CHAPTER 22
TATE
Before I can blink, Cassie is off the bed and sprinting to the door.
“Cass, wait.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” she shouts back without turning around.
I grab my discarded boxers and hurriedly pull them on. I reach the doorway just as she makes it to the top of the staircase. Christ, her ass looks phenomenal in those cheeky panties. Her tits are practically spilling out of that bra, more so now that she’s breathing so hard. A moment ago, I was about to devour her. Now I’m chasing after her to keep her from leaving.
She picks up the dress that’s lying on the stairs, slipping it over her head as she descends. I hurry after her.
The doorbell rings again, making me wince.
I totally forgot about Nicole. I’m an asshole, I know. But I made the date last Sunday while I was trying not to think about Cassie and then forgot to call it off because I’ve had a busy week.
“I cannot believe you have another woman coming over tonight!” Cassie’s murderous gaze eviscerates me. “What was the plan, exactly? You were going to meet her first, and me right after? Or go back and forth between the houses like Hannah fucking Montana pretending to be in two places at once? Did I spoil your little plot by coming over here instead?”
“No, not at all,” I say, reaching the bottom of the staircase.
She puts on her flip-flops and marches to the front door.
“Cassie, come on, wait. Can I please explain?”
“No,” she barks, then flings the door open to reveal the startled face of Nicole.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Nicole hedges in. “Am I interrupting…?”
“Nope,” Cassie replies as she storms past. “He’s all yours,” she calls over her shoulder.
In completely misery, I watch her go.
“Fuck!” I groan, scrubbing my hands over my face. I briefly close my eyes, sucking in a frustrated breath. Then my eyes open, only to be confronted with the cloud of displeasure darkening Nicole’s face.
“Uh, yeah, it’s pretty obvious I did interrupt something. What the hell, Tate?”
“I’m sorry.” I exhale a heavy breath. “I forgot you were coming over.”
“Are you fucking serious?”
“I’m sorry.” Shame now pours off me by the bucketload. “I started seeing someone this week—”
“Clearly,” Nicole interrupts, jaw tightening.
“She and I were just friends when I asked you out, but then it turned into something more and I forgot to cancel with you. I’m sorry. I’m such an asshole. Honestly, I need you to hit me right now. Just clock me in the jaw. Please.” I groan again. “You know I don’t do this. I never play around with women. Ever. I’m so, so sorry.”
She must recognize my sincerity—and immense remorse—because her face softens. “Dude. Dial it down. It’s not like we just got married and you cheated on me on our honeymoon.”
I spit out a weak laugh. “No, but this is a dick move.”
“It is. I won’t deny that.” She runs a hand through her dark hair. “Can’t say I’m not disappointed, either. I was looking forward to this all week.”
“I’m sorry,” I repeat through a lump of guilt.
“You’re lucky you have a rep for being a good guy. I know you don’t pull this shit with women.”
“I don’t,” I moan. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this bad in my life. I can’t apologize enough.”
Nicole fiddles with the sleeve of her tight top. “I’m really embarrassed,” she admits.
“Please don’t be. This is all on me.”
“Well, obviously. But that doesn’t change the fact that I just walked in on—you know what, it’s fine. Let’s just forget it.”
I search her expression. “Are we good?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” Sighing, she steps closer and gives me a little pat on the shoulder. “But I think you owe her an apology too. And I should probably let you get to that.”
I still feel like shit as I walk Nicole to her car. Once she drives off, I glance toward Cassie’s front porch. I don’t want to go and ring the doorbell because I’m not sure if her mom and grandmother are home. But I also don’t want to climb up to her window for fear she’ll push me to my death.
Dismissing both options, I go back inside to get my phone.
Me: Meet me out back so we can talk? Please?
Part of me expects radio silence, but Cassie responds.
Cassie: Date #2 is over already? Does someone have a stamina problem?
And people say you can’t discern tone over text.
Me: It’s really not what you think. Please. Just come outside?
Cassie: Fine.
