Emergence (Awakening Series Book 2) (12 page)

Chapter 22

Carson

Lou and I walked on the beach with Carly for a while before heading back to the house for dinner. Dad grilled some steaks and chicken while Mom baked potatoes, made a salad, and passed out cocktails.

Once we were all full we headed down to the boat to help Captain Scott prep for the next day. Mom and Lou stopped at the end of the dock where there was a covered sitting area. I could see Carly sleeping on Lou's chest while her soft laughter drifted down towards me on the breeze.

I smiled that she and my mom were getting along so well while I mindlessly rigged some bait for tomorrow's fishing trip.

"That's a real nice lady you've got there, kid," Captain Scott said as he sat down next to me and picked up a Ballyhoo, sliding a circle hook into place at the head, before wrapping the nose with a leader.

"Thanks man, she's definitely a keeper."

"So, she's the one who's finally pulled the great Carson Foster to heel, huh?" he asked, jabbing me in the ribs.

"I wasn't that bad, was I?"

"Boy, when I met you twenty years ago you were already wooing the ladies with your dimpled smile and your kisses, even at two years old. I didn't think you'd ever quit playing the field."

"I guess I did always have a soft spot for women," I replied, bending the rigged Ballyhoo back and forth in my hand before setting it down and picking up the next one.

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. It only matters that you recognized your match when you met her, and you never looked back."

"That's even more true than you know, Cap."

"Nah, Carson, I used to be like you were. Before I worked for your dad I ran boats up and down the Florida coast and all over the Bahamas. I had women all over the place, in every port of call. "

I stopped what I was doing and focused on him for a moment. "Really? I thought you and Grace had been together forever. You just seem that much in love."

Scott got a wistful look on his face and his mouth turned up at the corners as I went back to rigging my fish. "Grace was my one. As soon as I met her, all the rest paled in comparison. I knew I would never meet anyone like her ever again so I set about making some changes in my life, and I never looked back. We've been together ever since. So you see, we're not so different after all."

"I guess not, especially now that I've found her," I said, gesturing toward Lou. "She's definitely my one and that baby girl of hers has me wrapped around her little finger."

"I honestly never thought I'd see the day."

"What day is that?" I asked, cocking my eyebrow at him.

"The day you fell in love," he said with a smirk.

My hands stilled again as the impact of his words hit me full force. A moment later I felt a lightening in my gut as I realized his words were true. I was in love with Lou Evans.

She slipped into my life one night and flipped it upside down before disappearing. It was probably the biggest blessing I could have received. I wouldn't have been prepared for her if I hadn't have had the time to get myself together before she walked back into my world.

My dad cleared his throat as he exited the salon, and sat down next to Scott, picking up a Ballyhoo to rig. "How's the weather looking for tomorrow?"

"It looks pretty favorable. The wind has been blowing hard into the pocket for several days. We can do billfish in the morning and dolphin in the afternoon if you want. I spoke to Roger and he released a couple whites and a sail yesterday, and Bruce released a small blue," Captain Scott told my dad.

"What do you think Carson?" my dad asked.

"I'd like to do some offshore fishing tomorrow, and then I was thinking on Sunday we could catch some lobster or do some bone fishing in the morning, depending on the tides, and then hit Flo's for lunch and swing by the blue hole if we have time."

"Man, you're really trying to pack it in, son," my dad said, amused.

"I just want Lou to enjoy herself. She used to fish a lot when she was younger, with her father, but hasn't gotten a chance to get out there in a long while. I think she misses it so I want to take advantage of the time we have down here. But I'm sure she'll have a good time regardless of what we decide to do."

"Well, personally, I'm trying to catch the big one, so why don't we plan to work the deep water until lunch time, and then we can move in to the ledge and try for a few dolphin and maybe pick up a white or a sailfish in the afternoon?"

"Sounds good to me," I said.

Just then I heard footsteps on the dock and looked up to see Lou making her way down to us. Her long dark hair was blowing behind her in the breeze, and her crystal blue eyes were focused directly on me. When I caught her eye she smiled brilliantly, lighting me up from the inside.

"Hey beautiful," I said to her, returning her smile.

"Permission to come aboard, Captain?"

"Granted," Scott said, sliding a step box to the side of the cockpit so she could step aboard.

I reached out, grabbed her hand, and helped her down.

"Your mom took Carly up to the house. Can I help you guys?" she asked, looking around at our faces.

"You want to rig Ballyhoo?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"I've rigged a bait or two in my day," she said, picking up a Ballyhoo and hook. "But, these don't look like the hooks I'm used to."

