Page 52 of From Wink to Kink

CHUCK

Later,as we lie tangled in the sheets, her head’s on my chest and my fingers trace lazy patterns on her back. I have this sensation of, I don’t know… contentment or something. It's not just the afterglow of great sex. It's more. I can’t describe it or put into words.

Yeah, I have a long way to go.

"Penny for your thoughts." Her breath is warm against my skin.

"Well… thinking how glad I am that you missed that shuttle."

She props herself up on an elbow, looking down at me with a fake-frown. At least, I think it’s fake. "Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head. I still think this whole retreat is ridiculous."

"Oh, absolutely," I agree. "But you have to admit, it's been... educational."

She snorts, swatting my chest. "Is that what we're calling it now?"

I catch her hand, bringing it to my lips. "Among other things."

She softens. "Chuck... what are we doing here?"

It's a loaded question, one I'm not sure I have the answer to. But I know one thing for certain.

"I don't know," I say. "Why don’t we find out?"

She’s quiet, and I wonder if I said too much. But then she kisses me again.

"Well," she says. "Let's find out together."

As we settle back into each other's arms, I can't help but sense a shift. I don’t think is this just a fling, a vacation romance born out of bizarre circumstances.

Or is it?

Who knew that a mix-up at a couple's retreat could lead to... this?

It doesn’t matter because I'min. And judging by the way Ruby's curled into me, her breathing evening out as she drifts off for another mini-snooze, I think she is too.

25

RUBY

I wake with the sun,refreshed and happy, if not a teeny bit soredown there. Regardless, there's a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with the tropical climate and everything to do with the man sleeping soundly beside me.

Chuck Newcomb. Holy fucking shit.

Just thinking this guy’s name brings a smile to my face. Last night was... unexpected. Sexy as hell. And quite possibly a huge mistake. But right now, in the morning light, with the scary nighttime insects gone, it's hard to regret anything.

Much as I'd love to stay curled up next to him, I'm restless. There's so much of the resort I haven't explored yet, and now that I've decided to stay, I might as well check out.

I scribble a quick note for Chuck.

Gone exploring. Back soon.

I slip out, closing the door silently.

The resort is quiet at this hour, most guests probably sleeping off whatever ‘activities’ they participated in the night before. I wander the winding paths, admiring the lush vegetation and colorful flowers. It's stunningly beautiful here, there’s no denying it. Even if it is a den of wildness.

I have so much to tell Matthew. I start to text him but then realize he’s probably not up yet. I decide to wait til later.

The funny thing is, I’ve hardly thought of home since I’ve been here. Guess that’s a sign of a good vacation?

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