by Kym Grosso
“I never knew that could happen.” Penny attempted to keep her eyes trained on his, trying desperately not to stare at his muscular body. Well hidden behind her tinted glasses, she doubted he’d be able to see where her line of vision traveled. Still, she wasn’t taking any chances, and concentrated on his face.
“Fire coral’s painful. It’s not so much of a coral, really. It’s actually an animal.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“The guy on the boat. He must have snared himself on the stuff. It’s more of a jellyfish, really. Stings really bad. Can last for a few weeks, even. Nasty.”
“You seem to know a lot about…”
He reached for her raft, and she startled. “You don’t mind, do you? Just didn’t want you to drift away before we got a chance to introduce ourselves.”
“Um, no, I guess not. I’m Penelope Travis. But my friends call me Penny.” She lost control, her eyes traveling over his shoulders. The tanned corded muscles of his back streamed down into perfectly carved glutes. He rested his chin on his crossed arms, his pecs bulging as he flexed to adjust his body.
“Chase. Chase Abbott.” He gave her a broad smile. “So, this is your first time at Precioso, huh?”
“Yeah, my friend, Tori…she’s here with me. She talked me into coming.”
“This is my first time here, too, although I have been to beaches like this one before.”
“You have?”
“Don’t sound so surprised. It’s fairly common in other parts of the world. Even in California we’ve got a few.” He winked.
“I think there might be one in New Jersey,” she offered, having heard a rumor from a friend. She’d been too chicken to even consider going.
“You east coast?”
“New York City. You?”
“San Diego.”
“You sound like you’re from the south.”
“Grew up in North Carolina but I’ve lived in California for years now.” Chase tugged on her drifting raft, bringing her closer. He adjusted it so that he faced her perpendicularly.
“I, um, I was raised in New Jersey but I’ve lived in New York…ever since grad school.” Penny stumbled over her words as his face came within a few inches of her breasts. She cursed as her beaded tips swelled in response. Hoping to squelch her arousal, she reached into the water and dribbled it onto her body.
“So tell me, Penny, what do you do in New York City?” A broad smile crossed his face, and he brought his sunglasses down over his eyes, obscuring his gaze.
“I’m a lawyer.”
“I see. Large firm?”
“It’s good-sized. McNally, Reeves and Sullivan.”
“Corporate law?”
“Yeah, how’d you know? Have you heard of them?” Penny prayed like hell he hadn’t. Her boss would have a conniption if he found out she’d gone to this kind of resort. He was a born and bred, old money conservative, and there was no room for mistakes. Until now, she’d been the epitome of the perfect employee as he groomed her for junior partner. Her career would be over faster than she could say piña colada if he ever found out where she went on vacation.
“I know of them,” he said, not offering any information.
“So what do you do when you’re not rescuing people in the ocean?” Penny paused and took a deep breath. “I noticed you weren’t snorkeling with the rest of us.”
“Many things, but for the purposes of this trip, I’m here doing some research. Where we dove today, there’s a hole.”
“A hole?”
“Yeah, it’s like a cliff.”
“That sounds scary.”
“All part of the fun, darlin’.”
“I’m not sure I could ever be that adventurous,” she stated. Scuba diving? No way that was ever happening, considering she’d almost killed herself by attempting to snorkel.
“You never know. Sometimes we don’t know our limits until we push them.”
“I’m not sure that’s true,” she countered.
“Today, for example. Have you ever snorkeled?” he asked.
“Well, no. But look how that turned out.” Penny reached for his raft and he smiled in response.
“Fair enough. But you came here. To an adult resort…one with a nude beach.”
“Yes, but…”
“Have you ever been completely naked in front of a total stranger?”
“No,” she whispered.
“But you are now, aren’t you? And you’re talking to me. We just established a connection, discussed where we live, what we do for a living.”
“Touché.”
“So you did push a limit…one you thought you had. It’s how we learn, grow. Hopefully, we don’t get hurt…have fun doing it. Tell me, Penny, do you have fun?”
“I don’t know. Maybe not as much as I’d like to. I want to have fun, but it’s not like I…” Penny hesitated. She was reluctant to admit the truth. “I don’t know. I guess I don’t usually have fun. I mean, there’s just not time.”
“How about now?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you having fun?”
“Yes.” Penny laughed. As she shifted on her raft, it pitched, and she fell toward him. His hand reached for her belly, steadying her.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yes, sorry. I’m such a klutz today. Geez.” The heat of his palm sizzled on her stomach and an ache grew between her legs. Her hand moved to his but he slid it away. In that moment, she wanted him. He was a total stranger, she knew, but it didn’t matter.
“Have dinner with me tonight.”
“I…I have to check with Tori.”
“Bring her, then. I’ll invite Evan.”
“Well, I don’t know if I can answer for Tori. I mean, no…yes…” Penny inwardly cringed at how inarticulate she sounded. Sweet baby Jesus, Penny, get your shit together. She took a deep breath and smiled. “I’d love to have dinner with you.”
“Pick you up at eight? What’s your room number?” he asked, like a wolf who was about to eat his prey.
