Salt Water Wounds (Oyster Cove #1) (14 page)

"Like an underwater blowjob?" I honestly don't know how possible that will be since I'm terrible at holding my breath.

"Maybe you could supply me with a warm place to hide in."

"A warm place?" I act as if I have no clue what he's implying.

"Yeah, like that little prize between your legs, you know the one I got know last night?"

The mention of it gets me riled up. I want him to keep talking dirty, but at the same time want to stop and ask where this is really going. "We've been down this road and I didn't like the way it ended."

"I require practice. Lots of practice."

"And if I refuse?"

He shrugs and teases me with his wet lips. "I'll get out, with your top, of course."

"You're rotten," I playfully hit him.

"Come on, sweetness. Forgive me. I'm pretty damn turned on out here all alone with you in my arms. There's no one here to see us, and the water is too dark for them to know what we're doing. I could easily slip inside with your legs wrapped around my back."

I start shoving his shorts down. "You think that will work?"

"It never hurts to try."

Our next kiss is almost animalistic. Nothing else matters except for the two of us. I’m falling victim to my own lust again, and if feels freaking unbelievable.

We’re bottomless in the water, Buck holding onto our articles of clothing with the grip of a sailor, while the rest of his body works to keep me close. My legs are tightly fixed to his waist, and with little effort I feel him entering me. His size feels like he was made for me. Maybe I’m being selfish or perhaps naive, but I’ve never had this kind of sexual connection with another man. He’s very tentative with his kisses, passionate yet consuming. My hands dig deep in his hair as his face dive down to caress my neck. He rises me up above the water until my breasts are exposed and then suckles on each of them, taking his time as if he doesn’t care if we’re caught.

The waves crash around us, but all I can think about is this encounter lasting longer than the first. He uses the lack of gravity to his advantage, bobbing my body away then close again, all while remaining inside of me. The friction is intense, so much that each thrust feels like the first. I’m holding on for dear life, praying the slipperiness wouldn’t tear us apart. We’re kissing again, this time our tongues coming fully out of our mouths to touch and play. I flick at his lips and move, waiting for him to do the same back. We play like this, constantly moving underneath the dark wake.

Moments go by, the sounds of nature masking our own. The sun goes in and out of clouds. A seagull swoops down and perches in the water a few feet from us, though nothing distracts what we’re doing.

Then it happens. The crashing ripple of his orgasm. I watch his face scrunch, his teeth gripping his bottom lip, while his strong body holds me tight. He lets out a bellow and finally falls limp. I’m able to hold him while he regains his composure, the whole time wondering if this experience will end the same as the last. I begin to withdraw, hoping I can get away before it happens and offends me, but he takes my hand and pulls me close. Buck brings his lips to mine and places my bikini top back around my neck. I feel him tying the lower part, before slipping my bottoms over my legs again. Once I’m dressed he lets me go to tend to himself. We exit the frigid water and reach the blanket, covering up before we catch cold.

Buck begins laughing. He’s holding his stomach and rolling around me like he’s seen something I’ve missed. “What?”

“Nothing. It’s just… well, I haven’t done anything like that since I was a kid.”

I crack up with him, because the idea of what we’ve just done is quite daring and comical.

As Buck settles down he pulls me into his arms and keeps me there. He’s rubbing my back and kissing the top of my head like the night before. “I’m glad I caught up to you today. This beats dishes and laundry.”

“It’s nice being comparable to chores, Buck.”

“You know what I mean. I’m happy we’re not fighting, or whatever happened earlier between us. It was driving me crazy. I know you think I don’t have my head on straight, but the thought of not being able to hang out killed my mood.”

“I figured you’d spend the whole day punishing Bristol for the tattoo ordeal.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, you’re not going to believe how that went.”

I lean on my elbow waiting for his explanation.

“She had her mother’s initials tattooed on her ribcage. At first I wanted to kill her until I saw it. Then I felt like shit. She wasn’t doing it to spite me or rebel. She was doing it to honor her mother on her birthday.”

“Wow. That’s actually pretty thoughtful.”

“I know. Although, I did still warn her to get rid of that artist, motorcycle driving boyfriend. He’s too old for Bristol. She’s probably been lying about her age. Either way, she’s been told to break it off.”

I can’t help but notice Buck seems different today. He’s calm and collected. His smile is contagious, and he seems like a different person than the man who couldn’t live with his actions the night before.

Then my phone rings. I dig it out of my bag and peer down at the screen. I don’t recognize the number, but use my phone for business and sometimes get calls from vendors. I answer promptly. “This is Perry.”

“Mom, it’s me, Nick.”

“Nick. What’s wrong? Why aren’t you calling me from your phone?”

“I’m at the police station.”

“Why? Is it your father? Did he get picked up?”

“Granddad called and said your moped was vandalized and I knew Dad would get in trouble for it so I took the blame.”

“You what?”

