by Avery Aster
Burke wasn’t quite sure how to handle this version of Gretchen. He remembered this side of her—this playful, light-hearted, adventurous side. But he hadn’t seen it in years. And she’d definitely never been outright flirtatious with him. Maybe briefly before she got together with Harris when they were kids. Definitely not after. But he was more than happy to hold up his end of the deal by playing this fantasy out to the fullest, if she was game for it.
She wanted a true escape, and he wanted to be the man to give it to her.
So he looped his arms around her waist, gave her a kiss, and let himself fall into the fantasy with her.
After all this time, all this wanting, she’d be his.
At least for a little while.
He wouldn’t waste another minute.
Chapter 7
~ Gretchen ~
The salty air and the tea proved to be a winning combination. By the time I changed into a swimsuit and Burke led me out of our cabana toward the beach, my head had stopped pounding and my body felt lighter. It bothered me that there were some blank spots in my memory. I could feel those threads lingering just out of my reach when I tried to grab for them. But in all other ways, it was like a curtain had been lifted, waking up my brain and senses.
Everything around me seemed brighter and dripping with color. The big orange and pink flowers that dotted the sandy pathway to the water, the glossy green leaves of the tropical plants, and the wide expanse of blue sky overhead. It was like walking through a painting I hadn’t had a chance to put on canvas yet.
Burke peeked back, his hand firmly laced with mine. “Still doing okay, cher?”
His dark hair danced haphazardly in the wind, and his concerned eyes reflected that big cerulean sky. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever seen such a beautiful man. In some ways, I felt like I was seeing him for the first time. The view was familiar, but the way my body strained to be closer to him felt new. There was this undeniable magnetic pull. “Yes, better than okay. This place is gorgeous.”
A smile broke over his face. “I think it’s about to get even better with the sunset. And we’ll have it all to ourselves. I called the main house, and this spot on the beach is ours. They keep the guest list low here so everyone can have their own space. No one will bother us unless we call for staff.”
I cocked my head. “Trying to get me alone, Mr. Brennan?”
“Absolutely.” He dragged me closer. “Can’t have you going after one of the oiled up cabana boys they probably have working the grounds around here.”
“Hold up, there are oiled up cabana boys?” I glanced over my shoulder in mock interest.
He gave my hip a pinch. “Easy, woman. I’ve got an ego to tend to here.”
I faced him again, enjoying his loose embrace, and on a surge of bravery, let my hands slide up along his T-shirt. His solid chest flexed under my fingers. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
“Is that so?” he asked softly, his eyes searching mine.
Despite Burke’s light tone and half-smile, there was unease in the lines around his eyes. Like he was just bracing for me to change my mind about being here with him. “Yes. I’m not here to chase cabana boys. I’m not going anywhere except where you want to take me.”
He brushed a finger over my forehead. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m so okay. Really.” So that was what he was worried about? My head? The injury wasn’t as bad as he was probably thinking. I’d had a concussion once before and it hadn’t felt like this. I didn’t feel woozy or weird at all. Plus, this place was already running through my veins, energizing me. I felt ready to take on the world.
He nodded as if he’d made some decision. “Okay. Let’s keep going then. I don’t want to miss the show.”
He guided me along the path a little farther, then down a set of wooden stairs that brought us to our patch of beach. He held out his arm toward the stretch of surf. “This is us.”
“Wow.” I stepped next to him and drank in the view. The pink-hued sand was pristine, and the ocean churned endless and ancient against the shore. I dug my toes into the silky coolness and leaned against Burke’s side, as I peered toward the horizon. “This is beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful,” he said, watching me with appraising eyes. “You’re all lit up again, cher. It’s great to see.”
Something dark and sad stroked the back of my brain, trying to push its way in, but I wasn’t going to let anything like that intrude. I didn’t need that right now. Not with this gorgeous man in this secluded paradise. Bad feelings weren’t welcome here. This place was ours. Safe from any storms. “Thank you.”
