Page 123 of Grounded
The benefit of living in a coastal town is you can wear a swimsuit under any article of clothing and it's acceptable. I grab my bikini and a flowy, strappy dress that reveals my stringy bathing suit top and a fair amount of cleavage.
I'm not a complete nightmare as I stare at my reflection in the bathroom. Nothing some dry shampoo and tinted moisturizer can't fix. And maybe a hat. And some big sunglasses. When I'm done brushing my teeth, the door I left ajar creaks open.
"Oh, hi."
"Morning." Theo groans and extends his arms above his head to stretch. I'm blessed with the sight of the bottom third of his six-pack when his shirt rides up.
"Going to the beach?" he asks as he critiques my laid-back outfit.
"No, in fact, I'm going to Costco with your mom."
"You…and…my mom?"
"My dad asked. She needs some company and she chose me. Shocking, huh?"
"Are you going to talk about me?"
"Oof, your head grew three sizes." My lips spread into a smile as I wipe some golden-brown hair off his forehead. "I'm pretty sure we can settle on a topic that doesn't revolve around you."
"Don't go asking about my weaknesses so you can exploit them."
Feigning offense and pressing my palm to my chest, I say, "I would never do such a thing."
As I continue to get ready, Theo grabs me by the wrist in a possessive gesture.
"Is this the same beige bikini you wore our first night back?"
"Looks like it is." I'm grateful I brushed my teeth because my heavy breathing is in line with his face. At least he's getting the aroma of minty freshness while I stand right in front of him, fighting the nerves trying to make themselves known.
"You're going out like this?" he confirms.
"Looks like I am," I echo with an arched brow.
Theo's unbroken eye contact scans over the amount of skin I'm showing as he reaches backward to shut the bathroom door. We're now confined to this small space, trapped together as his eyes feed on the sight before him.
He pulls my bikini top to the side and exposes my right breast. He caresses me in his hand as his mouth covers my nipple, sucking and lightly biting.
The blast of endorphins shooting through me is enough to keep me wired until the party tomorrow. I figured he'd let up and travel south, but he remains glued to this spot.
I speak softly in case anyone is nearby, "Theo, are you giving me a hickey?"
"Yes," he murmurs against my skin. "Almost done—"
There’s a gentle tap-tap on the door, followed by, "Hey, Amelia? I'm ready to go in five minutes. Is that okay with you?"
I'm frozen solid.
Theo's ears must not be working because even the nearness of his mom on the other side of the door hasn't caused him to stop or even slowdown.
"Umm, yes I'll… I'll be right down," I blurt out in between moments when Theo's mouth isn't maiming me.
"Okay, I'll drive since I have more trunk space."
"Okay." I squeeze my eyes shut and hope it's enough to block out the thought of her coming in and catching us. But damn, this feels so good.
"Have you eaten yet? Maybe we can stop and get lunch?"
"Uh-huh, sounds perfect."
