"You know what I'd like to do?" he smiled as they walked out of the restaurant.
"What?"
"Take our shoes off and wade through the beach, let the wet sand squish between our toes. What do you say?" He smiled at her.
"Sounds kind of nice, I've never done anything like that. I've seen movies where people did it, but I never did. All right…let's…."
Sam took her hand and they walked among the garden paths and onto the beach area. The waves were perfect making a magic music out of each movement. The moonlight was incredible. It was probably the most romantic set up Sam had ever had. He couldn't blow this.
He stopped, bent and lifted her foot, took her tennis shoes off and then rolled his pants legs up and took his shoes off. Together they walked hand in hand. The water was a little chilly at first, but after a few minutes they were used to it.
"I've never done this." She laughed. "I mean, yeah, it's a simple thing, but I never have experienced it before."
"No? Neither have I. People don't often stop and take time for the simple pleasures." Sam winked. "And when you get to thinking about it, it is such a common thing. But to feel the sand between your toes is a new experience."
"What made you think of this?" she insisted on knowing, coming closer.
His arm went around her waist, "I was thinking of some movie, I don't know what the name of it was, and it was so relaxing watching them wade through the water like children."
"As long as you don't throw me in the tide and grope me."
He stopped, turned to look at her and her smile faded. Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight though and he knew she wasn't upset.
"I know I promised not to, but would you mind if I kissed you, here." He whispered for her ears only.
Lacey's glance fastened on his mouth at that moment and slowly she shook her head, "I don't mind." She bravely whispered.
He studied her a moment as his hands came up to hold her face. "This isn't some cheap come on, Lacey." He began."Don't be afraid of me. I'm not the big bad wolf or an ogre. I'm a man, enjoying a wonderful summer with a beautiful lady. And I want to kiss her..."
Just as his lips touched hers she murmured, "I'm not afraid."
The world blanked out as she closed her eyes. A mindless void of feelings swamped him as she came into his arms, willingly. She was soft, where a woman should be, and warm all over, and the waves gently crashing at their feet were oblivious. He continued to massage her lips with his own. He wasn't groping her, wasn't even holding her really except her face.
Shocked by the sheer beauty of the moment, he continued to kiss her until they had to pull apart to breath. Instead of gasping for air, she stood serenely still. Her eyes closed, her lips still wet from his kiss. He knew at that moment, he could go on kissing her forever and never want to stop, but he had to use his head. He'd never experienced the joy of just kissing a woman.
"You are quite a woman, Lacey Malone," he whispered hoarsely.
"You're not so bad yourself Sam," she said as her eyes slowly opened.
"Of course you realize we can't sleep in the same room any longer, don't you," he asked softly now as his knuckles caressed her cheek.
"We can't?" she asked her brows furrowing.
"Nope, we can't," he cleared his throat.
"Why not?" She laid her head against his forehead, groping for some kind of control.
"Because I'd want make love to you, Lacey, and I don't think that's wise." He said, almost turning away from her. "I don't think that's what you want."
"I don't understand…." She whispered.
"I know you don't. That's why it isn't wise. Now come on," he pulled her by the hands now and laughed. "Let's race to the other side of the beach."
She shook herself a little, and then looked at his face.
He smiled tenderly at her. "Come on."
She smiled back and took off, "I'll need a head start."
She was way ahead of him, as he slowed to watch her. She was such a beauty and didn't realize it. She took his breath away, and he was falling for her too fast. He needed to take things slower. He liked Lacey and he didn't want to hurt her when their vacation was over. He had to use his head. Sam wanted to make love with her tonight. But what about tomorrow and the next day?
When he finally walked her to the room, he stopped, "I guess I better go get another room," he whispered.
She pinked, "You don't trust the blanket anymore?" she asked with a grin.
"Do you?" He questioned, his eyes holding hers.
"No." she breathed in deeply. "I guess not."
"Lacey you have to understand, I want to…" his pained expression said it all.
"I know, but you're being a gentleman again, right." She whispered.
He laid his head on her forehead now, his breathing hard and his longing for her almost more than he could stand. "How can a man get to know a woman in such a short time?"
She shrugged, "Yeah, maybe we shared too much of ourselves?"
"No, I don't think you can ever share too much," he chuckled softly.
She smiled, "Then kiss me goodnight, and don't dare tell me your room number."
"Dammit Lacey, if I kiss you again, I won't let you go inside alone." he murmured against her ear, and his body shook.
She moved more fully into his arms. He was glad they had some privacy for the kiss lingered longer this time.
"Maybe I don't want to be let go of." She giggled and pulled him solidly against her. This time he knew she was aware of how aroused he was. And she gasped without a word. Her glance going to his.
His lips grazed hers and they both sighed, "Lacey have you ever."
She kissed him hard and hot and full of needs unspoken. His tongue shot out to dance with hers and the kiss went on forever, his hands going around her ribcage, his thumbs moving erotically close to her breast, but not touching, merely insinuating what could be. She moaned raggedly.
He pulled away, this time determined to be a gentleman. "Goodnight Lacey." he said and backed away from her, his eyes devouring her, as a tear fell from the corner of her eyes.
