Rescue Me(6)
"What is it?" he asked when she stopped as they reached the sand.
"My shoes. They aren't exactly made for strolling along the beach."
Cole bent down and made quick work of unbuckling the strappy red heels, grinning up at her as his hand remained on her calves longer than necessary. "This better?" His eyes lingered on the length of leg exposed by her short dress before he stood up. Feeling empowered, she gave him a saucy look and plucked the shoes from his hand, walking toward the shoreline and leaving him to follow after her.
He caught up to her and kicked his own shoes off and joined her where the surf met the sand. They walked in silence for a few moments with the water lapping at their ankles.
"So," Cole began, "are you here alone, or did you come with friends?"
"Just me." She noticed his surprise and figured it wasn't that common for a woman to visit a resort all alone, but she didn't feel like getting into a discussion about her brother so she left it at that.
"Interesting." He observed her for a moment. "Me too."
"Well, that makes things convenient."
"Things?" He arched a brow at her, and she merely smiled, her face full of suggestion. She couldn't believe she was being so forward, but she was enjoying herself for a change. The heat in his eyes burned through her and she felt a rush of anticipation. Her earlier fears were gone in a flash and she felt an urge to just be crazy for one night and see where things led.
They continued to walk down the beach until the noise from the club faded to a distant hum and the crash of the waves was the loudest sound. They were still on the resort property, but at the edge where only a few of the larger and more expensive villas were located. It was noticeably more private.
Meredith stopped and turned to him, tossing her shoes away into the sand.
"Meredith, I don't—“
She placed a finger on his mouth and shook her head. She didn't know what he was going to say and she tried to ignore his hesitation because she wasn't sure how long her courage would last. She felt free, her rushing pulse pounding in her ears. Slowly pulling her finger from his lip, she stretched up on her toes to whisper in his ear. Even then she had to reach behind his neck to draw his head down to her height. She pressed her body against his. "I don't either. But just for tonight, I am."
She whipped around and ran out into the surf, laughing at his the surprise on his face. She felt a little unsteady but figured it was just the uneven sand beneath her feet. Crooking a finger at him, she turned toward the shore and waited to see what he would do.
She was pleased when he ambled toward her with a gleam in his eye, reminding her of a wild animal. The image sent a hot thrill straight to her core.
He stopped a yard from her and pinned her with an intense look. She had made her way a little deeper into the waves, and at knee height now the water splashed up around her thighs. She took a step toward him, intending to close the distance, when a stronger wave suddenly surged behind her, knocking her off balance.
Cole rushed to catch her, but it was too late. She reached out for him to steady herself, but the sand was unstable and they both went toppling into the water, arms and legs tangling together. Sputtering, she pushed herself to her knees, Cole surfacing in front of her. Laughter erupted from both of them as they found themselves drenched, waves crashing all around them.
Just as another wave threatened to take her under again, Cole scooped her up effortlessly and walked the short distance to the shore. His body was hot against her cold, wet dress, and she immediately missed the loss of contact when he sat her down gently. Lowering himself next to her, he turned sideways and propped himself up on his elbow. They were soaking wet and sand was sticking to their bodies, but Meredith didn't care. All she wanted was to stay right where she was.
"That was kind of fun," she admitted.
He wrapped his fingers around her wrist, pulling her in closer. "You're incredible. Beautiful. Alive," he said softly, his eyes never leaving her face.
Suddenly Meredith's breath was ragged again, her heart pounding so hard she was certain Cole could feel her erratic pulse where he maintained his grip on her wrist. She didn't know what to say to that, so she just stared into his face, waiting.
"I knew there was something different about you when I first saw you tonight, but now I know what it is. You don't wait around letting life pass you by. You grab it with both hands and make the most of it."
Meredith melted. This was too much. Here she was lying on the beach next to the most gorgeous man she'd ever met while he spouted off words that had her going to pieces. He didn't even know her, but he saw straight through her carefully constructed facade right to who she really was. And liked what he saw. She must be dreaming.
But the heat of his breath as he sat up and leaned in close gave her body a jolt that proved she was indeed awake. Cole reached for her, wrapping one arm around her waist and the other behind her neck, and lowered her slowly to the sand until she was looking up as he hovered over her.
Time stood still and all she heard was the crash of the waves and the beating of her heart as he traced a finger over her mouth, down her neck and across her shoulder before he bent his and touched his lips to hers.
Her response was immediate. Though he began gently, she met him with a hunger she had never experienced, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders and pulling him in closer. She parted her lips and he dipped his tongue inside as they melded together. When had a kiss ever felt this divine?