The Second Time Around

by Angie Daniels

  Impossible. She squeezed her eyelids together afraid to even think that thought completely through. What if they could? Would she be willing to risk her heart a second time? But then came the scariest question of all—what if she was wrong and just caught up in the moment?

  She groaned and rolled onto her back as her mind continued its tortured train of thought. It was ridiculous. There was nothing going on between them but lust. What she thought was happening wasn’t really happening and just an unconscious yearning to go back to the way things used to be. Regardless of what she was feeling, she just wasn’t willing to risk her heart again. Opening her eyes, she released a heavy sigh, expecting at any moment now to feel a hint of regret. But despite everything, she had no second thoughts about what had occurred last night. Even if she had wanted to there was no way to change what had happened between them. Last night had been special, a brief rekindling of what they once had and she would hold the moment forever close to her heart. The worse thing she could do at this point was to make it more than it really was.

  Laughter and raised voices caused her to sit up and peer out her window. She blinked as a powerboat passed, creating waves and zipping through the ocean. Growing up on the ocean, one thing she loved was water sports.

  The phone on the wall rang and it took a moment for her to realize the call was probably intended for her. She moved across the bed and grabbed it on the fourth ring.

  “Get up, sleepyhead. I’m sending Carmen down with some coffee. Meet me on the deck for breakfast in twenty minutes.” Jabarie didn’t give her time to agree or to protest. With a smile, she rose from the bed and moved into the shower.

  When Brenna came out of the bathroom, a pot of coffee waited for her on the dresser. She filled a mug and sipped while she dressed in red shorts, a white tube top and flip-flops. Coffee in hand, she moved up onto the deck and found Jabarie sitting at a small table chewing on a croissant. He smiled when he spotted her coming and slowly rose from the chair to greet her. “Good morning.”

  He was wearing swim trunks and nothing else. Her throat went dry, while she stared at his broad chest. He was fabulous with large biceps, washboard abs, defined pectorals and lean legs. Jabarie came around the table and circled her in his arms, pressing his lips to hers. With him staring down at her, Brenna knew he was thinking about last night. She too remembered and it brought a flush to her cheeks.

  “You hungry?” he asked, and the look in his eyes told her he was talking about something other than food. The thought of his hands on her body made her skin sensitive all over again. Her knees wobbled. She felt moisture gathering between her thighs, even her breasts felt heavier, more tender. She leaned closer to him, absorbing his heat and scent.

  “Yes, I could eat a little something.” She wasn’t sure where she found the strength to step back and lower in the chair.

  Jabarie returned to his chair as well and slid over a tray of croissants, fresh fruit and bacon.

  Brenna reached for a slice of bacon. “What time are we heading back today?” she asked between chews.

  “We’re not,” he replied as he reached for his coffee mug.

  Her smile faded. “What do you mean, we’re not?”

  “I mean we’re going to stay out here until tomorrow morning.”

  “But I have to get back to open the store,” she protested.

  Shaking his head, he speared a slice of honeydew melon. “No, you don’t.”

  “Jabarie, I’d appreciate it if you’d stop speaking in riddles,” she snapped.

  The corner of his mouth twitched then inched upward as he tried and failed to bite back a grin. “I mean that Ms. Nellie and I had a long talk and we both agreed that you needed to take some time off and relax. So she decided to close the store for two days,” he added when a frown appeared between her eyes.

  Crossing her arms against her breasts, Brenna glared across the table at him. “How dare you trick me into coming out here with you!”

  “I didn’t trick you into coming out here, you agreed. But now that we’re here we can use this time to ourselves. Whether you want to or not, we need to talk about us. Besides,” he said quietly, “I needed a break and I’m sure you needed the same.”

  She bit down on her bottom lip until it pulsed between her teeth. He was right. She hadn’t had a vacation in years. Some weeks, Brenna worked seven days straight, barely stopping long enough to rest. What he said was true, but that didn’t make it right.

  Reaching across the table, he lightly stroked her arm. “Consider this a mini vacation.”

  She couldn’t resist staring off into the peaceful blue water. Even though she was angry, he was right. She did need a vacation.

  Brenna finished her food in silence and Jabarie who had sensed her anger, left to check with the captain while she finished her food in private. As soon as she was done, Brenna moved onto the bow of the yacht and lowered onto one of the chaise lounge chairs. It was a gorgeous morning. A cool gentle breeze caressed her skin while she lowered her sunglasses onto her eyes and enjoyed the Maryland sun. She wouldn’t admit it but she was glad to be spending another day aboard the Beaumont Beauty.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  “Nothing, just enjoying the moment,” she replied, eyes still closed. “I’m on a beautiful yacht. The weather is gorgeous.” Brenna sighed. “It don’t get no better than that!”

  He laughed along with her. “I guess that means you’re no longer mad at me.”

  She pursed her lips. “I’m not mad. Just don’t appreciate you and my aunt scheming.”

  “You can’t blame a brotha for trying.” He bent down over her chair and captured her lips in a hot, searing kiss. “There is no place I’d rather be. I’m hoping to spend the day together, relaxing and being adventurous.”

  Brenna sat up some on the chair. “What do you have in mind?”

