Salt Water Wounds (Oyster Cove #1) (11 page)

Chapter 11

A few years back I purchased something as a hobby, but never got around to actually fixing it up.
Docked near my commercial crafts, the little seventeen foot sailboat sits tied to a pylon, where she’s waiting for some much needed attention. When I purchased the boat the hull had just been repaired. The owner before me had remodeled the inside, covering the old cushions with a newer fabric, and repairing some minor cosmetic flaws. It’s not the best looking boat in the water, but it’s got a bed, and I know not a single person will interrupt us. Unlike my home, this place might be the only one on the island without memories of Layla.

Being alone with Perry feels right. I’m comfortable, yet still rusty enough to require her patience. This isn’t exactly how I pictured things going with her. When we kiss it’s intense. I have a feeling she’s going to give me a run for my money in the sack, and that’s why I’ve brought her to my little project boat. We can take our time, stay as long as we need to.

I prepare to step out of the truck and offer her my hand when she holds me back. “Buck, wait. We shouldn’t do this tonight.”

“You’re not supposed to be the one to reject me.”

“I’m not. It’s just, well I’m worried this is too fast. I don’t want to mess things up. You’re the only person on this island I can trust. I don’t want you waking up tomorrow and wishing this never happened. It’s no secret that I’ve wanted you for years. When I’ve finally come to terms with never being able to get through to you this happens, but a lot of other things are clouding our judgment. I don’t want to sleep with you just because I need to feel better about my life. I don’t want you sleeping with me just because you’re seeing if you can go through with it. I’d rather wait and be sure than ruin something real.”

I raise my hands to her lips and kiss them one more time, my eyes closing as I do it. “We’re adults, Perry. This isn’t some summer fling. Our parents aren’t going to have a say in this relationship. We don’t have to date for months before we’re intimate with each other. You were right the other day when you said we’re both attracted to one another. I’m not denying it. I’ve pictured this moment more times than I’d like to admit. I’m not going to change my mind. I can’t promise I won’t get upset at some point, but I think it needs to happen in order for me to go through all the emotions this involves. It’s a big step for me. I’m not going to sit here and pretend it’s not.”

“I’m afraid of this changing things.”

I sigh. It’s frustrating. “Do you want me to take you home?”

“No,” she replies quickly. “I don’t.”

“Do you want to spend the night on the boat with me, perhaps shirtless?”

Perry giggles. “Perhaps.”

“Then come with me, so I can take off your clothes and see that fantastic body of yours again.”

We walk hand in hand down the dock until we’re climbing aboard the boat. It takes me a few minutes to find the right key in the dark, but once I do I open the door and let her enter first. “Sorry for the musty smell. I haven’t exactly been keeping up with the cleaning.” I flip the switch and the place lights up. It’s nothing spectacular. A small galley is in the front, followed by seating on one side with a pop up table, and a washroom across from that. The bed is located at the bow of the hull. It’s basically a crawl upon mattress with a couple port holes on either side.

Perry takes everything in and turns to face me. “This is yours?”

“Yeah. It was a compulsive buy.”

“I like it. I haven’t  been sailing since high school.”

“That’s about to change.”

She seems surprised. “You mean, we’re not staying inland docked?”

“What fun would that be? Let’s take this pretty girl out on the bay.”

“Don’t you have to be home to make dinner?”

“Weren’t you the person who told me my kids were grown? Bristol is seventeen years old. If she can’t make something to eat than I’m a complete failure. She’s probably out with that asshole again against my wishes.”

Perry shushes me with her fingers. “Let’s not talk about the kids.”

“So we’re sailing?”

“I guess we are. Is it safe at night?”

I shrug. “It’s the same in light or dark, Perry, but in our case I’m just going to engine out and throw the anchor. We don’t need to get fancy if we’re not going far.” I kiss her quickly before going back on deck. I untie the vessel and push off so I’m able to maneuver around the other docked boats. Then I go back into the cabin and turn on all the power before cranking the old engine to start. Thirty minutes later we’re heading across the bay.

Perry comes on deck, swaying while attempting to balance herself as the windy conditions on the water make it hard to keep her footing. I wrap my arm around her and let her take the wheel, pointing for the spot we’re headed.

We’re not far enough from the shoreline where we’re unable to see it, but out a good ways where nothing can distract us. I cut off the engine and drop the anchor, waiting for it to catch before giving my attention back to the beautiful woman by my side.

