5. Capri
5
CAPRI
“I’m so glad you listened to me and wore that bikini. Your boobs look amazing!”
I feel uncomfortable. Like I stuffed too many marshmallows in a s’more and they’re spilling out.
Delicious picture, nonetheless.
Collie convinced me to wear the cheekiest bikini, and when I say cheekiest, I mean thong.
Riding up my asshole, cheeks flapping in the wind—thong.
I’ve never worn a thong bikini in my life. I silently thank the stars above that I’m naturally tan, my dad’s Cuban heritage having my back on this one. My ass hasn’t seen the sunshine in any capacity, I think…ever.
My hips are curvy, and my chest is fuller than the pain in my back would like, especially now, leaving me feeling wildly exposed.
Thankfully, the front is high-waisted, providing me with a decent amount of coverage.
“I’m spilling out of my top, Cols,” I murmur, checking myself out in the mirror. I attempt to adjust the lilac bikini under my knitted cover-up, but there’s no point. The girls are ready to come out and play.
“You’re twenty-six, Capri. Not eighty and a shuffleboard champion. You look hot,” she says, ever my hype woman.
I think the hardest part about being young and divorced is that I spent years thinking my life would turn out one way and the other becoming my reality. Now, I’m back to square one. Back to thinking I need to look presentable if I hope to meet someone someday.
Pajamas and sweats won’t get me very far.
I realize it’s time I embrace my new life. Find my confidence again.
That’s what this trip is for, after all. Taking risks.
“You’re saying I should let the girls be free and not give a shit?” I ask Collie, smiling at her suggestion.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” She grins. “When we get on the boat, order a cocktail, find a lounge chair, and hope like hell beautiful Italian men are onboard.”
I smile, internally trying to hype myself up. “Fine. But if I have a nip slip, it’s on you.”
“Never have I ever met anyone that complained about a nip slip.” Collie squeals in excitement. “Eeeeek. Grottos, here we come!”
Time to build that confidence.
* * *
“Collie, lovely to see you. You look incredible,” a beautiful Italian man calls for my sister, blowing her a kiss from afar.
We approach the entrance of the yacht, greeted by two men with smiles and matching shades.
I whisper to Collie, “What are they, thing one and thing two?”
She hits my side. “Behave. They’re a lot of fun.” Then directs her attention to the handsome men and smiles brightly. “Hi, boys. This is my sister, Capri.”
Thankfully, my sunglasses conceal my inspection of the two men. One man, introduced as Romeo, is tall and lean with jet black hair and a black lip ring. The other, Luca, is just as tall as Romeo but with neatly-styled dirty blond hair and a classier vibe.
Both vastly different and equally handsome.
“Ciao, Capri. It’s wonderful to meet you.” Romeo pulls me in for a hug and kisses my cheek. “What great genes you beautiful sisters have.”
Charming, too.
“Thank you for having us. This is stunning,” I tell him, my eyes taking in the largest boat I’ve ever seen.
The luxury yacht is at least one hundred feet in length, pearl white in color with a cobalt blue stripe across the center. The class of it glistens against the blue crisp of the clear water.
Tommy’s Oasis. Must be symbolic.
The two men nod. “Let’s get you ladies on board.”
Luca and Romeo lead us up the grand entrance of the yacht, and I find myself in awe of the obvious wealth.
From the entrance, I notice a clear-bottom pool nestled on the bow of the ship, bars stacked with bartenders on every corner for easy convenience, high-end white leather seating, and overstuffed loungers planted across the deck with two infinity hot tubs off each side. The yacht screams elegance.
How is this our life right now?
Upon boarding, we’re greeted by a waiter offering us tasty drink options. “Bere?”
The hospitality in this city is unmatched.
Lucky for us, the options are three of our favorites: lemon spritz, a drink I’ve learned is a staple in Capri, spicy margaritas with fresh jalapeno and Tajin on the rim, and glasses of bubbling prosecco.
One of each and keep them comin’.
“I’ll take a prosecco, please,” I tell the waiter at the same time Collie replies, “I’ll take a spicy marg.”
