Chapter 37
37
MAX
I signed out of my emails and took a sip of the bright orange cocktail Stella had got me earlier, then put it on the table next to the daybed.
We’d spent most of the afternoon chilling by the hotel pool. Even though we had a private one in the villa, because we only had a couple of days left, we thought we’d come here and soak up the atmosphere.
Plus, as nice as it was to have our own kitchen, sometimes it was good to enjoy food and drink we hadn’t had to make ourselves.
Whilst Stella had been reading beside me, I’d spent a couple of hours replying to work emails. Looked like some distributors in Australia were interested in taking on our products.
And I’d finally heard from a factory in the US who could manufacture a new range for us. I was in talks with a huge distributor too. If I secured those deals, it’d transform the business’s fortunes and catapult us into the big league.
Now that I’d replied to their messages, I needed to wait to hear what the next steps would be, so I couldn’t get too excited yet, but I was happy with how things were progressing.
Speaking of happiness, even though I was still tired, yesterday was pretty much a perfect day. Walking around one of my favourite cities with Stella, enjoying a nice meal then cuddling on the sofa.
There were moments when it felt kind of like we were a proper couple, which of course we weren’t. But even though a relationship wasn’t something I wanted, it didn’t feel as scary as I thought it would.
So many things about the last twenty-four hours surprised me. The way I’d opened up to Stella and not only binge-watching a TV series, which was something I didn’t do, but one that was football related.
And surprisingly it really was great. I didn’t remember laughing so much at a programme. The combination of the feel-good vibes the show gave off and having Stella curled up in my arms was… nice.
Not boring nice. Good nice .
It was cool that we were creating these memories. Once we were back in London living our normal lives, I’d look back on these times and smile.
‘We should get going.’ Stella put her Kindle down.
‘Okay.’ I locked my phone and picked up the towel. ‘Still not gonna tell me where we’re going?’
‘Nope! It’s a surprise.’
‘How will I know what to wear?’
‘ Please .’ She rolled her eyes. ‘It’s not as if you need to know whether to wear heels or flats.’
‘Heels are always my first choice of footwear,’ I joked.
‘They wouldn’t be if you had to spend hours walking in them! ’
‘So we’re walking somewhere for hours?’
‘Stop trying to get it out of me! Come on.’ She grabbed my hand and led me up the pathway to our villa. ‘We need to shower and get dressed.’
‘Yes, boss!’ I did a mock salute.
An hour later, we were in the chauffeur-driven car. Stella filled me in on the conversation with her mum earlier who was excited to tell her that Marjorie, the vicar’s wife, had requested a thong to take home. She hadn’t mentioned what message was on the back, because of ‘client confidentiality’, but Stella was sure her mum would let it slip sooner or later.
We also dissected all the episodes of Ted Lasso we’d watched and struggled to decide on which of the characters were our favourites. It was currently a toss-up between Roy Kent and Ted Lasso himself. But we were fans of most of the other teammates too.
It was funny, watching the show reminded me of some of the players I’d worked with during my time. Luckily, before I had a chance to get fully lost in my thoughts, the driver announced that we’d arrived.
As I looked out of the window, I swallowed hard.
Shit.
My body temperature spiked.
‘So…’ Stella reached for my hand. ‘As you can see, we’re at a football stadium. I know you’re worried, but I thought we could try and watch a game. Together .’
‘Stella, I don’t know. I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but…’
‘This is the stadium for Cádiz. They’re in the Premier League or La Liga I think it’s called in Spain, right? But their stadium isn’t as big as some of the others, so I thought it might be less daunting. Oh, and they’re playing Real Madrid tonight… ’
‘Seriously?’ I bolted up and my eyes widened.
‘Yep,’ she nodded, a smile touching her lips.
As I watched the crowds filing into the stadium, I swiped the back of my hand over my forehead.
My mind raced. I wanted to watch the game. I really did. I mean, come on . It was Real Madrid: one of the greatest teams in the world. But I didn’t know if I could.
What if I freaked out again?
I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of Stella.
‘I-I…’ I opened my mouth to speak but my throat dried up.
‘Yesterday you were worried about watching a football-related TV show but you tried and enjoyed it. I know this is harder, but I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t think you were up to it. And remember, if it’s too much, we can just leave. We don’t have to watch the whole match. You can just dip your toe in the water. What do you think? Want to try?’
I paused and the silence stretched for what felt like minutes but could’ve only have been seconds as I weighed it up in my mind.
Anyone else would think my fear was ridiculous. That it was no big deal to watch a game, because they didn’t understand. But luckily Stella did. I believed her when she said she thought I could handle it. And somehow, knowing she believed in me made all the difference.
‘Okay.’ My heart thudded against my chest. ‘I’ll try.’
Stella threw her arms around me and squeezed me so tight I almost couldn’t breathe.
