Illicit acollection, p.187
Illicit: A Contemporary Romance Collection, page 187
Reid taps my shoulder, startling me. I pull my ear buds out. “Hey.” My voice is breathless.
“Everything okay over here?” His brow is knitted together, but his tone is soft. He puts his hand on my shoulder and lets it linger there.
I bite at my lower lip. “Yeah. Why?” I blurt out.
“Your hands are in fists. You seem flustered.”
I look down and note that my hands are in fact clenched together. “Oh, no. Yeah, it’s all good. I’m fine. I have to finish up my last set.”
“Okay. Let’s load the bar with more weight. I’ll spot you.” Before I even have a chance to argue, he’s grabbing a ten-pound weight and adding it to the rest.
I set the other side up and stand beneath the bar. Reid moves forward and watches as I sink down into my first squat. It’s heavy and it challenges me, but I can do it. On my sixth rep, Reid senses my fatigue and he grasps around my waist and guides me down and up. With his hands on me, it’s nearly impossible to focus on the exercise.
“Good,” he says. “You’ve got one more. Come on.”
Sitting back for one more, Reid moves with me all the way down and back up, his fingers gently digging into my waist. Watching him behind me spreads warmth between my legs. A small moan escapes my lips as I bring the weight back up for the last time. I re-rack the bar and turn to face him. “Thanks, I haven’t pushed myself in a long time. It felt good.”
Reid’s gray eyes sear through me. “I was planning on staying for another thirty minutes, but I’m not sure I can make it that long. I haven’t been able to stop staring at your ass.”
I shake my head and smirk at him. “Let’s finish our workouts. We’ve got plenty of time today to play.” I run my finger along the side of his long, lean bicep. The mere contact makes me want to forget everything I just said and race out of here to my bed, but I can’t let myself get too caught up. My staying here and finishing this workout will prove to me that I’m able to keep my head on my shoulders and not get so wrapped up in this man that I can’t think straight.
Reid leans in toward my ear, his breath hot on my cheek. “You’re killing me.” His tone is thick.
“I’m almost done, okay?”
“Ten minutes, then I’m dragging you out of here.” He lays a quick kiss on my cheek. I nearly shudder with longing, but recover quickly. Watching Reid’s swagger as he walks away toward the Smith machine, I see tight shirt girl gawking at me with a look like she just swallowed a raw egg. I grin and give her a small wave. It’s bitchy, I know, but I can’t help myself. I start a set of lunges, thinking about how excited I am that I’ll be leaving here in ten minutes for some more alone time with Reid.
“Pack a bag, you don’t need much. A bathing suit and your toothbrush is all you need. I’ll be back in an hour. Be ready.” That’s what Reid told me when he was leaving my apartment early this morning. He woke me up at six. I don’t like to get up if I don’t have to, but he told me it’d be worth it.
I thought our day would be filled with lying in bed and ordering takeout. I’m quite surprised that I’m wrong.
I shower, pack my bikini, a new black negligee that I bought last week, and a few essentials. The morning heat from my open window promises today will be hot. I dress in a short, casual sun dress. I don’t know where Reid is taking me, but he didn’t say I needed to dress up.
In true Reid fashion, I get a text from him almost exactly one hour from the time he left this morning.
I’m here. Meet me downstairs. I’m in the silver Mercedes.
I grab my bag and a swarm of excitement erupts in my belly. I can’t wait to see where he’s taking me and what he’ll do to me once we get there.
As soon as I get in the car, Reid leans over and kisses me. I’m swept up in it. My head is in a cloud of lust and possibility. “You ready?”
“I can hardly wait. Will you give me a hint?” I’m practically bouncing up and down in the seat.
“Nope. You’re going to have to wait and see.” He gives me the slyest smile, with the edges of his mouth turned up and all his pearly whites showing.
It isn’t long before we’re heading out of the city and getting on the Long Island Expressway.
“I haven’t been to Long Island in years.” I think back to the last time I was there. It has to be over ten years ago. I went with my family to a wedding. It was beautiful and expensive. I kept meaning to take a trip back, but never made it a priority.
