24. Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter twenty-four
Tristan
Fucking Kennedy, my little firecracker.
I try to fight it, but the smile breaks free anyway, tugging at my lips before I can stop it. As soon as my lips met hers, I couldn’t fight the desire to get her home and show her how crazy she drives me.
We left the bar a few minutes ago, laughter still echoing between us. I can’t help but steal another glimpse of the red-headed wonder who consumes my every thought. Our shoes are long gone as the cool, silky sand spreads between our toes. We opted to walk the moonlit path of the beach rather than the sidewalk. Everything about the connection of her hand in mine feels natural, as if we’ve always done this.
Kennedy is different tonight—hell, on the island, in general. She’s always magnetized my vision, but now my soul craves her. Which is fucking terrifying. The lightness in her nature leaves her free from the pressures of being perfect. The tension that always sits on her shoulder seems to have melted away as we drank, joked, and laughed at tonight’s karaoke entertainment. I’ve seen the girl behind our “rivalry.” And now that I’ve had a glimpse of the real Kennedy, I’m desperate for more.
Her hand slips from my grasp, and I’m immediately hit with an emptiness. With a smirk over her shoulder, Kennedy runs with a gracefulness that looks like she’s floating on air as she makes her way to where the earth meets the sea. I stand there, mesmerized by her beauty, as she throws her arms out wide. With her head tilted toward the moon, she twirls in the tide. She’s radiating, wild and carefree in a way that makes my chest ache.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” Her soft voice snaps me from my trance. With slow steps, I move until I’m near her without interrupting her happiness. “The ocean, Trist. Isn’t it just so peaceful?”
“Magical,” I say, my voice cracking, and I clear the lust from it.
“No matter what happens with this project, I’m glad I was able to finally see the ocean in all of her glory.”
Without thinking, I step closer, reaching out my hand. “Dance with me.”
Her steps falter as her sparkling eyes find mine, and she smiles softly. “But there’s no music.”
“We don’t need music, Firecracker,” I murmur, taking her outstretched hand and pulling her closer.
She laughs, the sound swept away by the ocean breeze as she places her delicate hand in mine, her other landing on my shoulder.
Glancing down, I watch as the moonlight dances across her face, highlighting the curve of her lips, the way her eyes glimmer with the night sky reflecting in them.
Without thought, our bodies begin to sway to the soundtrack of the waves as if this is the most natural thing either one of us has done. The night air blankets us in our own bubble as we move slowly and unhurried. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol or Kennedy, but I can feel an energy pulsing through my system .
She wanted me to hate her. To fight with her. But all her efforts to push me away fueled me to fall for her more.
It’s not long before her body is melting into mine, resting her head under my chin, and I can’t help but notice the way her breath matches mine. Both of us enjoying this proximity.
Can she feel my heart beating and how it picks up when she’s near?
A quiet sigh leaves her as her hand moves across my chest and slides beneath my shirt opening. A hiss leaves my lips as her fingers caress in gentle circles against my skin.
No words are said, both of us lost in the moment and our endless thoughts.
It’s just the ocean, the wind, and the steady beats of our hearts.
The smell of fresh coffee fills the air as I stand in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, pajama pants low on my hips. Steam billows, slightly fogging the lenses of my glasses as I hold the warm mug in my hands. My mind drifts to last night. The sound of her laughter, the feel of her in my arms, and the relaxed expression she wore all night.
Soft footsteps sound on the tile floor, pulling me from my memory. Glancing up, my eyes collide with Kennedy’s as she walks through the doorway. The morning light filters through the windows, cascading her in an angelic glow. My eyes trail from the copper curls piled messily on the top of her head, down her body, to the tight workout shorts hugging her curves and her sports bra leaving little to the imagination as it shows off her perky tits and toned arms and abs. Tennis shoes cover her feet instead of their usually barefoot nature .
Bringing my eyes back up to hers, it’s when I realize she’s doing the same to me. Heat flickers through my veins, causing my dick to stir in my thin pajama pants.
“You wear glasses.” It’s a statement, not a question, as she moves closer. Once she’s near, Kennedy grabs the mug from my hands and brings the steamy coffee to her lips. She hums as she takes a sip.
I quirk an eyebrow when she returns the mug to my hand. “There’s plenty in the pot.”