She meets me on the dock. Arms crossed, eyes apoplectic. She’s wearing her dress, and now that I know what’s underneath it I want to kick myself harder for forgetting to cancel with Nicole, because there’s no way I’m seeing a single thread of that lingerie again tonight. Even if we do make up, the moment has passed.
“I made the date with her on Sunday,” I explain. “After you and I … you know. Window sex.”
Cassie nods, mouth flattening. “I think that might make it worse.”
“I was trying to avoid temptation. I thought maybe if I found a distraction, I’d be able to see you again without being tempted to blow up our friendship. So when Nicole asked me out, I said yes. And then I got home that night and overheard you and your mom, and, well, you know what that led to.” I gnaw on the inside of my cheek. “I screwed up. You and I have been hooking up all week, and I’ve been swamped with work, and I honestly just forgot to let her know the date was off.”
“That is such a dick move. Especially to her.”
“Trust me, I know. I just spent the past ten minutes begging her forgiveness. And now I’m begging yours.” I meet Cassie’s eyes. I know she hears the heartfelt note in my voice. “I don’t juggle women. I might sleep with a lot of them, but never at the same time. Ask anyone who knows me—I don’t play games. That’s not who I am. You know that’s not who I am, Cassie. I’m a Boy Scout. I’m the one who asked to get grounded. My parents raised me to treat women with respect. That’s why I was afraid I’d be taking advantage of your inexperience.”
She bites her lip in hesitation. “If you didn’t want to be exclusive, you could’ve just told me.”
“That’s not it at all.” I frown. “It didn’t even cross my mind to not be exclusive. I assumed we were.”
“Really?”
“I told you, I don’t date more than one person.”
“Are we dating?”
“Flinging. Hooking up. Whatever you want to call it.”
My body is tight with frustration, because I can’t quite explain how any of this makes me feel. All I know is the sheer panic, the helplessness that was squeezing my throat when Cassie stormed out and I thought I might never see her again.
“I like you,” I say gruffly. “I have a great time with you. I’m wildly attracted to you. And I don’t want to ever do anything that makes you look at me like that again. Like I was total slime.”
She draws a breath. “When I thought you had another date … another girl lined up, or maybe even a whole roster of them … it upset me.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I promise I’m not seeing anyone but you.” I drag a hand through my hair, offering a rueful smile. “I had a whole thing planned for tomorrow. For you, I mean.”
“You did?” Her forehead creases. “You never mentioned anything.”
“I was planning on asking you tonight. You know how Gil told me I can use the Lightning? I thought…” I shift awkwardly. I don’t think I’ve ever been so tongue-tied around a chick before. “I thought we could go out on the boat. Maybe anchor at Kearny’s Cove. You wouldn’t think it, but there’s a roomy cabin below deck. It’s cozy. We could do an overnight…?”
The implication hangs in the air.
Cassie visibly swallows. We both know what will happen if we spend the night alone together in one bed.
“That sounds nice,” she finally says, a soft smile tugging on her lips. “I’m in.”
I almost sag over in relief. “Perfect. So it’s a date.”
“Just one date, Tate. Your only date of the evening.” The humor dancing in her eyes tells me we’re good again.
“My only date. Scout’s honor.”
“You ready?” I ask the following day, jumping on board the Lightning. I hold my hand out to Cassie. It’s late afternoon and we’re supposed to be leaving for our overnight, but she remains standing on the dock. Her gaze is focused on the gray and black life vests I set down on the copilot’s seat.
“Do we need to wear those the whole time?” she asks warily.
“Only when she’s moving. And it’s only a precaution.”
“Okay, now I’m kind of scared. Just how fast do you plan to go?”
“Fast.” I’m practically shaking with excitement. “Gil says she can do 125, 130 miles per hour.” I shudder happily. “I’m gonna come in my pants, ginger.”
“Should I be jealous? Of the boat, I mean?”
“Probably.”
That gets me a laugh. “Fine. Let’s go.”
I grip her hand to help her in. While she dons her life vest, I stash the cooler below deck, but grab two bottles of water out of it to throw into the cupholders. Once we’re seated, I gently steer us away from the dock. Don’t want to go all speed demon right from the jump. A bit farther out, I give her more juice. The boat comes to life. Anticipation coils in my gut as I ease the stick forward. When the Lightning’s bow rises, Cassie jumps in alarm.
