Page 13 of More Than A Boss

“In the winter, that will be just the opposite,” he explained. “At this time of year, it is still early enough that the air over the land is warmer, but it reverses in the winter.”

“Aye aye, Captain, I’ll be right back.” She headed to her bedroom and stripped down so that she could add a few layers of clothing. Long jeans, camisole, long-sleeve tee, jacket, and scarf. That ought to do it. She threw on her old pair of dock shoes and returned to the kitchen.

Zane was ready and waiting, so they made their way down the steep, stone staircase to the boat dock below. He held her hand as she awkwardly stepped up and into the swaying boat. He untied the vessel, threw in the rope, and agilely jumped aboard. Climbing into the captain’s seat, he started the motor and slowly cruised out of the no-wake zone, away from shore.

After he was a safe distance out, he gunned the motor and opened the engine to full throttle. The combination of speed, wind, air, and water were exhilarating. It felt like a purification of her spirit. With eyes closed, she raised her face to the sun as her long hair whipped behind her. She loved the sense of power she felt. It made her feel carefree, daring, downright adventurous. Sitting in the seat next to Zane provided her with a great view of him. She glanced over, once again marveling at his competency and power. He was in his element, virile, strong, and completely at ease. He was most definitely a force of nature, Allie thought.

They didn’t bother with conversation because trying to hear over the engine would have been futile. It was enough just to share the sheer thrill of the ride. Zane began to slow the craft and came to a stop turning off the motor. After dropping anchor, they relaxed companionably, enjoying the rocking motion and the sound of water lapping against the hull. Without the wind, they were able to remove their jackets and lean back and soak up some rays of sun. It was great to just be. After the mental exertion today, they needed a break from thinking. Time passed easily, and then the day sky began to dim into a night sky.

“Time to turn back,” he announced. With his navigation lights on, he turned and headed back to the dock. By the time they arrived, the stars were beginning to pop out. With no light pollution, they seemed close enough to touch. He threw the rope around a deck post until he could secure it to the cleat hitch. His lithe body had no trouble jumping down onto the deck. He turned to help Allie out of the boat. Gripping her around the waist, he easily lifted her down beside him. She took a moment to gaze at the twinkling sky, marveling at how many more stars there seemed to be here without any light interference.

“You can go on ahead to the house while I finish up here. Catch,” he said, tossing the keys in the air. She snatched them before they dropped to the ground. “Here’s a flashlight. I’ll be right up.”

“Are you sure I can’t help?” she asked.

“Nope, I could do this in my sleep. Thanks.”

Neither felt like cooking, so they agreed on cheese, hummus, sliced pepperoni, and prosciutto with crackers for dinner. They lit a small fire in the chimenea and carried their wine glasses over, pulling their chairs up close to the warmth. Zane put the plate of food on the table next to them.

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t think this will be a late night for me. All that thinking today combined with the fresh air has me so relaxed.” She sighed contentedly, munching on a cracker loaded with hummus. The flames from the fire cast a warm glow over her features, creating shadows and light, highlighting her delicate beauty.

“Same here,” he said casually. “I will need some help from you in the morning hitching up the boat, then we will load our stuff in the car and drop the boat off on our way out of town. I figure if we get off by noon, that will give us time to decompress before our Monday morning routine begins.” He glanced at Allie with an enigmatic expression.

“Zane…” “Allie…” They both spoke at the same time and laughed.

“You go first,” Allie commanded.

“No, you,” he replied.

“Well, I really don’t know if I can adequately express how I’m feeling but I’ll give it a try,” she said, wringing her hands. “First, your generosity is above and beyond. Thank you for the amazing hospitality this weekend. Secondly, I know how hard this weekend has been, and your self-restraint has been impressive. You could have just said, to hell with it, and not worried about the consequences or damage, but you didn’t. You thought about me, you cared about my wellbeing. That shows an unselfishness, and I want you to know that I noticed, and it was truly appreciated.”

She looked down and then back up again, meeting his deep blue eyes.

“However, I must admit that, if it had been up to me, I probably would have thrown caution to the winds, damn the consequences, and maybe later regretted it. I am so glad to not be leaving the weekend with a regret hangover.” She said with a shy smile.

“You are really an extraordinary man Zane Dunn!” she said. Her sweet smile and admiration were his undoing.

“What were you going to say?” she asked.

His voice husky with emotion, he said with difficulty, “Oh, Allie, you have no idea! I am in heaven and hell at the same time. Exquisite torture!” He shook his head. Taking her hand in his, he once again turned her hand up and began stroking her palm with his thumb, raising havoc with her nervous system.

“I’m not used to this confusion and self-doubt. I’m used to being in control of my emotions. You have gotten under my skin like no one ever has. I ask myself ‘What does this mean?’ and I have no answers. I say to myself, ‘Just one kiss. That is all. Just one. How can one kiss hurt anyone?’ But I know it will only leave me longing for one more and then one more and then….”

“But I am afraid I must have just one, Allie, God help me, just one!” and he leaned down to touch her full soft lips with his own.

At first, it was almost a hovering, barely touching, skin grazing skin. She could feel his warm breath against her lips. She felt an immediate response in her core. A pulsating awareness that cried out for more contact. His lips pressed more, gently exploring. Her lips parted slightly, causing him to groan. She felt his warm tongue tenderly explore hers. Not demanding, just inviting. His soft tongue moved slowly in and out, dancing in an erotic rhythm. She parted her lips wider and he went deeper. She then thrust her tongue eagerly between his lips. Their tongues exploring one another until he gently began to suck on hers, drawing it in. She was lost in a swirl of eroticism.

Breathing heavily, Zane carefully pulled his head back, ending the kiss. Taking one look at her bemused expression, he was lost. Dipping his head, he went back for another taste of her. He buried his fingers in her luxuriously thick hair, holding her there to plunder. This time, the kiss was less gentle, and one born of desperation. He drank of her. Tilting her head further back he kissed her exposed throat, her skin soft and smelling of floral and spice. He nuzzled her neck and moved behind her ear, whispering endearments while planting soft kisses.

“Oh Allie, I want you so badly. You have no idea what you are doing to me. I’m almost out of my mind with longing,” he pulled her onto his lap, cradling her like a precious gift. His hand reached up under her camisole and he cupped and massaged her full, swollen breast, circling her sensitive nipple with his thumb.

“Oh my God, Zane!” she said softly. Her hands running through his thick curling hair, she pulled him closer against her, “More please!” she breathlessly begged. She was lost. She wanted him with a primal lust that was completely foreign to her. He pulled his hand from beneath her clothing and buried his nose in her hair, savoring her feminine scent.

“Don’t stop!” she pleaded. She could feel his erection against her buttocks, large and hard, yet he made no move to go any further. With his finger he lifted her chin and leaned down and gently kissed her moist lips.

“That put the kibosh on the hot tub for tonight,” he said in droll self-mockery. “Allie, I suggest you head on to bed before this gets any more complicated.”

Still aroused, she was momentarily confused by his sudden change of direction, “But Zane?” she questioned.

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