Chapter 21
21
MAX
I wondered how much longer I’d have to stay in this pool before my boner went down.
It was hard enough (excuse the pun) trying to keep my dick under control when Stella was putting sun lotion on my back. I’d closed my eyes and thought about my unanswered emails, but even that didn’t work.
When Jasmine came over, Stella stopped, which gave me a few minutes to cool down. But when she’d suggested that I returned the favour I knew I was in deep shit.
Still, I’d agreed. I couldn’t exactly say no.
As soon as my hands connected to Stella’s skin, all the memories of how I used to touch her came flooding back.
I was so close I could smell her delicious, fruity scent and wanted to pepper kisses across Stella’s shoulders and run my hands all over her.
When my palms skimmed her bikini bottoms, I knew I’d entered dangerous territory. I looked between my legs and I was hard. If anyone saw, they would’ve reported me for indecent exposure. And if Stella realised how aroused I was, she’d have been horrified. It would’ve poured cold water all over the progress we’d been making.
That was when I realised that water was the answer. Stella had her back to me. If I quickly got in the pool, I’d be able to calm the fuck down without her knowing. So when the coast was clear, I dived in.
Now the situation in my trunks was better, but it still wasn’t completely under control.
I needed to remember to put sun lotion on myself before going to the pool or anywhere with Stella in future.
Just when I thought I was in the clear, she appeared at the edge of the pool looking like a fucking goddess.
‘Decided to go in without me?’
‘Yeah,’ I replied, not being able to think of a feasible explanation. All of my brainpower was being used trying not to look at how good her tits looked in that bikini top.
‘I’m getting a drink from the bar, want anything?’
‘Nah, thanks. I’m good. I might go to my room in a bit. There’s something I need to take care of.’
Literally .
At this point, it might be a good idea for me to get myself off. Either way, I needed a break from temptation.
‘I’ll be on the daybed reading.’
‘Cool.’
As she walked away, my gaze dropped to her arse.
Yep.
I had it bad.
The more time I spent with Stella, the more I wanted to kiss her.
To touch her.
I had no idea how I’d get through the rest of the day, never mind another nine days .
After checking I was good, I climbed out of the pool, grabbed my towel and headed to my room. Once I’d showered and dressed, I pulled out my phone and called Colton.
‘Hey,’ he answered after two rings. ‘How’s it going in paradise?’
‘Good.’ Once I’d asked about work, I filled him in on what I’d been up to.
‘Sounds like you’re having a great time! And Stella? How are things with her?’
‘Better. But…’ I paused, wondering whether or not to come clean. ‘There’s a problem.’
‘That’s obvious. She’s an angry ex.’
‘That’s the thing though. We’re… I feel like there’s been a shift. Although I’m under no illusion that I’m her favourite person, I think she’s thawing a little.’
‘That’s a good thing, right?’
‘Yes. And no. She’s thawing but I’m on fire. I think I like her, man. Not the happily-ever-after serious like thing. Just the carnal I wanna fuck her thing.’
‘Right. I see the problem. Let’s face it, Stella’s always been the one that got away. But you’ve already screwed with her once so casual fucking could get messy. If you hurt her again, you’d make things ten times worse.’
‘Exactly.’
‘Have you talked? Properly? Y’know, about what happened, yet?’
‘No.’
‘I think you should. And in terms of the whole attraction thing, I think you’ll need to find a way to keep a lid on it. See how things go once you’ve had the conversation. You never know, she might be attracted to you too.’
‘Doubt it. ’
‘Anything’s possible. But either way, you have to leave the ball in her court.’
‘Yeah. Okay. I’ll talk to her.’
‘Good luck.’
‘Thanks. I’ll need it.’