‘Come on.’ She flung the car door open and jumped out excitedly. ‘We’ve got a football match to go to!’
As the referee blew the half-time whistle, I blew out a shaky breath.
I did it.
For the first time in well over a decade, I’d watched a match and survived.
At first it was difficult. Joining the thick crowd as we made our way to our seats, seeing the players coming out on the pitch for the first time, hearing the cheers from the fans and of course watching the players, particularly the strikers, do what I used to love so much made my chest tighten. It brought back so many memories. Some good, many bad. My mind was quickly flooded with regret and thoughts of what could’ve been.
But Stella had taken my hand and every time she squeezed it, a shot of adrenaline rocketed through my veins, giving me the courage to stay and see the game through. And after the first twenty minutes or so, I started to relax.
Now I was even looking forward to the second half.
‘You okay?’ Stella said, checking on me, just like she’d done repeatedly since we first stepped into the stadium.
‘Yeah,’ I smiled. ‘I’m good. Really good, actually.’
‘You okay to stay?’
‘Definitely,’ I nodded.
The second half was even better than the first. Obviously the team were completely different from the days that I played, so I didn’t know any of the players, but they were super-talented. Watching them was so inspiring. Even though I wasn’t out on the pitch, I felt so pumped. So… alive .
I even felt comfortable enough to take some photos. Stella took some of me by myself and then some selfies together. This was a big turning point for me, so just in case I woke up tomorrow and thought it was a dream, these photos would prove that it actually happened .
In the end, Real Madrid won 3-1, which was brilliant. As we left the stadium hand in hand and walked towards the taxi, my heart felt full.
‘That was incredible!’ I scooped Stella up in my arms and spun her round. With so many fans coming out of the stadium, it probably wasn’t the best thing to do, but I was happy and I needed Stella to know it. ‘Thanks again!’
‘You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!’ she beamed. ‘I did too, strangely.’
‘I’m buzzing, though! I don’t think I’m gonna be able to sleep tonight!’ I put her back down on the ground.
‘We don’t have any activities tomorrow during the day – just the leaving date, so we can stay up late then have a lie in.’
The mention of the leaving date made my heart sink. I’d volunteered to organise our last activity and although I’d already briefed Jasmine on what was needed and it’d all been set up for tomorrow night, I wasn’t ready to leave this place. I wasn’t ready to leave Stella either.
‘Good plan,’ I said, pushing it out of my mind. I didn’t want to think about the future. I just wanted to focus on what I’d achieved today.
On the car back to the hotel, I talked Stella’s ear off, gushing non-stop about the game. She was probably bored stiff, but didn’t show it. It was like all of the football talk and enthusiasm I’d bottled up for years came flooding out all at once.
I texted Colton some photos and he replied to congratulate me.
Once we’d reached the hotel, it was pretty late.
‘What do you want to do now?’ Stella slid off her sandals and closed the door. ‘Watch Ted Lasso ?’
‘Later.’ I stepped in front of her. ‘Y’know what I’ve realised?’
‘What? ’
‘Tomorrow’s our last full day here and we haven’t used the hot tub.’
‘You’re right!’
‘You’ve spoilt me tonight, now it’s my turn to spoil you. Why don’t you get in the tub and let me bring you some treats. I’ll be your personal hot tub butler.’
‘Okay!’
I went to the kitchen to prepare everything. I already had some champagne chilling in the fridge and there were still some strawberries left.
Once I was ready, I rinsed off under the shower, put on my trunks, got the tray I’d prepared from the kitchen and brought it to Stella.
Even though most of her body was covered by the bubbles, I could still see the tops of her breasts in her bikini top and the delicious sight made my dick thicken instantly.
Fuck, she was gorgeous.
‘Wow,’ Stella smiled as I rested the tray on the ground and took off my flip-flops before sinking into the tub. ‘Champagne, strawberries and a handsome butler! What more could a woman ask for?’
‘Don’t forget the stars.’ I pointed to the dark sky and slid up beside her, the water instantly heating my skin. ‘And I even brought you the moon.’
‘So you did. And the sea air.’ She inhaled deeply.
‘Cheers to this amazing villa.’ I handed her a glass of champagne, then picked up my own.
‘Definitely. Cheers!’ She clinked her glass against mine, holding my gaze, then took a sip.
‘Hold up.’ I reached for my phone which was on the tray. ‘Let’s take a pic for the memory book.’
After a few snaps, I put the phone down and leant back .
‘So, how you feeling now?’ Stella asked.
‘Fucking great!’ I took a glug of champagne. ‘And it’s all because of you .’ I fixed my gaze on her.
‘Y’know I didn’t score those goals, right?’ she smiled.
‘You arranged for me to see the game. You wanted to help me. And you did. In a big way.’ I inched up closer to her. ‘You made me feel amazing. So now I want to do the same to you.’
