"I can only imagine."

"I gave myself to you and you rejected me for it."

He nodded. "I apologize."

"I felt so betrayed."

"Okay, okay," he held his hands up in surrender. "I'm trying my best here, Destiny. I screwed up. How many ways can I say it? I hurt you. I know. I can't change that. All I can do is move forward."

She looked down, studying the thick threads of her towel. She knew he was sincere. She met his eyes again. "I wasn't prepared for your reaction."

"How do you think I feel? You seemed like the last person who would be a virgin."

Her breath caught. "What's that supposed to mean? You think I'm a s.l.u.t or something?"

"No." He caressed her cheek. "I would never think that of you."

"Is it because I was in foster care? Or because I'm a struggling, young black woman?"

"Your race has never been an issue, Destiny. I would hope you would think better of me. I didn't suspect you'd be a virgin because you seem so...confident. So flirtatious."

There it was again. The insinuation that she was a tease. That remark hurt almost as much as his rejection of her last night. "A girl can't flirt?"

"You did more than flirt. You talked dirty to me."

"And you loved it. Admit it: you got a b.o.n.e.r every time I looked your way."

His dark gaze raked across her body. "I don't have to admit it. I think you already know how bad I wanted youstill want you."

"Then, why did you freak out? I thought you would feel privileged to be my first lover."

"I know everything there is to know about getting laid. I've had plenty of women. Ever since I can remember, females have been throwing themselves at me. I never had to coax anyone to have s.e.x." He stroked her hand. "I'm not saying this to brag. I'm telling you that for the first time in my life, I had a partner who knew absolutely nothing about lovemaking. I'm ashamed to confess, I didn't know how to handle you, Destiny. I guess I just panicked."

She squeezed his hand. "You don't have to trip around me. If you don't know to handle me, just ask. Anything you want to know, I'll tell you. I have no secrets."

"Fair enough. While we're sharing, I want you to know that I'm honored to be your first. I regret the experience wasn't pleasurable for you."

She grinned. "I didn't say it wasn't pleasurable. You made my knees buckle."

"I wanted you to make you want me like I want you."

As though drawn by some powerful magnetic force, their heads bowed towards each other. Cayson's lips plied hers apart. He took command, putting his stamp of pa.s.sion on her mouth and making her whimper in response. He teased and nibbled her bottom lip, tenderly sucking her mouth, setting her body on fire in the process. When his tongue swept inside and boldly stroked the insides of her mouth, she returned the favor, fondling his tongue with her own, enjoying the erotic dance. His hands cupped her face, his fingers trailing whisper-soft caresses down her cheeks, her chin, and finally, her neck.

She wondered if it was possible to self-combust from pa.s.sion. She pulled away, breathless. "I said you could ask me any question, Cayson. But I have one for you."

"Ask me anything."

"Can you show me some of those s.e.xual positions you were talking about?"

The raw sensuality in his eyes gave her goose b.u.mps. "I thought you'd never ask."

Mark's boat was docked near the office he shared with his wife, Kendra. It was a smart investment on his part and a necessity for conducting his snorkeling tour business. Cayson took full advantage of the empty boat. It wasn't in operation due to Dane's wedding tomorrow. Below deck, the modest schooner was roomy with s.p.a.ce for a kitchenette, a shower, and a sizeable sofa that converted into a wide bunk.

They'd barely descended the bleached wood stairs before Cayson pulled Destiny into his arms. This time he would do things right. He would show her how a woman should be made love to. He would prove he wasn't some insensitive animal. He stared into her eyes, seeing the barest hint of hesitation. "Thank you for giving me a second chance," he told her. "I promise you won't regret it."

She fluttered her long lashes. "I can't deny you, Cayson. That's why I chose you."

Cayson's heart leapt at Destiny's admission. She tugged the collar of his shirt and pulled him toward her again. This time, she was the aggressor, sliding her tongue smoothly into his mouth. He accepted her invitation, placing his hands on her waist and grinding his pelvis against hers. His d.i.c.k was harder than concrete, and he wanted her to know it. He palmed her backside, pulling the narrow strip of fabric that covered her smooth globes to the side. A red-hot friction sparked as he dry humped her. He knew she could feel the power of his c.o.c.k straining against his swim trunks and rubbing her c.l.i.t.