“Yeah.” She shrugs a shoulder. “I like yours better.”
“Well, someone is in a good mood this morning.”
Mischief sparkles in her emerald gaze. “Turns out, I can’t get the image of this guy who sang ‘Party in the USA’ out of my head.”
“That’s weird.” I smirk down at the little vixen. “I can’t get the image of this girl dancing on the beach with me out of my head.”
Kennedy flashes me a megawatt smile. “Speaking of the beach, I’m heading for a run.”
“Want company?” I ask, setting the mug near the coffeepot to refill later.
“Only if you can keep up.” With a wink and a twitch of her lips, Kennedy strides out of the kitchen. I can’t help chuckling as I follow her. As she turns toward the living room, I reach out and land a playful slap to her ass. The sound cracks through the quiet space, and she jumps, spinning around with her mouth wide open.
“Did you just slap my ass?” she asks, half laughing and half surprised.
“Don’t act like you don’t like it,” I say with a smug grin.
She gives me a teasing glare as she lands her hands on her hips. With a wink of my own, I move toward my bedroom to change into my workout clothes. I feel her gaze on my back the entire time I walk away. With a glance over my shoulder, I find her cheeks flushed as she averts her gaze.
The earth moves beneath my feet as each step sucks me deeper into the soft sand, creating a resistance that forces my leg muscles to work harder. Running in the sand is no joke. Sucking in a lungful of salty air, I glance over my shoulder and find Kennedy half a step behind me. A look of determination is spread across her face, and I admire her tenacity. It’s the same look she wears when she’s fighting for her designs and her ideas.
Her gaze finds mine, eyebrow lifting, before darting past me. The sneaky woman was just biding her time.
“You going to race me, Golden Boy, or are you going to keep staring at my ass?” she shouts over her shoulder before taking off in a sprint.
“Oh, it’s on,” I mumble as I take off after her.
Wild curls break free from her bun as it bounces on the top of her head. Strong arms pump faster as her legs carry her farther down the beach. It doesn’t take me long before I’m catching up to her. Kennedy looks over her shoulder and squeals as I gain speed.
We’re nearing the end of the resort’s property, but it doesn’t stop Kennedy. As we approach the final cabana, she throws her arms in the air while shouting in victory. I can’t help but chuckle at the spectacle in front of me. With her pace slowing, Kennedy leans over and places her hands on her knees as she fights to catch her breath.
“Nice race, Firecracker. ”
“Thanks,” she says between gasps. “I didn’t think you’d be that fast.”
Placing my hands on top of my head, I smile down at her. “What, did you think I’d be too busy staring at your ass to catch up?”
“Honestly, yeah.” Moving past me, she walks inside the cabana before collapsing on one of the beds. I watch in fascination as her chest heaves and her eyes close. Without much thought, I make my way over to the bed and plop down beside her. Only the cabana bed isn’t very wide, and I land with half of my body on hers, which makes her laugh. Propping my head on my hand, I stare down at her, and almost instantly, there’s a shift in the air.
Tension swirls as her emerald gaze flares with desire. Leaning forward, my lips find hers, relishing her gasp that turns into a sigh as her hands wrap around my neck. Plunging my tongue inside her mouth, our tongues graze as my hand smooths up her thigh to her hip. Gently, I roll her body toward me until our fronts are flush. As I glide my hand over her hip to the apex of her thighs, a low moan escapes Kennedy’s lips.
“Trist,” she murmurs against my lips as my fingers graze her center.
“Ken.”
“I’m sweaty.”
“I don’t care.” Trailing my fingertips to the waistband of her shorts, I slip my hand beneath the fabric. Fuck, she’s not wearing any panties. My mouth finds hers again as my fingers slip between her slit. Back arching, she hums as I run my fingers back and forth through her pussy, causing her body to shudder. Kennedy’s soft hand grips me tighter, causing me to pause.
“Is this okay? ”
She nods. “Don’t stop, Trist. Please don’t stop.” Her words turn breathy as her chest heaves.
Fuck.
I move my hand from her shorts, and Ken lets out a deep, frustrated sigh. Chuckling, I press a gentle kiss to her lips before mumbling, “These need to go.” Her shoulders sag in relief as I snap the stretchy material against her skin, then trail my touch over the soft curve of her ass before I give her cheek a squeeze.