“It’s fine,” I assure her, and the bow settles. Oh man. This is nuts. Only cruising speed, and she’s still going faster than any speedboat I’ve ever been on.
“Why are we going out so far?” Cassie looks worried the more miles I put between us and land.
“This is a no-wake zone. We need to go just past there, beyond the speed restrictions.” I slice forward, cutting around the bend in the bay. Once we’re far enough, I slow to a crawl, then idle for a minute. The Lightning gently bobs on the waves. I do a quick assessment. Wind is light, providing no resistance at all. Waves are decent, not too choppy.
I turn to Cassie with a grin. “All right. I’m gonna give it all I’ve got. All she’s got. You ready?”
Cassie takes a breath. “Okay. Do it before I change my mind.”
I accelerate and the Lightning takes off.
Cassie yelps, holding on for dear life. And we’re not even going that fast yet. Maybe eighty, ninety miles per hour. It’s incredible how much the Lightning still has left in her. Adrenaline surges through my blood as I speed up. The wind rushes past our faces, slicking my hair back. Cassie’s ponytail hovers in the air like the tail of a kite, sticking straight out. Yet the Lightning is stable. So stable you’d never guess how fast we were going.
Like a little kid, I let out a loud whoop, and turn to see Cassie grinning at me. Then she throws her hands up and whoops too, and we surrender to the speed, the exhilaration. We’re about a hundred miles an hour now, but I want more. Just a little bit more. I adjust the trim, play with the throttle, and then we’re flying. One hundred and twenty miles an hour, and I’m on another plane of existence. We barely feel the chop. We’re fucking soaring, so fast it feels like slow motion. It’s unbelievable.
I let her fly for several more miles before slowing. My heartbeat takes a while to regulate. I look over and Cassie’s still smiling. Her face is red, cheeks slightly windburned. The hull rocks as I bring us to a not-so-ass-puckering speed.
“That was incredible,” I say, still breathing hard.
“You look like you just had an orgasm.”
“I feel like I did. I’ve never piloted anything like her.” She’s a dream to handle. Tight turns, responsive.
“You should buy one.”
I bark out a laugh. “Um, no. This is a million-dollar speedboat. And Gil got it used.”
“Holy shit.”
“Exactly. I’m saving up for a sailboat, anyway. That comes first. Powerboats are playthings for later in life.”
“You’re a plaything for later in life,” she cracks.
“Nice.”
As we cruise toward Kearny’s Cove, she fixes her ponytail, which got messed up during the wild ride. I slow us almost to a crawl and grab my water bottle. I gulp down a much-needed swig, then offer it to Cassie, who shakes her head. She’s busy examining the cockpit, running a hand over the sleek vinyl upholstery.
She glances around the deck. “How is there a cabin down there? Doesn’t seem like there’d be any room on this thing.”
“First of all, don’t call my girlfriend a thing.”
She snorts.
“And the cabin is shockingly spacious. Seriously, you’re going to love it.”
“Am I now?”
A heated look passes between us. My heart’s beating fast again. This time it has nothing to do with the Lightning and everything to do with Cassie Soul. I’m dying to get inside her. I’ve been thinking about it all goddamn day.
We arrive at Kearny’s Cove, a gorgeous private spot that’s sheltered by a rock wall so the wind barely touches this part of the bay. There’s a beach, albeit a tiny one. A narrow strip of sand, situated between the rock face and the reeds.
“This is such a pretty spot! Is this where we’re having dinner?” Cassie asks.
“Yup.”
She eyes me. “How many other women have you brought here?”
“None,” I answer truthfully.
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Why not?”
I shrug. “I guess I’ve never met anyone I liked enough to bring on a romantic overnight.”
“Oooooh, Gate’s trying to be romantic, huh?”
“Not anymore,” I grumble.
“You didn’t do this kind of stuff with Alana?”
“Nope. We only ever hung out at her house. Never even went out to dinner.”
