10. Capri
10
CAPRI
It sounds insane saying it out loud, but the idea of another man caring for me scares me more than sex does.
That’s how you develop feelings.
From care and compassion. Compassion that has been absent from my life for quite some time now. Over five years, to be exact.
I can’t even remember the last time I’ve been hugged by someone other than my parents and sister.
Until Jones.
I’ve allowed him inside me, literally, and given him access to the most vulnerable parts of me without thinking twice. I just met him yesterday, for God’s sake.
Yet, something about him tells me I can trust him. That I’m safe with him. Even if it’s only temporary. Even if it’s only sexual.
That’s why I find myself letting him usher me into the shower.
The steam in the small bathroom clouds the tight space, wrapping Jones and I in a pillow of heat. “You okay?” he asks me, closing the door behind us.
“Yeah,” I say, and I’m immediately hit with the smell of lavender. “It smells so tranquil in here.”
“I wasn’t sure what scent you would like.”
I turn to face Jones. “I love lavender. It’s?—”
“I noticed. I wasn’t sure if it was your body wash or lotion, but you were lathered in it at the shop yesterday. It’s all I could smell for the rest of the afternoon.”
Is it wrong of me to be glad my smell consumed him? That he thought of me after?
I notice the crystalized bath salts along the counter; multiple different scents, but only the fragrance of lavender lingers in the air.
I’m not sure what to say. Jones’ attention to detail in such a short time makes me want to put my guard up. To run away and hide in a place I know I get to control the outcome.
I’m putting my heart at risk, yet right now, that’s the least of my concerns. Hesitation can wait until morning.
“I’m gonna undress you, okay?” He waits for my consent.
I nod, and he stands behind me, eerily still, slowly sliding the straps of my sundress down my shoulders.
His touch is featherlight. Soft and careful.
“Your skin is like silk. So delicate.” His breath against my skin causes a wave of goosebumps to spread like wildfire.
I’m already moaning. He could touch me like this all day, and I’d never leave. Wrap me up in his caretaking.
Once he has both straps removed, the bodice of my sundress begins to fall, leaving the cotton fabric pooling at my feet.
“Fuck me, Capri. Look at you.” His raspy tone sends tingles up my spine.
I’m a sponge for some dirty talk. I soak it in. Jones’ admiration of my pink lace panty set might send me over the edge.
His masculine hands caress my skin, diffusing heat and an entirely different sensation from the calluses on his palms.
Jones triggers a sexuality in me I’ve been blinded to. One I never knew existed and I’m eternally grateful to find.
“Jones,” I whimper. My body is on fire.
“I’m here, sweetheart. Can’t take my eyes off you.” He kisses my shoulder softly without the intention of going further, and if I wasn’t a puddle before, I am now.
“Let’s get you in the shower,” he says. “I need to take your bra and panties off first. That ok?”
I nod, and he unclasps my bra, the weight of my breasts falling free.
“Wait,” I say before he goes any further. I’m forgetting about my biggest insecurity of all.
Jones freezes. “What is it? Did I go too far?”
I shake my head. “Not at all. It’s just that…”
Why is it so hard for me to say? Probably because Jones is the first man I’ve been with since my husband, and I’m just now realizing how deep those insecurities run.
I wear the reminder of my loss every day.
“Capri, you can tell me. We can stop if this is too much.”
“That’s not it. I want this.” My heart struggles to keep up.
“Then what is it?” His concern is comforting.
“I have a lot of…stretch marks…on my stomach. I just wanted you to know.” My voice quakes, hoping it doesn’t turn him away.
He’s seen me in a bikini, but the high rise of my bottoms covered my marks.
In an instant, strong arms wrap around my waist, and calloused hands land on my stomach. “You are enchanting. I know you’re young, but I have a feeling these marks tell a beautiful story.”
Fuck. Don’t cry. I’m supposed to be acting sexy and confident, not like I’m seconds away from an emotional breakdown.
But his touch is soft and gentle. He has no idea the level of care this is showing me. Showering is the last thing on my mind.
“Twenty-six. I’m twenty-six,” I say, holding back the emotion overwhelming me.
“You weren’t supposed to tell me that, sweetheart.” He smiles caringly.
“Pretend you didn’t hear it then.”
He chuckles, and it’s full of life. “Let me tell you something,” Jones says, circling to my front and coming face-to-face with my half-naked body.
His eyes stay locked, never straying to let them drift to my naked breasts. He grabs hold of my face and meets me head on. “I’m a grown-ass man. A man, Capri. I want a woman. Curves, cellulite, stretch marks, full tits and all. Gives me something to hold onto. Don’t hide that from me. I beg of you.”
Tears threaten to spill from my eyes, but I hold them back. “Really?”
