Fakecation

Chapter Seventeen

Amelia

Amelia couldn’t sit still on the car ride over. She didn’t have an excuse—she had taken her medication, but the idea of Daniel taking her out on a date had her mind racing. What if he hadn’t learned anything yesterday and he took her to something loud and unruly?

Or worse, what if he did learn something from the day before, and he was planning the perfect date?

She didn’t know which she wanted. Her heart was in a dangerous position, and she might just lose her grip on things if today went perfectly.

They were driving to Charleston, that much was for sure. Amelia had always loved the city but never wanted to make the drive out here by herself. A few times, John had gone with her, but he had an amazing talent for finding partners to go home with and she usually found herself driving back alone.

“Are you going to tell me any part of your plan?” she asked. “And why we had to leave right after we got changed?”

“Fine. I’ll tell you a part of it. The Angel Oak Park closes at five.”

She eyed the time. It was almost four. “You’re taking me to see the Angel Oak tree?”

“I am.”

“That’s one of the few places I haven’t been to. Did my mom tell you about this?”

“She mentioned a tree but not a specific one,” he replied. He was right. She’d always wanted to see it, but her family usually packed vacations with other sightseeing opportunities, and she couldn’t ever convince them that an old tree was interesting, even if it was historical. “But I could have gotten it wrong. We could do something else.”

“No!” she said quickly. “I’ve always wanted to go. Thank you for picking it out.”

“Good. Then I got one thing right.”

She had a feeling he was going to get many things right.

By the time they parked, Amelia was buzzing with anticipation. The tree was massive, far larger than the photos made it look. She found herself trailing the branches with her eyes, wondering just how something could grow so large.

“There’s so much shade,” she said. “Isn’t this incredible?”

“It is. Do you want me to get a photo of you with it?”

She nodded. She spent a minute getting into position. Daniel snapped a few pictures.

He was putting his phone away when someone nearby asked, “Do you want some of the two of you?”

“Yes,” Amelia replied before she could stop herself. “That would be great.” She gestured for Daniel to walk over and pulled him close.

“Such a cute couple,” the person said. “There you go. I got a few.”

“Thanks!” Amelia said as Daniel grabbed his phone.

“You didn’t have to include me,” he said.

“We need photos for if my mom asks.” She knew it wasn’t the full truth. She wanted the photos to remember this.

To remember him.

“Let’s walk around more,” he suggested. “I think I saw a gift shop as we were walking in.”

The summer heat wasn’t as intense under the shade, so they were able to gaze at the massive branches for a while before they needed to find cooler air. Amelia bought a mug that she didn’t need, but she wanted other items to help her remember this moment.

“Okay, what’s next on your date master plan?” Amelia asked as they walked back to her car.

“Now we go on a walk.”

He drove her to Hampton Park, a place she’d only been to once. John was more of a fan of the nightlife, and she’d had to drag him kicking and screaming to see the park. She’d loved it, with its ponds, oak trees, and colorful floral arrangements. John had been bored out of his mind.

The colors were different this year, with new annual flowers planted. It was still a warm day, and she could hear cicadas singing their tune in the trees.

“I figured we could do a lap or two.”

“Yes,” she said, grabbing Daniel by the arm and dragging him to the pathways. She took her time to admire all of the hues of the flowers and all the ducks in the water. It was warm enough to keep the crowds away. It didn’t take long for her to put her hair up in a bun, but the scenery made her willing to tolerate the heat.

By the time they’d done a lap, though, she was dying for something to drink.

Daniel seemed to read her mind. “There is a coffee shop down the road,” he said. “Let’s go get something to cool off.”

She eyed the sweat on his forehead, wondering why he’d dealt with the heat for so long. Luckily, the shop wasn’t far, and they were able to find something to cool them off. The small shop was crowded with people looking to find a caffeinated oasis in the heat, but Amelia didn’t mind settling close to him as she waited.

“This is the greatest thing I’ve ever had,” she said, lifting her iced latte.

“The smoothie isn’t bad either,” he replied.

“Thank you for taking me to the park. This was a great date.”

“Do you really think it’s over already? I’m not done with you yet.”

The words sent a shiver down her spine. “R-really? What else is there to do?”

“We haven’t even had dinner,” he said. “Now, would you like seafood or would you like nice scenery?”

“You mean I get to choose?”

“I have a feeling that will make tonight much more enjoyable. Which one will it be?”

“But what about what you want?”