Rolling her over to her back, I leave a path of kisses and nips from her neck down to her sports-bra covered chest. Her body responds to every little sensation as I lick a path over the fabric of her bra. Flicking my tongue over the buttery material, she jolts at the friction against her stiff nipple. Sucking the peak into my mouth, I roll my tongue and feel it harden even more. With a pop, the material slips from my mouth as I slide down her stomach.
Gripping her waistband, I pull the tight shorts down her legs in one fluid motion, displaying her bare pussy.
“You’re so fucking perfect.”
Her cheeks pinken at the compliment.
“Let me see all of you,” I rasp.
Turning her head to the side, she bites her bottom lip, embarrassment flooding her features. Slowly, she widens her legs as she trails her fingers down her body. My eyes track her movements, all the way down to where she stops between her spread thighs. Cock twitching in my shorts, I watch her openly touch herself. Her arousal glistens as she coats her fingers before she spreads her pussy lips, giving me the full view I’m desperate for .
Never, in all the years I’ve known her, would I have imagined Kennedy to be so free in her sexuality. Honestly, it’s an even bigger turn-on. I’m fascinated as she draws circles around her clit, growing more aroused by the second. Unable to wait any longer, I kneel on the daybed between her spread legs and lean forward. Pushing her hands out of the way, I flick my tongue out and lick her from slit to clit. Both of us groan in relief.
“God, Ken,” I mumble against her skin. “I can’t get enough of you.”
With one last taste, I’m lifting onto my elbows, my eyes finding hers.
“Why’d you stop?” she asks breathily.
“Because this isn’t how I wanted our first time to be. You deserve better, Ken.”
A smile spreads across her perfect lips as she shakes her head. Her fingers run through my hair, and with a gentle tug, she forces me to look into her eyes again.
“Get out of your head, Nelson.” Her touch leaves my hair and trails down over my stubble before her delicate hand is cupping my jaw. “I don’t need perfect. I just need you.”
I just need you. My chest warms and my heart beats faster as I let those words sink in.
“Now,” she starts before pushing against my shoulder. “Roll over.”
Yes, ma’am.
With a hand wrapped around her waist, I switch our positions until I’m lying on my back against the canvas-covered mattress. Kennedy shifts her weight, her knees straddling my thighs and her bare pussy hovering over my lap .
“These need to go.” She repeats my earlier line as she grips my elastic waistband. I wiggle my hips, and she moves the material down my thighs. Fingertips dance over the ink of my tattoo, and I watch as she admires the design. When my cock twitches, she lets out a soft giggle.
“Someone is impatient.”
“Someone is leaking for you.”
A shy smile brightens her pretty face as she eyes me.
“Inside my wallet, there’s a condom.”
She nods before reaching behind her and feeling around for the wallet that’s in my back pocket. Removing the foil packet, she rips it open with her teeth before sliding the rubber down my aching dick.
Leaning forward, Kennedy grips my cock in her hand, and I swear her soft touch could have me coming right now. I’m embarrassed at how quickly this is going to be over. Hovering over my cock, she lines me up at her entrance before slowly sitting down.
“Goddamn, Ken. You feel so fucking good” I grit the words while gripping her hip and helping her take me. Inch by inch, her warm pussy swallows me. Her nails dig into my chest, breath catching, and the feeling is electric. I’d welcome that bite of pain any day as long as this is my view.
With her lip between her teeth, we both watch as she takes the rest of me with a roll of her hips.
“Oh god,” she cries out, back arching. “You feel so good.”
“Yeah, baby. So fucking good.” I run my hands up and down her thighs as she uses her hands to anchor herself to my chest, writhing on top of me. We’re both panting as we fight not to combust. She feels incredible, just like I knew she would .
Since arriving on this island, there’s been a shift between us. It’s become an easy routine to be in each other’s company. Along the way, we stopped bickering and embraced our attraction. Our banter became foreplay, and while playing with Kennedy, I fell for her.
Kennedy’s hands leave my chest as she pushes her sports bra up, exposing her perfect tits. As she rides my cock, she massages her breasts, tugging on her pebbled nipples. The sight is a goddamn dream. My grip tightens on her hips as she rocks back and forth, chasing her impending orgasm.
