Page 43 of Connected By Stars
“Don’t worry. That one was just for me.” He grins and lifts the camera again.
“I’m beginning to think that you behind a camera could be very dangerous.” I quickly grab the board this time and walkdown to the water. Thankfully, the beach is still deserted, and I don’t have an audience.
“I’m definitely pulling this camera out later when you can really model for me. Clothing will be optional,” he gives me a wicked grin. “I can see why you’re addicted to it.”
The thought of lying on the bed naked while Maverick takes pictures of me sends heat coursing through my body. “Only if you model for me. Clothing optional, of course.”
“Deal.” He says without hesitation as his eyes burn with promises.
I anchor the board in the sand while I pose for him as he snaps away. He gets a few from the front and then moves to the back. “Should I take the hat off for a few?” I’m wearing his store logo hat that he got me.
“No, leave it on. I find you wearing my gear very sexy.” I grin at his comment, and he captures it real quick. “Turn the hat on backward, and let me get a back shot with the logo and board.”
I do as he asks as I look out at the ocean. The waves are smaller now, so most of the surfers have left.
“I think that should do it.” He comes to stand next to me. “When’s the last time you’ve been out there?” He motions to the longboard I’m holding.
“I’m not sure. Probably the last time we were all together at Noah’s and went.”
He puts a hand to his heart. “That makes my heart hurt. Let’s put your camera away. You’re going in today.”
I glance at the water. The waves do look fun. I guess I’m buying a rash guard today. I turn toward him. “Let’s do it.”
“That’s my Bell.” He takes my hat and jogs over to the towel to put the camera away.My Bell, my heart skips a beat at the thought. How many years have I wanted to hear those words from him? He walks back over and smiles. “You ready?”
“Don’t you have to open today?”
“Nope, Luke is opening. I asked him yesterday if he could cover for me. I didn’t want to rush our morning. I’ll go in this afternoon to relieve him. I only have one longboard, so we can take turns, and I want to be able to help you. The waves should be perfect for you. I know you don’t like the big ones,” he says, laughing.
“So you do remember me tossing and turning and almost dying that day.”
“You didn’t almost die. It just feels like it when you get tossed around under a big one.”
“Well, feeling like it is bad enough,” I laugh.
“That won’t happen today. You know the basics, so paddle out and wait for the wave you want. When you see it, start paddling with it and pop up when you’re ready. You should be able to ride it right in. I’ll stand in the water and help if you need it.”
I get up to my waist in the water with Maverick before hopping on my stomach and paddling out. The waves are small enough, so I paddle over them before stopping and searching for the wave I want. I glance back and see Mav in the water watching me.
“You’ve got this!” I hear him yell and grin at his excitement. I see the one I want, and I turn around and start paddling fast before popping up. I’m able to stay on and ride the wave past him as he cheers me on. Grinning, I hop off when the wave dies down. I had forgotten how fun it is. He picks me up and spins me in the water. “You did it! You really should do this more often. You got up on the first try, even though it’s been a while. You’re a natural.”
I laugh at his enthusiasm. “I had a good coach.”
“Ready to go again?” I nod, smiling. I grab the board and begin to paddle back out.
Coming in from the water,we’re grinning like little kids. I’m going to be sore tomorrow, but it was so worth it. I need to remember to do this more often. I got up on most of the waves, only falling off a couple of times. Maverick, of course, rode all his in. He could probably ride a longboard blindfolded and still be okay.
We stop at our towels to pack up our things before heading to the outdoor showers to rinse off the sand and salt. Walking to the side of the building, we pass the bathrooms and see two people leave the showers just as we get there. I set my camera gear on the bench and turn on the spray to rinse off. Maverick joins me, ignoring the other shower next to me.
“Here, let me.” He turns me so my hair is under the shower as he rinses off the sand and saltwater. I close my eyes and moan as his fingers massage my scalp. “Feel good?” He whispers in my ear.
“So good.” He turns me so I’m facing him.
“Let’s get you out of this top.” His eyes burn into mine as he lowers the zipper, exposing my swimsuit top. I back him up under the spray and run my hands along his chest and shoulders, washing away the sand before trailing my fingertips down his stomach. His eyes darken as I follow his trail to the top of his board shorts. “Bell,” he says in a low warning. I look up at him and bite my lip, begging him with my eyes for something…anything, to ease some of this need.
Growling, he lifts me, and I immediately put my legs around his waist as he backs me up against the wall. The water rains down on us as he plunges deep into my mouth, hungrily taking what he needs.
What I need.
