Chapter 37
GEORGE
W e sat in the bathtub, relaxing under the rays of sunshine that filtered through the skylights.
Rafe snuggled into my lap, his head tucked under my chin, and I wrapped him up tight in my arms.
Had I ever been this content? A resounding no.
When I’d first remodeled this room, I thought the copper tub may have been a bit much.
But the size and shape were perfect for the two of us.
And my Rafe—like most of us Brits—loved his baths.
The water was just short of painfully hot and scented with eucalyptus oil, which Rafe insisted was good for the skin.
As a former model, he knew better than me. My idea of skincare was zinc oxide.
“There may be no nude beaches on these islands, but we’re going to get naked and lie about on your boat,” he insisted.
“Our boat,” I reminded him.
Rafe chuckled and kissed my neck. “Speaking of ours, did you still want to visit the animal shelter?”
“We can go this evening, if you’d like.”
“Yes, I’d like very much.”
I could tell he was excited by the way he vibrated in my arms.
“How did the viewing go with your real estate agent?” I asked.
“I’ve got three offers for the unit,” he replied. “I’m hoping to close by the end of the week.”
“We’ll have to go out and celebrate.”
My mobile started to ring, and I reached for it on the nearby table. Aiden’s name popped up.
“It’s Aiden,” I stated and felt Rafe’s body tense.
My heart began to race. What if Aldo refused the settlement? I carefully wiped my hand on the towel before tapping speaker.
“Aiden, please tell me you have good news.”
“That whiny, dramatic bitch took the money and signed the NDA so yes, I have good news.”
“Yes!” Rafe exclaimed and threw his hands up, water spewing everywhere.
“Are you two swimming?” Aiden asked.
“Sort of. So, he signed it and he won’t contact us again?”
“He and I had a very frank discussion,” Aiden responded in a sharp tone that had me sitting up.
“He won’t contact you again unless he wants to be hung up in court for the rest of his life.
I’ve interviewed hundreds of people over my legal career, and I can read them as well as any psychiatrist. He’s a narcissistic prick.
He admitted what I suspected—that his prime motivation was money.
One of his lenders called in Aldo’s debt just shortly before he tracked you down in Australia.
I’m sorry you had to give him anything, but better that than months of harassment. Good riddance to bad rubbish.”
“Tell us how you really feel, Aiden,” Rafe chuckled.
“Fuck, I’m so relieved. I can’t thank you enough for dealing with this,” I replied.
“It was my pleasure. The Carters are longstanding clients and, more importantly, friends. And that includes you now, George. And I do whatever it takes to protect those in my inner circle.”
Suddenly, I was curious as to what exactly Aiden had said to Aldo. I guess it didn’t matter at this point, the issue was resolved.
“Careful now, Aiden, that sounds an awful lot like you care,” Rafe teased. “You love us, admit it.”
“I will admit no such thing. I’m fond of you all, but that’s the end of it. Love is a taboo word in my lexicon.”
“You protest far too much,” Rafe chuckled. “It’s okay to admit you love your friends. I don’t mean the romantic kind, but trust me, that’s amazing too.”
Aiden made a noise that sounded like gagging. “I have to get going, my flight back to London leaves in two hours.”
“Thanks again, Aiden, and send me the bill,” I replied.
“Pro bono, and it was my pleasure. Any friend of Rafe’s. Cheers,” Aiden responded and hung up.
“He likes to get in the last word,” I mumbled, feeling giddy with relief.
“Yes. It’s fun to watch him with Rowan and my father. They spend all evening arguing— sorry, debating—but they invariably come in second. Aiden doesn’t like to lose.”
“I got that from the tone of his voice when he spoke about Aldo. Makes me wonder what he said to him. Anyway, I’m just so relieved that’s over.”
“Me too, sweetheart. Never mind selling my condo, this news calls for a celebration,” Rafe replied.
“How about we get dressed, go into town for an early supper, and then go visit the shelter?”
“Perfect.”
Rafe stood up in front of me and I watched the water sluice down the sleek muscles of his back and over his tight arse, between his high cheeks.
There was a celebration right here in front of me.
Without thinking, I leaned forward and licked him, eliciting a surprised moan from my man.
Then I spread his luscious cheeks and went right for his tender hole, licking and laving, rimming him.
He gasped and leaned forward, gripping the sides of the tub, while I got on my knees and worshipped his arse with my tongue.
“Fucking hell,” Rafe moaned loudly. “That’s so bloody good. I’m going to come just from your hot tongue in my arse.”
My response was a dirty chuckle as I rubbed my beard against his sensitive skin, knowing how much he loved it.
He began to thrust his hips back, needing more friction.
I shoved my face in his arse and ate him out until he screamed my name and his cum lashed the water.
My own cock was rock hard and begging for attention, but I was only focused on his pleasure.
“That was embarrassing. I’ve never come so fast in my life,” he panted as he slowly stood up again and turned around. “Now it’s your turn.”
I shook my head.
“I’m going to hold off. Makes the next time that much better,” I replied as I stood up in front of him.
I shivered when my wet skin met the cool air.
I cupped his face, running my hands through his lush hair and he leaned in and took my lips in a kiss that made me second guess my decision to wait.
Our tongues met eagerly, as he tasted himself on my lips.
Another groan had me reluctantly pulling back.
“We’ll continue this tonight, my love,” I whispered against his lips. “Let’s get you fed first. You haven’t eaten since your flight this morning.”
