Wouldnt this be better earlier in the day? she asked, struggling to balance the board while her feet sank into the shifting sands as she followed him down to the shore.
Nah, this is the perfect time. Everyone is still at siesta, so its quiet. Besides, I have the feeling youll be a quick study. Well get through the basics and Ill bet youre on the board by this evening. Theres nothing like surfing at sunset.
Like you were last night? She gave him a curious glance, wondering at a life filled with such trouble-free pleasures. How did he stand the simplicity of it? Was that as much a part of his appeal as his gorgeous face and broad shoulders? That easygoing attitude so at odds with her own life. Do you surf every sunset?
As many as I can, he admitted, glancing out at the Sea of Cortez with a look of pleasure on his face. Much as shed stare at the stars in the night sky or a sexy mans naked body. Joyous, contented appreciation.
Dru wanted to feel that. That simple confidence evidenced in Alexs look. As if he saw the challenges and not only accepted them but longed to meet them head-on. But most of all, that he knew perfectly well he was up to whatever came his way.
For a woman who had to give herself pep talks on a daily basis, that look was like a drug she craved.
Then he shifted his attention, studying her. The warm appreciation remained in his eyes, along with a healthy dose of lusty interest. Dru had never had anyone look at her like that. As if the idea of being with her made him happy, horny and amused all at the same time.
And that was even more tempting than the confidence he showed facing the surfs wild challenge.
Suddenly determined to somehow capture both Alexs confidence and his admiration, she drew her shoulders back and lifted her chin for the last three steps through the sand.
When they reached the waters edge, he indicated that she should attach the leg leash to her left foot. Then she lifted the board again and followed him into the sea.
Dru gasped at the chill of the water compared to the warmth of the beach. Alongside Alex, she waded out until the water reached her hips, then, trying to mimic his easy movement, pulled herself onto the surfboard.
Lets paddle out past the first break, he told her, his voice just under a shout to be heard over the crashing of the waves. Remember how I told you to cup your hands? Like youre swimming.
Swimming was a lot easier, Dru decided after a couple of minutes. Belly flat on the board, she struggled against the waves pushing her one way while the undertow tugged her another. She eyed the round, rock-hard muscles of Alexs biceps as he paddled, and realized that he probably didnt have to use weights for his fantastic physique.
Her arms burning, Dru kept her eyes on him, squinting against the spray of salt water peppering her face. Like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, he was her reward for the suffering her body was now experiencing. Maybe she should have spent more time talking to him before going along with this mad surfing idea. They had to have some area of common interest.
A wave slapped her in the face, making her gasp at the sting. Breathing and walking upright were better common ground than this, she decided with a low growl.
Heres good, Alex called to her over his shoulder. He shifted, pushing up into a sitting position to straddle the board. Cmon up.
Abandoning any semblance of grace or even strength, Dru wiggled until she was straddling her board, too.
Youre like those people who run marathons for entertainment, arent you? she accused.
His grin flashed, but Alex shook his head. Nah. Ive never been much into group events. The idea of someone slapping a number on my chest and telling me what direction to aim my feet holds no appeal.
Now that she wasnt paddling her ass off, Dru was able to catch her breath and look around. Her chest was still heaving from the exertion, but she was blown away at the beauty of the view. Water, everywhere. Brilliant blue, fading to pale white where it washed up on the deep gold sand of the beach. All around, the water seemed to blend into the sky. It felt as if she were being held on the edge of heaven. Despite her labored breath and screaming muscles, a sense of peace washed over her.
Its amazing out here, she said softly.
You get it, he said, his tone low but delighted. As if talking too loudly would desecrate the serenity of the moment. No matter what is going on in my life, when I come out here, I know I can deal with it.
Dru tilted her head, blinking against the sun reflecting off the water. The sea gives you strength?
In a way. His tone was contemplative, and he looked out at the water as he might a lover. More like I realize out here that so much is beyond my control. It lets me see how unimportant some things are, and how vital others might be.
Then, as if he were shaking the water out of his hair, he tossed off the philosophical mantle that was starting to fascinate Dru and glanced over his shoulder.
And then theres the whole man versus nature thing, too, he said with a grin, nodding to indicate the wave building behind them. Once you get the hang of being one with the ocean, you know how strong you are.