He realized he'd never been that much of a gentleman before and hurried off to the desk. His face felt hot, matching the rest of him as he approached the desk clerk with a smile. "I need a room."
"I'm sorry sir, we have no more rooms, the tournament," the young woman explained as he cast a glance about the lobby where several were still talking about their big catches of the day.
"Oh, well, in that case, mind if I sit in the lobby through the night?"
The female desk clerk quirked her brow and smiled, "I guess that would be alright."
"Thank you."
Away from Lacey once more he was able to think clearly and realized he was doing the right thing.
Doing the right thing was hard; he decided when he saw Lacey an hour later wading into the ocean again. He watched her and longed to hold her when she looked up into the heavens and threw back her head. Her hair draped over her shoulders and down her back like a cascade of rich melted chocolate. She played in the water like a nymph, splashing about and laughing and he wanted her so bad he almost joined her. Only good sense kept him standing at the window.
It was obvious he'd brought out the woman in her and the glory of it was almost more than he could leave alone. She was a magnificent creature, totally unaware of her own allure, and captivating.
Knowing he had to get a grip, he finally moved away from the window and went to sit in one of the large chairs. It would be a long night.
Chapter Eight
It was early the next morning when someone banged on her door. Lacey tried to ignore it, but it wouldn't go away. Finally, yawning and trying to open her eyes, she peeped through the peephole and saw Sam.
"What are you doing?" she asked still groggy as she opened the door wide.
"I didn't get much sleep last night, since I spent it in the lobby and the desk clerk was getting a little concerned. Besides, I need to clean up and
change clothes if you don't mind." Sam said eyeing her like an eagle as he strode through the door.
Lacey chuckled and went back to the bed, "Help yourself." she yawned and climbed back in the bed.
Sam watched her then went into the bathroom.
She vaguely heard the water start to run before she went back to sleep.
She didn't know a thing until he flopped on the edge of the bed.
"So, are you ready to go see the redwoods?" he asked, his voice sounded rough edged, as though he wasn't in the best of moods.
She sighed and mumbled.
"Lacey, get up, let's go get some breakfast."
"You go ahead. I'm not hungry," she insisted, snuggling deeper into the covers.
"If you had an ounce of decency you'd share that bed with me, I'm so knocked out tired, I couldn't grope you if I wanted to." He insisted.
She lifted her head above the covers for a second and blinked, "Are you sure you're too tired?"
"Look at me, I'm wiped out." He held up his arms.
She giggled, "Okay, get in, and stop waking me up." She insisted.
He didn't argue.
They slept for four more hours then they heard the announcement, "Trophies will be available at the service desk."
"Sam, wake up…did you hear that?" Lacey asked, trying to dig him out of the covers.
"W-what?"
"The trophies, they are handing out trophies this evening." She threw the covers off her and stood up.
"I've got to collect mine," she insisted.
"Okay, wake me up when you do," he muttered.
"You're not coming with me?" she sounded hurt.
Suddenly he peeped out from the covers and glanced at her. His gaze took her in, but she ignored him. "Sam get up, I want my trophy."
"Okay, I'll get up." He grunted. "But I need a cup of coffee, bad."
"I'm going to shower, and dress, and then we can go have breakfast and collect our trophy." Lacey announced.
"All right, wake me when you get out of the shower," he insisted covering his head again.
***
She smiled, remembering the night before in the lobby. Remembering his sweet kisses.
She showered quickly and dressed in her capris and t-shirt she combed her hair into a ponytail and went to wake Sam.
Buried deep in the covers, she had to dig him out.
She looked at him, and an overwhelming desire to kiss him hit her. She'd never been quite this bold with a man, but she was an adult and they were both free. She kissed his ear he batted her away. She kissed his cheek, he almost batted her away, but when she would have moved away, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly.
"Sam!" she sighed with an unfamiliar happiness.
"Hmm, you smell heavenly," he muttered, through thick warm kisses.
She nudged herself deeper into the bed with him and cradled herself in his arms. She was asking for it, she only hoped he wouldn't be a gentleman any longer.
"Forget breakfast, and trophies, I'd rather have you." he smiled sexily at her now, as he moved above her. He stared down into her face. "I know you wanted me to be the gentleman, but you just can't come into a bed with a man and start kissing him and think he's not going to respond to you. You are a very desirable woman, Lacey."
His finger reached to trace her lips, slowly, "So soft," he murmured, as his head dipped to taste her. "If you don't want me to, just say so." he watched her.
"Oh... don't be a gentleman, again," she encouraged as a slow smile spread across her face.
"Do you know what you're saying?" he looked at her in disbelief.
"I think so…oh Sam. We're both free, we're both of age…and…"
"But on the bridge you stopped me."
"I know…I was being silly. I was embarrassed, and I didn't know you as well, then."
"Now you do?"
"I think so."
"I don't want to hurt you, Lacey…"
"Then don't, just make love to me," she sighed moving closer.
***
As if she was pure china, he slowly crept over her, his lips assuaging hers as his hands began to roam beneath the covers. With unerring accuracy he found the peaks that beckoned him, and sighed with all male pleasure.