“Come on, we’ll show you the pool and introduce you to the big boss,” Romeo says, leading us toward the pool area where two other couples are casually wrapped around each other.
We follow the men, taking in the beauty of the Mediterranean views around us. God, to wake up and this be the first thing you see in the morning sounds too good to be true. Not a bad day in sight.
“Is this your company?” Collie asks the guys. I notice Romeo has yet to take his eyes off my sister. This should be interesting because Luca is looking at her the same way.
Romeo smiles wide, wrapping his arm around Collie in a friendly gesture. “It’s our buddy’s. We help run the show, but he’s the man in charge,” Luca answers, leading us across the long stretch of pale wood decking.
I didn’t expect this to be a private yacht, but it’s clear the owner limits the number of people on board at a time. There are a handful of other couples along with us, creating a very low-key and relaxing environment.
My body buzzes with an excitement I can’t explain.
I can’t wait to get some sun and detox the last five years of my life.
We make it to the far side of the boat and approach a tall man with his back toward us, tending the bar for the couple in front of him. “Boss man,” Romeo barks, causing the man to turn.
And holy hell, if it isn’t the candy man himself.
It’s Jones. The man I never expected to see again.
“Ladies, this is Jones Archer, the owner of Archer Chartering and the man lucky enough to have us on his team,” Romeo announces, pointing at he and Luca with a smirk.
Greetings surround me, but I pay no attention. Not when this day just took a very unexpected turn.
Jones Archer.
Goddamnit, I didn’t want to know his full name.
You would think Jones would have something snarky to say in response to Romeo’s jab, but he makes no effort to entertain him, his sights solely on me.
I find myself searching the entrance we came through, likely finding a reason to run. But lucky for me, we’re no longer anchored, already over twenty feet from shore.
It’s fine. Everything will be fine. I can handle this.
“Capri,” that deep voice points me out, and I swear I feel my heart freeze.
“Oh, shit. You two know each other?” Luca asks, eyes searching between us.
I don’t think, just respond, “Nope,” at the same time Jones answers, “You bet, we do.”
“Oh, this is gold.” Collie giggles, and I fight off the urge to push her in the pool.
Big mouth. She just put two and two together. Yay me.
“Perfect then, no need for further introductions. Ladies, make yourselves at home. The seas await.” I can’t tell if Romeo is just a really nice guy or trying to pull out all the stops to impress Collie.
Good luck with that. Collie is not easily impressed. She’s a free bird that never sits still.
I do everything I can not to look at Jones. I feel him staring at me, and I like it more than I care to admit. This is such a strange position to be in. Technically, I don’t know Jones. We met once and talked about candy; that’s it. But something about meeting him felt different, like it was a pivotal moment, and I wouldn’t realize it until time played out. There’s no way I could possibly have a connection with someone after a short encounter like that.
“I’ll be in the pool!” Collie yells, sauntering to the edge, taking off her dress and plunging into the water.
Romeo and Luca aren’t far behind her.
Leaving me with?—
“Capri.” There he is. Except, he feels closer than before.
I turn my head, sending him a small smile. “Jones.” I can’t avoid him. I don’t think I even want to, but he makes me nervous. Like he can see through me and knows the effect he has on me.
Which is likely why he grins and takes a step, putting him less than a foot away. Oh, he definitely knows what he’s doing. “What are the chances?” he asks, a sexy smirk playing across his face.
Jones is handsome—uncharted territory handsome.
His Adam’s apple is prominent, and the stubble that lingers across his cheeks resembles sandpaper. I can imagine it stirring up a glorious sensation between my thighs.
Where the fuck did that thought come from?
“Small world, I guess,” I say like the actual grandma I am.
Small world? I could at least try to be a little sexier. After all, I’ll never see this man again. I’ve got nothing to lose.
Shut down the nerves, Capri.
I need to channel my inner Collie.
“Promising, I’d say.” Jones crosses his arms at his chest, and his eyes look me up and down. The board shorts he’s wearing hug his firm thighs so tight, if I was a better woman I’d suggest he change—I’m not.
Jones Archer is all man.