  Jabarie wagged his brow suggestively. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

  She snorted rudely. “I think I’d rather read my book instead.”

  He threw his head back and laughed. “Too late. I tossed it over the side of the boat while you were still sleeping.”

  She snatched her glasses from her eyes. “You didn’t?”

  “Okay, maybe I didn’t,” he teased. “But it’s hidden where you won’t find it until we return to shore tomorrow.” He scooped her up into his arms and she squealed. “We are out in the middle of nowhere. And I’m holding you captive.”

  “Does that mean I’m your prisoner?” she asked around a giggle.

  “Yep.”

  His words swept over her. He was teasing her, yet it didn’t stop the tingling she felt at the pit of her stomach. Smiling, Brenna hadn’t felt this comfortable in years. While in Dallas she was serious, professional and lived by a schedule. But back on the East coast, she was rediscovering herself and seeing a side she hadn’t realized was missing until now. She was laughing, feeling relaxed and living for the moment.

  “How about a swim?” he asked as he lowered her back to her feet.

  She frowned as she lowered back onto the lounge chair. “I didn’t bring a suit. If I had known you planned to kidnap me I would have come prepared.”

  “You don’t need one,” he said with mischief gleaming in his eyes.

  Her brow rose. “Are you serious?”

  “Sure. There’s nothing wrong with skinny dipping.” With her brow raised, he continued. “There’s nothing out here for miles but me and you.”

  Brenna remembered the motor boat disturbing the water this morning and the couple behind the wheel, then she looked at him for a long, thoughtful moment before she giggled and rose from the chair. “Last one in is a rotten egg,” she said then kicked off her flip-flops and reached for her shirt.

  Jabarie was a competitor who liked to win, but as he watched Brenna slip the white tube top over her head he froze. All he could do was stare at her heavy, firm breasts. When she found him watching her, she tilted her head to the side. “Are yo
u letting me win?” she asked as her fingers toyed with her waistband.

  Her voice was a purr that tickled his senses and left him speechless. Jabarie struggled to get his thoughts under control. “No, not at all,” he answered, his voice thick with desire. Watching her, he realized that he wanted more from this day than just a pleasant outing. Their relationship was more complex than a man simply wanting a woman. No longer was he trying to get her out of his system. It wasn’t going to happen. Deep in his heart, he knew he wanted her back in his life permanently and was willing to do whatever he needed to do for the next twenty-four hours to show Brenna that she, too, in fact, wanted the same.

  Giggling softly, she reached for her shorts and pushed them over her hips and down her legs. A pair of pink low-riding panties hugged her hips. He balled his fists at his sides as she straightened.

  Frowning, Brenna glanced over her shoulder at him. “I’m going to win,” she said, taunting him as she pivoted on her heel and lowered her panties.

  His throat turned dry and lust throbbed at his groin. The sight of her naked body had his pulse racing.

  Brenna looked over the side of the rail at the ocean below. “I’m curious. Once we jump how are we going to get back up?”

  Jabarie swallowed hard. “There’s a ladder at the back we can use to reboard.”

  “Cool. I guess I’ll see you in the water.” Then she took a leap off the edge of the boat.

  Jabarie’s trunks caught on his feet and he kicked them off just before he tumbled over the side. As the water closed over his head, he heard the sound of her laughter filling the air. He pushed to the surface and enjoyed the feel of the water flowing around him. It was surprisingly warm. He swam over to Brenna and came up behind her. Reaching for her, he skimmed his hand down her spine. He felt her tremble beneath his touch.

  “I won,” she said while doggy paddling.

  He glanced over at her. “I let you win.”

  “Oh really?” she said, as he pulled her closer and treaded water to keep them both above the surface.

  “Yes. We both know I’m a better swimmer than you,” he said.

  She pulled away from him. “Since when?”

  “Since always.”

  “That’s what you think,” she said, and took off. He followed her easily, making out the shape of her caramel legs under the water. Jabarie caught her ankle and pulled her to him, using a powerful scissor kick to bring them both to the surface.

  He loved the way she moved against him. Already, he had a hard-on and felt as if he was going to explode if he didn’t get inside her soon. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer before cupping her breast in his hand.

  “I’m good at everything I do,” he murmured close to her ear.

  “Sounds like someone has a big head,” she replied with a wry grin.

  “I’ll prove it,” he said. Already he wanted, needed her again. Five hours had been too long. Still, he knew he had to take this slow, because despite her teasing Brenna still wasn’t ready to talk about their past, and he didn’t want to cloud their relationship with sex.

  Brenna pushed away from his hold and dived under the water. She still hadn’t surfaced when he felt her hand on his knee, skimming up the inside of his thigh. She cupped his length in her hand.

  “Oh!” he gasped, then forgot to tread water and started to go under.

  She surfaced a few inches from him. “I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m also good at what I do.”

  He laughed. “I’ve definitely noticed.”

  This was what had been lacking from his life. Teasing, fun and relaxation had been missing in all of his relationships, until now. He paddled over to her, capturing her around the waist again.

