Chapter 12
CARTER
On Saturday, I was reminded of April’s very first day of school. She was older now, but she still had the same tell-tale signs of nervousness: biting her nails, playing with her hair.
“April, this is your party. You have to enjoy yourself,” I told her as we waited for everyone to arrive on the boat.
“And make friends.”
“You can’t force that. You’ll find your own tribe eventually.”
Half the party would be comprised of friends from her old school, and half were classmates from the new one.
She rolled her eyes. “You’re talking like an adult.”
I tried to remember what it was like to be fifteen, when friends were the most important thing in life.
“No, I’m talking like your uncle. You’re cool. Don’t change who you are just to fit in with new people.”
“Aww, stop it,” she said good-naturedly. I ruffled her hair. She leaped away.
“Hey, stop. I’m not five years old.”
“Wish you were.”
“Carter, please be nice to them. Half are already afraid of you.”
“Why?”
“They googled you. You have a reputation. And you look intimidating.” She poked one arm. “What do you even need all these muscles for? You’re a lawyer. You carry out your fights with words. Thank God you won’t be around much.”
April had been suspiciously excited when I told her about Val.
Her friends started filtering in soon after, and I scrutinized them through the eyes of an uncle and a lawyer.
No one had tattoos, or piercings, or looked like they were part of a gang.
I made a point to look everyone in the eye as I shook their hands.
I was checking if their pupils were dilated, which was usually a sign that they took drugs. Everyone passed the test.
I started to relax, which turned out to be a big mistake.
Fifteen minutes later, I was in over my head.
I’d caught two guys trying to smuggle vodka aboard—I confiscated it.
One of them clearly wanted to be more than April’s friend.
I was about to pounce on the guy when I saw Val on the dock, waving at me.
She was all smiles as I approached. From behind my sunglasses, I took my time drinking her in. She was wearing a knee-length beach dress with a deep neckline. Her bikini was visible too, the bra pushing her breasts up.
“Not going well so far?” she said instead of hello.
“What gave it away?”
“Before you saw me, you looked like you were going to throw that guy overboard.”
“He smuggled in alcohol and was leering at my niece.”
She grinned. “What were you expecting?”
“You’re amused by my shit luck again,” I pointed out as I leaned in to kiss her cheek, bringing my hand to her waist too.
I didn’t just give her a quick peck. I lingered, laying one corner of my lips close to hers.
I was going to claim that beautiful mouth of hers today.
But I knew I wouldn’t be satisfied with a simple kiss.
I wanted more from Val, and from the sweet way that she pressed herself into my touch, her sharp intake of air as she returned the kiss on my cheek, I knew she would surrender to me.
I couldn’t wait to be alone with her, to kiss her until she was wet for me. I’d work her up until she panted out my name, begging for more.
“Ready for fun?” I murmured in her ear. She smelled fantastic—some flower I couldn’t name— but also spicy. The tremor that coursed through her told me everything I needed to know.
“Yes. Is Peyton here too?”
“No, she’s at a playdate the whole day. She’s not a strong swimmer yet, and being on the boat all day would have been too dangerous for her.”
She watched me with warm eyes as we headed aboard together.
April was ecstatic when I introduced her to Val.
“I’ve heard so much about you, April.”
“Really? Well, my uncle kept you a secret until a few days ago.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll keep him out of your way so he doesn’t embarrass you.”
Wait a second, what?
“You will?” April looked like she might hug Val.
“I happen to be an expert at taming overprotective genes.”
My niece was grinning as if this was the best news she’d heard all day.
After she went back to her group, which was huddled together at the other end of the deck, I cocked one brow at Val.
She blushed and looked away, then peeked at me from the corner of her eye.
I stepped closer. She half turned to me.
“So, you’re banding with April against me.”
“Well, it’s best if she thinks someone is on her side.”
“You’re playing double agent?”
“Not exactly. Let’s make ourselves scarce before you ruin the poor girl’s party.”
“Are you implying that I’m an ogre?”
She tilted her head playfully to one side. “Haven’t made up my mind yet.”
