Tease Me, page 15
At eight o’clock, I strolled back inside, washed up my dishes, and as I brushed my teeth, I stood in front of my closet and tried to work out what to wear for this date.
Henry said to wear something comfortable, and whilst jeans instantly sprang to mind, I remembered that was what I’d worn the last time I’d seen him. A hot flush coursed through me at the memory of what he’d done to me in my jeans. Maybe he planned on more of the same. I diverted from the jeans and flipped past one dress after another in an attempt to make a choice. By the time I’d decided, my mouth was full of toothpaste foam, and I raced to the bathroom to rinse off.
The dress I chose was a long maxi with a simple line of elastic that secured it below my bust. The sleeves were fitted, three-quarter length, and the dress was an interesting color—not quite olive, not quite steel grey. After I put it on, I went to my jewelry collection and chose a chunky set of wooden beads that was weighed down with a large orange crystal.
When the beads fell between my breasts, I was reminded of the last time Henry had played with the pearls I’d worn. This cemented my decision on the necklace.
I slipped into a pair of flat sandals that were decorated with hundreds of colorful beads. As I recalled how sunny it was outside, I reached up onto my toes, pulled down my large floppy white hat, and put it on. I checked the mirror.
It amazed me how often I was happy with my reflection these days. Maybe Memphis was putting a positive spin on my opinion of myself. When she wasn’t getting me into trouble, that was.
I grabbed my caramel leather tote and shoved in a colorful pashmina, along with all my other essentials. With five minutes to spare, I headed downstairs.
Once again, Henry waited beside a sleek black car in the drop-off zone, and I just about tripped over my skirt over his casual yet confident stance. Henry looked like a man on top of the world. Maybe that came with his age.
I felt a sense of relief as I moseyed down the steps toward him, and he walked toward me. Of all the men I’d met this year, Henry was the one who could help me through the tumbling doubts that gripped me this week.
“You look lovely.” He kissed my cheek, and I smiled at his now-familiar scent.
“Is this dress okay?”
“You’re supposed to say thank you.”
“Oh. Thank you.”
“That’s better.”
He opened the car door, and I scooped up my skirt to sit.
He sat in the driver’s seat, and once he’d pulled the car out into the busy weekend traffic, I asked, “Do I get to ask where we’re going?”
“Sure.”
“Okay, where are we going?”
He grinned his beautiful smile at me. “It’s a surprise.”
“I knew you’d say that.” I slapped his arm, and as I turned my attention to the surrounding scenery, I reflected on the fact that Clayton had said exactly the same thing when he took me to lunch on my birthday. Other than their age, the two men were very similar in personality. I wondered what else they had in common.
“So, do you have children?” I couldn’t believe I’d blurted that out.
He looked at me, weird-like. “Yes, I do. A pigeon pair. My son is twenty-six, and my daughter is twenty-three.”
“Oh.” I had no idea whether this additional knowledge influenced my opinion of Henry. It certainly had with Clayton.
“No, they don’t know about you . . .” Henry said. “In case you were wondering.”
“Ummm . . . no, I wasn’t, actually.”
“What were you thinking then?”
Oh God, why do I always walk into these difficult questions?
“Quick, answer, or I’ll think you’re making things up.”
“Really?”
“Yes, come on. Tell me.”
I let out a huge sigh. “I’m not sure you really want to hear it.”
“You’re wrong. I want to know everything about you.”
No, you don’t.
“Whatever it is, Jane, it won’t change my opinion of you.”
“This might.”
“Oooh, now you really have me intrigued. I tell you what. Let’s have a marvelous day, and then, if you want, you can tell me this afternoon.”
His calmness washed from him over onto me and diffused the dark clouds that’d billowed across my mind. “That sounds like a good idea.”
He turned the car onto Seaworld Drive toward the marina, and once again my stomach curled into knots. One of the restaurants at the marina was where I’d seen Dontrel, and at the end of this road was the beach where Clayton had taken me for lunch. I clenched my fists until my fingernails dug into my flesh as we approached the marina, but I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief when we carried on.
We drove past the marina, and just as I silently begged Henry not to take me near the dog beach Clayton had taken me to, he turned into the Sea World Resort parking lot.
“You’re taking me to another hotel?”
“Nope.” His quivering lip confirmed he was trying not to smile as he navigated the parking lot, looking for a spot.
As much as I liked surprises, the suspense was killing me. So far, every day with Henry had been wonderful, and judging by the glint in his eyes, I had a feeling that today was going to be just as enjoyable.
He pulled the car into a spot and touched my leg. “Ready?”
“Sure.” By the time I’d grabbed my bag and hat, he was around my side with the door open and his hand held toward me to help me out.
The air was really still, not even a whisper of a breeze, and the sun was hot enough that I tugged my hat on.
“It’s my turn to be intrigued,” I said as we walked side by side into the resort.
“It’s exciting.” His enthusiasm was contagious, and it was impossible to wipe the smile from my face.
I anticipated him walking toward reception, but he went the opposite way and led me through glass sliding doors, down a set of steps, and out to the enormous resort pool. Several people of all ages were in the water, and I assumed it was heated. Kids splashed about at one end, playing a game with a purple ball. Adults lounged at the other end on inflatable beds and despite it being just nine in the morning, several nursed cocktail glasses with fruit slices decorating the edges.