“Tragedy. Are you happy that I’m taking you today?” Reid’s eyes are on the road, but I can hear the curiosity in his voice.
“Definitely. Are you going to clue me in now about where exactly we’re going?”
“No. I’m not giving anything away.” He pulls my hand up to his mouth and kisses it. “I like to surprise you.”
His lips are warm on my hand. He could convince me to do just about anything when his mouth is on me. “Fine. I can wait.” Even though it’s going to drive me crazy.
I look out the window and enjoy the heat of the sun on my face and Reid’s fingers caressing my thigh. We chat about my last visit to Long Island, and Reid opens up about a bachelor party he went to in Montauk. It’s not every day that Reid shares with me. Even if it’s small details about his friends, I’ll take it.
We chat about everything going on at my office and how things are coming at his new start up. Diving deeper into what our daily lives are like makes me feel closer to him. I wonder if he feels the same.
With the early wake-up this morning, I ended up sleeping for part of the trip. I awoke to Reid. “It’s time to get up now, sleepy head.”
I open my eyes and we are parked in front of a cute cedar sided cottage with a huge walk-out deck. There’s a garden in front with blooming hydrangeas, peonies, and begonias lining the stamped concrete walkway up to the front door. “I’m sorry I slept so long. I must have been out for over an hour.”
“No big deal. Want to check out the place?”
“Is it yours?” I ask.
“No. I got it through Airbnb. I know we could both use a little getaway.”
My heart swells. What a sweet gesture. “It looks beautiful.”
When I get out of his SUV, sweet floral scents and sea water assault my senses. I stretch my arms over my head and smile.
Reid puts his arm around my waist and looks at me with his gray pools. “Let’s go in.”
Inside is gorgeous. Everything is new and clean, from the huge windows facing the ocean to the white walls and wood floors. It’s a small cottage, but it’s open and airy. The bedroom has a lighthouse nautical theme and, most importantly, a king-sized bed.
Turning to Reid, I grab him by his shirt and pull him to me. “It’s perfect. I love it.” I plant a kiss on his lips and open my mouth, pressing my tongue to his, translating my gratitude into affection. Heat blooms in my chest and I reach down to pull off his polo.
“Wait.” He pulls away. “Trust me, I can’t wait to try out that bed, but I want to take you somewhere first.” His eyes sparkle and his grin widens.
Feigning disappointment, I pretend to fan myself off with my hand. He’s excited about something, so I can forgive his rejection. “Okay. What do you want to show me?”
“Another surprise. Let’s go.” He grabs me by the hand and pulls me outside.
We’re back in his SUV. Touring the streets of the charming little town is such a nice treat and the complete opposite of the cars whizzing by in the hustle and bustle of NYC.
After a short drive, we pull up in front of Robert Moses State Park. The parking area is packed with cars and people. “Come on.” His voice rises some, like a little boy ready to show you his favorite new toy.
I hop out of the SUV and scan the blue sky and breathe in the fresh smell of the ocean. My shoulders relax as I pull my sunglasses from my hair down to my face.
Reid is grabbing his backpack and slinging it over his shoulder. “You ready for a short walk?”
“Sure.”
Leading the way, Reid offers me his hand, which I take in mine. He gives it a gentle squeeze. “Ever been here before?”
“No. Where are we going?”
We stroll along a boardwalk. It feels like we’re a couple. When we pass other people, I can’t help but notice the way women look at Reid, eyeing him up and down. He’s tall and his muscles are toned, not to mention his gorgeous face. I’m proud to be next to him.
“This leads to the Fire Island Light House. You’re going to love it.”
“Oh my gosh. Is that a deer?” I proceed ahead on tiptoes, hoping to not scare the cute furry animal.
“Yes. Let’s get you a picture.” He pulls out his cell phone and snaps a shot.
I can’t believe the deer isn’t moving as I get closer to it. When it seems as though I will be able to touch it, she bounds away. “I’ve never been that close to a deer before.”