"Come here and let me show you," I told her, making room on the cooler I was seated on. "The way you're probably used to is sliding the hook through the belly, but these new circle hooks go like this," I said, twisting the hook through the already existing bridal so it was exposed above the Ballyhoo's head. "Doing it this way greatly reduces the chances of gut hooking a fish."

"Got it. Let me try the next one."

I watched as she expertly fed the hook through just like I'd shown her.

"You're a quick study. Great job!" She beamed at me as she picked up the next Ballyhoo and continued to help us rig.

**

Once we finished up the prep work for the next day's fishing trip, we cleaned up the cockpit and headed up to the house.

"See you all in the morning," my dad said as he made his way to the stairs.

"Goodnight Dad," I called to him as I followed Lou to our room.

"I need a shower, I smell like fish," she whispered to me after checking on Carly and pulling the blanket up over her chest.

"Mind if I join you?" I asked, slipping my arms around her waist and pulling her into me for a slow open mouthed kiss.

"I had hoped you would."

I stepped backwards into the bathroom, pulling her along by the waist. After closing the door behind us I lifted her shirt over her head and let it fall to the floor.

Her creamy breasts rose with her chest as her breathing increased. I reached behind her to untie her bikini top, and then dropped it to the floor before kneeling to pull off her shorts and bikini bottom.

When she was naked in front of me I stood up and stepped back just to take her in.

"You know you're the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen. I've always thought that. I remember the night we met, how I marveled that your lips match the color of your nipples. I still can't get enough of you," I said, raising my hands to cup her breasts in my hands.

"Mmm," she moaned, pressing herself more fully into me.

I lowered my head, pulling one soft areola into my mouth and swirling my tongue around until the nipple was a hard peak before moving to give the same attention to the other.

When both nipples were erect I stepped back to admire my handiwork, giving her a salacious smile. I turned to start the shower and Lou's hands slipped underneath the hem of my shirt, pulling it up as she ran her fingers over my abs and up to my shoulders before lifting it over my head.

Her touch drove me wild. I loved the feeling of her hands on my skin. It made me feel alive in ways I never thought I'd experience. It was as if her touch awakened my soul.

She moved to the button on my shorts, quickly unfastening them and sliding them down my legs with my boxers. We both stepped out of our flip-flops and into the large tiled shower.

Her hands slid down, curving over my swelling dick as I leaned into kiss her. The steam from the water cocooned us behind the glass door, blocking out everything beyond.

She picked up the body soap and poured some onto a washcloth and then proceeded to lather me from my head to my feet. The slow circular motions she used were highly erotic and I couldn't stop myself from thrusting lightly into her grip when her hands encircled my erection.

After she ensured that I was adequately soapy, she pushed against my sternum until I backed under the stream of the shower head and then ran her hands over me until I was thoroughly clean.

When she was finished, I picked up the bottle of shampoo and washed my own hair, before turning to wash hers. She leaned into me as I rinsed her hair clean and then I proceeded to soap her body, running my hands over her breasts until her nipples pebbled under my touch.

Without warning she dropped to her knees in front of me and I sucked in a sharp gasp of air as her tongue snaked out and licked at the tip of me.

"Fuck," I breathed out as her hands came up to grip me, one cupping my balls and the other my base as her tongue continued to lick its way along my length and over the head.

I fought the urge to wrap my hands in her hair as she opened her mouth and sucked me right down her throat. It was all I could do to remain standing. This girl could set me off in a moment.

"Ah yeah, baby, just like that. Show me how good you can suck my cock," I groaned out, thrusting towards her.

She moaned around me as her hand began to move in rhythm with her mouth, pumping me and sucking me until my entire world was focused on my dick sliding in and out of her hot wet mouth. When she pulled me to the back of her throat and swallowed I couldn't contain my hands and they went straight into her hair, pulling her further against me as I thrust down her throat.

"You look so goddamn beautiful with my cock shoved in your throat. I'm so hard for you sweetheart, but I don't want to come in your mouth. Give me that sopping wet pussy and let me fill you up."

Loosening my hold on her hair I slipped my hands under her arms to help lift her to her feet. As soon as she was standing she wrapped her arms around my neck and jumped up, locking her legs around my waist.

"Give it to me Carson, I want to feel you inside me, stretching me."

That was all the permission I needed. My blood was on fire as my hands went to her ass, holding her to me while she reached a hand between us to line me up. She was so aroused from sucking me that I slid right in, to the hilt.

"Fuck that's good," I growled as her hot wet heat engulfed me.

I backed her into the corner, so her weight was partially supported by the wall, and then I drew back and slammed home again, drawing a deep groan from both of us.