He suckled her tongue, delving deep, then pulling back to tease and nibble her lips, then delving back in deep again. He switched his focus, groping her full b.r.e.a.s.t.s, tweaking the buds of her nipples with his thumbs. All he could think of was having his hands pressed against her bare nipples. He trailed kisses down her throat, nuzzling his nose in her full cleavage. He pushed her bikini top aside, and then dipped his head low and feasted, showering each dark nipple with lavish attention. He pulled the puckered buds into his mouth and softly licked and caressed each one. Roughness had its place, but not when he was introducing Destiny to new pleasures. There would be time later for him to show her his bag of tricks. Right now, he planned on kissing every inch of her lush curves until she begged for mercy.

But he soon learned Destiny wasn't the type of woman to lay back and observe. When her slender fingers boldly reached inside his trunks and fondled his c.o.c.k, he growled with pleasure. He wanted more foreplay, but the short, quick strokes she teased him with threatened to send him over the edge. To add fuel to the fire, she descended in slow motion until her knees rested on the wood floor. Then she wrapped her pretty lips around his d.i.c.k. His jaw clenched as he battled for control. Watching the erotic act only made it worse. He couldn't tear his eyes from the pink tip of her tongue as it parted her lips and licked him repeatedly from base to tip.

He groaned out loud, his voice sounding like an injured animal having his wounds licked.

"d.a.m.n, that feels good."

He palmed her head, gripping her hair, but not wanting to push her too far for fear of scaring her off. Destiny was no delicate flower. She purred as she sucked. Her head bobbed back and forth, sliding a film of wet, warm moisture as she worked.

Lord, Lord, Lord. Please don't let me disappoint her.

Cayson reined his pa.s.sions as Destiny ma.s.saged his b.a.l.l.s with one hand and jacked him off with the otherall the while sucking him with deep, hard strokes. If she didn't stop, he was gonna f.u.c.king explode in her mouth right now. With Herculean effort, he stepped back, fighting the impending o.r.g.a.s.m raging inside him. He couldn't c.u.m now. He'd promised her only pleasure. He intended to deliver.

He stood and carried her to the oversized bunk. He stared down at her nude body. Their eyes met. Hers glistened with a sensual hunger. She'd never looked more beautiful. And she was all his.

"I want you now, Cayson," she begged.

His erection was so hard, it ached. The only thing that would ease his discomfort was a powerful release into her. He was ready now. And so was she. There would be no pain this time.

He spread her legs and thrust himself inside her. A sea of milky wetness greeted him as he pushed deep. His pride soared when he heard Destiny's gasp of pleasure pierce the air. Her reaction fueled his movements. He plunged in, driving deeply and thrusting harder with each successive stroke. Destiny clasped her legs around his back, her silky thighs pulling him further into her wet p.u.s.s.y.

"That's it, baby," he coaxed. "Let me in."

She answered by digging her nails into the meat of his deltoids. The pain was pleasurable, spurring him to increase his frenzied pace. He threaded his fingers through her hair, tugging until her head rolled back and her throat was exposed. He rained kisses along the tempting column, branding her with pa.s.sion marks.

"Yes! Yes!" she screamed.

He'd found her sweet spot. He relentlessly pumped with rapid thrusts. He wanted her ultimate satisfaction. His grunts of pleasure mingled with her high-pitched peals of ecstasy. He stroked faster. Harder. Deeper. Stronger. And Destiny encouraged him, opening wide, thrusting her pelvis against his, and matching his rhythm. Her slick walls eagerly welcomed him, allowing him to effortlessly slide in and out with no resistance. He was falling into a sweet vortex he couldn't escape fromnor did he want to.