I leant forward and pressed my lips against hers.
Stella looped her arms around my neck, then kissed me back.
Within seconds, the kiss became frenzied.
Our tongues flicked hungrily and Stella let out a moan which sent a jolt of electricity straight to my dick.
Still kissing her, I lifted her up and placed her on my lap. She didn’t waste any time straddling me and pressing her pussy onto my rock-hard cock.
Reaching around to her back, I quickly undid her bikini top, exposing her beautiful tits. Tearing my lips away from her mouth, I trailed my tongue down her neck. Ignoring the taste of warm chlorinated water, my head dipped to her breasts and I slid her hard nipple in my mouth, whilst circling the other one with my thumb.
Stella threw her head back and cried out, grinding herself on me as she gripped onto my back.
‘Fuck, Stella,’ I groaned, slipping her nipple from my mouth. ‘I want you so much.’ My hips jerked forward.
‘Here?’ she panted.
‘I would but, it’s probably not a good idea. Hot tub sex looks cool on films and shit, but the chlorine isn’t great for condoms.’
‘Yeah, probably not good for my poor vagina either.’
‘Right. And I really like your pussy, so I need to take care of it. Hold on tight.’ I stood up and Stella wrapped her legs around my back. I climbed out of the tub, then carried her across the patio to our private pool area, then laid her down on the daybed. ‘We can stay here or I can carry you back to the bedroom.’
‘Here,’ Stella said, a naughty smile touching her lips.
‘Glad you said that. It’s not every day we get the opportunity to make love under the light of a thousand stars. Wait here.’
I got up and quickly went to get a condom. Thank God Stella’s mum had given her so many. I’d only bought a pack of three which we’d finished on our first night together. I wasn’t expecting to get so lucky.
When I returned, Stella was under the outdoor shower.
Naked.
‘Thought I’d wash the chlorine off,’ she said as I drank in the delicious sight of her body. I really was one lucky man.
‘Good idea,’ I replied, watching her move to the daybed before removing my shorts. My cock sprang free and Stella’s eyes widened.
When I finished rinsing off under the shower, I strode over to where Stella was laid out on a towel, her legs spread open, ready for me. I was desperate to be inside her, but my dick would have to wait.
I dropped to my knees and flattened my tongue between her legs, dragging it slowly down her clit and to her opening. Stella cried out.
As I flicked my tongue against her, I felt like I was in heaven. I could spend my whole life devouring her.
Stella fisted my hair, pushing my head deeper. I slid one finger inside of her and her hips jerked up off the bed. I slid in another finger and felt her tremble. I loved how Stella’s body responded to my touch.
It wasn’t long before her orgasm ripped through her. She quickly pushed her hand to her mouth to stifle her screams and I had to really focus to stop myself from coming.
‘Jesus, Max.’ Her chest heaved. ‘You are seriously talented.’ I wiped my mouth and slid up beside her.
To my surprise, Stella got up and moved her head down in between my legs and wrapped her hands around my cock, which was already leaking pre-cum.
‘Don’t you want some time to recover?’
‘No. You’ve made me happy, now I want to do the same for you.’ She licked me from base to tip and I almost lost my damn mind.
‘Fuck!’ I grunted.
‘I want to make you come.’
‘God.’ I struggled to speak as she slid my dick in and out of her mouth. ‘Th-that feels amazing, but I really want to come inside you.’
Without saying a word, Stella reached for the condom then rolled it onto my dick.
Just as I was about to climb on top of her, Stella straddled me then lowered herself down onto my cock and we groaned as I filled her up.
Stella rode me and the sight of her on top of me, her tits bouncing, her pussy gripping my dick was almost too much for me to handle. My eyes rolled back in my head.
This was… wow .
This was what fantasies were made of. This wasn’t like sex that I’d had before. This wasn’t even like the sex Stella and I had been having all week. It felt different. I didn’t know how it was possible, but it felt better .
Deeper .
As I looked at the pleasure written across Stella’s face as she tipped her head back and dug her nails into my chest, adrenaline pulsed through me. I felt lightheaded. High.
Stella wasn’t just sexy as hell. She was kind and caring. The more I thought about what she’d done for me, the more intense my desire became.
I was desperate to come, but I didn’t want these sweet sensations to end. Ever.
This felt like how it used to be with Stella.
We weren’t fucking any more.
It was like we were making love.
Then I remembered what I’d said to Stella earlier.
I hadn’t said we’d be screwing. I’d said we’d be making love under the light of a thousand stars. It was like I already knew tonight was gonna be different.
And it really was.
But right now, I couldn’t think about what it meant or what would happen after tonight.
All I knew was that I was enjoying pleasure like I’d never felt before and I wasn’t gonna let anything stop it.