The Redemption(36)

“We’ll end up the same either way.”

His right hand touches just where my bra ends and goes lower exploring my waist. “How so?”

When his fingers dip into the back of my jeans, I reply, “Wet.”

“Fuuuck,” he curses under his breath, looking up and taking a step back.

“I’m trying.”

His hands slide into his hair, his frustration scene in the move. “Shit. You can’t say things like that and expect me to stand here and not react.”

“It’s the tequila talking. Ignore me.”

“Trust me. I’ve tried to ignore you. It’s impossible.”

With a sigh and roll of my neck, I say, “I’m thinking it’s hot tub time.”

“I’m thinking the pool to cool off.” He takes his jeans off and dives in.

I take mine off and walk to the edge and sit down, dangling my feet in. He swims closer and grabs my ankles. Bearing my weight on my wrists I lift up as he tugs me down slowly until the front of my body slides down against his. Dex kisses my stomach as I slip into the chilly water.

“Why do we play these games anyway? I want you, Rochelle. I think that’s clear.”

Clear is not the word I would use for his erection. Rock hard might fit the situation better. The liquor warms my body as it infiltrates my senses and relaxes me. I wrap my legs around his waist, but lean back on the ledge, keeping my body afloat by holding onto the side.

“It’s not just a matter of want between us.”

Moving closer, his hands slide to my ass as he presses harder against me. “You’re right, but we’ve got the basics covered. Aren’t you ready to try more?”

Slipping my arms around his neck, I readjust, the wiggle making my body tingle. “It’s not just about us. It’s not even just about the kids. There are things, people involved that I don’t want to hurt and you asked me not to talk about that tonight. So let’s not. Let’s just leave it for another day and have another shot.”

There’s a gleam in his eye reflecting the pool, maybe more as he looks at me. “Okay, more shots then.”

He perches me on the side of the pool and I lay back as he jumps out. Staring up at the sky, I try to orientate myself by the constellations I’m used to seeing at home. Just as I start to think I’m turned around, I find the big dipper and a comfort settles in as does Dex. He sits down next to me and I ask, “What does your tattoo with the skull say?”

In Latin, he says, “Solum bonum decessura.”

“What does it mean?”

“Only the good die young.”

“When did you get it?”

“About a year ago.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No,” he says, moving into a push-up, his face over mine. “I’d rather kiss you.” He lowers down and kisses me. It’s sweet, gentle, and wonderful, which is exactly opposite of how I really want him to kiss me.

I’m going to make figuring out what this is a priority tomorrow. Others may get hurt when I give this a real shot, but I can’t live tethered to the past. Just when he’s about to get up, I grab him, my hands at the back of his head and bring his lips to mine. I kiss him how I want to be kissed, and how I know he wants me to kiss him.

When our lips part, I intake the night air, savoring him on my lips. When he sits up, I do too before moving into the pool to face him. The shot is set on the edge, we clink our glasses, and finish the drink.

He lies on his stomach, resting his head on his crossed arms. “What time do you have to be home?”

“Midnight.”

“That’s two hours. Wanna make out?”

A laugh escapes, filling the serene surrounding. “Heck yeah, I do.” Lifting up, I get out of the pool as he rolls onto his back. I stand above him, offering him a hand to get up. He accepts and stands, but quickly pulls me over to the hot tub. We climb in one at a time and I sit, settling on his lap. His hands hold onto me as his head dips back a bit, his eyelids growing heavy, as his focus on me intensifies. “You’re so f*cking sexy.” He licks his lips. Watching him makes me clench, wanting those lips on me.

With one hand on my back and the other on my hip, he bucks beneath me, then brings me to him, our lips pressing together. Our words are replaced by the bubbling water, kisses, and soft sighs of pleasure. His tongue is strong and dominant, wanting to be felt, to feel, and I oblige.

Large hands cover my breasts and he squeezes gently. I take control as our kisses find purchase against our craving bodies. I run my fingers through his hair, and my nails down his back. His muscles dance under my touch, each tensing and releasing.

With his arms wrapped around the back of my shoulders, his hips join mine. The friction leading to a deeper desire, a desire I try to lessen to save us both the dissatisfaction we’re gonna end up with. But it’s impossible to hold back when he’s giving so much.

That spot. That spot. That spot. The perfect spot being teased and coaxed until I tug his hair, pressing myself against him as I tighten my legs around him. My head drops back and his breath is warm as he covers me with hot kisses. His hands grab a hold of my hips. “God, Rochelle. I want you to be inside you. I want you so much.”

Goosebumps cover my skin as his words become the only air I need. As I’m coming down from my own bliss, I want the same thing. I want him so badly. Before I can say anything his movements become erratic, his fingers digging into the flesh where my hips meet my ass. “So close,” he says, his forehead against my collarbone. “Oh f*ck. Yes.” My shoulders are grabbed again and I’m pushed down on top of him.