I anchor us and grab the cooler from below. Then I kick off my deck shoes and hop into the water. It splashes around my knees, soaking the bottom of my shorts. I deposit the cooler on the beach, then return to help Cassie off the boat.
Dinner consists of grilled chicken, Greek salad, fruit for dessert, and a bottle of champagne that makes Cassie snicker when I pull it out. “Stole that from the club again?”
“Sure did.”
I pour her a glass. We’re on the blanket I laid out on the sand, lazily eating our dinner while the sun begins its descent toward the horizon light.
“Okay, this is romantic,” she relents, admiring the colors streaking across the sky. Brilliant pinks, reds, and oranges. The sunset is almost as pretty as she is.
After dinner, we stick our trash in the cooler and talk over champagne about nothing in particular. Cassie’s birthday is next weekend. I offer to take her to dinner, but she has plans both days; dad on Saturday, mom on Sunday. She seems more enthused about the former, but I get the sense she and her stepmother have an awkward relationship, which puts a damper on most family occasions.
Cassie confirms that by adding, “Honestly, I don’t think Nia likes me very much. I’m just a reminder of my mother. Aka, her husband’s nasty ex-wife.”
“Where did you say she was from again? The Dominican?”
“Haiti.”
“Oh cool. Does that mean she speaks French? Wait, or is it Creole?”
“French, but according to Nia there’s a perceivable difference between Haitian French and French French. She says it’s in the intonation. Not that I would ever hear the difference. She’s really nice,” Cassie admits. “Dad found himself a good one.”
Eventually, darkness falls over us, so we wade back to the boat. We kick off our shoes and go below deck where Cassie’s eyes widen.
“See,” I say smugly. “It’s huge.”
The cabin is more than just roomy—it offers plenty of amenities for an overnight in the cove. Built-in closets for storage, a pull-out refrigerator, a portable head. The center table converts into a bed, which I’d already set up before we left the dock.
“It even has air conditioning?” She gapes.
“Yup. Told you, this gal ain’t cheap.”
Cassie flops cross-legged in the center of the bed. “Do you think you’ll accept Gil Jackson’s offer? To sail to New Zealand?”
I’d mentioned it over dinner but didn’t linger too long on the subject. It’s been gnawing at the back of my brain since Gil’s phone call. “I don’t know. I’m still thinking about it.”
“That’s nuts that he has all these boats. His own fleet. Or is it an armada? What do you call a bunch of boats?” She wrinkles her nose. “A bushel?”
“Yes, baby, a bushel of boats. You nailed it.”
“I sense sarcasm.”
“You sense right.”
Her indignant expression dissolves into a smile. “I will forgive that because you called me baby and that kind of turned me on.”
“Oh, did it?”
Just like that, we’re eye-fucking each other. And suddenly my entire body clenches in anticipation at the knowledge that it won’t be long before we’re real fucking.
“Come here.” Her voice is throaty.
I join her on the bed. Try to sit at first, but she promptly pushes me onto my back. I land with a thump, smiling up at her. She looks so good right now. Eyes shining. Cheeks red. Windblown hair—copper, not ginger, although I won’t give her the satisfaction of letting her know she’s right about that. In her seated position, her shorts have ridden up her thighs. I reach out, unable to stop myself from stroking her smooth flesh.
She bites her lip. “Are you starting something here, Gate?”
“I don’t know … you want me to?”
Rather than answer, she bends down to kiss me.
I kiss her back, sliding my fingers through her hair, giving a gentle tug to pull her closer. She’s on top of me now, those delectable tits crushed against my chest, nipples puckered tight. I reach between us and give her left nipple a teasing pinch, knowing how sensitive her breasts are. As if on cue, she lets out a moan, and I smile. I love every single sound she makes when we’re fooling around. None more than that soft, breathy whimper right before she’s about to come. But we’re not there yet, not even close to hearing that particular whimper. And I’m not bothered. It’s not always about the destination. Sometimes it’s all about the journey.