“I already signed the paperwork. They said you need to come to the station.”

“I’m on my way,” I say while already standing up. Buck is right there with me when I hang up and begin gathering my things. “I have to go.”

“Why? Is your boy okay?”

“He’s been arrested.” It kills me to say it out loud. “It’s a big mistake. My father reported my moped vandalized and Nick took the blame for his father so he’d stay out of jail. I’m not even sure how my father knew about it unless…” Then it hits me. “Buck, have you spoken to my father?”

“I…Damn, Perry, I didn’t know it would lead to this.”

I wave him off. “I need to go. I told you to keep my father out of my business. All he does is constantly try to intervene. Now this. I have to go, Buck.”

“Please don’t be mad. Hold up, I’ll go with you.”

“No!” I’m furious and need time to think. “I’ve got this.”

“Perry…” I keep walking as he says it. Buck overstepped. Maybe if I didn’t have issues with my parents I wouldn’t feel so betrayed, but I purposely explained to him that I didn’t want to involve my parents in the Peter drama and now my son is a victim. Right now I need someone to blame and it falls on Buck.

Chapter 15

One step forward, ten steps back.
That’s how I feel it’s going with Perry.
We have sex, and then we fight. Isn’t sex supposed to happen after the altercation?

Truth be told, I don't know much about women. Maybe I'm out of my league. It's possible I'll never be capable of being another woman's companion, because I'm not cut out for it.

I've clearly overstepped this time, and because of it Perry's son is facing charges that could stay on his permanent record if he's convicted. When it comes to a parents kids, there's nothing more important. She's liable to never speak to me again, and I can't blame her. I'd be pissed if she accidentally caused my child to be in any sort of trouble.

It doesn't matter that I did it to look out for her. She won't see it that way.

We have two attorneys that live on the island, and they're out of the same office. I make a quick call hoping to catch them on a weekend.

"Mike Black," he answers.

"Mike, it's Buck Wallace. I know it's the weekend, but I was wondering if you could do me a favor."

"Hey, Buck, what's going on?"

I don't divulge the dynamics of my questionable relationship with Perry, but explain the situation with her son, and that he was only taking up for a friend.

When the call ends I know he'll do his best to help Perry. He’ll at least guide her in the right direction to have the charges against her son dropped.

Oyster Cove is rarely quiet. There’s always someone home, and in most cases friends over to visit. The twins, who still live under my roof, have the most guests. I’ve gone into their room and barely been able to see the floor because it’s occupied by sleeping teenagers. I’ve always had a motto about them partying. As long as they keep it under control and at our house, I don’t mind that they want to have a good time. Granted, they’re nineteen, and if they weren’t allowed to do it, they’d been sneaking around getting into trouble.

When I walk inside and find the place uninhibited, I feel relieved. I need a break. After a quick shower, I grab something to eat and head to the boat dock to check on the boys and maybe do some work on the Layla. From taking her out on the water the night before, I noticed there was a leak in the air hose, and the motor is smoking when I push the engine over five knots. Keeping busy is how I’ll deal with my issues. As a man, I tend to prefer to walk away from the drama until it settles down on it’s own, rather than cause more frustration and force a better result. It’s not worth it. People need to think before they speak, and in this case I don’t think Perry wants to look at me.

On the way to the marina, I stop and grab a six-pack of beer and a bag of ice. I may as well plan on hiding out and making sure my beverages stay nice and chilled.

Once I arrive and break out my tools, I get started working, hoping that if I stay occupied I won’t think of how I screwed things up with Perry again. It’s frustrating to finally get the nerve to put myself out there and get to know another woman intimately, and not knowing the first thing about how to do it successfully. At this point I’d be surprised if she let me in the bar to drink. The look on her face said it all. She made me feel as if I betrayed her by going to her father, which makes no sense to me. As a father myself, I can’t imagine my kids being in trouble. What could the man have done that was so bad she’d turn down his help and run in the opposite direction?

Parked at the marina, I still get a sense of being on the water, without having to burn up gas while doing it. There’s something about the crisp spring breeze hitting me in the face, or the smell of the salty air as I sit with my eyes closed. I used to feel like I was trapped in a life that was basically forced upon me because I made the wrong choices too early. Now I know this is where I was born to be. Being on the water is like refreshing the soul. It’s the only place I can find solitude and peace.

Sometimes I wish I wasn’t as good at what I do for a living. I repair the air hose and find the source of the smoke from the engine, which turned out to be a loose connector in the oil line. I tune the carburetor, installing new plugs and lubricating some old parts to run more efficiently, then start the motor and let it run for a few minutes to make sure everything is in top shape.

Two beers in and I’ve run out of immediate tasks, so I lay back on a cushion and watch the boats coming and going.