A red hot heat consumed him, engulfing his body in flames. He fought to maintain control, but he lost it when he felt Destiny's urgent spasms pulsating and throbbing around his c.o.c.k. She cried out, riding the wave of an o.r.g.a.s.m and shuddering against him. His climax followed hers by mere seconds, a raw explosion that rocked him to his core.

"Destiny!" he called out hoa.r.s.ely.

He held her tight, savoring the pulsating rhythm of his release as it finally faded from a violent eruption to a slow-moving lava.

Afterwards, they spooned on the wide bunk. The cleft of Destiny's a.s.s rested erotically against the base of his d.i.c.k. Cayson stroked her hair as feelings of confusion gnawed at him, slowly robbing him of the last vestiges of ecstasy. He tried to stomp the feelings down, but they kept resurfacing. He was her first lover. A notable distinction. She was a first for him toothe first woman he couldn't get enough of. The first woman he was starting to have real feelings for. The first woman he saw himself having a future with.

He let out a deep sigh. s.h.i.t. What was he gonna do now?

Chapter 13.

"I think this is the first time Cayson attended a wedding where he didn't wear cufflinks."

Cayson chuckled at Dane's observation. "That's because your bride had the good sense to get married in paradise."

"Yep." Dane pulled a comb through his freshly washed hair. "No shirt and no shoes is no problem."

Mark stepped into the room where the brothers were getting dressed for the wedding. "What was that about no shirt?" he asked. "We can be bare-chested at the wedding?"

"Sure," Dane answered. "If you want Charly to put her foot up your a.s.s."

The brothers' hearty laughs filled the air.

"I'll pa.s.s," Mark said. "I've already had the edge of mine chewed a few times by Kendra."

Dane grinned. "We have some strong-willed women, just like our mother."

Cayson nodded, thinking how fortunate Dane and Mark were to have found two feisty women who just happened to be their soul mates. Dane lucked out getting two step-kids he got along well with. Cayson slapped some cologne on. He knew it was one of Destiny's favorites. She'd told him so while she was pressing kisses all over his neck this morning.

"You two knuckleheads found a pair of cla.s.sy ladies that I'm proud to call my sisters-in-law."

"Don't go getting nostalgic on us, bro." Dane nudged him. "Soon, it'll be your turn."

Mark shook his head. "G.o.d help the woman who can tame Cayson."

Dane laughed. "I think you've already met her."

Mark's response was cut short by their father's entrance. "Guys, it's time. We can't arrive at the ceremony after the women." The Sullivan men chuckled at their father's joke. "But in all seriousness," his father said, clapping Dane on the shoulder, "I'm proud of you, Son. Charly is a wonderful woman. I'm proud to welcome her as a daughter. And she made us instant grandparents. Now, your mother can stop complaining."

Dane winked at his dad. "C'mon Pop. You know that won't stop her from complaining."

His father guffawed. "So true."

As the men filed out of the room, Cayson's father hung back, whispering to Cayson. "We missed you at lunch today."

The look in his father's eyes had gone from joyous to cautious.

Uh oh. Here it comes. A lecture.

It didn't seem appropriate to admit that Cayson had lain between Destiny's legs all morning, doing deliciously wicked things to her body. So, he improvised. "Um, sorry about that, Pop. Destiny and I went exploring...the island."

His old man nodded, his lips frowning beneath his salt and pepper mustache. Dressed in linen pants and a floral shirt, he looked more like he was going to a Hawaiian luau than a wedding. "What are your plans with Destiny?" he asked. "I don't normally get involved in you boys' relationships, but this woman is different. She's staying at your house. You're responsible for her."

"Try telling her that," Cayson joked. "Destiny doesn't listen to me."

"Cayson, I'm serious."

A rush of heat crept along the back of his neck. He wasn't a little boy anymore, but his dad had a way of pinning him with a reproachful stare that could make him feel eight years old. Pop was right to question him. In fact, Cayson had been questioning himself since he'd sampled Destiny's virgin body. His own inadequacies continued to plague him. He wasn't the type of man to settle down. He liked chasing tail too much. But he had to admit, his lovemaking sessions with Destiny were life-altering, almost cathartic. He could let his guard down with hersomething he'd never been able to do with any other female.