“I’ll meet you there,” she countered. The tropical paradise might have stolen most of her brain cells, but her New York roots reminded her to be cautious. No matter how much her body told her ‘hell yes,’ she wanted to get to know him with her clothes on.
“The Bistro, eight o’clock. I’ll meet you at the front entrance.”
“Sounds good,” Penny agreed.
As he slid off his raft, he shot her a sexy smile that sent quivers straight through to her pussy. Penny sighed, watching him exit the ocean. Like a rippling Greek god, he emerged from the surf, water droplets rolling off his bronze torso. Unconsciously, her hands moved to her breast as she recalled his palm on her skin. A crashing wave jarred her thoughts, and she cursed under her breath. She toppled off her float into the sea, washing away his touch. The cool water should have put a damper on the erotic fantasies that had formed in her mind. But as she dove under, it was of little consequence. It was far too late to stifle the delicious image of his head between her legs.
Chapter Four
Chase took a draw of his beer and recalled the brief interlude with Penny. A natural beauty, her long dark brown hair trailed over her tanned shoulders. She’d blushed as soon as they’d started speaking. While she was a novice to the au natural beach experience, he detected a streak of adventure just waiting to be discovered. When she’d drizzled sea water over her full breasts, he’d found it difficult to concentrate.
He’d laughed, thinking it had been a good thing he’d been lying on his stomach when he’d found her floating. Never in his life had he let himself get aroused on a nude beach, but the more he’d talked with her, the harder he became. He’d deliberately taken his time leaving the ocean, careful not to turn around. Grabbing his nearby towel off the chaise, he concealed his erection and cursed his amateurish behavior.
When she’d nearly fallen off her raft, he hadn’t meant to put his hand on her without permission. As if he’d
touched fire, he’d quickly removed it. Sitting at the bar, he glanced at his palm. Her silky skin fresh in his mind, his cock jerked in response. He blamed it on his lack of sex, aware that he’d been preoccupied for months with his research. But after talking to Penny at the beach, he was certain the only solution to quelling his arousal was to be inside the lovely counselor.
Chase’s attention was drawn to laughter outside the restaurant. He glanced to the veranda where he caught a glimpse of Penny talking with a woman. He smiled as his eyes drank in the sight of her. Even more gorgeous than he’d remembered, she wore a blue print sundress, its plunging neckline exposing a hint of her cleavage. She noticed him, giving a wide smile and a shy wave.
“Penny,” he greeted her as she approached, noting her friend had disappeared.
“Hey there.” She nervously pushed a stray lock behind her ear and scanned the open air café.
“Are we dining alone?” He hadn’t meant to say it so enthusiastically but he failed to conceal his excitement.
“Yep. Seems Tori’s hooked up with a group that’s going off resort. What about your friend?”
“Evan? Seems he had a tad too much rum at the pool. He’s sleeping it off.” He offered his hand, pleased when she placed her palm in his. “Shall we? I have a table.”
In a romantic location overlooking lush gardens, Chase and Penny laughed throughout their meal, keeping their conversation light and enjoyable. She told him about her life in New York City, speaking in a self-deprecating manner about her position within the law firm. And while he was unable to tell her the details of his own projects or company, she appeared interested in his diving experiences and knowledge of the ocean.
By the end of dinner, he’d grown even more attracted to Penny Travis, and it caused him concern, given they had no future. After meeting her, however, he suspected things might never be the same.
They toasted, and Chase nodded to the band who’d begun to play. Without answering, she smiled and took his hand. They made their way to the dance floor and he laughed in satisfaction as she fell into his arms. He’d never been a dancer but with Penny, the only thing he could think of was the rush of excitement he felt every time their bodies came together. As the song slowed, she laid her head upon his shoulder, her coconut-scented hair teasing his senses. They swayed as one to the sultry rhythm, his erection brushing against her belly.
She smiled up at him, and he shoved away a pang of guilt, knowing it could only be a fling. He swore to himself that he’d talk to her before they made love. If there was one thing Chase believed in, it was honesty. He didn’t play games with others, not even when it would clearly benefit him or his own goals. As she brought their clasped hands to her side, and his thumb grazed her breast, he knew they’d better talk soon.
Chapter Five
Penny’s heart caught as she danced with Chase and she realized how much she enjoyed spending the evening with him. They’d spent several hours talking, and she couldn’t recall ever having such an intense connection with someone she’d only just met. Captivated by his charismatic personality, she’d fallen under his spell. Like old lovers, they engaged in an easy banter, but their attraction sizzled hotter than the sun itself. Earlier in the day, she’d expected the sexual tension she’d experienced in the ocean would wane, proving her libido wrong. But as the night proceeded, she’d fantasized about making love to him.
In his arms, Penny breathed in his masculine scent, and deliberately ground her body against his erection. Within Chase’s safe embrace, she reveled in her sexuality, knowing he was every bit as turned on as she was. As his lips pressed to her collarbone, she moaned, yearning for him to touch her. The desire to be consumed by her handsome savior far outweighed her need for logical explanations of why she shouldn’t be with him. No longer did she wish to dance, she wanted him…now…on her, inside her.
“Chase,” she breathed. Penny lifted her head from his chest, and her eyes locked on his. As his palm cupped her cheek, her world stalled on its axis.