“I thought you were going to try to pet it, like a dog.” He laughs a calm and relaxed sort of laugh and bends down and kisses my lips so sweetly. I really like Long Island Reid.
“Ha-ha,” I say.
We walk the boardwalk through marshland and see beautiful birds and more deer. “Have you been here before?” I ask.
“Yes. My parents took us when we were kids. It’s one of my favorite family memories.”
“Thanks for bringing me. I can’t believe I’ve never been here before. It’s not far from the city; I could’ve come on a day trip. We haven’t even made it to the lighthouse and I’m impressed.”
“It’s just up here. Past the museum. This is where some of the remnants of the original lighthouse and the light are housed.” He tugs my hand and pulls me down the path.
There it stands in all its glory. The breathtaking structure whose light has led countless boats and ships through the ocean. “Can we walk to the top?”
“Yeah. Are you up for it? I know you didn’t get much sleep last night.” There’s that damn smirk. I barely see it, but when he busts it out my knees turn to jelly.
“I am absolutely up for it. You forget I had a nap on the way this morning.” I add a spring in my step for good measure as we make our way to the lighthouse steps.
Reid pays the fee and we make the trek up the small, winding staircase. I don’t let on that they make me slightly uncomfortable and claustrophobic. I forge on right behind Reid. Once at the top, my quads are burning, but that’s soon forgotten once I take in the view from the top.
With the sky clear, you can see the New York City skyline. “It’s stunning,” I say, my tone breathy as my eyes widen.
“And peaceful,” Reid says, his voice full of wonder and nostalgia as he stands next to me and leans against the railing. “You can see this light as far as twenty miles away. Imagine how many shipwrecks it prevented.”
We stand together in silence, taking in the beauty of the ocean and nature around us. The warm breeze blows my hair back and tickles my shoulders. I breathe in the familiar summer smells of sunscreen and salty ocean air. Leaning into Reid, I wrap my arm around his. “This is amazing. I could stare at this view all day.”
“Did you see that?” Reid points out in front of himself to the water.
There are a couple of dolphins diving under and back up and out again. “Wow. They’re beautiful.” I turn toward him and he has his phone on me, snapping a picture.
“So are you.” Despite the heat of the day, my cheeks get warmer.
“You’re not too bad yourself.” I tug my phone out of my purse and point it at us with the water and blue sky behind us. I take a couple of shots.
“I’m not normally a selfie kind of guy.” He smiles at my camera anyway.
“Thanks for humoring me.” Everything about today is making me happy. From the perfect weather and stunning views to this new version of Reid that’s with me today. He’s open, happy, and relaxed. These are qualities I don’t get to see with him. Until now. I stand on tiptoe and meld my lips to Reid’s. He doesn’t know it, but I take another selfie.
After a heated few moments, Reid pulls back. “I need to cool down. Want to head to the beach? It’s either that or I’m going to drag you back to the cottage.”
Running my hand through his dark hair, breathless, I tell him, “I’d do either. But it isn’t every day that we’re at the Atlantic Ocean on a beautiful day.”
Reid reaches down and squeezes my ass. “You make a very valid point. As much as I’d love to be with you, let’s go to the beach for a while. How do you feel about surfing?”
“Umm. No. I’m feeling a nice relaxing day of sunbathing and reading. But, if you’d enjoy surfing, I’d love to watch you.”
“Perfect.” He grabs my hand and kisses the back of it. I could get used to all this affection.
We make our way down the lighthouse stairs and back toward the beach. We find a spot that isn’t too crowded, and Reid pulls a thin blanket out of his backpack and lays it on the sand. “Are you hungry?” he asks.
“I could eat.”
“There’s a concession stand over there.” He points over his shoulder. “Why don’t you go get us a couple of burgers? I’m going to go find a board.”
“Great idea.” I watch him take his shirt off and admire the lines of his abdomen and the V that forms low near his hips. He’s insanely sexy.
Digging through his backpack, he pulls out my bikini. “There’s changing rooms if you want to put this on.”
