Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Beth could use a trip to a place like this with all the wedding stress.
I mull over the idea and the big ask it would be for Troy. He might not like the idea, but maybe even in the middle of all this hiding, I could bring my best friend up for a short vacation before she ties the knot with Daniel.
“I think you’ll love the house,” Troy’s voice deepens as he opens the car door for me. “Ever since we reconnected, I’ve wanted to take you there.”
“Really?” I don’t hide my surprise. “Like from the moment we reconnected?”
He laughs. “I don’t know if it was that soon, but not long after, yes. I think you’re the kind of woman who will appreciate it for what it is.” He shoots me a wink and walks to the driver’s side, climbing in and starting the engine.
The car glides down the coastal road, leaving the small beach towns behind. I keep my eyes peeled to the window, taking in sights I haven’t ever seen before. Sure, I’ve traveled a lot with my dad, but his taste differed significantly from a trip to the countryside. He preferred weekends in Paris and London, not a beach house on the coast somewhere. That’s probably why Troy never joined us on vacation.
After about twenty minutes of driving, he turns the car off down a side road, leading to a much smaller beach house than I had imagined. It’s tucked away amid tall grass and rocks, though it does have a garage. The closer we get, the more I realize how charming it is.
“It looks like something straight out of a movie,” I say, taking in the white siding and navy-colored trim. “It’s lovely.”
“I thought you might think that,” Troy says, sounding proud as he pulls the car into the small garage. “This doesn’t lead to the house, but keeping the car concealed when possible is nice.”
I nod, not even remotely bothered. “Lead the way.”
“You got it, babe.” He shoots me a wicked grin and climbs out. I beat him to open my door, and he grabs our bags from the trunk. “Just wait until you see the inside. You’re the only person who’s ever been here besides me.”
“Really?” Somehow, while it seems difficult to believe, I do think he’s telling me the truth. Something in how he looks at me makes me feel secure.
The salty air fills my lungs as we head to the wooden steps and climb to the deck. Troy carries the bags up with an ease that’s a huge turn-on, and I enjoy the view from behind him, his muscles taut.
“It’s got an amazing view,” he nods to the wraparound deck. “I’ll set these inside if you want to walk around and look.”
“Deal,” I say, apprehension slipping into my body again. I know what I want to happen, and as I walk toward the front of the deck, the lights inside flipping on, I can’t help but imagine Troy doing dirty things to me out here. It makes me blush.
I’ve never thought much about what I want sex to be like or really about it in general. I’ve only known I wanted it to happen at the right time with the right person. Over the years, my friends shared their experiences. Some were exciting, and others were, well, horrifying. It had always made me feel like my first time would be a toss-up. Luckily, Troy was everything I had ever dreamed of, making me want him so much more.
He touched me that night so gently, and the passion was palpable, but my brain can’t help but wonder what it would be like if he took me in a dirty way. My mind fills with the images of him coming from behind me, taking me hard, and I have to fan myself with my hand. Oof.
However, my thoughts fade as my eyes catch sight of the dark coast, the moon illuminating the waters as they roll in. It’s absolutely stunning, and regardless of what the inside of the beach house looks like, the view alone is worth any lack of luxury within. No wonder Troy fell in love with the place. It’s perfect.
“What do you think?” A voice murmurs into my ear as Troy’s body is suddenly pressed to the back of mine, his hands threading around the front of my waist. Tingles find their way to my center, and I catch my breath as his fingers slip beneath my blouse.
“It’s beautiful,” I say, my voice wavering as my body lights on fire.
“It is,” he agrees, kissing my neck softly. “But not nearly as beautiful as you, Liz.”
I smile, tilting my head back to look up at him. “You’re too kind.”
He shakes his head, his eyes dark. “That’s the thing, Liz, I’m not that kind of man. Some might say that I’m damn near ruthless. It’s just you that brings this side out of me, and I had no idea it even existed.”