“Oh my god,” she calls out. “This feels so good. You feel so good, Tristan.”
“That’s it, Firecracker. Ride my cock like the good girl you are.”
My praise only spurs her on as her movements become sporadic. Her pussy clenches, her walls tightening around me. My thumb finds her clit as I circle the sensitive spot, applying pressure while she plays with her tits.
“I have never in my life been more turned on than I am right now, Ken. Watching you ride me, your perfect tits bouncing, your hair coming out of your hair tie. Everything about you is wild as you take what you need. You’re so goddamn perfect, Kennedy Reed. You’re so perfect and you’re so mine .”
She moans in response, riding me harder, and I continue encouraging her, even as I’m struggling to last. “That’s it, baby. You feel so fucking good.”
With my name on her lips, Kennedy’s orgasm rips through her as she moans and trembles. Easing the circles, I draw out every last ounce of her orgasm while she rides out her release. It only takes a few moments before I’m spilling into the condom with a deep groan, feeling like I’ve just been sent to heaven. She collapses forward, our sweat soaked skin sliding together as our chests heave.
“I could get used to that,” she says, sounding blissed out as we find a comfortable position.
“Coming on my dick?”
She shoves my chest and giggles. “No, well, I mean, yes, that too. But I mean waking up in paradise, working out on the beach together, and relaxing with the sounds of the waves as our soundtrack.”
Nuzzling my nose behind her ear, I place a gentle kiss below her earlobe. “I could get used to it too.”
“If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?” Her voice is soft, with a hint of exhaustion and curiosity as the random question comes out of nowhere. It’s one of the things I’m starting to adore about her. She never lets an awkward silence fall over us—not that there are many. The questions allow us to continue getting to know each other better.
Without hesitation, I reply, “In the woods on a lake. What about you?”
She nibbles on her lip as she stares ahead as the tide meets the sand. “I love the hustle of the city—the lights, the sounds, the chaos—but this is pretty nice too.”
It takes me a second to answer, my attention captivated by the beautiful woman lying in my arms. The words leave my mouth before I have a chance to second guess them. “We’ll just have to have two houses. A place in the city and a vacation home on a beach,” I say, as if it’s the simplest thing in the world .
Her head whips upward, her eyes finding mine already watching her as she blinks at me. “We?” she whispers, almost as if she’s afraid she misunderstood me.
A slow smile tips the corners of my mouth at the realization that I said we . Not you , not I . I can feel the weight of that two-letter word hanging in the air, but it doesn’t feel heavy. It feels…right.
“Yes, ‘we.’” I place a quick peck to her lips, that’re still slightly parted from shock. “The city life suits you. We can work there and find a nice cabin on a quiet lake for when we need an escape.”
Her gaze drops to where her fingers are lazily drawing shapes on my chest. “I didn’t think you’d include me in your dream.”
Slipping a finger under her chin, I tilt her head. “This isn’t just a fling for me, Ken.” My admission comes out low as my heart pounds hard. “Can’t really imagine my dreams without you now.”
Her eyes search mine, and I hope the sincerity of my words is reflected in them. For the briefest of moments, I’m worried I overstepped. After all, I am waiting for her to catch up to my feelings. But then her lips curl into the softest smile as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, snuggling herself closer in my arms.
“As long as you promise I can have a huge dock for my boat,” I say, breaking the enchanted spell Kennedy seems to put me in.
“Oh, of course,” she mocks. “Whatever Prince Nelson wants.”
My fingers shift from where they were running up and down her back to skimming her side. Before she has a chance to see it coming, I find just the right spot to tickle her, pulling a squeal from her lips. Punishment for being such a smartass .
“Fine. Fine,” she relents with breathless laughter. I pause my fingers as her giggles fill the space. “But only if you promise I can have a rooftop patio with an oversized lounger.”
“Deal,” I say, grinning. “I’m pretty sure I’ll give you anything you want, Firecracker.”
She hums in amusement, like she’s pondering what else she could ask for. My fingers tickle her side again, her laugh bubbling out before I stop and stare down at her. When our eyes lock, they’re full of warmth and happiness.
In this moment, the world seems quieter. Both of us dreaming of a future neither one of us thought possible.