My hands cups her cheeks as I narrow in on those lips I can’t seem to get enough of. “Where were we?”

We kiss slowly, her hands coming up under my shirt to feel the sides of my waist. I help her remove it, then do the same with hers. Her bra comes next, and as we stand on the deck with only the light of the moon and stars looking down on us. I back away and take her in, before crouching in order to focus on her pants. I know if I keep emphasis on Perry, I won’t want to stop because I’m thinking of Layla.

Perry steps out of her pants as I come back up to stand with her. “You’re so sexy.”

She’s unfastening my belt, eager for me to lose my pants. Using her foot, she shoves them down to my ankles. I kick them off and dive in for another ravenous kiss. We’re standing in our underwear, waves crashing against the boat, the crisp sea air blowing, causing goose bumps to cover her exposed skin. “Are you cold?”

“If I am, I haven’t noticed.”

I take her by the hand. “Should we take this downstairs?”

Perry pulls me back from trying to lead. “Maybe you could bring some blankets and pillows up here for us. This is nice.”

“You’re into romance aren’t you? I should have known.” I’m shaking my head.

She laughs. “I’m low maintenance, Buck. You won’t hear me complaining. I just know if we go below we’ll get hot and sweaty, where up here we can be more spread out and comfortable. If you feel like bending me over you won’t hit your head.”

I slap her on the ass lightly, as a deep guffaw pours out of me. “You’re full of surprises aren’t you?”

“You have no idea what you’re in for.”

After unpacking some blankets that have been preserved in plastic bags, I grab some pillows and take them on deck where Perry sits waiting for my return. She sitting facing Assateague island, and if I focus in the distance I can see some of the wild ponies at the water’s edge. “Wow, that’s beautiful.”

“The ponies?” She inquires.

“No. My view from here.”

She rushes over and helps me spread the blankets, before pulling me down on top of her. My larger body hovers over Perry’s while we get into a serious bout of making out. Every time her tongue slides across mine I start to lose my shit. She makes it impossible for me take things slow when she’s pulling me closer and grinding her body so I’ll notice and reciprocate. Her knees come up at my sides, one of her heels tracing the back of the lowest part of my leg. I’m considerably overwhelmed, her body begging to be touch, with me not knowing where to begin.

I kiss her neck, Perry turning her head to the side to allow me space. My lips trail down her collarbone. Her hands drag through my hair, then massage my ears. I lift my head and run my mouth over her arm, closing my eyes as I take in her sweet feminine scent. I find her lips and we kiss again, this time until she uses her legs to flip me on my back. Perry sits up and lets the bright moon display her matching pair of perfect breasts. She rocks her body over my groin, while I bring my hands up and cup her tantalizing tits.

I feel like a teenager experiencing this for the first time. Every touch, each kiss, I’m forced to focus on not coming undone prematurely.

Perry knows what she wants. She starts moving lower, finally coming to stop between my legs. She bites down on her lip while tugging at the elastic of my boxer briefs until they’ve vacated my hips. My erection springs up as the fabric clears that area, giving her an eyeful of what she’s been waiting for.

I know if she even attempts to touch it, if her mouth goes anywhere near it, I’m a goner, so I sit up and take her face into my hands so I’m able to guide her back to a passionate kiss. Perry pulls away and stands. She’s watching me as she lowers her panties and kicks them out of the way. She squats down and sits on my lap. The warmth from her pussy forces my heart to race. It’s almost painful knowing how long I’ve gone without this. As her ass begins to grind in all the right places, I take my hands and grip either side, hoping I can control her movements. “You need to stop, or I’m going blow, and I don’t want to ruin this.”

She continues against my wishes, this time reaching down and taking me in her hand so she’s able to position me at her opening. She’s so wet. She’s ready, steadily tempting me with her tantric rhythm. “I can’t stop, Buck. Touch me. Kiss my nipples. Taste my skin. We have all night for a second round. I don’t expect you to last this first time. I just want to feel good. I want you inside me. Do it. Lift those hips and let me have that hard cock.”

I place my hand over her mouth so she’ll shut up. I can’t even begin to control what’s happening below. Her tight walls feel like they’re suffocating me. My breathing shallow, my brain being mixed in a blender, as all the blood in my body seems to rush to that one area between my legs. And then after a few goes I’m bursting at the seams. Perry collapses on my chest and allows me time to recover before kissing away my embarrassment. “We’re just getting started, Buck.”