Before I know it the sun has set. There’s a rumbling of thunder in the distance, and six empty cans of beer sitting next to where I’ve apparently fallen asleep. I pull out my phone and check the time to see it’s nearly eight thirty. I’ve gotten no calls, which tells me Perry is still angry and doesn’t want to talk about it.

Since I know it wouldn’t be right to drive, I head below cabin to get comfortable for the night. I’ll sleep off the beer and start the following day with a fresh head and a better perspective.

It’s late when I hear my phone ringing, and struggle in the dark cabin to locate it. I don’t look to see who it is on account of knowing it much be important for someone to call in the middle of the night. I expect it’s one of the kids, and hope it’s not the police because they’ve screwed up.

“Hello?” I’m groggy, probably from not speaking for hours.

The voice is soft, but worrisome. “Buck, it’s me, Perry. I’m sorry to wake you, but I don’t have anyone else to call.” I can tell she’s crying.

I sit up straight and wipe my face while trying to be more alert. It’s great to hear her voice. She’s reaching out to me. That has to be a good sign. She needs me. A good woman needs me. I’m as alert as ever, ready to be whatever she asks.

“What’s going on, sweetness? You all right?”

“Nick was released earlier tonight. Mike stopped by and got the charges dropped. I guess that’s the benefits of growing up together isn’t it? He said you called him and told him to do whatever he could to help me.”

“Yeah. I reckon it is. Small town country living ain’t that bad if you’re okay without modern amenities like malls and traffic. I’m glad he got it sorted.”

“I’m grateful. You can’t imagine how nice it is to know he won’t have a record. I wanted to thank you first, because what I have to say next might change the way you think of me. Buck, there’s things about me you don’t know, and to be honest, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to share that part of my life again. I come with a lot of drama. I’ve been blaming you for holding back because of Layla, but the truth is, I think I have so much on my plate that it wouldn’t be fair to continue to involve you. It’s never been a secret that I’m interested in you, and when we’re together it’s been proven to get intense, but you have your kids, and I have a mess of a life to deal with. I think it’s too much right now. It’s not fair. I need to focus on my son.”

“Is this how you justify telling me you can’t see me?”

“I’m trying to do it nicely.”

“Is it because I went to your father?” Whatever she’s hiding must be damaging, enough to warrant her to end a budding new relationship after years of trying to get with me.

“It’s a lot of things, but nothing you’ve done. My decision is based on me. I like you Buck, more than I probably should. Being in your arms made me feel wanted. In my entire marriage to Peter I can’t recall having that kind of comfort.”

“Why stop? I can handle whatever it is.”

“How is that possible when I can’t handle it myself? Buck, I don’t have a place to live, money to afford to move. I’m losing my son to his criminal father. I’m drowning here, and you can’t be my life preserver. I won’t let you take on my problems.” She pauses. “God, I was desperate enough to ask you to marry me so I could get rid of my obligations to my family. Do you have any idea how selfish that is? I thought I could seduce you into wanting to keep me around. I cleaned your house and tried to manipulate you into marriage to better my situation.”

“It was working,” I admit. Maybe I should be angry. I’d like our friendship or whatever this is to be honest from the beginning. “I know you enjoy being with me. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know you’re into me.”

“Too much, Buck. I could fall for you and never look back, but I’d regret the way it happened, and you would resent me for it in the long run.”
I don’t know why her words get to me. It’s like she’s saying that there is no chance.

“You need to do what you feel is right, Perry, even if I don’t agree with you. Who am I to know anything about being in a relationship? The last time I dated was in high school, and that was over twenty years ago.”

“Buck, I want to be your friend. I do. I want you to know that I don’t regret being with you, neither time.” Her voice begins to crack and I can tell she’s starting to cry. “This is hard for me, because I’d love to stay and see where this could go, but I can’t let Nick get away. I have to be there for him, even if that means leaving everything here in Chincoteague behind.”

“Including me.” I take a second to clench my jaw and breathe in deeply. “I get it. Do what you’ve got to do.”

“So we’re okay? While I’m here we’ll be cordial? We can see each other and not harbor ill feelings?”

“Of course. I have no reason to be angry with you. You’re making a choice for your family. It’s admirable. I’m going to miss having little moments, but I have to appreciate what you’re doing.”

“Thank you, Buck. If life was different I would have wanted to see where we could go.”

“Yeah, I’ll see you around, sweetness.” I hang up before her sobs can further get to me. I’m confused, but yet somehow understand that she’s got entirely too much on her plate for me to add to the mix. At least I got to be with her, and experience the touch of another woman before I get too old to do it. It’s good to know parts of me still know how to work, because for a long time I was a little worried.

I can’t say I’m not annoyed. I went out on a limb for Perry, opened up my heart and was prepared to let her in, only to have her refuse me in the end. Rejection is hard on a man’s pride, but for me it’s more like a fatal blow. I’m not implying that I’m going to die, but certainly feel the need to quit while I’m sort of ahead, instead of left worse off than when this started.