The Mistletoe Promise (The Wishing Tree)

4. Frankie

FOUR

FRANKIE

Watching her walk around in a tiny fucking bikini has been driving me insane. I was surprised to see her as we were boarding the flight. Amanda’s always been gorgeous. I may have been married, but it didn’t make me blind. Amanda has heavy breasts, long legs that go on for miles. She’s drop dead gorgeous and captivating.

I can't help but watch her as she emerges from the crystal-clear water, droplets cascading down her body. The sun glints off her wet skin. I try not to stare, but it's a losing battle.

"See something you like?" she asks with a smirk as she plops down onto the sun lounger beside me.

She has no idea the game that she’s playing. I let my eyes roam deliberately over her curves, taking in every glistening inch before meeting her gaze.

"As a matter of fact, I do," I reply, my voice low and husky.

Amanda's cheeks flush pink, but she holds my stare. "Oh really? And what might that be?"

I lean in closer, close enough to catch the scent of salt and coconut sunscreen on her skin. "You know exactly what, Kitten."

She shivers slightly at the pet name, her eyes darkening. "Frankie..." she starts, but trails off as I reach out to brush a damp strand of hair from her face.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Amanda," I murmur, letting my fingers trail down her cheek.

She leans into my touch, her breath catching. "Maybe I like danger," she whispers.

The tension between us is electric. I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless. But I hold back, knowing we're in full view of the other beachgoers.

"Careful what you wish for," I warn, my voice rough with desire. "You might just get it."

Amanda's tongue darts out to wet her lips, drawing my gaze. "Promise?" she asks, a challenge in her eyes.

Before I can respond, we're interrupted by a cheerful voice calling out, "There you are!"

We both jump slightly, turning to see Amanda’s brothers approaching. Both of them watching us with assessing gazes. Jaxon works for me, and has done for the past two months, he’s great at his job, and since taking him on, I’ve been able to take on more clients.

"I've been looking all over for you," Kieran tells us. "Dad's organizing a sunset cruise for tonight. You're both coming, right?"

I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. "Sorry, sounds good, but I’ve already got plans," I manage to say, shooting a quick glance at Amanda.

She's sitting up straighter now, her cheeks still flushed. "Aww damn. Maybe another time? I’ve got a massage booked for this evening at the spa," she says, her voice a little higher than usual. "I did tell Dad this morning."

Jaxon looks between us, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Is everything okay? You look flustered."

Amanda laughs, a touch too brightly. "Oh, you know, just too much sun probably. Maybe I should go cool off in the water again."

She stands up abruptly, avoiding my gaze. "I'll see you both later," she says, before hurrying back towards the ocean.

Jaxon watches her go, then turns to me with a raised eyebrow. "Okay, what the hell is going on with you two?"

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Nothing,” I tell him. Nothing yet. “She’s been through a lot.”

I watch Amanda's retreating form, admiring the sway of her hips as she walks back toward the water. Jaxon clears his throat, pulling my attention back to him.

"Nothing, huh?" he says, his tone skeptical. "Because it sure as hell doesn't look like nothing."

I meet his gaze steadily. "Look, Jaxon, I know you're protective of your sister. But she's a grown woman who can make her own decisions."

Kieran, who's been quiet up until now, speaks up. "True, but she's also vulnerable right now. After what happened with Aaron and our mom..." He trails off, shaking his head.

I feel a flash of anger at the mention of Amanda's ex-fiancé and her mother. What they did to her was unforgivable. "I would never hurt her like that," I say firmly. I’m not fucking like that. I’d never treat anyone that way.

Jaxon sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I know you wouldn't, Frankie. But you have to admit, this is fucking complicated."

I nod, acknowledging the truth in his words. Not only are we both coming out of relationships, fucked up relationships, there’s also the complication that my step-daughter is her best friend, not to mention there’s a fourteen year age-gap between us. "I know it is. But I care about Amanda."

The brothers exchange a look. Finally, Kieran speaks. "Just be careful, okay? Both of you. We don't want to see either of you get hurt."

