Chapter 28
Bea
Awarm glow spread across Bea’s face as she thought about what had happened between her and Cal.
The sex was incredible. She had never known anything like it.
Never known a man to set her body on fire like he had.
But no strings? Who was the person that made her say those words?
Who was it that agreed to heat herself with the fire but keep it under control and not let the flames spread?
Bea didn’t know that woman, but she did know that she liked her.
Strings were Bea’s default setting when it came to men so it would be something else to let herself go.
Abandon herself to that body, those kisses, more orgasms. Many more.
Now she would have Cal on tap for the rest of her working-vacation.
There was a potent chemistry between them.
It was perfect. Perfect for her well-being, to give her some time where she could switch off and only be focused on being in physical heaven with a Scotsman, perfect for giving her mind a break from thinking of Josh, and perfect to help stoke the fires of her writing.
She was proud of herself for the decisions she’d made which had led her to this point. For taking control of her life.
Cal was such a different lover than Bea had known.
Josh was below average in bed but had constantly wanted his ego plumped to confirm that he was superb, wanted her to tell him how much she enjoyed sex with him; he believed he could offer women the pinnacle in lovemaking.
Cal, on the other hand, didn’t need his ego plumping at all, and delivered the goods.
He wanted to please Bea and gained as much from her enjoyment as she did herself.
Could she do all this without falling for him?
It was a tricky question, but probably she could.
Cal was hot and sexy as hell, but personality wise he wasn’t what she needed.
He’s too closed off, too aloof, maybe even moody.
Bea needed more of a free spirit. Sure, Cal had raved about the sex, but she didn’t suppose he was especially effusive with emotions, and after Josh, Bea needed kindness and openness.
There was also the issue of Cal probably becoming a father soon.
He wouldn’t have any interest in a new woman in his life when he’d have a little baby to shower love upon, especially in the early stages.
And even if Bea never experienced anything stronger than lust for Cal, she didn’t want to risk stirring up feelings of being second best. She didn’t want to witness her lover cooing over his child and recoil in inadequacy, the way Josh had made her feel.
When she was ready for a new relationship, Bea wanted to be that man’s number one priority, to be his everything, to have a baby together.
Was that selfish? She didn’t think so. After what she went through with Josh, Bea deserved to be wholly loved.
Cal Butler may not be the man to do it, but she could still appreciate him in other ways.
And, ultimately, she had come here to write, and find the old carefree Bea again, and both those were apparently happening.
‘So,’ Cal said. ‘Will you come and stay over tomorrow night? At the cottage at Belhaven. Besides the full pleasure package, I can offer you a selection of whiskies before bed, a hot shower and breakfast in the morning. Plus, neither of us is working on Monday so we can spend the day together. I’ll take you surfing. ’
Bea did a double take. ‘Surfing? In Scotland?’
‘Sure. Didn’t you know we surf here?’
‘But it’s so cold.’
‘Cold, pah! You Americans.’
‘Oh, it’s like that is it? Us Americans!’
‘Ha ha. Aye, it is. You can’t let a bit of cold stand in the way of living your life.
We have some of the best waves for surfing and the beaches are near empty most of the time because, like you, most Scottish people are scared of the cold water.
I have wetsuits and I’ll teach you all you need to know.
Then, afterwards, I’ll enjoy peeling it off and seeing what’s underneath. ’
Bea chuckled. ‘Well, when you put it like that, it sounds kind of tempting. And, to be honest, you had me at full pleasure package.’
Cal stood up and held his hands out to her. ‘I’m looking forward to this,’ he said as she joined him on her feet. ‘I’m going to make sure you have an amazing time in Scotland that you never forget.’
‘Well, I’ve already one episode in my memory bank, but I am definitely excited about adding more.’
‘I’ll pick you up at six then?’ He pulled her to him and kissed her and a rushing river of anticipation rushed through Bea at the times that lay ahead with this gorgeous man who was holding her so confidently in his arms.