  Brenna turned in his arms and pressed her lips to his, tasting and exploring with her tongue. Jabarie held on tight with one arm while he stayed afloat with the other. What he wanted to do was climb back on the yacht and bury himself inside her. He wanted to bind her to him, so that they’d never be separated again.

  She lifted her head, light twinkling in the depth of her eyes. “Why are you staring at me?”

  “Because you’re beautiful when you’re being silly.”

  Her wet hair draped over her shoulders, tickling his. He liked that feeling, and pulled her closer. “Is that the only time you think I’m beautiful?”

  “Hell, no,” he said then nibbled playfully at the side of her neck, while she giggled and reminded him how ticklish she was. With a smile, Jabarie closed his eyes, allowing the feel of her in his arms to consume him. He needed her in his life as badly as his next breath.

  “All right. Time to swim.” She pushed away from him and dove under the water. With a groan, Jabarie followed. Swimming was the last thing he wanted. His body pulsed with something he hadn’t felt in a long time—urgency. As soon as he could manage it, they were going back to bed. He wanted them so deeply intertwined she’d forget everything except being with him.

  Brenna swam until she was too tired to take another stroke. Her ears were just below the water so the only thing she heard was the throbbing of her own heart. Closing her eyes, she floated limply on her back. It wasn’t long before she felt the gentle swish of water as Jabarie swam around her. Finally, he came up beneath her, raising her out of the water before dropping her with a splash.

  Brenna screamed as she hit the water then quickly came up for air. “I’m going to get you for that.” She wiped the water from her eyes just in time to see Jabarie move up beside her. He took her hand and gently pulled her to him, pressing his warm salty lips against hers. She couldn’t get close enough as she pressed her body against his firmness then wrapped her legs around his waist and deepened the kiss. It was a priceless moment. She held on to the strong insistent presence of him, and it wasn’t long before she felt her body respond. She was engulfed with a desire so thick she was having difficulty breathing. Warmth spread to every nerve in her body before settling between her legs.

  Grasping her waist, Jabarie lifted her slightly and lowered his mouth to her bare breast. He needed more and he needed it now. He wanted to be so deeply embedded in her that one wouldn’t know where one ended and the other began. And though he knew that was impossible, that there were too many issues that needed resolving first, his body refused to listen. He continued to suckle hungrily until her nails dug into his shoulders and she cried out his name. As they both sank beneath the water, he realized they needed to get out of the water right now.

  Holding her carefully with one arm, he swam them both back to the yacht and lifted her up onto the ladder. Jabarie followed closely behind. The second he was on the deck, he scooped her up. The remains of their breakfast and clothing were as they’d left them.

  Brenna was a little embarrassed, but there was a sense of rightness about being in his arms that made her understand this weekend was God’s will. A kind of confirmation that she’d made the right decision to join him on the yacht to resolve the past and cement the future. She and Jabarie weren’t finished.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck as he took heavy strides across the deck of his yacht and down to the lower deck. With each step, she felt the power of his upper arms as he held her to his chest, and despite the damp skin, heat emanated from him. Holding tight, she took a deep breath, inhaling his clean masculine scent. His heart beat strongly against her cheek and she closed her eyes as anticipation flowed between them.

  As soon as they were in the stateroom, Jabarie set Brenna on her feet next to the king-size bed. She was dripping on the carpet, but he didn’t seem to notice. His eyes were still glued to hers. “Stay right there.”

  You’re not the boss of me, she thought with a defiant tilt of her chin. She followed him into the adjoining bathroom and as he reached for two thick bath towels, she swatted him playfully on the butt.

  Startled, Jabarie glanced over his shoulder then turned around. “I thought I told you to wait.”

  “I wanted to see what you were doing,�
�� she giggled as he playfully backed her into the room. Just before she fell onto the comforter, Brenna stepped aside and snatched one of the towels from his hands. “Let me dry you off.”

  “I like the sound of that.” Jabarie moved and stood before her with a lustful look in his eyes.

  Brenna gave him a long wicked look then dropped the towel onto the floor. “I think I’m going to use my tongue instead.”

  He noticeably swallowed and she chuckled inwardly. Their relationship had always been aggressive. Role reversal, one of them always played the dominant lover, sometimes her, and more times him. His dominant behavior was one of the things that had always appealed to her. But she learned a long time ago two can play that game and she gave as good as she got. Glancing over at his dampened body, her lips curled in a smile. Right now, she was running things.

  “Close your eyes,” she said, and as soon as he complied, she pressed her lips against his chest. He flinched but that didn’t stop her from licking the drops of water. His breath caught as she dipped her head to catch one pebble-hard nipple between her teeth. Her tongue caressed a moist path from one nipple to the other, stopping long enough to pay a little extra attention, and suckled each before traveling downward following the trail of hair. Lowering to her knees, she nibbled and licked and moved closer to his erection but barely brushed it. She heard his groan of frustration as she moved back to kiss the water from his powerful thighs instead.

  Her body burned with arousal. Today she wanted to be more daring than ever before, and push their lovemaking to the limits. Jabarie was the only man who’d ever made her feel this way. She kept tasting him, mesmerized by every inch of his strong body. The upper body she loved and his legs were lean and hard. The hardest part was his erection that thrust toward her.