He tugged my hand and guided me closer to the water. Near the right side of the beach, there was a small thatched-roof structure. Wispy white curtains blew in the breeze and tiki torches blazed near the water’s edge. “What’s all that?”
“Our front row seats for the sunset. I called the concierge while you were getting dressed. They should have comfortable chairs and a picnic dinner waiting for us. I figured keeping it low key tonight would be best.”
I smiled and poked his side. “So you’re forcing me to take it easy anyway?”
He shrugged. “Yes, but in high style.”
“Good point. I shall forgive this transgression.”
The waves provided an impressive soundtrack, crashing along the big rocky outcroppings that loomed just offshore and increasing the volume as we neared our spot for the evening. But that only served to make me feel more cocooned, like Burke and I were entering some private world.
We reached the cabana, and Burke let go of my hand to pull back the curtains. But instead of finding chairs set up, there was a massive white bed with bright blue throw pillows and a large picnic basket sitting in the middle.
Burke glanced back at me, a small wince tightening the lines around his eyes. “Sorry. This isn’t what I asked for.”
“I bet you say that to all the girls on your trips,” I teased. “Oops, I’m so sorry. I ordered two sleeping bags, but they only sent one big one. Oh well, guess we’ll have to share.”
“No way,” he said with mock seriousness. “Sharing a sleeping bag is highly overrated. Gets sweaty in a not good way.”
“Duly noted.” I moved past him to run my hand over the surprisingly soft fabric on the bed. The thick pad beneath had to be weatherproof, but they’d put fresh linens on top of it. I brushed the sand from my feet and climbed onto the bed. “They over delivered, so we can’t complain about that. Look at this view.”
Burke’s gaze raked over me, some of his customary wickedness coming back into his eyes. “Yeah, the view’s something. Two thumbs up on the bikini, by the way.”
“This old thing?” I plucked the strap of the black crocheted material, the dark color making my hasn’t-seen-the-sun-in-forever skin look downright vampiric. “Thanks. It’s not even mine. It was hanging in the bathroom closet with a tag that had my name on it and in just my size. They think of everything here.”
He sat on the bed. “So it seems. Though I’m surprised they bothered. I read some of the island rules in the paperwork they left in our room, and the outdoor areas and some of the rooms in the castle are clothing optional. So if you see some dude strolling by with his business out, don’t be alarmed.”
I laughed. “As long as you don’t plan on strutting around the place like that, I’m good.”
He smirked and opened up the basket. “Too traumatizing?”
“No, just not sharing you with anyone. The other women here can find their own man business to ogle.”
He paused in the middle of taking the cheese and crackers out of the basket, head tilted like he was trying to figure me out. “Possessive, huh? What’s gotten into you Gretchen Price?”
“Must be the ocean air.” I sprawled against the pillows like a queen on her throne. “I’m feeling selfish.”
“Well, it’s about damn time. Selfish looks good on you, cher.” He set out a plate with meat, c
heese, crackers, and fruit for us to share and stretched out next to me. “I think it’s time for the show.”
“I’m ready.” I grabbed a piece of prosciutto and wrapped it around a slice of cold honeydew then settled in to watch the sunset. The sky was already shifting from blue to a fiery orange and the air had turned cooler. Maybe the bikini hadn’t been the best idea. I set the plate on my lap and scooted closer to Burke. He lifted his arm and tucked it around my shoulders, letting me share his body heat. We snuggled there and enjoyed our food, not saying a word as the waves broke and frothed along the sand and the sun did its thing.
During the final few moments of the light’s descent, the water sparked like diamonds and the sky marched its way through a palette of warm hues. Oranges, pinks, corals. I’d never seen such a riotous sunset. My fingers curled, the urge to paint the moment a tangible one.
Tomorrow. I would do that tomorrow.