“I think you just want to be alone with me. To… what was the phrase? Tame me. How exactly do you plan to do that, Valentina?” Her cheeks turned pink, and I went even closer. She licked her lower lip. I almost crushed my mouth to hers. “If I’m going under, I’d at least like to know how.”
“Don’t you need to get this boat started?”
“Yes, I do. Want a tour before?”
She hesitated.
“No time to tame me during the tour. But don’t worry. I’ll give you plenty of opportunities later. Come on.”
She nodded, even as her eyes flared in surprise.
“This is the main deck, obviously. A little too small for a party of fifteen, but it’ll work out.” I then showed her the lower level, which was a living and dining room of sorts.
“So we’ll be hiding down here for the day?”
“Of course not. The front part is all ours.”
There was a smaller deck in front of the captain’s cabin that would give us privacy. I’d arranged for two lounge chairs to be brought there, as well as umbrellas, which I’d open up after lowering the anchor.
“I’ll be in the captain’s cabin until we reach deeper water.”
“I’ll work on my tan.”
That turned out to be a bad idea.
Watching Val take off her dress was like having a private peep show.
Her body was even more amazing than I’d imagined.
That tall, willowy figure was going to be my death.
I didn’t know where to look first. That round, perky ass or her sexy-as-hell breasts, which almost spilled out of her top.
Her long legs were muscular but in a lean way.
I wanted to have those thighs wrapped around me, to suck on her nipples and worship every inch of her.
I’d run my mouth all over that smooth skin, part her legs, and feast on her until she shook with pleasure.
She settled on one of the two lounge chairs. Thank God she wasn’t putting on sunscreen, because I didn’t think I could watch that and still pay attention to what I was doing. She plugged in earbuds and lay on her back.
Once I’d brought the boat to clear, deep waters, I lowered the anchor and went out to tell the party that we were docking there for the day. We had a few wetsuits, but I didn’t think anyone wanted to swim. It was mid-October, and while the weather was sunny, the water wasn’t any fun.
Then I went in the front to Val. She was still lying on her back. I sat on the other chair and trailed my fingers up her left thigh. She blinked her eyes open and pushed up on one elbow, tugging out her earbuds.
“What are you listening to?”
“One of Richard Branson’s books.”
“Which one? My favorite is Business Stripped Bare.”
“Oh, I like that one too. This is his newest. I just love his approach to business, and life in general. How he doesn’t really take himself seriously, even though he’s so successful.”
“Exactly. And his advice is down to earth. His strategies are smart.”
“And unconventional.”
I was drawn to her on an intellectual level as well.
I’d never given more credit to the smart is sexy credo than now.
I liked that she was smart, sharp, and still willing to learn despite having achieved so much.
I’d met plenty who figured once they’d reached a certain level of success, there wasn’t much anyone could teach them.
“Want a drink?” I asked her.
“Yes.”
“Anything in particular?”
“Surprise me.”
I barely hid my smile as I descended to the lower deck, retrieving the bottle of champagne I’d bought especially for us, as well as ice cream in two cups.
She laughed in delight as I brought it. “Well, you brought out the big guns.”
I sat next to her. “You want to tame me. The least I can do is bring out a persuasion tool.”
She was laughing even harder now, and it gave me immense pleasure that I’d brought it on, that she was having so much fun with me.
I’d only met this woman recently, and yet I looked forward to spending time with her more than I looked forward to anything else.
I was determined for her to enjoy herself today.
Of course, making her laugh wasn’t the only thing on my agenda.
“So, care to share your taming techniques?” I teased.
“I wasn’t implying anything… untoward.”
Untoward? Who used that word? I couldn’t help myself. I moved closer so that when I spoke, my mouth was almost on her shoulder.
“Oh, but I was. Very untoward.”
She swallowed but said nothing. I continued.
“I have some ideas. Want to hear them?”
Val cocked her head, looking straight at me.
“You’re extra shameless today.”
“I saved it all up. Just for you.”
She looked away, but I didn’t miss her body’s response. Her nipples had perked up and were pushing against the fabric of her bra, begging to be freed. I popped open the bottle and poured us a drink. After we clinked glasses, we enjoyed the sun. I’d never seen her so relaxed.
“This day is perfect,” she murmured. “Can you show me the captain’s cabin?”