“I will be perfectly happy at either.”

Damn.That was such a good answer that she couldn’t do anything but answer truthfully.

“I want nice scenery.”

“Okay, then. Nice scenery it is.”

The restaurant was the loudest part of the evening, but Daniel found a beautiful eatery inside an old church, so she couldn’t complain.

“I’ve heard of this place,” she said, eyes tracing over the stained-glass windows. “I’ve never been, though.”

“Just like the oak tree, the photos don’t do it justice.”

“Definitely not. I don’t even know if I need the food.” Her stomach growled angrily. “Scratch that. I do need the food.”

Daniel smiled at her, his full grin making her heart skip a beat. She didn’t see him smile like this in the office, and it made her wonder if this was only for her.

“I hear the food here is good too,” he said.

She had to tear her eyes away and force herself to look at the menu. Despite her hunger, she didn’t care to pick out her meal. She’d rather either look at the man across from her all night or the beautiful colors of the stained glass in the restaurant.

There was a new kind of heat within her, and it had nothing to do with the temperature outside. She’d felt it in the hot tub too. She wanted him. She always had, but getting to know him made it all worse.

What would he be like in bed? Would he be as attentive and caring as he’d been for the whole trip? Would he whisper soft words to her while his hands caressed her most delicate areas?

“—do you think, Amelia?”

“Huh?” she blurted out. “Sorry. I was lost in space.”

“It’s fine,” he said. “I was asking if you wanted queso. I was thinking about getting it for us.”

That was the hottest thing he could have said.

“If there is ever a question about getting queso,” she said, “the answer is always yes.”

“Noted. I’ll get the large.”

Their food came out quickly and Amelia didn’t remember eating a single bite of it. She was far hungrier than she thought she was, especially after their stroll through the parks. She was done with her food long before Daniel was, but he seemed content to listen to her ramble about her last few vacations with her family while he finished eating.

“This was great,” she said as he paid the check. “You’re definitely going above and beyond as a fake boyfriend.”

“We have one more place to go,” he said. “If you’re up for it.”

“We saw two of the most beautiful parks in Charleston, plus had a fancy dinner. What else could there be?”

“Dessert. And it’s on the way back to the condo.”

“That is tempting,” she said. “Fine. I’ll take you up on it.”

She expected Daniel to find an artisanal dessert parlor nearby. Charleston was filled with those, but their destination took them farther inland than she was expecting.

“Wait a second,” she said. “I know this place.”

“Really? How odd.”

They pulled into a diner and ice cream parlor, one that Amelia had spent many hours in. Her family had often stayed in Charleston before discovering the condo, and because she had been too young to remember the name of the shop, the details of it faded into the background when their new summer vacation location became Folly Beach.

Its importance to her had faded away too, until now, when Daniel brought it back into her life.

“How did you . . .?”

“I can’t take all the credit. Your mom told me there was a diner-style ice cream shop that you loved. I hoped I picked the right one.”

“This is the exact place.”

“It’s the only one that’s been open long enough for you to come to.”

“Are you calling me old?”

“Kind of. Twenty-eight years can be a long time.”

She couldn’t even be mad. All she could do was look at the place that was long since forgotten.

“Do you want to go in?” he asked after a moment. “We could wait if you wanted to.”

“No,” she said. “I’m definitely ready to go in.”

From the moment she walked in, she was hit with a wave of nostalgia that made her eyes water. They used the same menus, had the same decor, and even had the same gumball machines that she remembered.

“I’ve gotta get a banana split,” she said. “They still have it.”

This place was more crowded than the restaurant, but she was determined to get her prize. Daniel got in line behind her, eyes on the menu. A few kids ran past, making Amelia shuffle closer to him to let them through.

He didn’t even look down, but his arm wrapped around her, pulling her tighter.

She knew the position was better. Her being so close to him made a larger walkway for anyone who needed to get to the napkins or trash can on the wall.

But this wasn”t a real date. “I-I should maybe move.”

He finally looked down at her, and she could have melted in his gaze. “I think you should stay right here. Being this close seems perfect on a date.”

“Even a fake one?”

“I’m fine with it if you are.”

And she was. She knew she wouldn’t dare to move away from him. Being next to Daniel like this was becoming her favorite place to be.

They stayed close until they ordered their ice cream. Once she had her sugary treat in hand, it was all she could focus on. She hadn’t had a banana split like this in far too long.

