by Jamie DeBree
“It’s me, Kat.” David’s voice came from beside her in the darkness, and she breathed a sigh of relief even as she struggled to tread water with just one arm. “I just don’t want us to get separated again. Can you float?”
She nodded, and then realized he couldn’t see her any more than she could see him. Down in the valley, the moon was completely blocked by the trees.
“Yes.”
“Good. Lay on your back, feet towards me so the current is pushing us feet first. I’ll try to get us headed toward one of the banks.”
Katherine did as he asked, using her free arm to help him steer them toward the left side of the river. The sheer force of the current was shocking, considering it had been a gentle roll when they’d broke camp.
David’s grip tightened and he felt more...solid, somehow. That’s when she realized they were no longer moving.
“You should be able to stand here,” he said, helping her as she lowered her feet and caught her balance in the waist-high water. The air was cold as she stood up, and she began to shiver uncontrollably as she waded behind him up onto a small rocky beach. The roar of the ocean was close, and she frowned, turning her head this way and that in an attempt to figure out where it was in relation to them.
“We need to build a fire, and quick,” he said, leading her farther up the rocky ground. “Unfortunately, I didn’t think to grab the bag out of our little cave up there, so no matches. Not that it would matter, I guess - I would have lost it in the fall.”
Katherine crossed her arms over her chest, attempting to stop the now-constant tremors that wracked her body.
“Ho c-c-can w-w-we?” she managed to push out through her uncooperative lips. She felt a hand tentatively brush her arm and instinctively moved toward it. His arm curled around her, drawing her close and encircling her body with the other arm.
“We’ll figure it out.” He was cold too, his skin like ice as she leaned against him and laid her head against his shoulder. “I’m not sure where we’re going to find any kind of dry wood to use for the fire - everything is drenched and I can’t see a damn thing. But we might be able to spark something up with a couple of rocks.”
He pulled back and her whole body shivered at the loss of contact. She wasn’t sure she could even pick up a rock, much less strike two together. Her teeth chattered and she yawned as she tried to think of some other way to warm up.
The only thing she could think of after being in David’s arms did make her blush, though he’d already turned her down. That didn’t mean they couldn’t share body heat though...
“We’re c-c-close to the b-b-beach, right? I mean the sand, not this rocky stuff...”
“I think so.” She could just barely make his silhouette out as he moved closer again. “Got an idea?”
She shrugged. “What if we just dug out a pit for ourselves and huddled together under a layer of sand? The digging would help us warm up, and body heat could do the rest.” She paused, waiting for a response. When he remained silent, she wished she’d kept quiet.
“Stupid, I know. If you want to go look for something to burn, I can try to knock some of these rocks toge--”
“That is a very good idea,” David said, reaching out to grab her hand. “We might even find some residual heat if we dig in the right spot. If you feel a big stick or something we can dig with while we’re walking, let me know. I’m pretty sure the beach is this way.” He tugged her hand and she followed, once again glad for the thin rubber covering her feet.
She couldn’t possibly reply to the big stick comment in her present frame of mind. She wasn’t sure what had gotten into her as she smiled at the mental image he’d given her. Snuggled on his lap in the cave had given her a pretty good idea of just how big his personal stick was, the thought making her lick her lips. Warmth sparked somewhere inside as she walked with him, doing her level best to banish the naughty thoughts from her head.
Obviously something was very wrong with her. No woman in her right mind would be thinking about sex at a time like this. Still, she couldn’t think of a better way to generate some of that body heat they needed.
Damn Murphy’s Law for stranding her on a deserted island with a guy who wasn’t even remotely interested. Though there had been that kiss...
“Found one!” David held something long and round up, and Katherine realized she wasn’t imagining it, she could actually see more than just a shadow-shape. Tilting her head back, she looked up to see a dim yellow-white glow illuminating thick clouds above.
“Nice job,” she said, turning her attention back to David and just barely suppressing the urge to snicker at his big stick. “We should find the beach while we have a little light - who knows if those clouds are going to move for good or not.”
He turned a slow circle, taking in their surroundings. “I think we need to go that way.” He used the stick to point forward and to the right. “It feels like the storm is over though - and it’s definitely getting warmer, so I bet those clouds will float away quicker than you might think.”
Katherine followed him as he set off through the trees. Now that he mentioned it, it did actually feel warmer, though she thought maybe it was because they were moving around.
Or it could be because you’re a total perv.
Mentally rolling her eyes at herself, she shook her head, looking up just in time to see David stopped in front of her, his expression curious.
Busted!
“What?” she said, giving him as stern of a frown as she could muster. No easy feat given she actually hadn’t felt so relaxed in years. Maybe she had hypothermia, or was just going crazy? That had to be it. No other explanation.
“You were just smiling.” His lips turned up in a slow, seductive grin she suspected he’d practiced on many, many women. “What’s going on in that head of yours? Why so happy all of a sudden?”
“I am not happy,” Kat said, giving him a stern look so obviously fake that it reminded him of a sexy lawyer getting ready to bust out of her gray suit and white button down shirt. Too bad she didn’t have a pair of those black rimmed glasses. He was pretty sure that would be the end of him.