His kisses moved along her jaw, to her ear, where his tongue shot out to taste, caress, and blow. She shivered.
Suddenly his head dipped down, and pushed himself beneath her shirt and found the sweet tips of her breast. His lips caressed each one, slowly, pulling gently with his teeth and kissing each one with tender thrust of his tongue. She squirmed beneath him, her hips rising against his own. She felt his manhood against her thighs and wanted more.
Suddenly he threw away the cover, for they no longer needed the warmth, they were building a fire in each other. His eyes took her in, and he gently tugged the shirt away. She laid, with her hair splayed over the pillow, her cheeks blossoming like red roses.
"I wanted you so bad last night, I could have thrown you on the sand and taken you right there." He muttered against the softness of one breast.
"Why didn't you," she sighed.
"I wasn't sure you were ready. That and the management might not have appreciated it." He said, glancing up at her and having to kiss her swollen lips again. "Despite what you might think, I’m not out to take the advantage, Lacey. I like you too much for that"
"I like that. You're being so honest."
"What?" he barely whispered.
"You like me. Most men would say they love me, but you said you liked me. I think liking is almost as important in a relationship."
While his lips torched her, his hands glided downward, and slowly peeled away the bottoms of her pajamas, and underwear. She wiggled free of them and they fell with a soft thud to the floor. His joined them, as he rushed back to her warmth.
Now she was his, as his body fused itself to her. Slowly, he guided himself into her warmth, as his fingers dipped to make sure she was ready. She moaned and strained toward him. It was the encouragement he sought.
Miraculously sliding inside her, she moaned at first, then sighed and then her hips rose to meet his with such heated fury, he was astounded.
"Babe you’re a ball of fire, but we have to slow down just a bit, so we can enjoy this. I'm not going to let you go so easy. I want you sweating, panting, and eager. I want you to enjoy it as I make love to you."
Her eyes opened and she pulled him to her again. Her kisses were like wildfire, as her breasts pebbled into knots for him. He wanted to touch her there, to caress her to make her feel lovelier than any flower on earth.
She thrust her body against him so provocatively he almost spent himself. He wanted to slow her down, but he caught the wave of excitement growing inside her and suddenly they thrashed about wildly taking each other in, moaning, and smiling at the deep pleasures they gave each other.
Afterwards, sweating, panting, and trying to ease down from the magnificent haven they made, they cuddled. He cradled her in his arms, and kissed her until the fire began to wane. She breathed hard, as her nipples perked to his soft breath on her and began to entice him once more. He tried to ignore it the gentle brush of them against his chest, but the beauty of it, enflamed him. She was using her body to entice him. His lips sought her again, but this time, they didn't stop, but traveled lower, until he held her hips in his hands and sank his lips against her silk passion. Warm, and wet, she moaned aloud when his tongue lapped her. She brought herself up against him and offered herself for sacrifice. He looked at her body, raised to him, her eyes closed with ecstasy, and her hands kneading his back, dipping lower to touch his hips.
***
His tongue swept her up into a vortex of sensations, millions of stars burst as he took her to a heaven she never knew. However, before she climaxed, she backed off, and slid him inside her. Wanting all of him, needing all of him, she thrust herself against him repeatedly until she cried out. With quick easy strokes he joined her and they crashed toge
ther on the bed, satiated.
He pulled her into him and they lay quietly touching, kissing, and enjoying each other for long moments afterwards.
Her hair was nearly wet, her body slick, her breathing barely controlled, as she bent over him and kissed him madly.
"Wow," she whispered in his ear. "Was that us?" she barely got the words out.
His fingers dipped inside her finding her hot and moist and ready again and she moaned aloud.
"Oh Sam…"Her eyes burned into his, "I've never felt like this before…like I couldn't get enough. Am I a tramp…?"
"God no," he covered her lips with a kiss, as his fingers continued to build the fire once more. "You're simply awakened, oh God Lacey, I never realized you were a virgin, or I wouldn't…."
"Sh, .I wanted you to. I ask for it. Please…don't place blame, just enjoy it."
"You are quite a woman, Lacey. More than I'm used to."
She shook her head, then hung it, and barely murmured. "I, I was accosted as a child…by an old man who was dying. All he wanted was for me to sit on his lap. It seemed harmless but the old man looked mean, his big bushy brows grew together in a frown when I didn't come to sit on his knee. But when he frowned and beat his finger on his knee for me to do as he said, I moved toward him. My mother and great aunt had gone into the other room. He was a sick old man so I trusted him for a minute. I sat on his lap. But…" Lacey's words sounded in a rush to explain what happened, and her eyes filled with tears. "He didn't actually rape me, just touched me, I didn't know what to do, I was only five years old. He wouldn't stop; he touched me so much I felt the building of it. But there was no satisfaction, no release, just constant building. Finally I twisted out of his lap and ran. I was so scared. When I went back in that room he jabbed his finger into his leg and his brows knitted again. This time I shook my head and ran away. I hated him. But I didn't know how much until I saw him again a few months later. He was dying and I stared at him…I told him…I told him I hated him and I hoped he died."
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