“Thank you for this night,” she said as they walked to the car. “It was amazing.”

“I’m glad. I enjoyed it too. More than you know.” His eyes lingered on her face, and she could have sworn she saw his gaze slip to her lips.

“W-we should head back. It’s getting late.”

He nodded, going around to the driver’s side to get them home. Amelia felt her shoulders sag, but not with relief.

Daniel hadn’t kissed her. That should have been a good thing. It meant their relationship was still fake and they hadn’t crossed any lines.

But she wasn’t happy with that. She wanted more. And now that she’d imagined what his lips could feel like on hers, she wanted to experience it. She couldn’t get her mind off of it, even though she tried.

It was only a thirty-minute drive back, and the whole time, she turned over every moment of their date in her mind, wondering how it could have ended differently. Every moment of it had been perfect, up until she’d put the brakes on things.

They pulled in to the parking lot. Amelia wrestled with her own guilt and got out of the car. She glanced up at the condo, only to see someone poking their head out the front door.

She paused. “My mom’s watching for us.”

“I suppose she is,” Daniel replied. “I hope this isn’t the part of the date where she lectures me for bringing her daughter home past curfew.”

“Or the awkward part where you drop me off at the door.”

“I certainly hope not. I’d have to get a hotel room if I did.” He gave her one last smile before brushing past her to go toward the door.

“Wait,” she said. “I know this isn’t exactly like when you’d drop me off at the door. But technically, we’re supposed to be dating. And if that was a real date, then it was a great one, and I think I’d owe you a kiss at the end of it.”

He blinked, jaw agape.

“Or,” she continued after seeing his reaction, “we can just forget I ever said that and go inside.”

“I don’t think I can,” he said.

“I’m sorry. I made it awkward.”

“No, you didn’t. I made it awkward because I’m standing here like an idiot when I have a woman like you offering to kiss me.”

“It’s only fair. It’s what I would do if . . .” She trailed off. She wanted to do it with no ifs, ands, or buts. She had no idea how to explain it, though. So, instead, she stepped close, looking up to meet his eyes. “Is that a yes?”

Daniel didn’t use words. Instead, he leaned down to press his lips against hers. It was soft, barely explorative, and it wasn’t enough.

That mere brush of lips awoke something in her, and she needed more. More pressure. More time. More everything.

Amelia’s hand wrapped around his neck, and she pressed herself into him harder. She could feel his sharp intake of breath, and she only had half a second to wonder if she was taking it too far before he pushed her against the side of her car.

This was a side of him she’d never seen. He was always quiet and calm, but this . . . this was the hottest thing she’d ever experienced. His teeth nipped at her bottom lip, soon followed by his tongue.

And she quickly realized that he was not only unfairly attractive. He was also a damn good kisser too.

Amelia opened her mouth to him, feeling his tongue brush against hers. He took up every inch of her mind, allowing nothing else to break through.

And then her car alarm went off.

They sprung apart, Daniel reacting quicker than she did. He fumbled with the keys and hit the lock button, silencing the loudness.

It gave her a second to think about what she’d done and realize that they’d just blasted past a boundary that she wasn’t sure was supposed to be broken. She looked at his kiss-swollen lips and wondered if they would ever be the same.

“You know what?” she started. “I think we made our point.”

“Definitely.”

“And we’re good, right? We’re not . . . going to make this weird?”

“Not at all.”

She nodded, grateful that his mind seemed to be right where hers was.

“We should head to bed. I bet we’re tired.”

“Very.”

She rushed up the stairs. She told herself that she wasn’t going to think about that kiss any longer. It was over, and besides, it was only for show.

But she was lying to herself.

***

The next morning, Amelia was very much replaying that kiss in her head when she woke up in Daniel’s arms again.

They hadn’t even gone to sleep near each other. She’d folded herself on the very edge of her side of the bed, and he’d followed suit.

But apparently, they didn’t continue that trend when asleep.

Being near him felt like a new normal, one that she knew would end badly. Rationally, she knew they hadn’t talked about what to do if they found themselves feeling anything for each other. He didn’t know everything about her mental health, and she didn’t know if he was even ready to move on after Lucinda.

And yet, those reasons did nothing to quell her desire for him. His body was hard against hers, and she couldn’t help but notice one part of his body was harder than the rest.

She bit her lip, and her brain imagined exactly what that hardness could do to her. It was easy to imagine him sliding into her, filling her in a way she hadn’t been in far too long.

