Page 96 of Magic or Madness

I arranged this trip to free the guys from their emotional turmoil, but by the end, I was the one with more in my head than when we arrived.

“I’m not used to this, and if I’m being honest, it’s fucking scary,” I cry, continuing to wipe my tears and finally pulling out of his embrace.

“Let’s put it aside, until after dinner?”

“Please. I need a break from the inside of my mind.” I sigh, feeling less like I’m about to implode, and he gently kisses my forehead, giving me the slight affection needed to continue on.

“Let’s go, Bambi. You’re in for the best seafood dinner of your life, that absolutely includes clams.” He takes my hand, bringing us across the street, toward the rental house.

We quickly clean up, rinsing the salt and sand down the drain, gently washing each other under the warm water, and enjoying these moments together in our most natural state.

Ozzy and I are at our best when we’re connected, physically and spiritually, and one of the ways we do that is by showering together.

It’s our thing and brings us as close as we can possibly be.

I feel a hundred times better as I step out of the shower and pick out a casually cute outfit for dinner.

I packed the perfect vacation outfit, a black blouse with sequins and a deep v-neck, paired with white jeans and black strappy sandals. My hair flows down my back naturally, the beach waves curling around my face.

“Fuck,” Ozzy hisses, coming up behind me as I sling my bag over my shoulder. “You look so fucking perfect, Bambi.”

He takes my hand, bringing me close to him, and I inhale the scent of his cologne.

“What are you wearing? It’s like a mix of whiskey and citrus,” I breathe, utterly captivated by the fruity aroma radiating off him.

“Something like that.” He smirks while I take in what he’s wearing, a navy blue button-down t-shirt that highlights his biceps, and dark gray shorts, his belt buckle shimmering against the light.

He looks incredible, is all mine, and his hair smells like salt water and lavender.

“Those heels are staying on tonight,” he whispers against my neck, slapping my ass and pushing me forward.

“Yes, baby,” I tease, walking down the stairs slowly as his gaze follows me.

I hear him groan, and know what I’m doing is driving him wild.

The restaurant is down the road, overlooking the beach exactly as I described, and I follow Ozzy in while he gives the hostess our names.

“Right this way,” she smiles softly, her heels clicking on the tiled floor as she leads us to a quiet booth with an ocean view.

We both thank her as she drops menus on the table, and I can’t help but stare out the window, mesmerized by how the waves roll in and out.

“This is beautiful, Ozzy. How’d you manage to get everything the way I described?” I muse, but he shakes his head, not willing to give up his secrets.

“Anything formy beautiful girl,” he smiles, taking my hand across the table as our waiter brings an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne.

“Your request, Sir,” he says, bowing slightly and popping the cork for us.

“Champagne?” I whisper, kicking him lightly under the table.

“We’ll also take two orders of little neck clams, please,” he requests, watching as the waiter – Julian, by the name on his tag – writes our order down.

“Don’t, Bambi. I’m spoiling you, and I don’t want to hear another word about it, understand?” He holds up one finger, ultimately shutting down any pushback I had, the fire taking over his eyes, and I nod in agreement.

The idea of him being dominant in this restaurant has me shifting uncomfortably, my mind wandering to places that should becriminal.

“Did that turn you on?” His words are barely audible in that gravely low voice which seems to always send a shiver straight through me.

“Maybe, maybe not.” I shrug, keeping my attitude as coy as possible.

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