Chapter 15 #2
“Only because I still have it—borrowed, technically.” Sometimes she’d purposefully not worn a sweater around Wade so he’d feel bad for her and give her his, an excuse for her to smell his scent, of course.
“How many other sweaters of mine do you have?” He shifted, closing the small distance between them.
“If we’re counting the ones you forgot at our house and those you loaned me…” She tapped her finger on her chin. “Let me include the T-shirts too actually—I’ve not kept track.”
His arm draped over her shoulders, his thumb tracing slow, absent patterns on her bare arm. His touch frazzled her attempts to focus on anything else. “You used to tell me so many things.” His gaze drifted to the fluid colors of the horizon. “Your fears and dreams.”
He was always a good listener. Albert was a good listener, but she’d wanted to talk to Wade, especially things she couldn’t tell her brother. “You should’ve told me I talked too much.”
“It was tolerable.” His tone dipped lower, more reflective. “More than tolerable.”
Toby reappeared from wherever he’d wandered, moving seamlessly around them, snapping photos without interrupting. He captured the scenery, their casual interactions, and fleeting moments without asking them to pose.
Their conversation drifted to dreams—those fulfilled and those still out of reach.
Wade of all people was aware she hadn’t been cut out for college.
She’d called him while he was already in college and asked him for help with essay writing.
Albert helped her in math. “A year in trade school improved the skills I needed for my dream career.” Good thing designing jewelry didn’t require too much brainpower.
Wade’s brow furrowed. “Have you ever thought about opening your own jewelry shop? Your work deserves to stand on its own, not get tucked away in a gift shop.”
“I prefer someone else handling the selling.” Now more than ever. “I want to focus on designing. Besides, crafting even one piece is a challenge with everything going on.” He knew the demands of their current life as parents.
His expression softened. “We’ll figure out a way to give you time to create.”
She wasn’t sure what that meant, but his conviction made her heart skip. More photos clicked as they spoke, the last rays of sunlight painting the horizon in golden hues.
Then Toby broke their flow. “Okay, guys, it’s time for the sunset honeymoon kiss.”
Wade brushed his lips to the top of her head, and his kiss lingered long enough to steal her breath. His fingers trailed along her jaw, and her eyes fluttered closed as she drew in a shaky breath. At his touch and the press of his lips, goose bumps rippled over her skin.
The moment ended. She felt cold, emptier. She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.
“Here.” Wade slid off his shirt and draped it over her shoulders. The fabric carried his warmth, his scent, blanketing her once more.
When they returned to the yacht, she absorbed the details of Liberation.
She’d been exhausted yesterday, and their rushed lunch hadn’t allowed her time to explore.
Now, she noticed the expansive living room with plush seating that flowed into a sleek, modern galley.
A corridor lined with doors led to other rooms, while one staircase ascended to the observation deck and another descended to the luxurious lower suites.
Wade guided her down the lit hallway that led to her cabin.
Was his as spacious as hers, with the same breathtaking views?
The thought spiraled into something more intimate: What if Liberation had been a tiny boat?
What if there’d been only one bed, forcing them to share?
Heat crept up her neck at the vivid image, and she barely registered when Wade stopped walking.
“This is your berth.” His voice cut through her thoughts. He stepped behind her, his moist breath making her aware of his presence. “In case it’s confusing.”
“Thanks.” She barely managed a squeak. She turned too quickly and bumped into his chest, her palms catching the cotton of his T-shirt. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay.” He edged back. But the space didn’t stop her gaze from rising to his lips. She wanted him to kiss her without pretense or audience.
“If you need anything”—his hand rubbed the back of his neck—“there’s a phone on the nightstand.”
“Nightstand,” she repeated, breathless. She’d seen it earlier but couldn’t recall its existence now.
“Good night, wife.” His voice was a caress. Though the word wife was playful, she liked the way it sounded from him.
Then he turned. “And, Cupcake? Don’t forget the sunrise tomorrow. Toby’s photos.” He dipped his head to meet her eye. “I’ll wake you. Get some rest.”
When she settled into bed, the plush mattress cocooned her.
She stared at the ceiling, replaying the day.
Somehow, her life had taken a wild turn.
She married Wade Stone, the man of her fantasies and probably a thousand other women’s dreams. As she drifted to sleep, he appeared in her dreams, and they weren’t exactly G-rated.
A knock jolted her awake. Early morning light streamed through sheer curtains, casting a glow across the room. She slipped her silk robe over her matching pajama shorts and shirt, the fabric cool and smooth against her skin.
When she opened the door, Wade was leaning against the doorjamb in gray sweatpants and a navy sweatshirt that perfectly fit his athletic frame.
His tousled hair almost begged her fingers to comb through it.
The shadow along his jaw gave him a rugged, attractive edge, and his attention made her heart skip a beat.
“Sleep well?”
Her cheeks heated. “Really well.”
“Ready for the shoot?”
“Just… give me a second.”
She hurried to brush her teeth and fluff her hair, then threw on a cardigan over her pajama top before slipping into a pair of sweatpants.
When she returned, his gaze tracked her every movement as they emerged onto the deck.
The cool morning breeze greeted them, and a faint dawn painted the horizon.
Toby, already set up with his camera, grinned. Claire waved and asked if he had a good night.
“I slept very well, Mrs. Stone, thank you.” Toby cleared his throat. “Okay, guys. Let’s make this photo count. Exactly what a newly married couple should look like.”
“What do you think we’ve been doing this whole time, Toby?” Wade teased. “But don’t worry, though. We’ll give the grand finale.”
Claire wasn’t sure what Wade meant, but she followed him across the deck.
He spread a blanket over a bench facing the water, then gestured for her to join him. “Come get warm.” He held the blanket open like a cape. When she hesitated, he tugged her onto his lap and wrapped the blanket around them both. His arms circled her, holding her snug.
This was a new level of intimacy.
“We have to look convincing.” His breath caressed her cheek, and his body heat sent a shiver down her spine.
She watched the sunrise through him. It cast a golden glow across his face, his brown eyes. Her heart thundered so he must be hearing it, or was it his heart? He, too, wasn’t looking at the horizon. His hand moved to her neck, his fingers tracing circles that drew her closer.
“This is our last honeymoon photo.” He released a strained breath. “We have to make it count.”
Her breath caught, and her lips hovered near his. “I… I agree.”
Their lips met, soft and hesitant at first, but as he deepened the kiss, the world faded. His hand slid to her back, securing her against him as her fingers curled into his sweatshirt. His kiss, possessive, yet gentle and consuming, left her breathless and aching for more.
When they broke apart, their breaths mingled in the quiet space between them. Wade’s brown eyes—alight like fire agate—searched hers, unguarded and raw. Love, desire, and something unspoken flickered in his gaze, and her heart ached in ways she hadn’t anticipated.
“Claire…” He hesitated, catching her between the words he wanted to say and the ones he couldn’t. Then his gaze drifted to the sea, his jaw tightening. “We should get going.”
Her heart sank as reality shadowed her. She knew what he meant—this was temporary. He had his life waiting in LA, and she had hers in Pleasant View with Bella and Dad.
The honeymoon was over, and nothing had ever felt so bittersweet.