All of her logic flew out the window and her hips jerked back, eager to feel even more of him.

Daniel’s arm around her tightened, pulling her impossibly closer.

“What are you doing to me?” His voice was rough and low. Her skin broke out into goose bumps.

“I-I could ask you the same thing.”

His grip went slack and he pulled away. “You’re awake?” he asked.

She missed his warmth, but her brain was slowly coming back online. He’d done the right thing by pulling away. She knew that.

But she was disappointed.

“I need to shower,” he said. “Sorry about . . . that.”

“It’s fine. It was bound to happen.”

“Still. I wasn’t thinking.” He got up before she could say anything else. She let out a groan. What would have happened if she’d just kept her mouth shut? Would he have gone further?

And did she want him to?

She got up and went to get a glass of water and take her medicine. She needed to be in top mental condition not to climb him like a tree.

But she was beginning to wonder if she’d do it anyway.

“So, how was your date?”

She jumped and nearly choked on her water. “Mom! Don’t sneak up on me like that.”

“Sorry. I just had to ask. You guys were gone almost all night.” She winked.

“You know, sometimes it’s weird that you’re not more protective,” she said as she put her pill bottle back into her purse.

“You’re a grown woman, and I’m happy for you, honey. This was what I wanted for you all along.”

Amelia gritted her teeth. Everything was so complicated right now. She didn’t know how to share in her mom’s excitement over anything.

“Thanks,” she said.

“Is everything okay?”

“You know me.” She shrugged, trying to shake off her bad mood. “I’m not my usual happy self before coffee.”

“I’d say let’s fix that, but we’re out of the free stuff. And we’re only here a little longer, so buying more isn’t worth it.”

“It’s fine,” Amelia said. “I’ll survive.”

“So, how was the date?” her mom repeated. “What did you do?”

“We mostly did what you told him I liked. We went to the Angel Oak tree, and then to Hampton Park, and this beautiful restaurant in an old church—”

“Hold on. You did all of those things? I only told him about one of the pretty trees and ice cream.”

“Yeah, we did all of that.” Her cheeks burned.

“Did you enjoy it?”

“Of course I did. It was a perfect date. He even found the ice cream shop we went to when I was little.”

“He did?” Her mom smiled. “Oh, I was hoping it was still open. He has some good detective skills.”

“He’s smart.”

Almost too smart for me. The thought hit her like a truck, and she looked down at her feet.

Her mother caught it. “Oh, honey, don’t get into your own head. You two are adorable.”

“Right,” she said. “I’m sure we are.”

“I think this is the start of something great. Is it too soon to invite him back next year?”

“Mom, I haven’t even told him about . . .” She eyed the door to their room down the hallway. “You know.”

“Something tells me he is going to handle it as perfectly as always.”

“I don’t know if that’s true.”

“Don’t let exes spoil someone better. What’s in the past is over now.”

Was it over when she kept reliving it every time someone was mad at her? It seemed like it would follow her forever.

The door to their room opened and Daniel stepped out, freshly showered. He looked good in his simple T-shirt and jeans.

“Morning,” her mom said, smiling over at him. “Do you two have plans this morning?”

“Not really,” he replied. “Why?”

“We should all go out for breakfast. John and Randy are on a walk, so I have nothing else to do.”

Daniel looked at Amelia, but it was almost difficult to meet his eyes after what had happened just a few minutes ago.

“I’m fine with it,” Amelia said. Maybe her mom could be a buffer for them.

“That’s fine.” He added, “I’m starving.”

“Do you mind if we take your car?” her mom asked.

“Yeah, of course.”

“Do you have your keys?”

“I’ve delegated them to my driver.” She pointed at Daniel. “So far, they’ve never been lost.”

“We had one issue with the car alarm, but that wasn’t my fault.”

Amelia nearly gave herself whiplash turning to him, but he was smiling. “It was a group effort,” she replied, chest loosening at the joke. If he was joking, then hopefully, they were okay—not lost in a pit of their own awkwardness.

Her mom had a restaurant in mind, and she usually had good taste. They got there before the breakfast rush and were seated immediately. The waitress asked for their drinks, and everyone got water, plus Amelia asked for a cup of coffee.

“Yay, life juice!”

“I would think water is life juice,” Daniel remarked.

“Not for me. I’d be so happy if I could live off of only caffeine.”

