Page 112 of Modern Romance March 2025 (5-8)

I can’t get a read on his mood. He’s engaged with me throughout dinner, paid attention to everything I’ve said. He’s not as distant as he has been, but there’s definitely a wall between us. As if he, too, is anticipating what’s coming next.

Rafe helps me navigate the stairs up to the sundeck as water gently laps against the hull of the boat, then disappears back downstairs. He rejoins me a moment later with the drinks and a plate of gourmet chocolates circled by raspberries and strawberries. We sit, sipping our wine and savoring the sweetness of dessert as the waves turn golden orange, then dim to a violet hue.

“Do you remember that party nine years ago? Your father’s birthday party. It started to rain halfway through and the lights went out.”

His lips tighten. “All too well. He was furious, as if the weather itself had decided not to listen to him.”

“I went out on the balcony when I first got there. I didn’t realize you were out there.”

He glances over at me, his eyes moving up and down my body. “I remember. You were wearing a pink dress.”

My mouth drops open as warmth blooms in my chest. “You remember that?”

“I do.” He pauses. “Before you realized I was there, you looked sad.”

I smile slightly. “Yes. That was most of my life. But not now.”

No. Not now.

I set down my wineglass. His eyes sharpen as I place my hand on his chest and push him back.

“I want to taste you.”

His lips part as his gaze darkens. “Tessa…”

“Please.”

His chuckle is strangled. “How can I say no?”

I grab the hem of his shirt and pull it up over his head, running my hands up his muscled chest before I gently push him back. He lies down on the cushions and watches me as I slide my fingers under the waistband of his shorts. I slowly pull them down, anticipation climbing higher as his hard length springs free.

I toss his shorts to the side, then sit back and look at him.

“You’re staring.”

“You’re impressive.”

Another huff of a laugh, one that morphs into a groan as I wrap my fingers around him. Silk, steel and heat. Feminine power fills me as I move my hand up and down, feel him swell in my grasp.

I release him long enough to move between his legs, bracing my arms on his thighs. The moan he makes when I drag my tongue from root to tip makes me feel like a goddess.

“Tessa,” he growls.

I take him in my mouth, feel the muscles in his legs bunching beneath my hands as his hips thrust against me. I experiment with how fast I move, loving the rapid pace of his breathing when I move quickly just as much as the long, drawn-out groans when I move slowly. Savor the taste, the feel, the intimacy.

He starts to sit up.

“My turn.”

I raise my head. “But I’m not done.”

His eyes are molten. “Now, Tessa.”

“What if we can both be satisfied?”

He trails a gentle hand along my jaw. “I get joy out of pleasing you, Tessa.”

I smile up at him. “I’m glad. But can’t we both please each other?”

---