"I appreciate your concern," I tell them sincerely. "But like I said, Amanda can make her own decisions. And so can I."

Jaxon nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Fair enough. Just tread carefully, alright?"

I give him a wry smile. "Always do."

As the brothers walk away, I turn my gaze back to the ocean. Amanda is waist-deep in the water, her back to the shore. The sunlight glints off her wet skin, and I feel a surge of desire so strong it almost takes my breath away.

I stand up, decision made. I've spent too long denying my feelings, hiding behind excuses and obligations. Now, with nothing holding me back, I'm done waiting.

I make my way down to the water's edge, my eyes never leaving Amanda's form. As I wade in, she turns, sensing my approach. Her eyes widen slightly as she takes me in.

"Frankie," she says, her voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the waves. "What are you doing?"

I don't stop until I'm standing right in front of her, close enough to see the droplets of water clinging to her eyelashes. "Something I should have done a long time ago," I murmur.

Before she can respond, I cup her face in my hands and kiss her. For a moment, she's still, frozen in surprise. Then, with a soft moan, she melts into me, her arms wrapping around my neck as she kisses me back just as hard. The taste of salt on her lips mingles with the sweetness that is uniquely Amanda, and I'm instantly addicted.

I pull her closer, one hand sliding down to the small of her back while the other tangles in her wet hair. The water laps around us.

Amanda breaks the kiss first, gasping for air. Her eyes are wide, pupils dilated with desire as she looks up at me. "Frankie," she breathes, her voice husky. "We shouldn't..."

I lean my forehead against hers, unwilling to let her go just yet. "Do you want me to stop?" I ask, searching her eyes.

She bites her lip, indecision warring on her face. Then, slowly, she shakes her head. "No," she whispers. "I don't."

I smile, relief and desire coursing through me. "Then don't overthink it," I murmur, brushing my lips against hers again. "Just feel."

This time when I kiss her, there's no hesitation. Amanda meets me with equal passion, her body pressing against mine as the waves gently rock us. Her hands roam my chest and back, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

My cock is thick and hard, I can’t hold back any longer. I need her. I slide my hand between us, pushing aside her panties and sliding my finger into her pussy. I groan at the tight wet warmth that surrounds my digits.

"God, you're so wet for me already," I growl. Christ, she feels so fucking good.

“Please,” I hear her ragged whisper. “Please, Frankie.”

I chuckle, loving the way she’s reacting to me. "Patience, Kitten. You’ve been driving me crazy since we arrived here. There’s no way that I’m going to rush this."

My thumb circles her clit as I slowly slide another finger inside of her. She bites her lip, her nails digging into my shoulders as she wraps her legs around my waist.

"That's it," I growl, my voice rough with desire. "Let me make you feel good."

"Frankie," she gasps, she’s close, I can feel it.. "I'm going to-"

"Come for me, Amanda," I growl, curling my finger so that I hit that perfect spot.

Amanda's body shudders against mine as she climaxes, her inner walls clenching around my fingers. I hold her close, supporting her as the waves of pleasure wash over her.

"That's it, Kitten," I murmur, pressing soft kisses to her neck. "You're so beautiful when you come."

She clings to me, her breathing ragged. "Frankie," she whispers, her voice filled with wonder and desire. "God that felt so good. I’ve wanted to do that since the flight." She swipes her tongue along her bottom lip. “I want to feel you.”

I pull back slightly to look into her eyes. "Me too," I admit. "But we can't do this here."

Amanda nods, understanding. We're still in full view of the beach, even if the water provides some cover. "My room?" she suggests, a mischievous glint in her eye.

I grin, loving this playful side of her. "Lead the way."

We make our way out of the water, trying to look casual as we gather our things. I drape a towel around Amanda's shoulders, using it as an excuse to pull her close and whisper in her ear.

"I can't wait to taste every inch of you."

She shivers, her eyes darkening with renewed desire. "Then what are we waiting for?"

Damn, I can’t wait to taste her, to fuck her, watching her come in the ocean was magnificent, I can only imagine how good it’ll be when I’m balls deep inside of her.