We skirted the pool and passed through a glass gate and onto the sand. The front of my hat tilted up, and that’s when I saw where Henry was taking me, and my heart lurched.
A seaplane was bobbling in the shallow water.
Henry’s brilliant smile lit up his whole face, and he did a little jig with his shoulders. “Excited?”
Tears sprung to my eyes. “Oh my god, yes. Is this another one of your bucket list items?”
“It sure is.”
“Why didn’t you take Helen when you were together?” Jeez, I’m nosy.
“The bitch doesn’t like to fly.”
I frowned. “But I thought she went to Vanuatu with your golf buddy.”
“See what I mean? She’s a bitch.”
I burst out laughing.
“Come on.” He grabbed my hand and led me across the sand.
Our pilot was the epitome of what a pilot should look like—fit, tall, and handsome. A crisp white shirt, navy shorts, and mirrored glasses finished off the look.
Henry held his hand forward, and the pilot took it. “Hi, I’m Henry, and this is Jane.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Steven Donovan, Steve, your pilot for today.”
Henry placed his palm on the small of my back and nudged me slightly in front of him. It was such a familiar move that felt oh-so right.
“Okay, I’ll get you to take your shoes off, and Jane, you’ll have to lift your dress to get over the water,” Steve said.
“Unless you want me to carry you,” Henry whispered in my ear.
“I’ll be fine.” I giggled as I removed my sandals.
The pilot indicated that we should come with him, and he led me through the ankle-deep water toward the plane.
He opened the door. “Now, watch your step. I’ll get you to sit up in the front seat next to me.”
“Oh no, Henry should sit there.”
“It’s okay, I’ll sit there on the way back,” Henry said behind me.
I glanced at him over my shoulder. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Okay.” I climbed into the cockpit and ogled the hundreds of knobs and dials as the two men settled into their seats.
Steve handed each of us a headset, and as I settled the large, padded disks over my ears, they crackled to life.
“Okay, how’s that? Can you both hear me?” Steve’s voice sounded like he was miles away.
“Yes.” I nodded.
“Roger that, Captain.” I couldn’t decide if Henry’s slightly high-pitched voice was from excitement or the headphones. Either way, I giggled.
The pilot helped me with my seatbelt, and then started flicking switches and turning dials. The propeller out of the front windshield began to spin and the plane roared to life. I squealed as we left the safety of the shore and headed out to the middle of the seaway. Our speed picked up quickly, and the pilot turned the plane parallel to the beach.
The momentum increased as the water whizzed by, and it took me a few seconds to realize we’d lifted off. We rose quickly, and I squealed again as we flew over a couple of kids in kayaks and soared into the air. It was incredibly graceful, and within seconds, we were high in the sky.
Long golden beaches stretched as far as I could see and met with an intense ultramarine ocean. Vegetation-covered deserted islands dotted the landscape, and giant tankers and equally large cruise ships cruised along the horizon.
“Oh, wow. This’s incredible.”
“I know,” Henry said as if he was in a trance.
Of all the wonderful things I could see, I couldn’t see Henry. I wanted to hold his hand and squeeze my gratitude into his palm. As soon as I could, I was going to show him just how grateful I was. Emotion gripped me as I realized how lucky I was, and in that moment, I was eternally grateful that I’d discovered Memphis.
We soared over dozens of tiny, deserted islands surrounded by sand and a series of sailboats with colorful billowing sails that skipped over the tiny whitecaps dotting the deep blue ocean. It truly was a magical experience.
About fifty minutes into the flight, the engine noise changed.
“What’s happening?”
“It’s okay, love. We’re just coming into land.” Steve gave me a thumbs-up signal, and I repeated his move, showing him that I was okay.
We gradually lowered toward the water, and I was on the verge of screaming when sea spray kicked up as we ricocheted off the ocean. We bounced a second time, and I was nudged back in my seat when a wave announced we’d touched down completely. We glided along for a couple of minutes before Steve twisted a dial, the engine noise dulled, and the propeller slowed.
The pilot angled the plane toward a sandy beach, and we peacefully glided to a stop at the water’s edge.
“Here we are.” Steve unbuckled his seatbelt. “You two go and stretch your legs, and I’ll get things set up.”
Before I had a chance to ask any questions, Steve left his seat and walked, hunched over between the seats to open the door again.
Henry hopped out first, and I grabbed my shoes, bag, and hat and followed his lead. I stepped out onto one of the pontoons that kept the plane afloat.
Henry splashed into the shallow water and reached up to me. “Come on.”
I put my arms around his shoulders, and with one arm beneath my knees and one around my back, Henry lifted me into his arms. As he carried me to shore, I kissed his cheek. “That was wonderful. Thank you.”
He wriggled his eyebrows. “It’s not over yet.”
Chapter Twenty
The dazzle in Henry’s eyes made me want to cartwheel up the beach, but I pulled him in for another kiss instead.