He smiled. “You’re always taking care of me.”
I nodded and kissed him again. “I’m going to do so for the rest of our lives.”
His breath hitched and I loved hearing that sound. I didn’t need to say anything else for now, the look in his molten blue eyes told me he knew exactly what I meant.
“We’ll talk about that later, my heart. Let’s get going.”
I stepped out of the tub and held my hand out to help him do the same. Once we dried off, we changed into casual shorts and t-shirts and grabbed a quick drink of water. We found Korry and Kiernan sitting in the hallway on folding chairs, just outside my front door.
“I’m not sure if you’ve received a call from Alex yet, but it looks like we won’t be needing your services anymore,” I commented.
Korry held up his phone. “We just got a text from him. We’re taking the first flight out tomorrow morning.”
“George and I are headed out for dinner. You’re welcome to join us,” Rafe offered.
He was always the more congenial of the two of us. I never thought of such things, too used to my solitary company at sea. And I wanted to be selfish tonight. I wanted him all to myself.
“Great, I’m fecking starved!” Kiernan grumbled as he stood up.
“We’ll take a ride in with you, but we’ll find our own place to eat,” Korry grumbled and nudged his brother with his elbow.
“Oh, right. Let me grab my stuff, and we’ll lock up,” Kiernan replied as he passed me. “Kor and I are staying at a hotel tonight.”
This day kept getting better and better. Knowing that my love and I would have complete privacy tonight made my pulse race like mad.
“Sounds good. We’ll meet you down at the Jeep,” I replied and took Rafe’s hand.
We ambled down the stairs to the parking lot. After I opened Rafe’s door, and he slid in, I hopped in the driver’s side.
“What do you feel like eating?” I asked as I turned to him.
“Anything. As long as I can get a lovely tropical cocktail first, I’ll be happy.”
“Let’s go to Piper’s. They have the best drinks on the island and a view from the cliffside deck that can’t be beat, especially when the sun sets.”
Korry and Kiernan joined us a few minutes later and we headed east.
“You can drop us off at the Salty Dog, we got rooms there for the night,” Korry announced.
I drove past the marina and headed for the eastern section of town. After thanking Korry and Kiernan for their work, we dropped them off at their bed and breakfast. I hoped the Salty Dog had a good supply of food, or Kiernan would be one unhappy guest.
Rafe and I headed west again. I took my time, since driving here wasn’t like main roads elsewhere. There were lots of twists and turns and the occasional goat or chicken that crossed our path. Rafe seemed to delight in it all, insisting we come back and visit the fruit stand and the organic farm.
“The farm has horses. Do you like to ride?” I asked.
“Love it. Do they offer lessons and that sort of thing?”
I nodded. “And rides on the beach, which are my favorite.”
“We’re definitely doing that.”
I rounded another corner and pulled into a tiny cul-de-sac.
Piper’s was built on a cliff that overlooked Smuggler’s Bay.
There were already dozens of cars lining the road.
Once I found a spot to park, we walked down the grassy path that led to an out clearing and the restaurant.
The house was built into the side of the mountain, with a large deck and unobstructed views of the bay.
Surrounded by the gentle sound of cicadas and birds, the spot was peaceful.
Soft music filtered through the air the closer we got, and the smell of grilled seafood made my mouth water.
There was an outdoor bar and we managed to snag two seats that had a perfect view.
The regular dining room was already full, so Rafe enjoyed a rum punch cocktail while I sipped on sparkling water.
I noticed a few yachties from the marina and waved hello.
One of them, Tio Estellas, walked over and slid in beside me.
A legend in the sailing community at just thirty-one, Tio was from San Juan, but had called Tortola home for the past decade and took part in sailing competitions all over the world.
“George, I haven’t seen you in months. How’s things?”
“Wonderful. I’m on a bit of a vacation break from Now, Voyager . This is my partner, Rafe Carter. Rafe, this is Tio Estellas. He’s a longstanding resident and the second-best sailor I know. Oh, and he may have won the America’s Cup a time or two.”
Tio smiled and shook Rafe’s hand and cocked his head, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. “George is just jealous because I’m the number one sailor on the island. Real boats, not those fancy ships he drives with motorized everything.”
“Running a superyacht is no small feat,” Rafe replied.
“It’s not.” Tio nodded. “I saw the news about your ship in Australia. Glad to see you made it back in one piece.”
“We were lucky that the coast guard was nearby,” I responded.
“I’m so happy I ran into you here. Maybe we can grab a drink one night at the marina?”
“Rafe and I would love that.”
“Are you staying long?” Tio turned to Rafe. “Sorry, but have we met before? You look familiar.”
“I just have that kind of face,” Rafe replied and slid his hand over mine.
“Rafe’s a talented photographer. And a former model, which might explain why you recognized him,” I said and squeezed Rafe’s hand. “And more importantly, he’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“George and I are moving in together. You’ll see me around often,” Rafe smiled at Tio.
Tio nodded. “Congrats! Love looks good on you George,” Tio joked. “I’ll let you get back to your evening. Nice to meet you, Rafe. Have a good one.”
“Nice seeing you, Tio,” I replied, and he walked away.
I turned back to the bar and picked up my water, taking a big gulp.
“Nice bloke,” Rafe muttered. “Too bad about his crush on you. I laid that idea to rest.”
I spewed water all over the bar top.