Rolling us over, I start off slow, kissing her neck and enjoying the way she shivers. Her hands idly run up and down between my shoulder blades, stroke the back of my head, tangle in my hair. It’s fucking glorious. I grip the bottom of her tank top and drag it upward, my lips following the trail of exposed skin until they reach her collarbone and collide with the fabric of her top. I tug on it.
“Off,” I order.
Laughing, she rises off the bed to pull the shirt off, along with her bikini top.
I touch her shorts then give the side of her ass a little smack. “Up,” I growl.
“I love your monosyllabic caveman talk.”
“Damn right you do.”
She lifts her ass and I yank on her shorts and underwear, tossing them away. It suddenly occurs to me this is the first time I’ve seen her fully naked. I can’t even believe that. I prop up on one elbow to admire her, my hand gliding over her perfect, naked flesh. Aside from her chest, she’s kind of small everywhere else. I skim her rib cage, feeling the protrusions beneath my fingertips. The sharp jut of her hip bone.
She’s watching me as I touch her. “You’re teasing.”
“No. Just enjoying.” My fingers dance over one knee before sliding toward the juncture of her thighs. Licking my lips, I drag my knuckles over her slit.
Her breath catches. “That feels so good.”
“I’ve barely gotten started.” Grinning, I take off my shirt, but keep my shorts on. I don’t need that temptation yet. Then I grip her ankles and start dragging her to the foot of the bed. There isn’t a lot of space up there, so I kneel on the ground in front of her, bring her ass to the end of the mattress, and lower my face between her legs.
We both moan when my tongue makes contact. This is my favorite thing in the world. I don’t think Cassie believed me when I told her that, but it’s the truth. Nothing gets me harder than going down on a woman. Making her moan and squirm. Her gasps for air. Her thighs squeezing around my head, desperate to keep me right where she needs me. It’s the pinnacle of sexual excitement. So fucking good.
As my erection strains against my zipper, I work her with my tongue, my fingers, until finally I hear it—my favorite noise. I groan happily, and know she feels that low, husky response on her clit. Her hips start moving. She grinds herself against my face, taking all the pleasure I have to offer, and it’s not until she goes completely still that I abandon my post and kiss my way up her body.
She welcomes my kiss and I love that. Doesn’t care that her taste is still on my tongue. She practically eats my face off, her nails digging into my shoulders as one hand fumbles for my zipper.
“Why are these still on?” she demands. “This vexes me.”
“Oh, it vexes you?”
“Yes, it vexes me. I’ve very vexed.”
I let her roll me onto my back. She’s clawing at my shorts, wrenching them down my hips. My dick springs out, hard and eager.
Cassie gives an amused look. “Somebody’s excited.”
“Damn right I am.” I suck a breath in when she takes me in her hand and starts to lower her head. Oh Christ. “No,” I say, pulling her off me.
She looks offended. “What do you mean no?”
“No blowjobs.”
“Ever?”
“No, not ever. Just now. I want to be able to last more than three strokes.”
Her eyes twinkle. “You should have jerked off before we left. I read some guys do that to take the edge off.”
“I did jerk off before we left,” I growl, and she bursts out laughing.
“And you’re still that close to ruining this experience for me? Jeez.”
I know she’s joking, yet I can’t fight a self-conscious pang. “Damn, Cass. Don’t say that. Now I’m going to have that in the back of my mind the whole time.”
“No, don’t.” She launches herself at me again, our naked bodies colliding. Cupping my face, she looks into my eyes. “There’s nothing to ruin. Even if we don’t have sex right now, this is still one of the best days of my life. Honestly.”
“Mine too,” I confess. My first ride on a Fountain Lightning and I had Cassie by my side? Whatever happens between us in the future, I’ll never forget that moment. And I’ll never forget this. I squeeze one full, perfect breast. Sweep my thumb over her beaded nipple. When I bring my hand between her legs I find her wet and ready for me.
Yeah. I won’t forget anything about tonight.
She’s trying to reach for me again, and once again I intercept her fingers. “Hold that thought,” I say and bend over the bed for the overnight bag. I unzip the side pocket for the condoms I stashed there.
