Page 25 of Turbulent Fires

“I’d be bored if it did,” he assures me. “Tell me something that defines who you are.”

This question stops me for a moment. It’s something no one has ever asked me before. I have many moments I think could define me, but what’s something that stands out? I munch on another cracker with cheese as I think. I love that he doesn’t rush me.

I smile as a story comes forward. “I was at a writer’s retreat and had a story flowing through my head, which means I wasn’t paying attention to anything around me. There were people all over the place, and I fell face-first into a koi pond.” He covers his mouth as he tries to hold back laughter.

“So, you’re telling me you’re a klutz?”

“No, it’s how I handled it that defines who I am. I got out of the pond, took a bow, and told those looking at me with their mouths hanging open that I’m writing a new story and wanted to make sure I described the scene perfectly, so it was all planned, wet, soggy clothes and all.”

He stares at me for a moment before his grin grows. “Damn, I love your confidence, and love that you don’t let things get to you that would ruin most people’s day.”

“There are too many things in life to fret about, so I don’t let silly things upset me. Sure, I can get mad if I burn dinner, scrape my knee, or fall into a pond, but are those things I’ll even think about a week later, much less years later? No. I only allow myself to get upset at the things that will alter my life or the lives of others. I sometimes fail to keep this philosophy, but I really do try to live this way.”

“I do the same, though I didn’t realize that until hearing you say it,” he says. I’ve forgotten how easy it is to enjoy a moment when in the company of someone you get along with so well. We have no expectations, no pressure, and no promises. This is great.

By the time we land in Maui, it’s well after ten. The humid night air is thick and sweet, curling around us as we step off the jet and find an SUV waiting for us. There isn’t a single thing that wasn’t planned well for this trip. We climb inside and I keep my window down and gaze at the night scenery as we make our way down the road, the lights on the island twinkling like they’re as drunk on champagne as we are.

“Have you been here before?” he asks, his fingers brushing against mine where our hands rest on the center console.

“Yes, and I love it each time I come,” I tell him.

“I hope this will be the best visit of all,” he says.

“It’s starting out pretty dang well,” I admit.

We’re taken straight to a private villa, no need to check in at the front desk. I laugh again. I’m used to being catered to, growing up wealthy, but this is over the top. I like it right now, but I don’t need it in my everyday life.

We step inside the large villa, and my stomach clenches again. The entire front wall of the place is open to the ocean, the breeze floating in, carrying salt and possibilities. White linens, soft lighting, flickering candles, roses, more champagne, chocolates, fruit... and a massive, inviting bed in the center of it all.

I look over at Wolf, who’s staring at me as if barely in control. “They seem really invested in us getting naked,” I say with a laugh.

“I’m pretty invested in that myself,” he says.

“There isn’t a single time in my life I’ve had someone try this hard to set me up, and my mom’s been bugging me for years to give her a grandchild or two.” I laugh, but humor isn’t what I’m feeling in this moment.

“I haven’t hidden the fact that I want you, Audrey. I also respect you and won’t push you to do anything you don’t want to do.” He pauses for a moment. “However, if there’s any way I can sway your decision in my favor, I’m not above doing that.” He’s standing back as if afraid of trusting himself. I know the feeling. I think I’ll go up in flames with one single touch from him at this point.

“We do have three full days with nothing on our schedules, no rules, no people, just this very enticing room,” I breathe, my stomach flipping and my blood on fire. I should step up to him and make the first move, but I can’t seem to make myself do it.

He smiles, as if reading my mind. He takes a step toward me. I don’t move, my breathing growing heavier. I finally take a small step to meet him. That’s all he needs. He quickly closes the distance and pulls me into his arms as if he’s done it a million times before.

The kiss happens with an explosion of pleasure and heat that’s sure to consume us both. The night sky is shining into the villa, adding to the mood. We’re starting something we might not be able to walk away from, but I push these thoughts aside. I’m going to live in the moment.

My hands wrap around his wide shoulders as he pulls me tight, his arousal pressing against me, making my knees shake. We start moving as the kiss continues. My legs hit the back of the bed. If I don’t want this, now’s the time to stop.

That’s not going to happen. I’d regret it for the rest of my life. From the first moment we met two months earlier, this has been inevitable. Sure, we’ve had a helping hand, but it was always going to happen. I’ve accepted this now.

Wolf pulls back, his eyes on fire, his breathing heavy. He looks at me, assessing my expression, confidence pouring off of him like steam has to be rising from me. I lift my hand and begin unbuttoning my blouse. His eyes widen, and I see his body tense.

“You’re killing me,” he whispers, his voice guttural.

“I want you, Wolf. I’m done denying it,” I say, my voice unrecognizable. I’ve never wanted another person as much as I want him. No more speaking happens as he begins shedding his clothes. We’re both in a race, this moment having taken too long already. I want to be skin to skin with the man.

Somehow, our clothes are thrown to the side, then he’s lifting me, placing me on the bed, his body covering mine. Finally, his lips find mine again, but this time it’s so much better. This time, we’re pressed together, zero barriers between us.

I run my hands up and down his back, feeling his muscles flex beneath my fingers as he pushes his hips against me, his thickness rubbing my heat, making my clit throb as my body begs for release.

He breaks our kiss and tries to move down my neck. I grip him tighter, liking him right where he is. His eyes meet mine. I’m confident, happy, and so damn turned on.

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