3. Juniper
Juniper
I lift myself out of my seat a bit to get a better look at Starry Hill as the tallest peak of the island appears above the horizon. My heart starts pattering and my excitement bubbles up until I’m tapping my toes against the boat’s floor.
Around me, the other party guests are chatting away on the boat, but I’m quiet as my anticipation builds. I’m also hyperaware of Viggo’s pretty eyes on me.
He’s so fucking hot, my pussy almost spontaneously combusted when he swaggered right up to me on the dock.
Just thinking about him has my lady bits fluttering again.
His dark sandy hair begs for my fingers to comb through, to grab onto as I direct his mouth where I want it to go.
But that sexy stubble of his has me wondering what it would feel like against the soft skin of my inner thighs.
I bet it would leave me deliciously red and achy the next day.
However, those eyes of his have me swooning.
They’re what caught my attention the most. They’re the deepest ocean blue, almost indigo, and at the center is a black rectangular pupil.
Besides their unique shape and color, it’s the soul sparkling behind them that entices me—warm and unabashed, cheeky and kind.
To me, that’s a perfect combo and it makes me want to play.
Just to be sure that I really have his attention, I shoot Viggo a surreptitious glance. His body faces the ocean, but he’s clearly studying my legs out of the corner of his eye. The way he bites at his bottom lip when our eyes meet has a smack of jellyfish dancing in my stomach.
When we were leaving the harbor, he made a comment about being happy to come second. I swear that made my pulse relocate to my clit. I obviously love it when a partner prioritizes my pleasure, but something gives me the impression that Viggo would be a devoted pussy eater.
I’m curious to know what kind of creature he is.
If things between us go in the direction I hope they are, then I’ll most likely get the opportunity to ask him.
Maybe I can even find out what his body looks like underneath that loose linen shirt.
Judging by the bit of skin visible, I know it’s going to be a piece of art.
Hold your seahorses, Juniper. Ask about his hobbies or some normal shit before you proposition him. Have a proper conversation before you start thinking about what his naked body would look like… or feel like. On the other hand, I’ve always been more of a tactile learner.
Since I promised myself that this trip would be about adventure and an exercise in saying yes, if Viggo is interested in me then I’m very much game too. But it might be fun to make him work for it. For a little bit, anyway.
Arching my back in a manner I hope looks seductive, though not too obviously so, I peek at Viggo on my right, only to see him already—still?—watching me.
I smile flirtatiously and give him a small finger wave, then mouth, “Hi.”
Did I just give him a fucking finger wave? Awkward. Abort mission! Abort mission!
Viggo’s eyes darken and his knuckles turn white as his grip intensifies on the helm and he gives me a lopsided smile.
He traces the lines of my body with his eyes, pausing hungrily when he reaches my breasts, but his attention is snagged back to the helm when the boat lists too far and the passengers start squealing.
Viggo corrects it quickly, his face flushing as he apologizes to everyone. “Sorry about that. Not sure what happened.”
I giggle into my hand and chance one more glance at him, noticing the clear outline of his interest in me tenting his pants. The shape is very… intriguing. Viggo looks so guilty and quickly adjusts himself, his eyes wide and looking anywhere but me.
He’s so cute I want to pin him down, tickle him, then impale myself on whatever he’s hiding in those pants.
Damn, Juniper, where did that come from? Pin him down? With what muscles? And tickling a grown-ass dude? That’s too weird, even for you. Think sexy thoughts. Think seduction and flirting. Should I tell him horny jokes? Would he be into that?
I don’t look at Viggo again as I flit through my options for how I’ll try to flirt with him. However, when we arrive at Starry Hill’s dock, I still have no clue what to say.
Beck is already unloading his boat, his passengers milling around the dock while Viggo ties our boat up.
I take my time as the others get off, and head toward the back of the boat where I saw Viggo stow my bag earlier.
“Need some help with that?” Viggo asks and places a hand on the small of my back, right on the sliver of skin between the waistband of my shorts and my flowy crop top. His touch makes my breath catch in my throat, and goose bumps dance along my skin.
“Want to specify what you want to help with?” I’m all breathy, on the edge of flustered but I hope it comes across as flirtation.
Viggo’s voice is a low rumble in my ear. “Anything and everything you want.”
“That’s… generous. And brave.” I try not to sound as flustered as I feel, but I think I’m failing.
I turn toward Viggo, and his hand moves to my waist. We both pause for a moment, holding eye contact, studying each other with undisguised interest. His fingers tighten ever so slightly and my body automatically leans forward like it’s seeking more.
Viggo’s gaze shifts to my mouth then flicks back up to my eyes, seemingly looking for some kind of permission. My lips part, ready to say yes to whatever he wants.
A sudden wave crashes into the boat and I stumble into Viggo’s chest, my forehead hitting his sternum.
He steadies me with a strong arm around my waist. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, thanks for catching me.” I try not to get all swoony, but I really like the way Viggo’s hands feel on me.
“Anytime,” Viggo whispers.
If he keeps staring at me with those ocean eyes I’m going to drown in them.
From the dock, Beck clears his throat. “Oops. Sorry if that interrupted whatever you were doing, but everyone’s eager to get to the beach and we’re waiting for you.
Can I get the last boxes before you start kissing?
I don’t know how long it’s going to take and I don’t really want to watch you either. ”
Viggo’s arms reluctantly loosen around my waist, and I take a step back, my cheeks heating with embarrassment.
Juniper, you met this guy like five minutes ago and you almost went in for a kiss? In front of everyone? What’s up with that? Or does Viggo maybe have hypnotizing powers and that explains your intense reaction? I’m going to need to question him about that really soon, just to be sure.
Beck huffs a frustrated sigh and gets on the boat, grabbing boxes and loading them onto the dock.
Viggo doesn’t move to help him, though, just stares nervously at me like he’s scared that whatever spell bound us together for a moment has now been broken.
His voice is gentle when he asks, “Do you want to carry your overnight bag with you at all times? Bodin over there is taking everything to Kraken Cove where we’ll have the party later.
” Viggo points to the large orc standing by a wooden cart already filled with bags and boxes of supplies.
“But if you need your bag, I can carry it for you.”
Definitely won’t need my ducky pajamas if I’m going to be naked all night, right? But I can’t say that. Too early. Be cool.
My shoulders relax and I shake my head. “I don’t need anything from it right now, so it can go on the cart. I can always grab it from the party later.”
Viggo’s lips tip up. “Good idea. I think some people are heading to Kraken Cove early to go swimming and others are going into town. What would you like to do?” Viggo looks like he’s holding his breath, the vein in his neck visibly pulsing as he waits for my answer.
I let him sweat about it for only another second before I look up at him through my lashes, and twirl a strand of hair around my finger. “I’d love to see the town. Mind showing me around?”
Viggo nods furiously, his infectious grin stretching until it’s reflected on my own face. “It would be my pleasure.”