith have done this before, but I’d bet last month’s paycheck this is the first time she’s done it with a blush deepening the soft pink of her cheeks.
As soon as it’s over, she flies past me to the bar. She’s two steps behind me, so I’m on her in an instant. Leaning my nose into her hair, I breathe fresh air and jasmine, taken even further under her spell. My arms hold her prisoner on either side as I ease my body against hers. There’s no hiding my reaction to her when we’re this close, and I’m not ashamed of it.
“I messed up,” she says.
Shit, is she changing her mind? Ah, that’s a no. Her ass backing up and grinding into my dick confirms it. Game on.
“Mmmm, I didn’t hear anything but an angel singing,” I whisper, digging in to find the earlobe I tasted earlier.
Turning her head so our lips brush together, she says, “For some reason, I was distracted. I couldn’t concentrate.”
Her breath floats into my mouth when she talks, and I take in everything. Fuuuck, I’m so done—lost to her in every way. She sighs and rotates in my arms until we’re pressed chest to chest, hip to hip. I move even closer, eliminating the slightest notion of separation. There’s not much more to ask for in life after her arms reach up and close around my neck. A herd of goddamn dinosaurs could stampede through here and I wouldn’t know it. My only thought is getting her in bed, or against the wall, or anywhere I have the chance to get in her.
She’s staring at my mouth with heavy lids. When her tongue makes an appearance, tracing along the line of her bottom lip, I lose all sense of time and ready myself to dive into her. Christ.
“I don’t remember trying to distract you, but I can think of a few ways I know how,” I say, rolling my hard dick into her stomach. God, she feels good. But I'm not much on exhibitionism, so it's time to go. “Take me to heaven, Angel.”
She throws her head back and laughs. “Who in their right mind ever taught you that pick-up line?”
My fingers sink into her hair, gripping to hold her in place as I scrape my teeth up her neck. “Is it working?”
While her hands rip down my back in a promise of what's to come, someone else grabs my shoulder, prying us apart. What in the fuck?
“Get off. The lady needs some space.”
Out of my peripheral vision, I watch a lanky guy tug at my elbow, but I have yet to move. No way in hell I’m letting anyone pull me away from having Faith.
“I didn’t hear her complaining,” I say, while keeping her eyes on mine. They’re wide and cool. Great. Just fucking great.
“I’m fine, Derrick. More than fine. I’m exactly where I want to be. I don’t need your help.”
Damn straight she’s more than fine with my dick pressed into her. He pays no attention, looking at me with a good level of disdain. Closing my eyes for just a second I let my head rest against hers while I take a deep breath, searching for some inner peace so I don’t pummel him into the ground. I guess I can’t blame him. I’d do the same if I thought she needed saving. But his next move sets me off. Yanking my shoulder, he tries to move me.
I’m not going anywhere.
Fuck-nut leans into my face, really in my face, close enough that I can smell his stale breath and now I’m mad. Erasing the sweet scent of Faith with this swank has me come undone. Spinning on my heel, I put her behind me and tilt my head down to look at him over my nose.
“Last time I checked you weren’t invited to this party for two. I’ll ask one time nicely. Leave.” My request is clear and I know he gets it. His eyes glaze over as they flick to my clenched fists. But he just won’t go.
“Who do you think you are? You can’t show up here and mess around with her.”
“I didn’t ask for permission, dick,” I draw it out just to be an ass. “Now if you’ll excuse us, I’m taking her home.”
“You’re not going anywhere.”
I’ll give him credit for persistence. I laugh, but it’s because he thinks he could stop me. “If she wants to come with me, she will. Her decision, not yours.”
His eyes flair. I smile and move closer so only he can hear my next statement. “She’ll be screaming my name before midnight. In fact, I give her”—I pull back to look at my watch—“an hour before her first cry for more.”
Rage enters his eyes, like Daffy Duck, and he starts sputtering like him too.
Pinching my side, Faith whispers in my ear, “Don’t antagonize him.” In a louder voice she says, “We’re leaving Derrick.”
Taking my hand she moves, tugging for me to follow.
“Harper, you don’t want to do this,” he says, grabbing for her. My fist itches to make contact with his face.
“You don’t know what I want. Just leave me alone.”