Muscles consume places I never knew muscles could form. His forearms are corded with strong tendons and bulging veins. His rich brown hair is tossed to perfection, likely taking little to no effort for it to look this good.
I can tell just by looking at Jones’ physique that he’s not afraid to rough it. I mean, what yacht owner do you ever see tending the bar for their customers? Not that I frequent yachts, but I’d guess none.
“So, this baby yours?” I ask him, changing the subject and walking around to further admire the boat.
“It is. It was my father’s and now it’s mine,” Jones admits.
That’s surprisingly sweet.
“I love that,” I reply, skimming my hand along the smooth wood railing. “Seems like a big job, though.”
Jones laughs, rubbing the stubble on his chin. “You have no idea. I never imagined this would be my life, but here I am.” He chuckles. “It’s given me a pretty great one, though.”
I take a sip of my prosecco and digest his words. Jones seems fairly young to have a company of this caliber. My gut tells me there’s more to that story. But he should be proud because this thing is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
I walk closer to where Collie, Romeo, and Luca are hanging out by the pool, and Jones follows quietly behind me, letting me explore.
“So, where are we sailing to?” I ask him, turning around to find his tall frame crowding my space. “Oh,” I whisper, startled by his closeness.
His smirk is deadly for my reservation. “We’ll sail along the coast. Get close to the Blue Grottos and Marina Piccola . We can swim in the caves or tour the private beach. Whatever you’d like.” He shrugs like it’s no problem at all.
Jones may only be thirty-nine, but he’s seasoned. I can see that firsthand. There’s a maturity to him that most men don’t find until their fifties or sixties. That’s if they find it at all.
He’s mature and confident. It’s sexy as hell.
I’ve always been attracted to a man who is successful, knows what he wants, and makes no apologies for taking it.
Something Drew never was and something I can already tell Jones is.
“Sounds like something I’d be a fool to say no to,” I admit.
“I’d beg you if you did.” His wicked grin makes me feel things. Things I’m not sure I’m fully prepared for.
He’s forward, too. Love that for me.
I giggle, playing off his comment. Just when I think he might be done, Jones turns to me and says, “There’s something about you I can’t quite figure out.”
My brows rise. “Um, in a good way or bad way?”
Please say good.
“In a good way. Maybe it’s just that I wasn’t expecting you.”
My stomach drops. “I’m sorry, I told Collie I wouldn’t come if I wasn’t invi?—”
He touches my arm softly. “No, that’s not it. I meant yesterday. Meeting you caught me by surprise. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you, Capri. And that’s something I’ve never experienced.”
“You’ve never thought about a woman before?” I tease.
He chuckles. “More like, I’ve never been so lost in a woman I just met.”
My stomach flutters, and a thrill runs through me at his declaration. Jones has been thinking of me .
“Was it my ability to eat mini jawbreakers like a pro?” I smile.
His hand runs down the length of my forearm, making a soft circle on my wrist. I didn’t even realize he never let go. “That and how fucking beautiful you looked in that already bright room.”
“Jones,” I warn him. “You know I’m only here for a week, right?”
He shrugs, not seeming to be bothered. “I didn’t, but that’s okay. I just want to spend time with you, Capri. I mean, what are the chances we’d run into each other again?”
I laugh. “I’d say pretty slim.” My stomach is now in knots.
“Then let’s not worry about a week from now. Be with me today.”
When he says things like that, I lose my ability to think. He has no idea how complicated I am—what I’m recovering from.
I’m in no place emotionally to fall for someone. Hell, I can’t even tell you where I see myself next year.
“Be with you today? What does that even mean?” I ask, giggling softly.
Jones steps closer, putting him just a breath away as he tucks a fallen curl behind my ear. “Let me enjoy you. However I see fit.”
Good god. This was not a part of the plan. But I told Collie I’d fuck the plans. So, now there are no plans except the offer coming from a man I’m almost positive knows his way around a woman’s body better than I know my own.
Can I really do this? Give my body to someone I just met and keep my heart out of it?
Lost in the potential of bliss, I cast him a small smile. “I can’t offer you anything more than that, Jones. My life is messy.”
