That One Summer: A Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romance

Chapter 6

Zara

At dinner that night, Brad asks me if I’d like to join him on his various adventures.

“I mean, I know I signed up for them thinking I’d be alone, and no pressure whatsoever, but it would be really fun with you by my side.”

“Like as a couple?” My cheeks grow hot from my dumb question. Zara, really? Word vomit much? “Or...or...as friends.” I stammer.

Brad laughs and there’s a gleam in his eye. “It doesn’t matter. No one has to know if we’re a couple or just friends. So why put a label on it?”

“Good point. It was a stupid question on my part.”

“I know you’ve heard no question is stupid. You are a teacher after all.”

I laugh. “Well...there are some...” I trail off and he throws his head back and laughs.

We spend the rest of our dinner talking and laughing, the conversation endless and easy. It just flows. My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing and when he asks if I want to take a sunset walk on the beach, I don’t hesitate to say yes.

Over the next few days, we spent all our time together. From sunrise swims to poolside and drinking, to dinner and late-night walks.

We went swimming with the dolphins one afternoon and it was the most fun I’ve ever had. We laughed so much our sides hurt. Later that day, we both got massages and told each other lame jokes as the masseuse rubbed us down with oil. We finished the evening with a sunset cruise.

In between the busy activities, we’d relax on the beach or at the pool. It’s been heavenly.

Brads like a best friend I’ve known my whole life. Conversation is easy and comfortable. Besides his infectious personality, he made me realize there’s so much more to life outside of Savannah, Georgia. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.

It’s now Friday, I’ve been here six blissful days, and Brad is leaving on Monday. I try not to think about it. I don’t want my blissful days to end. Instead, I want to enjoy him while I can.

And I plan to do just that tonight.

On the booze cruise.

I pick out the prettiest sundress I brought with me, curl my hair for the first time since being here, and spend some time on my makeup.

Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I slide on some red lipstick. Brad hasn’t seen me this dressed up and I find myself wanting to impress him.

Cilla: Girl, if you don’t get laid tonight after being on a booze cruise together, I’ll come down there myself, strip you both naked, and throw you in bed together.

Lily: Now you’ve really gone off the deep end, Cil.

These two kill me.

Zara: Why don’t you worry about your own vagina, Cil? ;)

Cilla: Oh, trust me, I do.

Lily: As soon as I read the word vagina, I checked out of this conversation.

Zara: Love you ladies.

I power off my phone and head downstairs to meet Brad.

* * *

Heat rushes betweenmy legs as soon as I lay eyes on Brad all cleaned up. My step falters and he smirks. But it’s quickly replaced by his mouth dropping open. He whistles low.

“Damn, Z. You look amazing.” He takes my hand and spins me around. “I’m in trouble tonight.”

I grin. The way he’s looking at me has me melting into a puddle on the floor. On top of that, when he calls me Z, I’m fucking puddy in his hands.

Do whatever the hell you want to me.

My skin grows hot from head to toe. I need a drink stat.

“You don’t look so shabby yourself, sir.” I allow my eyes to run over him, his black Dickies shorts tight in all the right places. His polo shirt, a deep blue color, highlights his tanned skin and outlines the ab muscles beneath. With his hair combed to the side, a thin gold chain around his neck, and his aviator sunglasses, I want to jump all over him.

“I tried my best.” Brad holds out his arm for me to slide mine through. “Let’s go get wasted.”

Yes, please. Then take me back to your room and on a trip through pound town. Or maybe several trips...

I laugh at myself. Have I turned into Cilla or am I just that horny?

“What’s so funny?”

Shit, I didn’t think he heard me.

“Nothing. Just happy to be here.”

“No one is happier than me that you’re here.”

“I can agree there.”

We both laugh.

The night begins on the boat, where drinks are immediately shoved in our hands, and loud music plays. The ship takes us to another nearby island in the Keys where a large buffet of food is set up.

We eat and talk and drink some more. I’m afraid I’ve eaten so much shrimp cocktail, they’ll have to roll me back onto the ship.

“Ugh.” I groan and lean back in my seat. “I’m so full.”

“I’m getting there. It’s all so delicious.” Brad wipes his mouth with his napkin before taking his next bite. “Probably should leave some wiggle room for more drinks but damn, it’s too good.”

“There’s always room for drinks.”

“Isn’t it dessert? Or ice cream?”

“Mm, always ice cream.”

“Ice cream is one of my favorites, too. Any flavor. Always hits the spot.”

“Yes. But not any flavor. Nuts? No thank you.” I say as I play with the straw in my glass.

“What’s wrong with nuts?” Brad smirks and I catch the devilish grin in his eyes.

“Certain kinds are okay, but I don’t love them in my ice cream.”

“Damn, there goes my idea for later.”

I almost choke on my drink. Even the tips of my ears are flaming hot.

“And what idea was that?” I flirt back.

He downs the last of his drink and licks his lips. I watch as his tongue glides over so effortlessly and I wonder what it would feel like running along my skin....

Brad leans closer, our faces mere inches from each other and his eyes grow heavy, the lids drooping. A dull throb begins between my legs, and I squeeze them tight in hopes it stops.

He’s going to kiss me...

He’s going to...

A loud horn sounds and we both jump. I clutch at my chest and breathe out. “Shit, that scared me!”

Brad chuckles. “Honestly, me too.”

“It’s now time to make your way back to the boat. We’ll be departing in twenty minutes. Thank you.” A male voice announces.

Damn horn. Ruined the moment.

“You ready to go? Or do you want to grab some dessert?” Brad asks.

“How about we get some to take with us?”

“Perfect.”

At the dessert table, we pack up two slices of cake and get another drink. On the boat, we find a booth to sit at but it’s not long before the music plays and people dance. Another Congo line forms, and two hosts of the party walk around with bottles of liquor and pour shots directly into people’s mouths.

It’s wild and insane but it’s so much fun. We down shot after shot as we dance in the Congo line. Brad buys us drink after drink and soon, everything around starts to spin.

The warmth, the pulse of the music, the humid tropical air, all of it mixes in with my hazy thoughts and sloppy movements but damn does it feel good.

To let loose without a care.

To dance until the wee hours of the morning.

To drink so much you don’t remember shit.

Except eventually you do remember.

You remember exactly when his lips found yours and down, down, down you fell...