The last rays finally slipped beneath the horizon, and a darkness like you couldn’t get in the city settled around us like a thick blanket. I twisted to look behind us. The castle windows glowed in the distance and scattered light from cabanas dotted the island. But in front of us, there was only black sky, stars, and the frenetic glow of our tiki lamps.
“It kind of feels like we’re the last two people on earth,” Burke said with a contented sigh before downing the last sip of the champagne he’d poured for us during the sunset. He set his glass aside and laced his hands behind his head.
I moved the plate of half-finished food away, and returned to my spot next to him. “If we are, I’m glad I’m here with you.”
He turned his head, not lifting it from the pillows, and stared at me for a few long seconds, the firelight dancing in his eyes. “You mean that?”
I tucked my arm beneath my head and leaned my cheek against it, mirroring his pose. “I do. You’re my oldest and closest friend. I’m not sure what my life would look like without you in it. So yes, there’s no one else I’d rather be here with right now.”
He reached out and trailed his fingers over the line of my jaw, his gaze steady. “I missed you so much when you moved to New York, cher. You giving me shit over the phone just wasn’t the same.”
I smiled and kissed his palm. “That’s why I give you so much hell now. I’m making up for lost time.”
His hand found its way to the curve of my neck, sending hot goose bumps along my skin, and I couldn’t stop the sigh from escaping. My body ached, starved for each little sensation.
“Is this really okay, Gretch?” he asked quietly. “I promised myself I would take things slow, especially after what happened on the plane today. But I can’t seem to stop touching you or wanting to kiss you. And you keep looking at me like—like you want me to.”
I slid my hand up his bicep, reveling in the freedom of being able to explore this man. “I don’t want you to stop touching me.”
His grip tightened on my neck. “No?”
I eased closer until our bodies were only a sliver apart, his breath landing warm against my cheek, and tilted my forehead against his. “We’re the last two people on earth, Burke. We don’t know what the morning will bring. What are we going to do about it?”
He didn’t have to answer. The desire in his eyes branded his plans onto my skin—searing hot and full of illicit promise. He wasn’t going to do something about it. He would do everything.
The hand on my neck laced into my hair, gripping firmly and tilting my head back. His lips met mine with tenderness at first, taking my breath, even when I’d known it was coming. But soon it was clear that slow and easy wasn’t enough for either of us. We’d waited too long to get here. Desire pulsed through me, demanding more. Our lips parted and deepened the connection. He groaned, the fire between us flaring, and his tongue stroked against mine—skilled and sensual but without softness or sentimentality. There’d be time for that later. For now, the need that hummed between us was as primal and untamed as the land surrounding us. The moorings that’d been holding us back were snapping left and right.
I made some desperate sound and grappled for a better hold on him. I needed more, his skin, his warmth. I plucked at the hem of his shirt. He broke away from the kiss and tugged the shirt over his head, giving me a view that made my tongue press to the back of my teeth. Lean, broad, and powerful—it was a body that hadn’t been built in a gym but out in the wilds of the world. I wanted to stare, to touch…taste. I wanted to paint him.
But I didn’t have long to appreciate the view because, one second, I was admiring all that muscle, and the next, Burke grabbed my wrists and rolled me onto my back. He loomed above me, all dark eyes and scruff, his lips curled upward. “You’re giving me the best kind of look, cher. What are you thinking?”
“That I can’t believe we’ve kept this platonic so long. What the hell is wrong with me? I mean, Jesus, look at you.”
He laughed. “I feel so objectified.”
“No, it’s just”—I shook my head, trying to find the right words—“how have I never seen you?”
Something flickered across his expression, sadness maybe, but he held his smile as he pushed a lock of hair away from my face. “Maybe you just needed time.”
“We both did.”
“No,” he said, voice soft. “I’ve always seen you, Gretch. Even when I tried not to. Even when I wasn’t supposed to.”
“Burke—”
But he didn’t let me finish my sentence. His mouth was on mine again, and the weight of his body pressed me into the bed. Any thoughts or words I might’ve had popped out of existence like soap bubbles. There was no room left for anything but Burke.