Stepping closer, he brandished the long branch he’d found. “Were you laughing at my big stick? Because most women would appreciate that, you know.”
The corners of her mouth crooked up and she looked away as he took another step into her personal space.
“Of course not.” Her voice was a little strangled, and she took a deep breath, exhaling before she looked at him again. “This is a life or death situation. That would be completely inappropriate.”
He shrugged, closing the last bit of distance between them and sliding his free hand around her waist. “It doesn’t really seem like either of us is in immediate danger of dying, though we really should get warmed up. It would be tragically ironic to die of hypothermia on a deserted tropical island.”
Kat laughed, a quiet, nervous sound as the movement pressed her curves tighter against his body.
“Yes it would,” she answered, tentatively putting her trembling hands on his chest. “That’s why I suggested we share body heat. In the sand. Sand is a good conductor of heat.”
He nodded, dropping the stick so he could put his other arm around her. “You know what creates heat, right?”
She tilted her head, thinking for a minute. “Fire? But we already decided--”
“Friction.”
Her eyes grew wide as the word hung suspended between them.
“Like this?” she whispered, rubbing her hands lightly up and down over his chest.
He slid his hands down to the small of her back, his fingers pressing her hips tight against his pelvis.
“Like this.” He bent down to capture her lips, licking and nibbling until she opened to him, her hands creeping up to caress the back of his neck.
***
She whimpered just a little as he deepened the kiss, her tongue darting out to tease him as he devoured her mouth. His cock hard
ened between them, wanting - needing release, and he bent his knees just enough to hoist Kat up as she wrapped those long legs around his waist.
Her core centered right where he wanted it, David eyeballed the nearest tree and sandwiched her between his body and the trunk, slipping one hand from her back to caress a firm breast. Her head tilted back and he placed a line of nipping kisses down her neck as his thumb flicked the tight nipple straining at the fabric of her swimsuit. She moaned louder this time, her back arching as she ground her center against his erection, nearly driving him mad with need as her moisture seeped through his shorts.
Shifting slightly, he reached between them and freed himself, then slipped a finger under the elastic of the damp fabric between her legs and pulled it to the side. As he slid inside her tight sheath, she sighed, sinking down over him like a silk glove. A perfect fit.
Stilling for the moment, she raised her head to look at him, her eyes half-mast in the moonlight and foggy with lust. He flexed his hips, pulsing deep within her and she gasped, tightening around him.
It was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard.
He kissed her again, thrusting slowly, deeply as he swallowed each tiny whimper. She felt...exquisite locked around him, her feet urging him on as he moved between her legs.
“Faster,” she whispered between kisses, leaning back against the tree and pulling the suit straps off her shoulders to reveal those sweet, succulent breasts. She grasped the branch overhead with both hands, thrusting her pert nipples toward him as her inner muscles pulled him in tighter. “Harder. Please. I need more.”
He chuckled, transfixed by the sight of her hanging there impaled on his cock, displayed for his pleasure.
He never should have said no that first night.
Grasping her hips, he pulled out nearly all the way, and then without warning, slammed himself home.
“Like that, Kitty-Kat?” he asked, pulling back again and expecting a harsh retort. Instead, she nodded, squeezing his cock tight again.
“Oh yeah,” she breathed, her hips moving forward to meet him as he slammed deep into her core again. “Yessss,” she hissed. “Just like that. More!”
Her head fell back and he gave her what she wanted, his hips pistoning in and out as he fucked her hard against the tree.
***
Katherine felt like her entire body was about to explode as David thrust deep and didn’t withdraw, holding her hips immobile as he ground his pelvis in small circles. The motion hit all her sensitive spots both inside and out, and she couldn’t hold off any longer.
She cried out as her body contracted, her inner muscles spasming around him as she jerked within his hold. Deep within she felt his release, hot fluid mingling with hers, flooding her with his essence as her legs remained locked around his waist. For a few moments, her entire world was light and heat and pure, unadulterated bliss.
Then she shivered as a cool draft blew over her bare breasts, bringing her back to the reality of her situation.
“Let go - I’ve got you.”
David’s voice was low and gruff as he stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her back, pressing a light kiss between her breasts. Releasing her hold on the branch overhead she grasped his neck, her legs trembling as she forced herself to loosen her grip so he could put her down.
Empty. She couldn’t describe the feeling any other way as he left her braced against the tree so he could pull up his shorts and fasten them. Suddenly she remembered why she didn’t have sex. Why one night stands were a really bad idea. While they lasted, it was the most awesome thing on the planet.
But that empty feeling afterward when it was time to say goodbye? It never really went away.
Forcing herself to move, she adjusted her suit, putting everything back in the right places to cover herself as much as possible. David moved closer, pulling her into his embrace and she went willingly, thankful she didn’t have to look at him just yet.
“Warmer?” he murmured, idly caressing her back. She nodded against his chest.
“You were right,” she said, forcing herself to smile to hide the sadness. “Friction does create heat.”