Henry set me down on the warm sand, and as I lifted my skirt, I wished I hadn’t worn such a long dress. As he left my side to talk to Steve, I tied the fabric into a knot above my knee.
He returned, carrying a large bag that looked the same as the one he’d had last time I’d seen him. As much as it was killing me to know, I resisted asking what was in there. I put my hat on, and he took my hand and led me away from the plane.
The view was spectacular. Gentle rolling waves lapped at the fine sand as we strolled along, and soon, all the worry that had consumed my thoughts this week evaporated, and I felt the most relaxed I’d felt in days.
He let go of my hand and bent down to collect a small shell from the sand and gave it to me. It was a conch shell, caramel and white in color, and about the size of my thumb.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Just like you.”
I was two seconds away from objecting when I caught myself. “Thank you.”
“Ahhh, we’re making progress.”
I wanted to ask what we were progressing toward, but decided against it as I wasn’t sure I was ready for his answer. Especially as Henry considered this a date. Lolly had told me dozens of times that my sexual encounters were all about fun. I hadn’t pledged myself to any of these men. But maybe accepting this ‘date’ had me committing myself more than I’d anticipated.
Was that a bad thing? I had no idea.
Henry was incredible; everything about him made him special to me. Although his age had never bothered me, the fact that he had adult children made me wonder if he’d want more. I wanted children, my own children—three at least. Oh God, I’m totally over-thinking—
“So, how’ve you been?” Henry lurched me from my illogical landslide, and when he turned to me, the concern in his eyes made me wonder if he’d somehow perceived my emotional rollercoaster.
“I’m fine.”
“I’m sensing you’re not.”
I tilted my head at him. “I thought we were going to do this later, after our wonderful day.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” Nodding, he guided us away from the waves and headed to the center of the island which was a vista of healthy green trees and shrubs.
He touched the small of my back, just a gentle nudge of reassurance, and then moved in front of me to lead us up a small embankment. His impressive body enhanced my already spectacular view.
At the top, the grass was mottled patches of brown and green. Henry continued walking farther inland, and soon, there was enough shade cover that I removed my hat and tousled my hair out.
I had assumed he knew where he was going, just like the last time he’d led me into the bushes, but when he started looking left and right, I wondered if he did. A dull roar caught my attention, and after a few seconds, I realized what it was. I turned back toward the ocean, and my jaw fell as our plane took off.
“Where’s he going?”
“Don’t worry. He’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
“Oh.” Trapped on a deserted island with Henry. Yay me.
“Here,” Henry announced as he turned to me. “This looks like the perfect spot.”
I glanced about the broad, grassy expanse. “Perfect for what?”
A small smile curled at his lips. “For us.” He reached into his bag and pulled out a picnic blanket very similar to the previous one.
“Did you buy these in bulk?”
Henry laughed, and it was such a deep, infectious melody that I joined him. “Maybe I should have.”
The blanket billowed out, spilling across the grass, and Henry indicated for me to sit.
He sat by my side. “I hope you don’t mind. I had so much fun last time, I’d like to improve on it.”
“Oh.” My insides did a little happy dance.
Henry placed his hand above my knee, just below the knot of my dress. “You make me feel alive, Jane.”
The sun, filtering through the foliage, caught in his eyes, magnifying the intensity I saw in them. I chewed on my bottom lip and swallowed. “Henry . . .”
He touched his finger to my lips. “Shhh.” His hand glided up my thigh, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. “We’ll chat later.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
He turned and kneeled to face me, the sun caught in his hair, highlighting slivers of silver. Our eyes met, and for a moment, we just looked at each other. The intensity of that special moment made my heart thump in my ears.
His hands glided up my thighs with a gentle smoothness that made my insides purr. “You know I haven’t kissed you yet.”
“Yes, you have.”
“Yes, but not on your lips.”
That was true. I tugged on my lip as my insides did a happy dance.
“May I?”
As I nodded, he leaned forward, placing his hands on my cheeks, and the second I closed my eyes his lips found mine. His fingers glided down across my neck, and I tilted my head to the side, and as we moaned in unison, our lips parted.
Our tongues forged across new territory, and it was an explorer’s dream.
His kiss was soft yet eager. He tasted of peppermint, he smelled of spice, and he felt like heaven.
My insides purred a delicious beat as his tongue tangoed with mine. I melted under his touch as his fingers moved from my cheek to my breast. He cupped my boob in his palm and caressed it as if it were a delicate prize.
I reached for his chest, found his nipple, and flicked my thumb over his hardened bud. His groan confirmed he liked my touch, and our breaths mingled in an inferno of lust as I alternated my attention from one nipple to the other.
Henry had mastered the art of kissing, and I was prepared to experience this glory until my lips were red raw. My clit had other ideas, though, and as it pulsed to a delicious beat, I ground my hips, begging him to touch me lower.
It was an eternity before we released each other, and Henry eased back. His large pupils threatened to consume his light blue irises. His chest rose and fell, and the bulge in his groin was unmissable. He licked his lips and smiled.
“Wow.” The word whispered off his lips like he was in a trance.
I grinned and nodded. “Wow.”
He put his hand on my knee. “You do things to me that make me feel incredible. I haven’t felt this way in a very long time.”