Every time I pulled out she would whimper, and every time I filled her up she groaned. I loved every sound she made, the way her chest, throat, and face flushed pink when I fucked her, the way her eyes closed in ecstasy, but flew open to meet mine the minute she started to come. Watching her come undone was something I'd never get enough of as long as I lived.

Her eyes flew open to meet mine and I felt the first contraction around my shaft.

"Come on, that's right, let me feel you."

"Carson," she pleaded as she continued to pulse around me.

I picked it up a notch, spreading her legs as wide as I could to get deeper, hitting that spot inside that I knew would drive her over the edge.

"There it is," I coaxed her as she started to buck against me. "Let it out, baby. I'm right there with you."

She let go then, her eyes opening and meeting mine as she whimpered and breathed through clenched teeth in an effort to keep quiet. Her orgasm roared to the surface, coating me in her creamy fluid and pulling me with her as she went.

"Oh, fuck," I grunted, pouring myself into her.

As our breathing returned to normal and my brain began functioning again I nuzzled into her neck, still holding her close, and prayed that I'd have the rest of my lifetime to experience this connection with her. I didn't think even that would be enough.

Chapter 23

Lou

We woke early the next morning, before even Carly stirred, and headed down to the island restaurant for breakfast with Captain Scott, Andy, the first mate, and Jack. Carson was always raving about their omelets and I had to admit, they didn't disappoint.

Once we were done eating we made our way down to the dock. Andy started prepping the boat to leave while Scott climbed up to the bridge to start her up. I watched as Carson and Jack untied us while Andy pulled in the fenders and Scott guided us smoothly out of the harbor.

"It'll only take about 45 minutes to get to the pocket from here," Carson said. "When you used to fish with your dad I bet it took about four hours or so to get far enough offshore for fishing."

"You got that right, I remember having to wake up at five in the morning and not getting back until dark."

"We'll probably get back to the docks by 5 o'clock today, but don't worry, Mom can radio us if she needs to, and I know Carly will be fine."

"I know she will," I said confidently.

I'd seen Allison with Carly before and it was like they were best friends. Allison was doting and loving to Carly, and watching them together made me miss my own mother. I hoped that she'd be able to visit soon. She'd only met Carly once, and that had been between her birth and my job starting, so it had been a good six months already.

The boat throttled up and I sat down on one of the sofa like mezzanine seats while we ventured offshore.

"So today is going to be different than what you're probably used to," Carson said, sitting down beside me. "This boat is a lot bigger than the one you've been out on. These aluminum  poles are called the outriggers. They lay out to the side of the boat and we run the fishing line up through these release clips and that pulls the lines out to the side so we can fish multiple rods at the same time.

"So we generally would have seven lines. The two that run the furthest up the outriggers are the longs. So, you'd have the right long and the left long, depending on what side of the boat it is.  Then you have the right and left short which are pulled about half way up," he said, pointing to the outriggers. "And then you have the right and left flat lines. These are pulled from the corner rod holders and will also get pulled from a release clip mounted on the rub rail. The last line is the center rigger, also known as the shotgun, and Captain Scott will clip it in from the bridge.

"When we get a fish in the spread, which is basically the space between the lines, generally you'll hear Cap or Andy yell out the name of the rod that the fish is on. You can tell they've hit because the line will pop out of the clip when the fish uses its bill to swipe at the bait. Cap will yell to drop back, which is when the angler will put the reel in free spool, letting out the line, to stop the forward movement of the bait making it appear dead or stunned.

"You can imagine what a billfish might think if it struck a bait and it kept swimming away... So we drop back so the billfish will circle around to eat the bait and that's when we hope to get her hooked up. Then you'll see the rod tip bend down and the fish will start taking line and usually jumping out of the water as it fights to free itself."

Listening to Carson talk about fishing like it was second nature to him was sexy as hell. He was really animated and confident in his knowledge, and I loved the way his face lit up as he explained how the day would go.

"We'll reel in the other rods," he continued, "and get someone set up in the chair, if necessary, to start fighting the fish. If it's a really big one, Scott will probably back down on it, which means he puts the boat in reverse to make it easier to reel the slack line in, and to try to keep the fish from taking all the line out when it runs."

"What are those?" I asked, watching Andy spread out what looked like an umbrella that had no canvas with several baits and no hooks attached.

"That's the dredge. We pull that behind us in the water, maybe about 25 feet down, and it mimics a school of bait swimming, which attracts the billfish. We'll have another one on the other side of the boat, and then two squid chain teasers, which ride the surface in front of the right and left short baits."

