It feels like a dream, with no responsibility or consequences.
His fingers caress my jaw, ever so softly, sending shivers along my back. I can smell the alcohol on his breath as our mouths move closer together. It smells sweet, sort of like molasses, and reminds me of rum cakes.
I close my eyes and wait for his lips to touch mine and when it finally happens, my heart flutters. They’re soft and plump, smooth yet demanding. My hands rummage through his hair frantically and a soft moan escapes my lips when his fingers scrape against my scalp.
My body, from head to toe, tingles and I open my mouth wider.
His kiss is slow and passionate, and while I want to lose myself in it, I can’t seem to turn that part of my brain off.
Am I really going to do this? Kiss and make out with him? Maybe more? I feel dirty from the day and all I can think about is taking a shower? What if he wants to kiss me in other places?
“Wait,” I say, catching my breath.
Caleb pulls away and searches my face with his eyes. “Oh. I’ve got protection in my wallet.”
“No. It’s not that. We don’t need any… I… I can’t have any more kids. It’s just that… I don’t know if I can do this right now. I mean, it’s been quite the day, and I… I think it’s best if we stop now and I take a shower.”
He closes his eyes and nods. “Yes, of course. I get it.”
When he stands up, I can’t help but notice the bulge at his pants. “I just need a minute before I can leave. I’ll wait out here. I promise I won’t come inside.”
He’s giving me the perfect excuse out of this. I can go back in, lock the patio door, take a shower, and simply continue my vacation with a book and a daiquiri as planned.
My head says that’s the right thing to do. The smart thing. But my body doesn’t want to hear it. No, it wants to pull Caleb down and rub itself all over him. My core spasms, applauding that idea.
Caleb takes another sip of his drink while looking away at the pool. He avoids eye contact, and I wonder if he’s angry that I stopped this. His jaw clenches and his fingers are white around the glass. “Are you okay leaving?” I ask, searching his face for clues.
“Yes, of course. I just need another minute.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
He laughs and shakes his head. “Charlotte, there’s nothing you can do to make this erection go away, in fact, asking me in that breathless voice only made it harder.”
That’s my cue to leave. He’s telling me to go. He’s not angry, just trying to get himself under control.
But I want to press him further and see if I can make him lose control. Damn, that’s so manipulative of me. I close my eyes and push the thought away.
I breathe slowly, trying to understand all the thoughts running through my head. I want to do the right thing, but I also want to do him.
Is that the right thing? I have no freaking idea.
I stare at the pool and listen to my heart. It’s thumping like a trapped bunny in my chest, and my body is thrumming with desire.
Why am I fighting this?
I’m not marrying this man or even dating him. We are two people who want this and there’s no reason I shouldn’t have him. Besides, it’s ‘Opposite Charlotte’ week, isn’t it?
The pep talk works and my mind and body align. Pushing off the daybed, I stand confidently in front of Caleb and place my hand on his chest.
“I’m going in now to take that shower.”
He swallows and nods, staring out at the pool and avoiding my eyes.
I smile and lean forward, whispering in his ear. “Why don’t you come inside and join me?”
Caleb turns to look at me and watches my expression closely, perhaps deciding if this is a cruel joke.
“I want you,” I say.
