“That feels so good.” Her whimpered moans drive me insane.
I capture her lips once more before pulling back. “You have any idea how long I've wanted to do that, Tatum?”
“Tell me,” she whispers.
I brush loose strands of hair behind her ear. “So goddamn long.”
“Are you sure you want to get involved with someone like me? Things could get messier,” she states.
Gripping her chin, I stare into her beautiful ocean eyes. “You came along unexpectedly, and though the timing might have complicated things, it's nothing I can't handle, if you’re willing.”
She licks her lips and swallows hard. “I want to try.”
“That's all I need to hear. We'll worry about the other stuff as it comes. We can get through it together,” I reassure her.
“How are you so confident?”
“Thought you liked that about me?” I tease.
She rolls her eyes, grinning. “There's a lot of things I like about you.”
I slowly slide my hands up her bare thighs. “Do tell.”
Wrapping her arms around me and pulling me closer, she softly touches my lips. “You're so kind and caring. You make me laugh. You're protective yet not domineering. You're nice eye candy, too.”
I chuckle, gripping behind her head and removing the little space left between us. My tongue swipes hers, and she moans. “Okay, now it's my turn.”
She raises her brows as I brush a finger over her cheek. “All the things I like about you,” I clarify. “Besides how drop-dead gorgeous you are, you light up the room every time you walk in one. You're resilient and strong. You're tough as nails, something I've noticed since the day we met. It's what drew me to you in the first place.” I lean in and kiss her. “And staring at your fine ass all day was a bonus.”
She snorts. “So you are an ass guy. My sister was right.”
“Speaking of your sister, I should tell you something.” I scratch along my jawline. “I kinda overheard your conversation last night.”
Her eyes widen in horror. “Oh.”
“I wasn't going to say anything, but since you mauled me before I could finish my cup of coffee, I figured I'd be up front.”
She playfully smacks my chest. “I did not maul you.”
I gently grab her wrist. “I'm gonna need to send Oakley a gift for snapping some sense into you.”
“God, not you too.” She playfully groans.
“It's okay to be scared, baby. You don't have to hold back your fears or concerns with me. All I ask is that you communicate.”
“I’ll try,” she promises. “For the first time in a while, this feels right.”
A sigh of contentment releases from my lips and I press my forehead to hers. “I couldn't agree more.”
Once Tatum and I finish talking and I drink my coffee, we hang out on the beach for a few hours. I slather her body with sunscreen and take every opportunity to kiss and touch her.
“I think I'm gonna take a shower,” she tells me when we walk into the house.
“Me too, then I’ll see what I can make for dinner. Any requests?”
“Something not burnt or covered in garlic powder,” she sasses.
“Very funny.” I give her ass a little smack. “I was thinking we should try out the hot tub tonight and watch the moonrise.”
“I love that idea. Sounds very romantic,” she says, wrapping her arms around my waist.
“I'm a romantic kind of guy.”
“So I'm learning.” She smirks, then leans in to kiss me. “I'll be down in twenty. Well, make it thirty.”
I notice the hint of blush covering her cheeks. “Take your time.”
Once she's upstairs, I quickly use the downstairs shower, then start dinner. We're getting low on groceries and will need to run to the store soon, but I manage to put together a chicken pasta dish. Per her request, no garlic.
“Wow, it smells delicious,” she says, walking toward me.
I lower my eyes down her body, taking in the breathtaking sight in front of me. “You look amazing. I'm loving those sundresses on you.” I pull her into my arms and kiss the tip of her nose. “Gonna be about fifteen to twenty minutes until dinner's ready. Just put it in the oven.”
“Okay. Hmm...what could we do to pass the time?” She lingers adorably.
I bury my face in her neck and pepper kisses along her soft skin. Inhaling her fresh scent, I groan at what she's implying.
“Oh, I have plenty of ideas.” I trace my tongue over her shoulder, sliding the strap down and exposing more of her chest. She's not wearing a bra, which gives me full access. Her nipples are hard. “Like starting with getting this out of the way.”
“Wait...” She sucks in her lips, and I see the hesitation written on her face. “I have stretch marks.”
“Tatum, I've seen you in a bikini already. You have nothing to worry about. I love them.”
“How? I don't even like them,” she argues.