Dru followed his gaze, her eyes going huge and her stomach diving down to Davy Joness locker. She gulped, wondering if she could ride the wave belly down. It was bound to hurt less.
Remember what I taught you, Alex said, already flattening his body on the board. His toes were tucked under, his hands gripping the sides of the board. Paddle with the wave until you feel it build, then push up to your feet and squat. Keep your knees loose, focus on your core.
Ever the good student, Dru followed his directions. As if her biceps and shoulders werent still aching from her earlier abuse, she paddled like hell, feeling the water swell beneath the board.
Half terrified, half numb, she watched Alex and mimicked his moves. As the wave built, she grabbed the sides of her board. Her heart pounding, she pushed up and tugged her feet beneath her as if she was doing a jumping-jack push-up. She pried her fingers from the board and stood, knees bent, arms outstretched for balance.
Already riding the wave, Alex glanced over to make sure she was okay. He shot her a huge smile and a thumbs-up.
A satisfied kind of lust settled in Drus churning stomach. Yes. Shed done it. In that moment, for one brief second, she knew she could handle anything life threw her way.
Thirty minutes later, Dru followed Alexs directions and headed for the beach. She reached the shore and unhooked the tether from her ankle before rolling off the board.
The most incredible energy coursed through her body, filling her with an excitement and freedom like shed never felt before. Unable to lift the board in her quivering arms, she dragged it out of the water with her. Breathless, she clambered up the beach. She only made it about ten steps toward the Surf Shack and couldnt resist any longer. She plunged the board into the sand. Then she threw her arms out as if to embrace the magic of the experience and turned in a circle with a laugh.
Oh, my God, she breathed. Thats like heaven.
Talk about exhilarating. It was the best sex shed ever had, a chocolate binge and the view from the top of the Grand Canyon all rolled into one fabulous surge of delight. She watched Alex stride out of the sea, looking once again like a modern-day water god.
The laughter still dancing on her lips, her breath hitched at the intensity in his eyes. He wasnt laughing with her. He was staring at her as if she was the most incredible sight hed ever seen. The edible kind, as if he was starving and had to take a bite. Her smile fell away, her chest rising and falling with her quick breaths.
He didnt even bother to stick his board in the sand. He just tossed it aside and strode forward. Drus heart tumbled over itself, it was racing so fast. Heat flared deep in her belly, so hot she wondered why her wet swimsuit wasnt steaming.
He stopped a few inches away. Close enough for her to smell the sea overlaying his own rich, masculine scent. His hair hung in wet curls around his face, droplets of water trailing down his throat. Over his collarbone. Onto his chest. Her mouth watered. She wanted to trace that water with her tongue. Would it taste salty like the sea? Or would she taste him?
She had to know.
Just as she took a step forward, Alex reached out and cupped his hands on either side of her head. Drus body melted at the powerful move, her nipples beading in supplication against the tight, wet fabric of her swimsuit. He tilted her head back. His body pressed into hers, his arousal hard and obvious behind the wet cotton of his trunks as it pushed against her belly.
Before she could do more than register a surprised oh of pleasure at how hard and long he felt, his mouth took hers.
It was like surfing. Exhilarating, dangerous, addictive. His lips slid, soft and sweet, over hers. He molded her mouth gently before his tongue traced her bottom lip. She gave a sigh at how perfect it all felt.
Then he shifted. She had no idea how, but the kiss went from mellow to incendiary with just the brush of his tongue. Everything changed. She felt her world tilt, a sideways slide into a dark, intense well of pleasure. Her arms hung useless at her sides, her head dropping back in his hands, giving over total control. Helpless to do anything but enjoy, she let the passion engulf her.
ALEX HAD NEVER BELIEVED hed find anything that enthralled him as much as the sea. Until Drucilla. Sexy, sweet and oh, God, he thought as he deepened the kiss, so freaking delicious.
Fingers tunneled through her hair, all loose and wet where it escaped its tidy braid, he held her head captive for his mouth. Teeth, tongue and breath tangled together in a wild dance of passion. His heart beat as if he was riding the highest wave; his body responded as if the touch of her mouth had flipped his switch, turning him on at full power.