Once I’m suited up, I ease my body on top of hers. Lightly touch her hip and lower my lips to kiss her nipple. Then I raise my head and meet her eyes. “You good?”
“I’m great,” she says and guides me between her legs.
I only make it about an inch before we’re both sweating. The sensation of her clamped so tightly around me short-circuits my brain. I forget how to fuck. Like, I actually do. I just lie there, my tip lodged inside, and it isn’t until she groans impatiently that I snap out of it.
“Ready?” I whisper.
“Mmm-hmm.”
I push myself inside her, past the resistance, kissing her to swallow the soft yelp of pain. “You okay?” I murmur against her lips.
“Uh-huh. Just give me one second.”
I go still again, surrounded by her snug, warm heat. It’s the greatest feeling in the world. Ever so slowly, she starts to move. Canting her hips. Digging her nails into my shoulder. It’s torture. And I don’t know if she’s doing it on purpose, but her pussy is rippling around me, squeezing tight, releasing, then squeezing me in again. I clench my ass cheeks because I’m scared if I move I’m going to start pounding into her.
She squeezes me again, and my hips snap forward, hard and deep, summoning a startled sound from Cassie. I choke out a curse. I’m not going to survive this.
“All right,” I mumble. “Here’s what’s going to happen.”
A smile dances across her lips. “Yes, please share.”
“I’m rolling us over and you’re going to ride me. You’re going to set the pace, okay? I’m trying so damn hard to go slow right now, but my body isn’t going to let me in this position.”
A moment later she’s astride me. I shove a pillow under my head and soak in the sight of her. Flushed cheeks. Lust-drenched eyes. She hesitates, looking a bit uncertain.
“Take what you need,” I say softly. I gaze up at her, completely at her mercy. “Every part of me is yours.”
Cassie smiles. Slowly, she begins to ride me. Her palms flatten on my chest. Her lips part. She leans forward and her hair falls over us like a curtain, tickling my pecs. She kisses me, then makes a breathy sound.
“Oh, I like that.”
“What?” I ask thickly.
“Kissing you while you’re inside me.” Her breathing quickens. So does the tempo, sending a bolt of pleasure through my body.
My balls tingle. Ass clenches again. I realize my fingers are curled over her hip, digging into her flesh. I loosen them. Force myself to relax.
She stops again. Dismayed. “What if I can’t finish this way?”
“Then I’ll go down on you again.” I sigh happily. “All night, preferably.”
“You really wouldn’t care?”
“I really wouldn’t care. Why should I, as long as this feels good for you?”
“It does,” she assures me, leaning in to kiss me again.
I tug her so that she’s draped over my chest. Then I lift my hips in a teasing, upward thrust at the same time I slide my tongue in her mouth.
Her eyes pop open and she gasps.
“What is it?” I ask, freezing.
“Oh. This position,” she says, her voice dreamy. “It’s rubbing the right spot.” She rotates her hips, moving her lower body over mine. “This is the one.”
Suddenly she’s grinding her clit against me while I’m buried inside her, and I know she’s found her rhythm. Her spot. Then I hear it, the telltale whimper, and my body fails me. With her nipples scraping my pecs, her ass filling my hands, her body gripping me tight, I can’t fight it any longer.
“Cass, I’m gonna come. I can’t stop it.”
She mumbles, “It’s okay,” and I go off like a rocket. The pleasure is just starting to abate when Cassie reaches the place she needs to be. Her orgasm elicits another rush of heat in my body, like the aftershocks following an earthquake, tiny ripples after the initial blast.
Once our breathing is back to normal, she settles at my side, her head resting on my shoulder.
“So?” I say hoarsely. “Did I ruin it for you?”
“Definitely,” she whispers. “It was so bad.”
“So bad.”
She giggles, her soft breath tickling my flesh. Silence falls over us. As we lie there in the dark, a sensation of pure serenity washes over me.
“I’m sleepy,” she murmurs.
“Then close your eyes.” I close mine too. Listening to the wind whistling beyond the cabin. Feeling the rocking of the hull on the calm water. The warmth of Cassie’s naked body against mine.
I can’t think of a better way to fall asleep.