I grab it from him. “Wait. When did you put my bathing suit in your bag?”
He plants a quick peck on my cheek. “I’m a little sneaky when I have to be.” He winks and gets up and heads down the beach.
After changing and getting food for Reid and me, I go back to our spot. I scan the beach and water and find Reid doing exactly what he said he was going to do. He’s riding a small wave. There’s no possible way he could look any hotter. The way his toned agile body navigates the water is a thing of beauty. His tan wet skin, and every line and plane of his muscles, is making me wish I had taken him up on his offer to skip the beach and go right back to the cottage. I take my phone out, zoom in, and snap a few pictures. I have to capture this moment. The only way this day will get any better is when Reid uses his skilled body on top of mine.
Lying on my back, I start reading a sexy novel I’ve got stored on my phone. When I come to a scene that’s particularly steamy, I dab at my forehead with the back of my hand. It’s most definitely too warm out today. I need to find Reid ASAP or jump in the ocean. Since he isn’t here at the moment, I head for the water.
Dipping my toes in, I’m immediately refreshed by the cool waves splashing over my toes. I walk in up to my waist and acclimate to the temperature. It’s heavenly. I close my eyes, tilt my head toward the sky, and thank my lucky stars for this day and this time with Reid. I fill my lungs with fresh sea air and smile.
Scanning the waves, I search for Reid. I don’t notice him anywhere. Did he go out further? I shield my eyes from the sun and peer out as far as I can see. My heartrate speeds up and nausea settles in my stomach. I pace toward the other side of the beach and glance around the sand where we left our things. He isn’t there. I’m sure he hasn’t gone far, but why do I have a pit in my belly?
Getting out of the water, I go toward the concession stand. Searching the area, I still don’t find him. I wonder briefly if he went to the car for something. He would’ve needed his keys. I go back to our blanket and see that nothing has been touched. It’s exactly as it was when I left it.
“Hey.” I’m startled by someone tapping on my shoulder.
“Where were you?” There’s panic in my voice as I turn to face Reid.
“I was just returning the surfboard. Were you looking for me?” He’s rubbing my arm as a slow smile builds at the corners of his mouth.
Turning away from him, I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Are you laughing at me?”
“No.” Reid positions himself in front of me so I have to stare into his gray eyes. “Look at you. You’re shaking. Your jaw looks like it’s stapled shut you’ve got it clenched so tight.” His voice is playful.
“Okay. Yes, I was worried. I was reading on the beach and when I went in the water, I didn’t see you. I looked all over,” I say, stress clear in my tone.
Reid pulls me into his arms. He smells like salt and sun. I sink into him and relief washes over me. I don’t know why I let myself get so worked up. I had no reason to think that Reid would leave me here alone or disappear somehow. “I’m right here. You don’t have to worry anymore. What do you say we go back to the cottage? I want to get you out of that bikini and into bed.”
“Let’s go.” As much as I enjoyed the sunshine, I’m ready for a change of scenery. His proclamation takes me from fear, anxiety, and concern to turned on in mere seconds. Anticipation courses through my veins.
6
I’m thankful for the quick ride back to the cottage. Reid’s warm hand rests on my thigh the entire ride home. His simple gesture creates heat between my legs. From time to time, he takes his eyes off the road to stare at me. His gaze is so intense it sends prickles from my head to my feet. I’ve got the overwhelming desire to put my hands all over him while he drives. I think better of it, because the things I want to do to him might cause an accident.
We pull up in front of our home for the evening. Reid comes around to my side of the car and opens the door. He grasps my hand and helps me out, a gentlemanly maneuver. When my feet hit the ground, he whisks me up into his arms and carries me like a new bride toward the house. He wastes no time bringing us inside.
As soon as we’re behind closed doors Reid sets me down, only to press me against the closest wall and push his lips to mine. “I need this now,” he rasps out between kisses. “Let’s go to the shower.”
“Yes,” is all I get out before Reid leads me to the small bathroom. In a rush, we nearly trip over a small end table on our way.