“I’m good with messy things. In fact, it’s where I excel the most.” He smirks.
“Be serious here.” I look down as a mix of nervousness and excitement overcomes me.
Jones brings his hand to my chin and slowly lifts my head. “I expect nothing from you after this, Capri. I’m just not sure I can watch you walk away without exploring this feeling. I had no idea I’d see you again.”
“Is that your way of saying you want to fuck me, Jones?”
I surprise myself with my forwardness.
“Fuck,” he groans. “As frank and insane as it may sound, yes. I want to fuck you. More than anything, I’m not ashamed to admit it.”
My body races with heat. “We just met.” I’m not sure who I’m trying to convince that this is wrong.
There’s that gorgeous smirk again. “We did. More reason this will work. Zero expectations. Zero strings. Just us.”
I’m becoming more and more convinced. It’s been too long since I’ve felt anything remotely close to pleasure, and my body craves human touch. From the way my core is already responding to Jones’ hands on me, I know our connection will be hot as hell.
However, I’m a little rusty.
It’s time to be brave, risk the consequences, and say yes.
I mean, what do I have to lose?
Taking a deep breath, I respond, “Okay. I’m in. Although, fair warning…I’m no pro at this. You have your work cut out for you, Captain.”
Jones groans, pressing his body against mine, and I’d be surprised if everyone else on the boat isn’t watching our unusual encounter play out.
I can’t find it in myself to care because his meticulously carved chest presses against mine as he leans to whisper in my ear, “I’m no stranger to hard work, sweetheart. Put me to the test.”
His warm breath causes goosebumps to flood across my skin. He smells like tobacco and cypress. The smell is invigorating and the manliest scent I’ve ever had the pleasure of being consumed by.
I could get lost in him. Possibly lose myself in the process.
I’ve never been with a man with no strings. I’m not sure I’m built to keep my feelings out of it. Especially with the effect he already seems to have on me.
I need to guard my heart.
I smile, turning to toss my bag on the chair nearby and running my hands through my curls. “Think I’m gonna go for a swim,” I say, loud enough for only Jones to hear. “You can start when you’re ready.” I wink, hoping he doesn’t waste time.
Jones nods, his eyes never leaving mine, and I see the haze of lust beginning to cloud his vision. He got my acceptance, and now he’s waiting to pounce—to put his big, strong hands on me.
What a sensation those hands will be.
Jones stays silent, waiting on my next move while I call out to my sister, “How’s the water, Cols?”
She smiles, sipping her margarita between Romeo and Luca. “Amazing! Come get in!”
“I’m coming!” Hopefully more than once later.
“Take it off, Capri. Let me see what I have to look forward to,” Jones murmurs breathlessly from behind me.
My hands reach the hem of my cover-up, and I pull it over my head, revealing my tiny, triangular bikini.
“Jesus fuck.”
I grin. It’s intoxicating to know he likes what he sees. A feeling I haven’t felt in a very long time.
“Like what you see, Captain?” I adjust my top, and it only makes my breasts sway back and forth, struggling to hold themselves in.
Great choice on the bikini, Collie.
“Nah, I don’t actually. You should take it off.” He smirks, lips stretching wide.
And he’s got wit. This should be fun.
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” I tilt my head.
He doesn’t hesitate. “Mmm, more than you know. Now, get that pretty ass out there so I can watch you walk away.”
I stride to where Collie and the guys are and settle myself on a lounger, reaching for the bronze bottle of sunscreen beside me.
“Damn, girl. You look hot as hell,” Romeo hollers, making me laugh.
“Doesn’t she?” Collie exclaims, looking at me proudly. “I kept telling her how perfect that bikini looks on her.”
“What do you think, Jones?” Luca calls out, obviously badgering him.
Jones’ stare is carnal. Starving, in fact. He runs his thumb across his lip from across the pool deck with a stare of pure dominance.
I send him a small wave before lying back and soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine.
He doesn’t react and doesn’t come closer. It’s not until heavy footfalls tell me Jones has stormed off, making me wonder what’s in store.