He nods reassuringly. “Really. You’re a woman, and thank fucking god you look and feel like one too.”
I can’t help it, I kiss him. It’s instinct.
This wasn’t a part of our deal, but Jones offers his kindness and unapologetic honesty without question. He didn’t need to reassure me of his acceptance of my body the way that it is, but he gave it to me freely. Without conditions.
It takes him a small second to catch up, but when he does, he puts his whole self into the kiss. His hands dive into my hair, gripping me tightly and pulling me closer. A euphoric tingle vibrates across my body when my nipples ghost his chest.
“Fuck, Capri. What are you doing to me?” His breathing quickens.
Jones is still fully dressed, his linen button-down giving my nipples the traction they need to get lost in the sensation. “Mhmm,” I moan against his lips, our tongues sparring to take more and more.
“So fucking sweet.” We pull apart, and our foreheads meet. “Let’s get cleaned up so I can take my time with you,” he says on a heavy breath.
“I’m good with that,” I agree, looking forward to the promise of more.
Jones slides my panties off before standing and removing his clothes. It’s not until we’re standing before each other that I realize how good it feels to do something for me.
I don’t have to answer to anyone. I have this sexy-as-hell older man in front of me, who wants me and only me, and I can’t think of a better way to spend my night.
“Watch your step.” He guides me into the tiny shower, his massive frame following me in. He’s stripped down to his boxer shorts, and the gravity of his respectfulness isn’t lost on me.
“You should consider renovating. You hardly fit,” I tell him teasingly.
“Funny,” he chuckles with ease. “This is actually the first time I’ve used this thing.”
Jones guides me under the water; the pressure and temperature combined make the wait to shower worth it.
The hot stream rushes across my skin like a current I can’t escape.
“Is this a newer boat?” I ask, curious as to why he’s never used his shower.
Jones takes a pump of shampoo behind him and motions for me to turn. He’s washing my hair. His hands work their way through my scalp, massaging and soothing me thoroughly.
“It’s the oldest one, actually.”
I’m curious. “Who’s Tommy?” I ask him as the suds begin to cover my head.
He doesn’t retreat, but I can feel the shock roll through him. The sharp intake of breath he takes convinces me I overstepped.
“You don’t have to?—”
“Tommy is my brother. Was my brother. He died sixteen years ago next month.” Jones doesn’t stop his nurturing, rinsing the shampoo from my hair, then lathering in the conditioner.
“God, Jones. I’m so sorry.” I pull back, looking to comfort him. “It wasn’t my place to?—”
“Capri, it’s okay. I’m okay. It was years ago. I renamed the boat in remembrance of him.”
I send him a soft smile, hoping to ease the sensitive topic into something more safe for both of us. “That’s a really sweet thing to do.”
Jones nods, turning me back toward the stream and rinsing the conditioner out. “It’s nothing,” he says almost bashfully. “He was one of the good ones.”
The silence that stretches between us isn’t awkward or uncomfortable in any way. Jones rinses my hair and soaps my body up, steering clear of my most intimate parts.
He takes care of me. Something in me tells me he could use the same in return.
Does Jones have anyone looking out for him?
Other than Romeo and Luca, I mean.
If he does, he hasn’t mentioned it.
“Let’s get you dried off and into some warm clothes.” He guides me, stepping out of the shower and wrapping me in a fluffy white towel.
“Thank you.”
“I’m gonna shower real quick then I’ll be right out. Antonio left some clothes on the bed for you.”
He’s always one step ahead. No idea who Antonio is, but I’m grateful for him.
I exit the bathroom, walking into the cabin bedroom and find a luxurious lounge set prepared for me on the bed. With it is a matching bra and panty set, a hairbrush, and a mini toiletry pack.
How?
I knew Jones had money, but it’s evident he’s rich-rich . And so incredibly thoughtful.
I twirl the ivory chenille fabric in my hands and take a moment to soak in the weight of today while I dress.
I had fun. So much fun that in my previous life, I would have felt guilty for it. That couldn’t be further from the truth today.
Letting go of my need to have a plan and know what’s coming next felt exhilarating. Throw in Jones, and the combination is flawless.
God, that man.
He has been the greatest surprise. I feel worshiped and seen, like he can read my thoughts and predict more about me than I would expect. It’s a peculiar feeling to have a connection like that with someone so new to my life.
He’s a coincidental stranger.
I’m not sure if stranger is the proper word to use when describing Jones now. We’ve been well acquainted, and I know the best is still yet to come.
At the mention of his brother’s memory, my heart shattered for him. He shared that devastating part of his life with me without question.
The trust was there.
“Feeling okay?” Strong arms wrap around me as soft lips kiss my neck.
I lean into the affection. “Yes. You didn’t have to do this,” I gesture to the lounge set I’ll probably never take off. “But thank you.”