I chuckle out loud, the sound echoing off the water. “Oh yeah? Damn woman, I’m sorry. I tried to think of oysters or paying bills, but that body of yours flooded my mind. You took me someplace I couldn’t escape from, and damn if I didn’t enjoy every short second of it.”

We laugh together. “It was at least two minutes,” she corrects.

“I’ll never live this down.”

She kisses me slowly, pulling away only to drag her mouth over mine in a teasing manner. “We’re still going. Take some time and recover. I’m going for a swim.”

I sit up and watch her climb over the edge, completely naked and beautiful, then splash as she dives into the dark bay. She’s treading water by the time I’m able to get on my feet again. “You going to join me, or does the unknown still scare you?”

I don’t need to ask Perry again. I dive in her direction, staying under water until I reach her unsuspecting legs. I pull her under and hold her tight as we both come up for air. Her arms tie around my neck, while her lips immediately find mine. I can feel her legs attaching to my ass, her warm body beckoning for more attention.

“I’m almost ready for round two, sweetness,” I tease.

“Bring it on, captain. If you can catch me.” She takes off, swimming as fast as she’s able to get away from me. I’m amused and follow after, all the while knowing when I catch her I’m going to have her again.

Chapter 12

I feel like the earth is shaking. It’s not about the sex. It’s everything about being with Buck.
It’s his kissing, which makes it seem like we’ve been practicing together for years. It’s his touch, like electric pulses with each graze. I never saw this coming. I couldn’t in a million years ever begin to imagine this could occur; our connection undeniable. I feel safe in his arms, and that’s something I’ve never experienced with any man for my entire life.

We frolic around, him chasing, me letting him catch up. The warm salt water surrounds us, each kiss tasting of it. When it’s time to come aboard, he goes first, helping me up until I’m nestled within his strong hold. A light breeze gives me chills, so he covers us in  blanket to dry. We sit with my back against his chest, complete naked, comfortable, silently in awe of each other.

“This is nice,” I whisper against his whiskery cheek.

His breath is hot as he answers. “I could get used to this.”

I feel his fingers lacing with one of mine. It’s little things like this that makes him stand out among other men. He’s careful, genuine, and a bit innocent. Eventually I turn my body around and hold my hands together behind his head. We’re still naked and completely recuperated from our earlier altercation. “Are you tired, or do you think you have another round in you?”

His sultry kiss leaves nothing to the imagination. “What do you think?”

I raise my brow, unsure he notices. “I think if I had my choice I’d want to keep going until the sun rises above us.”

“Sweetness, you’re in for a long night then. In fact, there’s something I’ve been wanting to do, and I ain’t waiting for permission or you to ask.”

He moves me to the side, prepares a pillow and gently rests my head on it. He brings both my hands to my sides. I’m staring at the stars as his body disappears until he’s between my legs, spreading them apart. I suck in a deep breath when I feel him there, his thumb stroking over my most sensitive of areas. His exploration begins with fingers, and ends with a slick, warm, wet tongue that sends me to the brink of screaming. He’s skilled. I imagine it’s like riding a bike, you never really forget how to do it. He’s obviously one of those men who get off while pleasuring a woman. I’m gripping the blankets, holding on as ripples of euphoria tear through me until I’m crippled with orgasm.

His voice resonates near my face only moments later. I’m still numb, and unable to come down from the high. “I think I still got it.”

I kiss him like he’s a long lost love, holding onto this hair and promising to never let go. “You have my attention.”

“That’s all I’m hoping for.” He rests his body beside mine, his head placed between my shoulder and breast. I watch in the pale of night as this hard working man falls victim to his own exhaustion. Wrapped in each other’s arms, I hold him close, praying this isn’t a one time thing. I’m hoping he’ll wake up and want another go, but I’m also content just being like this.

For a  while I take in our surroundings, listening to nature, the horses in the distance, the sound the waves make when they crash against the boat, and the stars above us. It’s picturesque. It’s better than screwing at the bar, or being interrupted at either of our homes. This gave him the opportunity to feel free. I just wonder what it means when we go back. Will he still want me after walking into his room and seeing his wife’s things? Will he tell me it was a one-time deal and that we’re better off being friends?