I like that even better. “Sounds like a great plan.” Using my shoulder, I push around him.
A solid grip on my arm has me rounding on him quickly. I won’t instigate, but I won’t back down either.
Nose to nose, I back him up a good foot. I’m not immune to half the bar watching this go down, so I make it short and sweet. “Listen, this is easy. She’s not into you, and from the looks of it I can see why.” This guy is a douche. “Keep your hands off, and your eyes too.”
“Or, what? You’re just passing through. When you’re gone I'll be here to pick up the pieces. Odds are in my favor.”
A low growl spreads clear and loud from my chest, I bend down, ready to bite and chew his ass out. Faith doesn’t give me time to answer.
FAITH
“That’s enough, Cowboy. Let’s call it a night,” I say into Kyle’s ear, my hands wrapped in his T-shirt to hold him back. Glaring at Derrick, I pull Kyle from the bar, walking backward until we hit the door. He may or may not have growled at Derrick, which makes me laugh. When he finally turns, his devilish smirk softens his features but not his eyes. They’re still dark and dangerous.
“You didn’t tell me I’d have to fight off your ex-boyfriends.”
I shake my head. “Not an ex; I have better sense than that. Derrick’s a dick. He’s been trying to get in my pants for two years. The moment I showed up on the island he tried to stake a claim, and I’ve fought him ever since.” Kyle lunges toward him again, and I realize my explanation is the opposite of calming. I yank him back. My hands tense in his shirt until we’re well outside of the door, not allowing him to return and kick Derrick’s ass. No matter how fun it would be to watch.
When I landed my job at the Tiki Hut, Derrick was my first customer and my first proposition. He was beyond creepy. After every no he'd send me flowers or pop in for his version of sweet-talk. Just the thought of it has my stomach lurch. He's revolting, and he won't take no for an answer.
“What do you mean, stake a claim? Has he tried anything, Faith? So help me I will . . .”
“Calm down,” I say, running my hands over his chest. It’s hard. Tight muscles ripple under my fingers. Through the T-shirt his nipples harden, and my pulse quickens from his reaction to my touch. His willingness to defend my honor just lays on the sexy. He knows his way to a girl’s heart, or, into her pants. I have to suppress my groan turned giggle at the thought.
It’s so true. Kyle’s fun, easy to be with, and beyond gorgeous. Sex with him is sure to be insanely good.
“Don’t worry about Derrick, he’s annoying but
harmless. No need for you to use your toy guns to punish him.”
“Toy guns. Give me some credit. One minute with him and my fist and he'll never try anything again. Just give me the word.”
He means it, too—his hard tone a confirmation of that. I won’t ruin what’s left of our time reminiscing over someone so creepy, so I try for distraction. “Want to swim with me?”
His eyes change from hot anger to warm wanting in a heartbeat, and it makes me laugh. “You’re so easily distracted.”
“You in a bikini—what else could a man want?” He smirks until his eyes deepen even more. “Well, that’s unless we’re talking skinny-dipping. Faith naked is my best wet dream.”
I swat his arm. “There’s a private beach not too far from my apartment. We can swim there. Come on, Cowboy.”
Chuckling, his fingers grasp mine tighter as he follows. The moon is out, shining bright in a cloudless sky, yet when we arrive the wind rolling in from the water has picked up. The air cools, and my nipples point north like a damn barometer. Kyle’s arm is around my shoulder a second later, pulling me into his side to cover as much of my bare skin as possible. It’s . . . nice. I close my eyes on a deep inhale. I’m not used to nice or warm or male. I know a lot about alone and contemplative, thinking about the past and what should have been. A shiver runs down my spine, but it’s not from the chilled air. Forget about it, Faith. This is not the time.
I turn, melting into his perfect fit. “Lay with me?” I ask, nodding toward the white sand.
“That’s what I’m talking about.” He smirks and stretches out first, reaching to settle me into the crook of his shoulder. Protected. It’s something I haven’t felt in a long time, and I’m thankful for it. Thankful he came into my life, if only for tonight. I like the constant flush vibrating under my skin, the humming energy that amplifies my pulse. It’s the feeling right before your favorite band hops on stage when you’re in the front row—excited to be so close and on the verge of something special. It’s one night no one can take away from you, and the memories live on for a lifetime.