He raised an eyebrow and scooted her water cup closer to her. “Until you remember you’re thirsty,” he said. “I seem to recall you downing and entire water bottle in one go yesterday.”

“How dare you call me out on that.” But she took a sip of water anyway.

“I’m so glad I’m feeling better,” her mom said. “I would have missed seeing this!”

“I’m glad you are too,” he added.

Amelia looked between the two of them, biting her lip. Hopefully, this didn’t go where it seemed to be going.

“The medication I’m on still helps. I can have things like coffee without getting nauseous.” She lifted her hands up in celebration.

Amelia’s eyes were wide. That was exactly what she didn’t want to happen.

But Daniel didn’t treat it like it was a big deal.

“It’s good that you found that balance. My sister-in-law was on too high of a dose of an antidepressant after their adoption was finalized, and she said she felt numb. She was much more like herself when she lowered it.”

“I didn’t know you knew much about medication, but it’s good you’re so understanding.” Her mom looked at Amelia with an arched brow.

See? her mother seemed to be saying. Nothing to worry about.

“I don’t know the details, but I know it helps her, and that’s what matters.”

“What a great way to look at it.” Her mom’s eyes were still on Amelia, whose body felt like it was on fire.

So, Daniel was okay with medication. He was okay with . . . a lot. Slowly, all of her reasons for not wanting a relationship were being disproven.

Yet, she was still terrified to ever bring it up herself. If it was right, shouldn’t she not be scared? Her radar had gotten much better over the years, and this fear had to be a bad feeling about him manifesting.

He probably wouldn’t like it if his girlfriend had it. That was it. A sister-in-law was a much more distant connection.

“They have banana split waffles, Amelia,” Daniel said. “That might be up your alley.”

“Uh . . . yeah,” she said, shaking herself out of her thoughts. “Maybe.”

The waitress interrupted to ask for their food order, and Amelia got Daniel’s suggestion. Once she left, her mom and Daniel talked for the whole breakfast. She seemed to be dying to know anything and everything about him, and he seemed willing to share it. She was over the moon when they discovered they liked the same book series and spent half an hour dissecting it like an English teacher with Shakespeare.

Amelia could only sit back and watch. Andrew and her mom had never gotten along like this.

They got back to the condo around midday, and they were still talking. Amelia didn’t mind—she was glad not to have to field conversations between the two of them. Eventually, her mom went to spend some time with her dad, and John mentioned he was going to be hanging out with someone, which just left Daniel and Amelia.

“Looks like you and my mom hit it off,” she said after everyone had left.

“We did,” he said with a smile. “She’s a great mom. She reminds me of mine.”

“You reacted really well about the medication talk too.”

“Did I?” he asked. “I was just being a decent person. Needing medication for mental illness isn’t the end of the world.”

“Well . . . to some people it is.”

“Not to me. Lots of people under me have asked for accommodations and I always give them what I can. People are people, even if they need help.”

That was a good response.

It would be so easy to tell him then. She could just let it slip out and say that she had something too. Then it would be over and she would be free.

But she couldn’t. No matter how hard she tried. The words wouldn’t come out. All she could hear was Andrew’s mocking laugh.

“So, do you have any ideas on what to do today?” she asked instead. Instantly, her cheeks heated with shame. Why couldn’t she do this?

“How do you feel about being out in the heat?”

“I can tolerate it if I’m having fun. Why?”

“This is going to sound so lame, but there are so many mini golf courses around here.”

Her eyes lit up. “And you want to go?”

“I do.”

“Yes! No one ever wants to go with me around here. Plus, it’s a bit of a drive to the nearest one.”

“I don’t mind a drive. Why don’t the others want to go with you?” he asked.

“I might be competitive about it. I don’t know if you can handle it.”

“It depends on if I win or not.”

“Are you challenging me?”

“I think I am.”

“Then we’re going,” she said, practically pushing him out the door, all thoughts of her ADHD forgotten.

No one was at the mini golf course since it was so hot. They both got a discounted rate, and each got a card to keep track of the other’s score. They had chosen a multiple-level golf course that was both challenging and fun.

Amelia loved mini golf, and it was absolutely thrilling that Daniel did too. They kept neck and neck throughout the entire game, teasing each other lightheartedly if one of them messed up and groaning when the other would pull ahead.

He won by one point and she was beyond upset about it.

“We’re having a rematch,” she told him as they walked to the car. The sun was setting and people were beginning to line up at the course. “You and me, before we leave.”