“Sure.”
I led her toward the cabin, and the moment we were inside, something between us shifted.
I was even more aware of her almost naked body than before.
Outside in the sun, the bikini was just that, a bikini, but here inside, it was as if she’d stripped to her lingerie just for me.
I showed her the most important functions and some cool gadgets.
“I’ve always wanted a boat,” she confessed, placing her hands on the wheel.
“I’m happy to take you out to sea whenever you want.”
I was right behind her and had spoken the words into her hair. Val let out a long breath.
“Really?” she whispered.
“Yes. I like spending time with you.”
I trailed my hands on both of her outer thighs, right up to where the fabric ran over her hips. Then I moved my hands further up, to her waist and the sides of her breasts. She let out a small whimper, clasping the wheel tighter.
Everything around us faded. I forgot where we were, and I wasn’t even sure I remembered my own name as I swept her hair to one side, kissing her neck.
When she gave me a low moan as an answer, I flipped her around and crushed my mouth to hers.
I traced my thumb over the knot keeping her bra together. Val stilled completely.
“I’m taking this off,” I said. Val didn’t answer with words. Instead, she arched her hips. I almost lost control when she pressed her pelvis against my hard-on. “Turn around.”
She did as I asked, and the bow came undone after one simple tug.
I kissed her bare skin where it was covered before, then opened the clasp lower on her back.
The bikini top fell to the floor. The air was so quiet, so full of anticipation.
I wanted to feast on her, but I was so greedy for her that I couldn’t decide where to start.
I brought my hands to the front, cupping her breasts.
“Oooooh.” Her voice shook on the exclamation.
I trailed my fingers down to her navel, then lower still, right to the edge of the bikini, tracing the line.
I was dying to touch her pussy, but all things in due time.
I was going to leave that for last. I kissed down her back next, until I reached the bottom of the bikini.
It covered too much of her ass cheeks, which was why I moved the fabric on each side a bit, kissing the skin I revealed, then even giving it a small bite.
“Carter, I’m… ohhh.”
I flipped her around, and seeing her look down at me with hooded eyes, cheeks pink, was almost enough to make me come in my swim trunks.
She stood with her feet apart and I rained kisses on each of her thighs.
As I inched closer to the apex, I felt her contract the muscles in her belly in anticipation.
I was shaking with the need for her, and my balls tightened when I drew the tip of my nose over the part of the bikini covering her pussy, then pushed the fabric to one side and had my first taste.
Val almost toppled onto me, but I was holding her by her ass.
I licked once over her clit, sucking on it, and she tried to stifle a moan.
I wanted to eat her out, but I also wanted to watch her beautiful face when she came apart, so I kissed up her belly, taking my time.
I brought my hand to her clit, circling it gently, spurring her to tremors.
When I reached Val’s mouth, I bit lightly into her lower lip before kissing her.
I worked her up in a frenzy with my fingers. She was holding tight onto my shoulder with one hand. She dipped her other hand in my swim trunks.
“Val,” I groaned. “Baby. Touch me. Just like that.”
She wrapped her palm tightly along my cock, moving her hand rhythmically.
How could this feel so impossibly good? I circled her clit faster and moved my mouth to one of her nipples.
I twirled my tongue across it, then sucked it into my mouth.
She was almost on the edge, ready to tip over.
Her breaths were fast and short. I slid two fingers inside her.
She was so turned on that all I wanted was to sink in all that wet heat, claim her as mine.
When she came, she rode my hand beautifully, my name on her lips, her hand curled around my erection.
I wasn’t going to last much longer. I was going to—
“Carter, we have an emergency. Are you in the cabin or below?” April’s voice came from a distance, but I felt as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice at me.
Jesus Christ, what had I been thinking? How could I have forgotten that we weren’t alone on this boat?
No one could see what was going on in the cabin unless they came inside, but still… I was supposed to set an example.
Val froze. She pulled her head back, eyes wide, then grinned as I bent to pick up her top, helping her put it on.
“I’ll be right out,” I said loudly. To Val, I whispered, “I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “Go, go. Before she comes and… well, not exactly rocket science to put two and two together.”