"What's the likelihood that we'll catch something today?" I asked, getting excited.

"Well, with billfish it's hard to say. Some days are good, and some days are bad. We won't actually be killing them though, we just enjoy the fight and release them. Later this afternoon, though, we're going to fish for dolphin, not like flipper, but mahi-mahi. You've fished for those before if I remember correctly. Anyway, if we catch any of those, we'll bring them on the boat and most likely eat them for dinner."

"I'm so excited, it's really been too long since I've been out on the water. I hope Carly grows up being able to do things like this. Some of the best memories from my childhood are of Charlie and me fishing with our dad."

"You don't get to see your parents too often do you?" Carson asked, searching my face.

"Well, it was easier when I lived in Virginia because I didn't have Carly yet, and I nannied for two kids so I could take time off when I needed to. Now, with Carly, and limited time off from work, it's much harder to get out to Texas, and my parents don't have the money to travel that often. I'm hoping to get them to Savannah in the next couple of months though. I've been putting aside what I can to buy them plane tickets. Charlie even said she'd put in some money too, and then come to Savannah while they're in town."

"I hope it works out for you," Carson said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. "I really would like to meet them."

"I'm sure they'd love to meet you too," I said, smiling as I leaned into him. The idea that Carson wanted to meet my parents wasn't overwhelming at all. It felt right to me, and I was excited about the possibility. I felt completely at ease with his family, and I wanted him to feel the same with mine.

We focused on the horizon as we continued to head offshore, watching the islands disappear until there was nothing but blue water for miles. It was a beautifully sunny day, with calm seas and a warm breeze. Soon I felt myself getting a little sleepy, so I rested my head on Carson's shoulder and closed my eyes.

**

"Wake up sleepy head," Carson whispered to me. "We're here."

I raised my head and sat up just as Scott slowed the boat.

Andy stood up from his seat and he and Carson started moving around baiting lines and dropping the outriggers out to the side.

"What do you think Scott?" Jack asked, shielding his eyes from the sun and looking up to the bridge where Scott was overseeing the activity below.

"Looks like the wind is perfect right here on the ledge. I think the pocket's going to be hot today."

"Sounds good! Come on fish!" Jack said, rubbing his hands together back and forth. I laughed and Jack looked over at me. "What? You've never heard anyone talk to fish before?"

"No, sir. I can't say I have," I said with a big smile.

"You know Lou, I don't think I've told you about the time I caught the big one," he said, coming to sit next to me on the mezzanine.

I raised an eyebrow at him, my smile widening. "I'm listening."

"See, we were in a tournament a couple years back and we had this monstrous fish on. I mean huge. The biggest blue marlin you've ever seen. I swear I fought that fish for hours.

"We finally got it up to the boat, and Andy grabbed the flying gaff to bring it aboard; you only boat the ones that might be a tournament winner. The damn thing was a beast. I knew we were going to come in first place with that behemoth.

"We were all high fiving, I could barely move my arms after fighting that fish. I cracked open a beer and sat back to relax while we raced back to the marina. I was so proud of my team, I just couldn't believe it.

"We got back to the dock and took the fish over to the scale. That old thing was so damn rusty and old that the weight of the fish broke it in two."

He sighed wistfully.

"So did you win?" I asked, intrigued.

"Well you see, tournament rules state that you have to radio in to the committee if you plan to boat a fish. In the heat of the moment every single person on the boat that day forgot about calling it in. Can you believe it? After all that we were disqualified."

"Wow, what a letdown," I said while Jack sat there shaking his head back and forth as if he still couldn't believe what had happened.

"What do they do with the fish that are caught at the tournaments?" I asked, curious.

"Well there are very few fish boated during tournaments. Most of them are documented per tournament rules and released. There are size requirements for boating a fish, but even then most of the sport fishing world knows what the difference is between a monster fish and an average sized fish and wouldn't bring a fish aboard without being positive of its contention for a win.

"Fish that are boated and weighed are usually given to the locals for meat. Blue marlin have been a threatened species for a while because of commercial fishing, which often catches marlin in their lines. It's for that reason that sport fisherman very rarely boat them, and we're always trying to improve. That's part of the rationale for why we've started using the circle hooks. They highly increase the odds of releasing a healthy fish."

"What are you two carrying on about?" Carson asked, coming over to the mezzanine.

I smiled at him. "Your dad was just telling me all about how he almost won a tournament with a monster fish."

"Dad, really? That story again?" Carson said, shaking his head.

"I'll never get tired of telling it, son," Jack said, and then clapped his hands together. "Now, let's get this show on the road."