He shrugged. "I don't know, Dad."

"Well, I hope you figure it out soon, before someone gets hurt."

That someone was Destiny. Cayson let out a long breath. His father didn't trust him to do right by her. Cayson couldn't blame him. His track record proved he lost interest in a woman quicker than the time it took for a Super Bowl commercial to air. She deserved better than him. There was nothing permanent he could offer her. He was afraid to even try; afraid he would burst the bubble of happiness they'd created. How long before he strayed? How long before he hurt her? He had to leave her alone. The problem was Destiny was not a woman he could wean himself from. He had to quit her cold turkey.

The wedding ceremony was simple, yet beautiful. Charly made a stunning bride. Her cocoa brown skin glowed as she recited her vows while wearing a white, linen sundress. Dane was dressed identically in white linen. He beamed from ear-to-ear the entire time. The ceremony was short and sweet, but the emotion was still there. Irene cried. It was nothing less than what Destiny expected from the mother of the groom.

Charly's entire family had come to celebrate with her. Destiny watched as the bride's children, parents, and cousin, Shontal showered her with love and affection. Her heart ached at the sight. Charly had her family and the love of a good man. Destiny wished she had one-tenth of that support system. Besides her mother, no one had come close to showing her any type of real affection. She wasn't even certain she could count Cayson in that number. Yes, he'd shown her compa.s.sion. He was a gentle lover too. But she couldn't help but wonder if she was just a 'jump off' for him.

The crazy part was the only time she didn't feel lonely was when she was in his arms. So, if he was only using her for s.e.x, the man was making her feel d.a.m.n good about it! She'd already decided to enjoy to feeling and go with the flow. If nothing else came of their relationship, she'd gotten to spend a few days in paradise, and she'd seen how the other half lived. This court-imposed living arrangement had opened her eyes to a world of possibilities.

The reception was a casual event. Mark and Kendra had reserved a modest party room at a local nightclub for the newlyweds. Complete with refreshments and a live band, it was the perfect ending to a perfect day. Destiny coaxed Cayson onto the dance floor with her. Charly had bragged about the Sullivan Brothers' skills, so she wanted to see if Cayson had any moves. She'd heard how Irene insisted on dance lessons for her sons when they were younger. To Destiny's surprise, Cayson impressed her with his swing out skills.

"I gotta say, I didn't know you had it in you," she teased him.

"Why? Hasn't anybody told you we Sullivan Brothers have rhythm?"

"I heard the legend, but I didn't believe it until I saw it with my own eyes."

He threw back his head and laughed. "You know some white boys can dance."

His laugh was contagious. She giggled. "I didn't expect a stuffy lawyer to know how to dance."

"Well, that'll teach you to judge based on appearances."

The pulsating beat of a reggae song thumped in the air. The hypnotic beat moved through Destiny's body and drummed inside her blood. She inched closer to him. His body felt good against hers. She didn't think it was possible for him to look any more handsome that he did in his tailored suits. But he was looking d.a.m.n fine in his all white linen shirt and slacks. She itched to touch the muscles beneath his white shirt. The man exuded s.e.x appeal.

If I'd known s.e.x was this good, I would have done it a lot sooner. No, I'm glad I waited for Cayson. It makes losing my virginity all the more sweeter.

She pressed against him and felt his subtle withdrawal. It seemed like she wanted to close the distance between them, but he wanted to increase it. Finally, he took her hand and led her off the dance floor, weaving between the dancing couples.

When he guided her to a private corner, she saw hesitation written all over his face. "What's wrong?" she asked.

He spoke low so no one could hear over the music. "Destiny, we can't keep doing this."

All she could think of was him inside her, thrusting his d.i.c.k deep. She didn't care what they should and shouldn't do. She wanted to make love as many times as she could in this exotic paradise. She didn't know what had gotten into her. She felt like someone else. A new woman.

A woman who wanted her man.