Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
I remind myself that this was my choice.
Austin didn’t force me to do anything.
“What is she? Your pet?” Aubrey grumbles, none too pleased to have me near Austin.
“No.”
He doesn’t bother to explain the situation.
Even though my back is turned, I feel the burn of his gaze licking over me, heating me up from the inside out. It’s almost laughable that I’d been looking forward to the boat ride so I could snap some photos. Now, I just want to get it over with. My life has turned into one humiliating moment after another, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
Austin’s palm settles on the top of my head before stroking down the length of my ponytail.
“See? She’s exactly like a dog,” Aubrey says with a nasty laugh.
“Well, I’m not cleaning up after her if she takes a shit on the deck,” Sloane snickers.
Austin remains silent, continuing to stroke his hand over my hair. If we weren’t in front of all these people, I might actually find the touch soothing, but I can’t shake off all the prying eyes.
Minutes tick by and the conversations pick up around us. The tension in my muscles gradually loosens. Each time his fingers drag across my scalp, the sensation echoes throughout my being. He repeats the gesture until I’m lulled into a strange state of relaxation. Or maybe it’s the gentle rocking of the boat as it moves over the waves.
Just when my eyelids begin to droop, he wraps my hair around his hand until the length is taut and pulls against my scalp. I gulp when he carefully tugs until I’m left with no choice but to tip my head back against his thigh and meet the dark depths staring down at me. Once my attention is locked on him, it’s impossible to look away. The longer our gazes stay fastened, the more everything around us fades until Austin is all I’m cognizant of. He leans forward until he can place his other hand against the delicate column of my throat.
“Your pulse feels like a hummingbird beating its wings against a cage.”
When I swallow, the light pressure against my flesh grows in intensity. His grip remains loose.
“I didn’t think you would go through with it,” he murmurs.
“I promised that I would.”
Our gazes continue to cling, and in that moment of intense connection, nothing else matters. Not the way these people are watching us or the mortification I’d felt as I crawled to him.
Just Austin.
A potent concoction of heat and tenderness swirls through his eyes.
It’s intoxicating.
And I want more of it.
I want him to always look at me that way.
Is it possible that I’ve finally broken through the wall that separates us?
“I’m bored,” Aubrey whines now that Austin’s attention is riveted elsewhere before rising to her feet. “I need a drink.”
“Girl, same. I’m entirely too sober for this,” Sloane agrees.
Once they take off, the world shrinks down even more. There are still people sitting around us and talking, but I’m no longer cognizant of them. My focus is centered on Austin and the way his eyes are locked on mine. He continues to stroke my throat with gentle touches that lull me into a strange state of contentment.
“Did you bring your camera?”
“Yes.”
“Then go take your pictures.”
Those five words should have me jumping up and racing away.
I certainly shouldn’t need to be told twice.
Instead, I stay rooted in place, eyes locked on him. “Are you sure?”
“As much as I’d like to keep you here for the rest of the trip, I won’t. You’ve proven yourself.”
Relief rushes through me.
For a long moment, his grip stays locked around my hair as his other hand strokes the delicate column of my throat. My body loosens as I close my eyes, enjoying his touch. It no longer matters who is watching or what they’re saying.
It’s almost a surprise when a whimper escapes from me.
“So fucking perfect,” he whispers before both hands disappear.
When I crack my eyes open, our gazes lock and arousal explodes in the air around us.
“Go. Before I change my mind.” His voice drops several octaves, sounding as if it’s been scraped raw.
As I straighten, using his knees to balance, his hands wrap around my waist, helping me to rise. On shaky legs, I stumble to where my camera bag sits on the couch next to Duke. My gaze hesitantly flickers to him and I steel myself for the condemnation I’ll find in his expression.
I’m not wrong. There’s a mixture of confusion and anger swirling through his eyes.
“I’m going to take a few photos,” I force myself to say.
He shoots a look at Austin before his attention resettles on me. I can tell he’s trying to figure out what’s going on between us.
“Want me to come with?”
“No, but thank you.”
I open up the soft black bag and slip the old Nikon free. Kingsley cuts the engine, making it easier to move around the boat. With my camera in hand, I cautiously make my way to the front where it’s less crowded. It’s windier and there’s less seating available. Brilliant sunlight beats down on me and I can’t resist the urge to tip my face toward the sky and enjoy the warmth as it strokes over my bare skin. I draw a deep breath of fresh air into my lungs before slowly releasing it.