He nods. “It’s no problem at all.”
Turning to face Jones, I smile and wait for him to make the next move. We went from things being hot and heavy to deep and uncharted; I’m not sure how to tread forward.
His eyes don’t give me the clarity I’m searching for. I can gather Jones is wise beyond his years, and that makes him that much more attractive to me.
“I wasn’t expecting you,” he tells me, tucking a wet lock of hair behind my ear.
“No?” I ask, unsure of where that came from.
He shakes his head, looking calm and collected, giving nothing away about how he’s feeling. “No. I think I needed it. Needed you.”
I start to speak, stopping him before continuing on about the possibility of this being more, when he stops me. “This isn’t a marriage proposal, Capri. I just mean…I’ve been…alone for quite some time now. You being here has made me feel less alone.”
I reach for Jones’ hand and lift it to place across my heart. “You feel that?” I ask him, and he nods. “I can’t remember the last time my heart has raced this fast. I may not know much about what’s next for you and me in our separate lives, but I do know one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“We were meant to meet each other, even if it’s only for a week. I believe people come into our lives with intention, no matter how they enter and when they leave. It’s the tattoo they leave behind that matters.” Tears fill my eyes as I think back on the last year of my life. “You’re a permanent impression. A tattoo of my time on this trip.”
“A permanent reminder of feeling alive.”
I nod. “I’m alone, too. You’ve helped ease that loneliness today.”
Wasting no time, Jones kisses me with a passion so deep, I feel it in my bones. “Let’s be alone together, Capri.”
His hands weave their way through my wet strands, kissing me like it’s the last time. There’s passion, lust, and carnal need in this kiss. Jones is ravenous, taking my lips and shifting the power between us into his own hands.
He growls with a heated force, “I can’t wait any longer. Just want one taste before you go.” Jones leans me back on the bed and settles himself between my thighs. “I need you to tell me I can touch you, sweetheart. Can I taste you? Will you let me eat this little pink cunt?”
Good god almighty. I could come from his words alone.
“It’s all yours, Jones.”
The grin that spreads across his face makes me weepy. I could bask in his full and contagious smile. “It is, isn’t it?” He asks me seductively, taking off my sweats and panties in one swift pull. “One thing you’ll learn about me is that I take great care of my things, Capri.”
Jones lowers his face to my pussy lips and takes a deep inhale, soaking in my arousal. He’s starving, and I’m ready to be devoured.
His eyes roll to the back of his head as he soaks in my scent. “I’m thinking I should take my time. Make sure that throbbing ache is satisfied. What do you think, sweetheart?”
His tongue licks me in one long pull, spearing me down the center of my core. “Fuckkk,” I cry out. “Taste me. Please.”
He chuckles against me. “It would be my pleasure.”
I’m positive I’ve never felt ecstasy quite like this. My hands grip the cotton sheets, fighting to cage myself from bucking off the bed. “Oh god,” I moan as Jones plunges his tongue inside me, pulling in and out, imitating his cock.
Fuck, he’s talented.
“So sweet,” he growls. “Making a mess on my face. You’re doing so well.”
He sweeps his tongue around my lips, circling the swollen bud begging for attention, before biting down and shoving his thick fingers inside of me.
“Holy shit. Yessss. Jones.” My cries can’t be tamed. At this point, I could be causing a commotion across the whole boat, but I can’t seem to care. Not when the sexiest man I’ve ever seen is eating me like there’s nothing on this earth he’d rather be doing.
He’s savoring me with steady strokes.
“Come for me, Capri. Give it all you’ve got.” His tongue picks up speed on my clit while he withdraws his fingers, the softness of his fingertips teasing my entrance, depriving me of the penetration I’m seeking. It only heightens my chase.
“I’m coming. Oh, god. Jones. Feels so…good.”
My body vibrates and my toes curl, sending me over the edge in pleasure unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
“Take it, sweetheart. Feel it. You look so beautiful,” Jones praises me.
My cry is untamed, unrehearsed and so fucking raw it rips me wide open.
I finally catch my breath, lifting to steal a glance at Jones cleaning me up until there’s not a trace of my wetness left.
“That was…” I’ve lost my ability to talk.
“Perfection. You are perfect.”
I don’t get to respond before a hard knock resounds on the door. “Capri, you in there?” Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Shit, my sister,” I say, turning to Jones in panic.
The sly bastard wears a smirk and my arousal across his lips like nothing fazes him. Meanwhile, I’m catapulting off the bed, hurrying to right my clothes and do everything I can to make sure I don’t look well and thoroughly eaten.
One look in the mirror tells me there’s no hiding it.
“Be right there,” I call out to Collie, ignoring Jones and his promiscuous stares. He looks like he’s been deprived for years.