“You’re on,” he agreed. “But I’m pretty sure I’ll win that one too.”

“No, you just got lucky on that one hill I couldn’t make.”

“That wasn’t luck. It was skill.”

“You’re full of shit.”

“We’ll see with the rematch.” Amelia rolled her eyes and went to the passenger’s side to climb in. Daniel drove back to the condo, still gloating about his victory. When they got back, they went to the room only for a few minutes, until deciding to go swimming.

She knew she needed to keep herself busy because if she didn’t, it was entirely possible she would either kiss Daniel again or spill all of her secrets. Neither were good options. No one was around to keep her in check, and as they spent more time together, she gravitated toward him more and more.

There was a wild group of kids at the pool, so they got into the hot tub instead. This time, no one was there.

“This is way better than the last time,” she said.

“I don’t want anyone else in here.”

“It seems a little slow today.”

“Not at the pool,” he said. “Cool water would have been nice after mini golf.”

“What, and miss reliving our last hot tub escapade but without me sitting on your lap? What a shame.”

“Shame isn’t the right word.”

“What—you enjoyed me sitting on your lap?”

“There was one part of me that very much enjoyed that.” His voice was low—the type of near mutter he’d only used with her.

“One part does not equal the whole man.”

“Fine. Then, all of me was happy with you on my lap. I had just wished we were alone for that.”

“I mean, we’re mostly alone now. We could try again.”

He stared over at her, his eyes dark. Her throat went dry, and she wondered if he would turn her down. Maybe it would have been better if he had.

All of the fears she clung to lost their grip on her as he looked at her with his brown eyes.

“Come over here.”

Amelia didn’t waste any time. She crossed the small hot tub, but instead of turning around to sit in his lap, she stayed facing him.

“Can we agree to add in some creative differences this time?”

His hands landed on her hips. “We definitely can.”

This wasn’t for show. None of her family was around, and she wouldn’t want them to be. This was for her. She had to give into her desires, or else they would eat her alive.

She had been attracted to Daniel for so long and near him so much this week that she simply wanted him. For now, she wasn’t concerned by the strings or the aftermath.

Daniel’s hand cupped her face. “Do you know what else I’d like to relive?”

“I hope it’s last night’s kiss.”

“You read my mind.” He inched closer, and her heart leaped in her chest as he tilted his head toward her. They kissed, slowly and tentatively at first. But then his grip tightened as he moved his lips against hers, kissing her the way he had the night before.

She could lose herself in this. The background faded away as his lips slid over hers. She forgot where she was—who she was. She could only think of him.

Then her knee barely scraped the concrete of the hot tub.

“Let’s go back to the room,” she said, pulling away. “I think I want some privacy for the rest of this.” Her eyes lingered on his lips. But now, all she could think about was getting more from him.

Nothing had ever felt like this, and she wasn’t sure anything else could. She got out of the hot tub and grabbed their towels. She left his with him and darted up to the condo, anticipation traveling up her spine.

No one was home, which she thanked her lucky stars for. Daniel wasted no time in following her, and he kissed her the moment the door to their room shut.

He walked her backward and she didn’t know where they were going until she felt tile under her feet.

“We should shower,” he said.

“Like we stop this to shower or . . .”

“I say we multitask.”

“I love multitasking,” she breathed out.

She practically ripped off her bathing suit as the shower turned on. There was a moment when air rushed over her body, and she wondered if he liked what he saw. But then a low groan erupted from his throat, and he pulled her under the spray of the showerhead. It took her a moment to realize he was naked too.

Amelia was awash with sensation. She could feel the water on her skin, his lips on hers, and the press of his cock against her stomach. She reached down to grip it, feeling it fill her hand. He broke the kiss, nearly panting.

“God, Amelia. You don’t know what you do to me.” His voice was rough.

“Maybe I want to.”

“I thought about this. About you. Ever since I saw you in that swimsuit, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I could do to you.”

Her heart hammered. “Show me now.”

Daniel set her against the shower wall, the cool tile an oasis to her overheated skin. She could feel him press against her stomach again, and her core clenched. She needed that in her.

“D-do you—” She struggled to find her voice. “—happen to have condoms somewhere?”

He paused. “I don’t. I didn’t think this would ever . . . Should we stop?”

“There are other things we can do,” she said. “With hands and mouths.”

“That sounds perfect. And I’m clear of anything, just so you know. I got tested a while ago.”

