“Come over? To your place?”
“Uh huh.”
I could tell she was mulling it over. I didn’t say anything, giving her time to decide. The fact that she was even considering it was good. Man, had I imagined that morning that I’d actually be inviting her over again that night, I’d never have believed it.
She bit her lip again. I made her nervous a lot. “Yes.” She nodded as if making a monumental decision.
“All right, good.” I started the car and pulled out of the driveway of Jake’s rental. As soon as I was back on the road, I reached over and picked up her hand. It was cold despite the warm evening. “Do you think Max will be happy to see me?” She broke the silence. Of all the things to ask about, she’d brought up my dog.
“Yeah, he’s a fan of you, all right.”
“I’ve never had a dog, but I think I might get one when I have more time.”
“We always had at least two growing up, but Max is the first dog that’s actually mine, you know?”
“Yeah, I bet it feels different.”
I pulled into my driveway and got out, glad to see that Becca waited long enough for me to help her out. Not only did I like doing it, but I liked having the excuse to hold her close. The fitted t-shirt she wore and those tight jeans did a number on me.
We walked up the steps, and I remembered the last time we’d climbed them together. I’d make sure we had a different ending this time.
“I need to take Max out. You’re welcome to come, or you can wait inside.”
I wanted her to come. I thought about offering her a drink, but after last time, I wanted the night to be alcohol free. I wasn’t sure if it would be awkward just sitting there.
“I’ll come.” I wondered if she was thinking the same thing.
Max waited by the door, so I put on his leash, and we walked toward the beach.
“Isn’t the beach closed this late?”
“Sure, but who’s to stop us?”
“I don’t know. No one, I guess.”
“Exactly.” I moved to her right side so I could hold her hand with my free one.
“It’s beautiful tonight.” She looked up at the sky.
“Definitely is. There’s nothing like a full moon over the ocean.”
“It almost feels magical.”
She looked so happy with a childlike expression of wonder on her face. I wanted to make her feel that way all the time.
“It doesn’t have to be almost.”
I tugged on her hand to pull her closer and claimed her lips. She responded, arms wrapping around my neck, and mouth opening up to me. I took full advantage and dropped Max’s leash so my hands could do what they’d wanted to do all night. I slipped a hand under her t-shirt and bra, loving the small groan it elicited. She was so sensitive to my smallest touch, and I didn’t want them to be small anymore.
I forced myself to break the kiss “Ready to go home?”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly.
Max waited obediently, so I whisked us home as fast as possible, glad we hadn’t made it too far down the beach.
She’d just closed the door behind her when I knew I had to have her. I pushed her back against the door and leaned in. I let my hands and lips wander, pulling off my shirt and then hers, loving what waited for me once I’d unclasped her bra.
“You’re not going to tell me to forget, are you?” She looked away from me.
I looked right into her eyes. “No. I’m going to make sure you never forget.” I saw her small nod and returned to her amazing body, sliding down her jeans while she undid my belt and pants. I stepped out of them, kicking them to the side.
I raked my eyes over her. She wore nothing but a pair of lacy black panties. I wondered if she’d worn them especially for me. As good as they looked, they were in my way. I took them off, and let my hands and lips continue to wander, shocked when she grabbed me, making quick work of my boxers. Her touch was hesitant at first but then grew more confident.
I had fully planned to take her to my bed, but we never made it that far. I picked her up and placed her on the kitchen table. It was as far as we were going to get. I needed her, and from the look in her eyes, she needed me. The first time had been incredible, but without the effects of alcohol, it was even better.
***
I’d forgotten to close the blinds when we finally went to bed around two a.m. I usually liked waking up to the sunrise, but I didn’t know if Becca would appreciate it after the long night we’d shared.
She stirred, likely feeling the light pouring in. She picked her head up from where it lay on my chest, her arm slung across me. She moved around a little, getting a few strands of her hair in my face.
“Mmm, I’m sorry. I should pull it up.”
“No. Don’t.”
“Okay.” She got this mischievous look in her eye, and I hoped it meant what I thought it meant.
She climbed on top of me, holding her head back for a moment, probably to feel the sun. The effect had to be the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen—the colors of the sunrise spilling in the window and onto her naked body—her perfect, naked body. In that moment, I knew there was no way I was ever letting Becca go.
Chapter Twenty-One
Becca
Waking up with Gavin was completely different the second time. For starters, it wasn’t just once. We were up at dawn when the gorgeous sunrise spilled its rays into the room. We eventually fell back to sleep after and woke up around nine.
“Good morning again,” he murmured into my hair. We were completely tangled up together in just the sheet. We’d kicked off his comforter sometime during the night.
“Good morning.” I tilted my head so I could look at him. A bright smile on his face let me know he’d enjoyed the night and morning as much as I had.
He smoothed out my hair and kissed me on the forehead. “So, what’s the verdict?”
“The verdict?”
“Yeah? Isn’t that lawyer-speak for your decision?”
I laughed. “What decision was I supposed to be making again?”
“Will you ever forget last night?”
“No, I think I’ll remember every moment.” I ran a hand down his chest, still marveling at how comfortable and confident I felt with him.
“I thought that first night was the best, but this surpassed it.” He kissed my lips lightly. “It was amazing.”
“Mmm,” I mumbled as his lips left mine and moved to my neck.