“I like you, Penny.” Chase glanced to her lips, leaning toward her, but stopped within inches of kissing her. He gave a small smile, his eyes darting to the ocean and back to her. “How do you feel about moonlit walks on the beach?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever done that,” she admitted.
“You don’t know what you’re missing.” Chase took her hand in his, leading her off the dance floor.
Penny wondered why he hadn’t kissed her and she grew concerned that what she thought was growing between them had all been in her own head. When they reached the beach, she watched as he kicked off his shoes and rolled up his white linen pants. She began to walk toward him, her sandals filling with sand.
“Hold on,” Chase said.
When he knelt in front of her, she smiled as he gently removed her shoes and set them aside. He locked his eyes on hers and ran his hands up the back of her calves. She shivered as he grazed them upward, his strong fingers pressing against her thighs.
“You have beautiful legs,” he began.
“Thank you.” Penny laughed, embarrassed. She swiveled her head to see if anyone was looking.
“Does this make you uncomfortable?” He smiled.
She went still as his hands moved to her hips, his fingers slipping underneath the strings of her panties.
“Chase…”
“Or are you aroused?”
“I…there could be people watching.” As he tugged her panties down her legs, she reached to steady herself on his shoulders.
“There are things you don’t know about me. The things I like. Risk…taking chances.”
“I can see that,” she giggled as he lifted each of her feet to remove her underwear.
“Is that something you might be interested in exploring with me?” he asked, stuffing them into his pocket.
“Maybe. That sounds like a commitment and we don’t have much time,” she hedged.
He stood, brushing his hands up the sides of her legs, pulling the fabric up to her hips. Her heart raced as he exposed her skin.
“Penny.” His tone grew serious. “I can’t promise you more than the time we have here together. If we lived closer…”
“Fair enough. But we just met, so who knows what the week will bring?” She placed her hands over his, and brushed them away. Reaching for her shoes, she picked them up and walked toward the surf. Penny gave him a flirty smile, going slowly enough that he’d easily catch up to her.
“True. But you’ve given me the most wonderful souvenir.”
“Listen, Chase, you need to know…I didn’t come on vacation thinking I’d meet someone.” When he reached for her hand, she laced her fingers with his. “I work a lot. I know the office stories I told you over dinner make it seem enjoyable, but I can assure you that most of the time what I do is not fun. I want to make partner someday.”
“That’s a good goal.”
“So I guess what I’m saying is that it’s not like I have any big expectations about what’s happening here. I mean, I like you…a lot. But you and I…”
“We lead different lives.”
“It seems like you travel a lot.”
“Yeah, I do.”
“It would never work, I get that.” As she said the words that defined the situation, her heart squeezed. It was true she hadn’t expected anything, but every second she spent with him, she was becoming addicted. If they made love, she guessed it would be even harder to say goodbye forever.
“Wait here,” he told her.
“Um, okay.” Penny dipped her toes in the surf as he ran up toward the path. When he returned, she grinned, watching him lay several towels onto the sand.
“Come sit.” It was an order that sent tingles down her body. She obeyed and relaxed as he put an arm around her. “I know we just have a few days, but I want to get to know you better. At the same time, I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t hurt me,” she protested, aware she was lying to herself. “But
it does seem like you enjoy risky behavior.”
“Diving to the depths I do is dangerous, but is it worth the risk? Hell yeah, because it’s exciting. This is who I am. It’s my life. I know you’re not really like that, but I can teach you.”
Penny considered his words. His fingers guided her chin to meet his gaze.
“How far do you want to go with me, darlin’?”
“In a week, I’ll go back to working fourteen-hour days.” She sighed, her lips tense as she expressed the reality of the situation. “How far will I go? With you?” She adjusted her body so she faced him. As she answered, she didn’t hesitate. Even if she could only taste happiness for a few days, she’d take it. “All the way. I want it all.”
“This place is special….you’re special.” Chase reached for the spaghetti straps that held her dress up and slid them over her shoulders.
“What are you…?” Despite her concern that they’d be watched, she sat still as he gently pulled down the fabric, her nipples hardening as the air rushed over them.
“You’re beautiful.” He grazed the back of his fingers over her firm tips and she exhaled.
“I…I’ve never done anything like this.”
“I want to make love to you, Miss Travis,” he said, never taking his eyes off her.
“Here?”
“Yes, here.” He smiled.
“But…are you serious? Here on the beach?” The prospect of being watched should have disgusted her, she knew. But the rush of knowing it could happen only served to make it all the more exciting. Penny jumped slightly as his hands cupped her breasts.
“Yes. Here,” he repeated, his lips mere inches from hers.
“Yes.” Penny shifted in an attempt to assuage the painful ache between her legs. She’d never wanted a man so badly in her life.
As he captured her lips, she opened to him. His tongue swept into hers and she returned his soft kiss. Gently, he made love to her mouth, and the startling realization hit her that this person she’d met, the man who’d saved her, soothed her vulnerable heart. Closed and cautious, she’d long dismissed the idea that she’d develop an attraction for someone. Chase had taken her off guard, her body and mind welcomed him into her life.