“Me too. The moment we’re not in the shower, we can fix our condom problem. But for now—” She pushed him away from her and sank to her knees. “I would like to do this. Is that okay?”

“Yes,” he hissed out.

When her mouth came around him, she could hear his shaky breath. She took him as far as he could go into the back of her throat, slowly, wrapping her hand around the rest of him. At his muttered curses, she sped up, pulling her cheeks in.

Daniel was heavy in her mouth. She lost herself in giving him pleasure, her body humming at each of his groans. She loved making other people feel good, especially when they were as considerate as he’d been for this whole trip.

Water poured on her, but she didn’t care. Her entire focus was on making him feel as good as possible. His hips began moving, jerking forward. His breathing picked up speed.

She risked a glance up at him. Gone was the man who she knew. Instead, she saw someone lost in pleasure, with water dripping off his curly hair. His eyes were shut, and he leaned against the shower wall to the side of him.

She’d done that. She’d made him feel like this.

“Yes, just like that,” he muttered. “Good. You’re doing so good.”

Her body purred in response.

And she was going to keep doing it until he came, feeling empowered by his reactions.

She was patient, working him up to the brink of orgasm, listening to each sound he made.

“Fuck,” he said, pulling out of her. His come shot out of him, landing on her chest and face.

She blinked, not expecting him to pull out.

His chest heaved as she stood and stepped close to him. “I hope that was—”

His mouth closed over hers, and she let out a squeak of surprise. Daniel’s hands gripped her hips, pushing her back against the wall. Her mind couldn’t comprehend that he was touching her. He’d gotten what he wanted—shouldn’t he be done?

“We can finish up,” she said, pulling away.

“Do you really think I’m done with you?”

“Um, yes?”

“Amelia.” He said her name low. “I’m just getting started.”

This wasn’t how things went—at least in her experience—but she refused to complain. His mouth moved to her neck and his hands cupped her breasts, her body coming alive as his palms brushed her hardened nipples.

She didn’t notice until now, but she’d been desperate for contact. A broken gasp escaped her as he gently pinched one of her nipples.

“Do you like that?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said. “I really do.”

She closed her eyes as his hand moved again. She didn’t notice when his mouth left her neck. The only thing she felt was his mouth latch around her other nipple.

Her pussy throbbed, feeling left out of all the attention.

“D-Daniel, please,”she managed to say. “I need . . .”

“What do you need?” His breath ghosted on her nipple, a new kind of torture.

“I need you to touch me. Please, just touch me.”

His hand and mouth left her breasts and she bemoaned the lack of sensation.

“Here?” he asked before kissing her rib cage.

“Lower.”

“Here?” He was at her stomach.

“N-no. Come on, please just—”

He coaxed her legs open, and she propped one foot on the edge of the tub.

“Here?” She felt his breath on her center.

“Yes.”

His tongue met her clit and she saw stars. There was no more talking for her, only feeling. His tongue provided a perfectly crushing pressure. He circled the bud of nerves, sucked at it, and sent her into space with his mouth.

Was this how he had felt when she had been on her knees? Because this was life-changing.

“I’m going to use my hands,” he said, pulling inches away. “Is that okay?”

“Sure,” she said. Amelia would miss his mouth, but she didn’t mind him switching it up if he was tired. Some men didn’t like going down on women. Andrew sure hadn’t.

But Daniel’s mouth closed back down on her most sensitive part, and his hand moved up. She quickly realized that she had misunderstood what he meant by using his hands. One finger teased at her entrance, slowly pushing its way in.

“Oh my God,” she moaned. His finger curved, hitting her G-spot. Just how coordinated was this man? And how the hell did Lucinda let him go?

A second finger joined in, pushing her closer to her own release. His tongue was talented, but his fingers even more so.

“D-Daniel,” she stuttered, “I’m gonna—”

“Come on me, Amelia. I want to feel it.”

And that shot her over the edge. He had only barely gotten his mouth back on her when her orgasm hit. Every nerve ending pulsed in white-hot pleasure. She felt it shoot from her toes to her fingertips. This was a release like none other, and as it coursed through her, she wondered if anything could be better than this.

When she came down from her high, the shower water was cold. Daniel slowly got up, eyes dark as they settled on her.

“We need condoms,” he said. “Because when you do that again, I want it to be my cock you come on.”

She must have passed out because she had to be dreaming.

If she was, however, then it was the greatest dream she could ever have.