Chapter 12 #2
“Maybe I did,” she shrugs. “Maybe I didn't.”
I huff out a deep, rumbly laugh against her hair.
“Oh, you definitely fucking looked.”
Her shoulders tense as a flush creeps up her neck, crimson and impossible to miss.
“The real question is,” I continue, lowering my voice, “did you like what you saw?”
She turns her head.
So close.
Her mouth is right there, less than an inch from mine. I can taste the rum on her breath.
“Owen...” she breathes heavily.
Fuck, the way she whispers my name has me staring at her lips, dying to have a taste.
“Because I did,” I continue. “You have no idea how bad I wanted to—”
“Oop!” she blurts, cutting me off mid-sentence. “Looks like the coconut rum is almost gone. Time for shot three!”
I study her, suddenly noticing the way she can’t meet my eyes—the way little chill bumps cover her skin even though it’s scorching hot outside.
She feels this. Just as bad as me.
Shot Three
After we down the third shot, Meadow looks up at the sky and laughs at nothing, which makes me chuckle in return. We’re well on our way to the giggly stage of being tipsy.
“Okay,” she mumbles, pointing at me with the empty cup. “That one didn’t even burn.”
“Congrats,” I grin, amused. “You think you’ll make it to shot four?”
“Please,” she scoffs, waving a hand in front of her and taking one step backward. “Duh—”
Before she can finish her sentence, her ankle wobbles, sinking into the deep sand.
On instinct, I wrap my arms around Meadow’s waist, pulling her against me. Her eyes go wide as her hands land on my chest.
I lose track of time as we just stand there, quietly staring into each other’s eyes as the people, music, and shot glasses swirl around us.
Her eyes dart between mine as her thumb gently sweeps against my chest. I don’t even think she realizes she’s doing it, caressing me so tenderly.
Fuck ‘playing it cool’.
“You’re really pretty,” I rasp. “You know that?”
Instead of being bashful and looking down, she bites her lip and flips my world upside down.
“You’re my favorite person, you know that?” she responds.
Fuck. Me.
What is this woman doing to me?
This time, I’m the one who desperately needs the next shot.
I reach down, sliding my fingers through hers, and lead us back to the table.
Shot Four
By the time we finish the fourth shot, we’re both feeling it.
Who knew Meadow’s so clingy when she’s drunk?
I fucking love it. I’m eating up every second of it.
Meadow grabs my bicep mid-giggle, fingertips digging into my skin like I’m her lifeline.
“Question,” she mutters, looking down at her feet.
“Yeah?”
“Is the sand moving?” She tilts her head. “Or is it just me?”
“Eh, the sand is definitely spinning a bit,” I chuckle. “I can confirm.”
“Oh, thank God,” she giggles. “Thought I was going crazy.”
When she sways again, my hand grips onto her bare waist. She feels so silky and warm beneath my fingers as I skim my hand around to her lower back, where her skin meets her shorts.
Instead of pulling away, she leans into me like it’s the most natural thing in the world—like she belongs in my arms.
All the blood in my body rushes south when she hooks her arms over my shoulders, literally clinging to me now. Her body presses against my front as I shuffle us forward in line.
There’s absolutely no space between us, just the heat of Meadow’s body everywhere.
Thank God she’s plastered to my front, because there’s no telling how obvious my erection is right now.
Maybe it’s the alcohol, but I don’t give a damn or feel embarrassed if Meadow notices. It’s just a matter of time until she picks up on how my body reacts to her, if she hasn't already.
While we’re waiting in line, Meadow lets out a low sigh and folds her head into my chest.
Christ.
If she holds onto me any tighter, I’m fucking done for. I only have so much self-control.
Her hair smells like sunscreen and cherry blossom as she brushes her cheek against my chest, nuzzling into me. Right as I’m contemplating kissing the top of her head, she looks up at me with bright, glassy eyes.
“You’re so strong,” she murmurs, holding me tighter. “Like sooo many muscles. I like that.”
My heart dips, skipping a few beats.
“Yeah?” I reply, my tone full of gravel as I stare down at her.
“Mmmhmm,” she nods before nestling back into my chest.
Someone needs to start digging my grave because I’m about to be a fucking corpse.
Shot Five
The speaker rattles, like it’s on the verge of bursting as the next song starts.
Despacito explodes through the crowd, turning the whole beach into a party.
Meadow gasps like she’s just won the lottery.
“Owen!” she shouts, grabbing my hands. “I LOVE THIS SONG. Let’s dance!”
Before I can even pretend to protest, she’s dragging me onto the packed sand where other guests are already swaying and stumbling around like happy idiots.
My hands immediately shoot to her hips when she turns, presses her back to my chest, and starts moving.
Fucking grinding.
Not shy or subtle.
Just her hips rolling in tune with the beat.
Holy. Fucking. Shit.
My cock twitches against her ass as my fingers span her hips while she grinds back against me, giggling and resting her head back on my shoulder.
Every move sends a wave of ecstasy through my veins.
“You’re trouble,” I mutter in her ear, my lips practically kissing her skin as I speak.
“You love it,” she shoots back, seduction fills her gaze as she tips her head toward me.
God, I do.
“You’re damn right,” I groan when her hips roll against my rock-hard erection, hitting my cock just right. “I fucking love it.”
I can’t help myself.
I need to touch her. I need to feel her skin. Everywhere.
I slowly drag my fingers from her belly, up her ribcage, stopping just before I reach her bikini top. When I wrap my arms around her, holding her in a bear hug, she sinks into me. Melts into me.
“Mmmm,” she moans, fucking moans , and reaches back to sink her fingers in my hair. “You feel so good.”
Fuckkk.
I’m nothing but a man.
I’m running out of fucking strength here.
I need to kiss her. I need to taste her lips. Feel her tongue sliding against mine. Right the fuck now.
“Let's go to the club tonight,” Meadow hums, taking me by complete surprise.
“What?”
“Isn’t there a club here, at the resort?” she asks, squinting against the sun as she looks up at me.
Before I answer, I decide that it’s settled. This night will not end without Meadow’s lips on mine.