His hands roamed over me with sensual confidence, sliding between us and cupping my breast through the thin fabric of my swimsuit. His thumb teased over my nipple, bringing it to an aching point. I arched into the touch and moaned, but the sound was stolen away in the breeze and eaten up by the pounding waves.
He rocked against me, letting me feel the hard length of his erection, and kissed my neck with hot, open-mouthed kisses. Everything inside me was on fire in the best way possible. Blissful. I threaded my fingers in his hair as he moved lower and let my head sink into the pillows.
He seemed intent on sampling every inch of my skin, and I was absolutely on board with this plan. I didn’t care that we were out in the open. I didn’t care that anyone could happen upon us. If someone had set up chairs and sold tickets to the event, I probably wouldn’t have noticed. I didn’t care about any of it. All that mattered right then was Burke’s mouth, the scent of the ocean, and the way every one of his touches brought me closer to some place I wasn’t sure I’d ever been.
He reached for the ties on my bathing suit and slid the knots free, then dragged my top aside. The breeze kissed my exposed skin, but what raised goose bumps was the way he devoured me with his eyes. His fingertips glided over my breasts, tracing the sensitive swells, and he peered up at me, a near-pained expression on his face. “You’re fucking gorgeous, Gretchen. I can’t even…”
I shivered at the grit in his voice. “You used my full name.”
“That’s because you’re not my friend right now.” He kissed along the curve of my breast and then ran his tongue over my nipple, hot and wet and maddeningly erotic.
My back bowed, my body aching for more of what he was giving me, and my eyes fell shut again. “What am I, then?”
His teeth grazed my skin then bit gently into my flesh. “Mine.”
The rightness of the word resonated through me like a struck tuning fork. “Yes. Yours.”
“Good,” he said, his fingers hooking in the sides of my bikini bottoms. “Say it again.”
“Yours.”
He dragged the bottoms down my legs and tossed them aside. I raised my head, self-consciousness trying to rear up, but the rapture on his face didn’t allow for it to gain purchase. No woman could feel any less than a goddess with a man looking at her the way Burke was looking at me. And maybe in that moment,
my naked body spread across white sheets, firelight painting patterns on my skin, and the stars shining down on us, I could be.
He adjusted his position on the bed and hooked a hand under my knee. His fingertips marked a path down my thigh. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve imagined touching you like this.”
When his fingertips reached my center, he didn’t touch me where I most needed but instead lightly traced a blunt fingernail over the lips of my sex. My body clenched in desperation, a rush of arousal racing through me.
“Please,” I murmured.
“Please, what?” he asked, sin in his tone.
“Touch me. More.”
“No, cher.” He moved his hand away and kissed his way down my thigh. “I’ve got a better plan. I’m going to bury my face between these pretty legs of yours and taste what you need touched. And I’m not coming up for air until I hear you screaming louder than these waves.”
Oh, God. Yes. That. My words didn’t come out, but he wasn’t asking anyhow. He was warning.
Because already, he was draping my legs over his shoulders and lowering himself all the way down. His gaze never left mine, though. And when he drew the hot flat of his tongue over my most sensitive flesh, I nearly levitated off the bed. But he held me firm, keeping me exactly where he wanted and continued on, using his mouth, lips, and tongue to taste and suck every bit of me. I’d never been privy to this side of him, had barely allowed myself to speculate how he’d be in bed. But now I knew. Confident, generous, and dominant.
I liked it. A lot.
I could imagine him taking that all further. I knew he was probably being gentle with me this first time. But it wasn’t a far stretch to picture him getting rougher, manhandling me, taking full control. And when my head tilted back and my eyes closed, those were the images that danced across my mind as he used his mouth to turn me into a writhing, begging thing beneath him.
“Burke, please.”
But he wasn’t satisfied yet. Because his fingers soon joined in, slicking my arousal over my entrance and sliding inside me. My body clamped hard around the welcome intrusion and I groaned.