Her lips tasted like salt, sun and something indefinable. Something that reached into his heart and tugged. A lesser man might have hesitated, worried that a woman hed known less than twenty-four hours could capture him so tightly, so quickly. But Alex knew betterthere was no such thing as love. Appreciation, enjoyment, respect, definitely. And sexual connection? His bodys reaction to Drucilla proved how intense those could be. But love? Pretty words was all.
Positive his heart was safe, Alex gave over to the delight he was discovering in this fascinating woman.
Her arms twined around his neck, a low purr of pleasure husky in her throat. She moved tight against his body, her smooth thighs sliding along his. Alex hummed in appreciation. Drucilla hadnt lied when shed said she wasnt into games. No, this woman went for what she wanted. And from the way her hands were skimming over his arms, gripping his biceps, she wanted him.
Their mouths moved together, each slide of their lips sending him into a deeper chasm of gratification. He shifted his weight, sinking to the sand and bringing Dru with him.
She made a sound of approval, then scraped her nails lightly over his chest. Alex groaned, pleasure shooting through his body, sending his senses to high alert. Propping himself on one elbow, he deepened the kiss as he used the other hand to trace her swimsuit strap. His fingers trailed down the silken skin of her shoulder, across the delicate curve of her collarbone. Unable to resist the temptation, he cupped his palm over the swell of her breast, which was straining against the slick, wet nylon of her swimsuit.
She gasped, her back arching to press herself tighter into his hand. Alex moaned, the feel of her nipple swelling beneath making him crazy.
Dimly, the far-off voice of reason reminded him that for all their seeming seclusion, they were on a public beach. And from the feel of the sun against his shoulder blades, siesta was probably over. Which meant this beach was about to get even more public.
Definitely not how or where he wanted to enjoy his first sight of Drucillas naked body. Oh, no, when he got her naked he wanted all the time in the world to enjoy every nuance of her body, to revel in the colors and textures and tastes of her.
A part of him wanted to haul her to her feet and drag her off to the nearest private spot and give in to his bodys demands. But he couldnt. Well, he acknowledged as his erection throbbed in painful protest, he could. But he wouldnt.
Forcing himself to be patient was about the hardest thing Alex had ever done. Almost as hard as his dick, pressing in supplication against Drucillas thigh. But he wanted more than a hot dance in the sand with her. He wanted as much as he could get.
How about we clean up, go to dinner? he asked, his words husky and rough. Maybe some dancing later?
She blinked up at him, her indigo eyes shifting from blurry to contemplative. She was shaded from the glare of the late-afternoon sun by his shadow, but the light still glinted off the water sparkling on her lush eyelashes.
She opened her mouth to respond, then pursed her lips, scanning his face as if looking for the answer to the mysteries of the universe. Then she gave a deep sigh. Alex almost groaned as the move pressed her breasts, with their rock-hard nipples, against his chest.
How about we skip the dinner and dancing and just go back to my bungalow? she invited softly. Her words were breathless, nervous. But the assurance in her eyes told him she meant what she said.
Alexs mind exploded with the image of the two of them, naked beneath a showers spray, sliding their soapy hands over each others bodies to wash away the salt and sand.
His dick, already straining and impatient, jumped a little at the mental picture. His mind, already formulating an acceptance, thrilled at the invitation.
But his mouth, dammit, was operating on its own.
Lets do both, he said before he could stop the words. His mind immediately scrambled to find a way to retract the words.
Drucillas eyes went soft, something sweet and humbling flashing in their depths. It was that look that instantly put an end to any attempted retraction.
Alex gave a soft laugh and rested his forehead against hers, briefly closing his eyes and sucking in a deep, fortifying breath. God, he was known for his mental acuity, his brilliance, some even said. And here he was turning his back on loose-and-wild sex in exchange for a more meaningful connection. Insane.
Lets do dinner, he suggested, reluctantly pulling away from her warmth. Instantly chilled now that his still-wet body was exposed to the air, he shivered a little as he pushed himself to his feet. Reaching down, he took her hand to help her up.
The momentum of the move had the exact effect hed hoped. She landed against him. Alexs arms wrapped around her, his erection tight against her belly. He grinned down into her inquiring face.
Well save the dancing for private.