I’m the one who’s exhausted, and he did all the work.
The man is a machine. A well-oiled and very, very skilled machine.
“Did your kitty come out to play, Capri?” Collie purrs from the other side of the door.
“Jesus Christ,” I scoff, and Jones chuckles, enjoying this too much.
“Get it girl,” Collie chants and I ignore her, hoping she fucks off.
I’m brushing my hair in the bathroom mirror when Jones approaches me, a full tent in his pants. “Uhhh, sorry about that. If she wasn’t at the door, I’d totally help you with it,” I say, directing my attention downward.
There’s that chuckle I’ve chased countless times today. “Would you now? I can tell her to leave,” Jones teases, kissing down my arm.
My eyes follow the reflection of us in the mirror. In another life, this kind of comfort and chemistry with someone would be something I refused to let go. The man who has quite literally worshipped my body since I boarded this morning without asking for anything in return would be the one man I can’t have.
His large frame towers over me. I’m tall with long legs, but Jones is fantasy-level in height. Similar to the fae I read about in romance novels that pack a punch in size, height, and girth.
Mhm. Our time on the island earlier now gives me the credentials to confirm he’s just as large underneath.
Yay for his future wife.
“I like it when you do that,” I tell him, my eyes hazing over from the intimacy of his attention to my neck.
He plants a subtle kiss at my nape. “When can I see you again?”
My hands latch onto his arms wrapped around me from behind. We lock eyes in the round wooden mirror, letting the weight of our connection today dictate what’s next for our temporary arrangement.
“I have no plans.”
Jones pauses. “I find that hard to believe, sweetheart. I know I haven’t known you long, but I can’t imagine you as someone who doesn’t have a plan.”
Smart man. “I did but I said fuck it. Well, Collie told me to say fuck it, so I did.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. I’m cleansing the bad shit, Jones. Saying yes to more things and enjoying right now.”
He laughs, and I hold my finger up at him. “Hey, we listen and we don’t judge.”
He grins, hands rising in playful defense. “No judgement here. Sounds like great advice,” Jones agrees. He spins me toward him and grabs my face, planting a soft kiss on my lips. “Where are you girls staying?”
“Grand Luna.”
“Excellent.” He taps my nose and busies himself gathering my things, ushering me to the door. “Let me walk you out.”
Wait, what? We didn’t make a plan.
“Oh,” I breathe out, hiding my disappointment. “Yeah, sure.”
We exit the cabin bedroom and file outside, walking up on Collie and the guys chatting near the docking bridge.
One look at Collie and she winks, waiting for my reaction. If I wasn’t so disappointed by the plans Jones and I failed to make, I’d probably blush.
Jones holds onto my hand, and it makes me concerningly sad.
“Hi, Cols—” I begin to greet my sister before I’m cut off by the massive captain beside me.
“Collie, does Capri have plans tomorrow?” Jones asks her, and I swear my jaw locks open in disbelief.
Collie shows no hesitation or concern. “Depends who’s asking.”
Jones grins and it’s so fucking hot. He’s got that Gerard Butler panty-melting smile. It does things to me.
“I am,” he replies confidently. “I’d like to take her out, but Capri seems to have entrusted her itinerary to you. Or lack thereof.” He looks at me.
There’s that deadly smirk.
Collie throws her head back and laughs while I wonder why the hell these two are making plans for me when I’m standing right here.
“Hello? What am I, a brick wall?”
“Sorry, sweetheart. I’m making plans.” Jones carries on.
“In that case, she’s free,” Collie answers him, and you’d think Jones just won the lottery with that million-dollar beam.
I’m concerned I don’t smile enough at the rate he does.
“Is he always this smiley?” I ask Romeo and Luca.
“Never,” Romeo says at the same time Luca replies, “Nope.”
“Perfect. Glad we cleared that up,” Jones exclaims, ignoring my questioning. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at three.”
“Oh, will you?” My tone is sassy.
He pulls me in for a hug. This whole conversation has me spiraling. Jones Archer is a take-charge kind of man, and I love/hate it all at the same time. “Yes. Wear something sexy for me, Capri. Let me admire you in it.”
“Aren’t you just a charmer?” I reply, scrunching my face at him. “I’ll wear whatever the hell I want.”
“I hope you do. Lucky me if it’s anything like today.” The perusal he gives me makes my traitorous body buzz, now not being the appropriate time for its horny little cravings.
“Dirty old man,” I tease.
He smiles and kisses me one last time before smacking my ass and shuttling me off the yacht. “Three o’clock, Capri.”
I flip him off and follow Collie, entering the car Romeo ordered for us with a big smile and likely a bright pink blush on my cheeks.
“Oh, you’ve got it bad, babe,” Collie tells me, making my stomach sink.
Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about.