I have to be prepared. It’s rare that I’m gifted with luck. Normally I miss out on happiness. I think that’s why I’m skeptical this is a sure thing. I don’t deserve to be happy. Damaged before I even understood what the word means, I’ve never expected to have a happy ending. It’s not in the cards for me. My innocence was taken, stolen with one swift blow. Ever since I became aware of the brutal truth, I knew it was a haunting past I could never run away from. This island and the secrets it holds has been hell to come back to. I’ve managed to keep busy and raise a son who I thought would appreciate my efforts, but now even that bond seems to be spoiled.

It’s hours later when I wake to something peculiar. I’m cold, though I’m covered by blankets. The warm body that once held me is gone. We’re still anchored in the middle of the bay, the starlit sky telling me we have hours before daybreak, but I don’t see Buck, at least not at first. When I do find him he’s not the man who fell asleep in my arms.

We’d fallen asleep near the stern of the boat, though I find Buck with his legs hanging over the bow. He’s got a bottle in one hand, and doesn’t hear me approaching. The sniffles hit me where it hurts the most; my feelings. It breaks my heart to know what he’s going through, and how I’m the cause. He needs to get this out. He has to be able to cope in order to be able to move on. If I want him, I have to be patient, so I decide to sneak away before he spots me, yet it’s too late. “Sorry, sweetness. I didn’t want to wake you.”

“It’s okay,” I say without nearing. “I’ll go back to sleep. Just didn’t know where you went.”

He extends his hand. “Could you come and sit with me for a bit?”

I try to pretend I’m not paying attention, but catch him wiping his face as I sit beside him. He closes my hand over his, but keeps it on my leg, instead of kissing it like he has been doing. “Do you want to talk about it?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t really know what I want to say.”

“Okay.”

So we sit in silence. My worse fears are becoming my reality, while he searches for a personal forgiveness. I close my eyes to keep them from burning any worse, by as I do it warm tears trickle down my cheeks. I’m being robbed of happiness, and I can’t be angry about it, because I know he doesn’t understand how to make the guilt go away.

      The longer we wait, the harder it becomes. Unable to sit so close and not touch him, I lean my head on his shoulder, hoping he won’t ask me to move it away. Even though he allows me to keep it there, he doesn’t give me any sense of comfort in return. He’s lost in thought, completely unable to communicate at this point.

It's only a few minutes later when I stand and hurry back to locate my clothes. I can’t be that close to him and know he doesn’t want me around. The words don’t need to come from his mouth for me to hear them.

Once dressed, I carry the blankets back to the cabin and get comfortable in bed. I don’t know if he’ll come looking for me, not that it matters if he does. He’s not going to try to touch me or apologize. It’s not like I expect it. I know exactly what he’s torturing himself about, and unfortunately I’m in no position to tell him he’s wrong.

For a while I cry to myself. I’m down in the dumps, wishing there was something I could to change his mind. Then I feel the boat moving. We’re heading back to shore. I wait until we’ve stopped to prepare to leave. While Buck secures the vessel to the pylons, I hurry down the dock in the direction of the parking lot, adjacent to the main road. I look back to see him notice that I’m leaving, and as I turn to pick up the pace something catches my eye.

The name of his precious project boat is none other than his dead wife.

LAYLA

In that instant I remove my flip-flops and start running as fast as my legs will allow. I have to get away from the boat, him – from everything.

Did I mention that I’m not into exercise? I’m huffing and puffing through streets, desperate to get back to the bar where my moped waits for me. As the sun starts to peek from the night’s horizon, I arrive to a terrible discovery. My moped is on it’s side, the headlight smashed in bits on the ground, the seat cut up with some kind of sharp blade. I know exactly who did this, but I don’t have time to call for help, or head up to the bar to hide. I hear the loud rumble of his Hemi as he pulls in behind me. Buck jumps out and comes to stand beside me. “Son of a bitch.”

I ignore him and head for the passenger side of the vehicle. “Just take me home, Buck. I can’t deal with anything else right now.”

He says nothing until we’re sitting out front of my house. “Perry, about…”

“Don’t, Buck. We’re on the same page. It’s all good. I’ll see you around.”

I’m out of there before he can respond. I don’t turn around because the tears are now pouring out of my eyes. I need to hide from the world until I can calm down. I need Buck Wallace to stay away, so I can try to figure out a way to get over him, because now that I’ve had a taste I know it’s not going to be easy.