Page 41 of Body Shot

“Does that mean you want to go out tonight?”

“Sure. Or, you know.” She dips her head in that soft, sweet way she often does. “We could stay in.”

FOURTEEN

Claudia

I don’t knowwhat possessed me to say that, but the words are out there now and I’m all but holding my breath as I wait for Anders to respond.

Instead, he nibbles the side of my neck. “Okay,” he whispers. “We can stay in. Wanna watch TV at your hotel?”

No.

I want him to make me come again, multiple times, without even taking off my clothes.

I’d assumed it would be pleasant if it happened.

I had not been expecting mind-blowing.

Powerful.

The kind of thing that makes me rethink my stance on everything I thought I knew about sex.

How had I never managed an orgasm before? Not even on my own.

I’d tried, but fear and probably a bit of shame had always been in the back of my mind, keeping me from being able to get there.

Anders had managed it without even undressing me, sitting on a towel on the beach with our friends less than ten feet away.

He’s still waiting for an answer, though, so I nod. “Okay.”

We start gathering up our things.

It’s late, and everyone is getting ready to leave.

I watch as Hana puts on Aiden’s helmet and then climbs on the back of his Harley.

I don’t know what she’s doing, but there’s something going on with her. At some point, we’ll have to talk about it, because I’m worried, but not now.

Ten minutes later, Anders and I are in his Corvette heading south to Fort Lauderdale. I’m tired from a day in the sun and the ocean but exhilarated at the same time. Being in Anders’ convertible makes me feel young and free, like I don’t have a care in the world. Which isn’t like me. But it’s not like me to hump a guy’s erection on a beach blanket in public either.

I feel silly, because I know everything about what I’m doing is a bad idea.

I just can’t bring myself to care.

He’s got one hand wrapped around one of mine, there’s a Kelly Clarkson song on the radio, and the wind is whipping through my hair.

I close my eyes and lean back in the seat.

“You tired, sweetheart?” he asks in his soft, deep voice.

“No. Just relaxed. And happy. Which isn’t a common thing for me.”

Saying it out loud makes me realize how pathetic that sounds.

“How come?”

“I don’t know.” I turn to gaze at him, taking in his strong profile and handsome face. “I’ve always been hyper focused on something. School, internships, job hunting. I’ve always had a plan.”

---