He chuckled, the sound vibrating his chest against her cheek until he pulled back to look down at her. Lifting her head to meet his gaze in the dim light of early dawn, she was surprised at the range of emotions reflected back at her. Was it possible he felt more than just a passing attraction?
His smile faded and he bent to kiss her once, gently. For a moment she thought he might say something...profound. Something to reassure her that what they’d shared wasn’t all there was. But as the silence stretched between them and he stepped away with a quick rub of his hands on her arms, she knew in the pit of her stomach that it wasn’t going to happen.
“It’s starting to get light,” he said, his back to her. “I think the beach is that way. We should see if we can find something to eat, and then we’ll wait for the boat.” He half-turned back to glance at her. “Is that okay with you?”
She nodded, blinking to hold back the tears. “Of course,” she replied, her voice surprisingly steady. “Lead the way.”
Chapter 5
David led the way through the trees, feeling like a world-class jerk. He knew Kat was looking for a sign that what they’d done had meant something, but he couldn’t mislead her like that. Being with her had been better than he ever could have imagined, and they definitely had a real connection, but realistically that’s as far as it could go.
He glanced behind him, making sure she still followed. Her head was bent down, her eyes focused on the ground as she moved carefully through the scattered branches and rocks. Her shoulders were slumped and she looked exhausted, clearly pushing herself to keep up. The sky was growing lighter by the minute, and he could see the cut lines of her muscles as she moved, a beautifully graceful sight.
She stopped, looking up at him with a curious expression.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Everything’s fine. You holding up okay?”
Kat nodded, giving him a small smile. “I’m tired, but I’ll be okay. Not to sound like a five-year old, but do you think we’re getting closer?”
“Absolutely.” He pointed to his left. “The cabin we saw should be just over there. We’ll stop there and see if anyone’s home. I didn’t see a boat, but maybe it’s in a smaller cove somewhere. We’ll ask.”
“Well let’s go then,” she said, moving closer. “Anything that will get me back to civilization and a hot shower is just fine with me.”
David chuckled as she caught up. “Come on then. Not too much further.”
She walked beside him as they zigzagged down a gentle slope and out onto a rocky beach. Just as he’d thought, the cabin - or what was left of it - sat on tall stilts overlooking the water. The back of the structure stood strong, but the front and sides were torn apart, wood and plaster hanging loose and gaping holes in the roof. Kat stopped to survey the damage.
“This is why you wouldn’t let me come down here last night.” Tilting her head, she looked thoughtfully at him. “Thank you.”
He gave her a slight nod in acknowledgment. “Let’s see if there’s anything salvageable inside. It seems unlikely since I’m sure this isn’t the first storm to hit the place, but we’ve got a little time to poke around.”
When they reached the stilts, David threw his weight against each in turn, checking for any signs of instability. None of them moved or swayed though, and he decided it was safe enough to go up. They found a ladder made of thick branches and rope secured to one of the back posts, and used that to climb up and under the wrap-around railing.
“Maybe you should wait below,” David said as he stepped off the ladder. The platform was tilted slightly, with holes every few feet. Kat climbed up beside him and shook her head.
“No way. You don’t get to have all the fun.” She moved toward a beaten down wall half-standing and mostly torn to shreds, stopping at an empty win
dow frame to peer inside.
“Be careful where you step,” David warned as Kat stepped over the sill into what appeared to be the main living quarters. “Any of this wood could be rotten - you’d fall right through.”
“I will.”
He watched Kat gingerly poke the floor beams with a toe before taking each step as she moved toward a big steamer trunk against the back wall. He followed, looking around the space for anything that looked remotely usable. Most of the furniture was still there, bolted to the floor with the upholstery long gone. He wondered how long the place had been abandoned.
“Ha!” Kat cried, and he turned her way to see her holding up several items of clothing. “They were in the trunk...and still dry!” She pulled a long-sleeved shirt over her head, the arms dangling well past her fingers. Fumbling with the extra fabric, she wiggled her way into a pair of light pants and tied the drawstring waist to hold them up. Rolling her sleeves, she left them on her forearm and then turned around, arms outstretched.
“Like it?” she asked, smiling.
He shrugged. “It’s okay. Seems like a pity to cover all that lovely skin of yours up though.”
She laughed. “Sorry, but I’m tired of running around in nothing but a swimsuit, so you’re going to have to live. There’s more - did you want dry things?”
He thought about it and then declined. “I think I’ll pass. My clothes are dry, and the sun’s coming up so I’ll be okay. Are you ready to go? We should find some food.”
“Sure.” Kat carefully retraced her steps to join him, and then shimmied down the ladder, waiting for him at the bottom. “Without fire we can’t really cook a fish and we lost our emergency supplies. What else is there?”
David smiled, pointing up at a nearby stand of coconut trees. “Everything you could want in one seed,” he said, jogging over to where several large brown globes lay on the ground. Holding one up, he held it out to her and then picked out one for himself. “Breaking them open is the tricky part, but we can drink the liquid inside and then eat the meat. Good for you, and tasty too. Let me show you.”
