Page 19 of Hook, Line and Mystery

He shrugged. “You kind of get used to it growing up here. I was away at college. I came back to work on the cottage during school breaks.” He shook his head with a smile. “I don’t think I ever cooked a meal or went to the grocery store. I’d come home and there would be food in the fridge. During the holidays I got a lot of invitations. I started going to Joe’s because Clara and I had both lost our parents—hers were still alive, but she had nothing to do with them—so Clara’s Uncle Joe became mine as well. I got the insurance money from my folks and the boat when I graduated, so I built the research center.”

“What do you think Joe would think about you seeing someone new?”

“I had coffee with him this morning. He told me, and I quote, ‘about damn time.’ I’m telling you, I can’t think of anyone who won’t think that. When you live your life tied to the ocean, there’s a kind of eternal feeling that life goes on. You either stand there with your feet planted firmly in the sand, or you get back on board and try again.”

“What do you want?”

“I’m not sure I really know what it is I want, but I know I’m tired of standing in the frigid water getting wet and going nowhere.”

Abby linked her arm through his. “In that case, why don’t we just get on board the boat? We can decide if we want to untie later.”

“I know I want to untie. I’m tired of just feeling nothing. For me, the issue is you live in Chicago.”

“Not to worry. I’m a writer. As long as I can plug in my laptop, I’m good to go. The real estate market in Chicago is hot, and I bought when it was depressed, so that isn’t a problem. Does it feel weird to be talking like this when we haven’t known each other for very long?”

“I keep thinking it should, but it doesn’t. Come on, let’s head down to the beach. I can light a bonfire and we can share the desserts.”

“Sounds good.”

They strolled down the dock to the short set of stairs that led down to the beach. They found two other couples at either end of the age spectrum sitting on logs around a nicely blazing bonfire. She and Kit were invited to join them, so they shared the desserts and just enjoyed being close to the ocean. Kit was right. Both couples seemed to know him and who she was and were seemingly happy to see her and Kit together.

The moon was fully risen when they said goodbye to their new friends, and Kit led her toward the Lighthouse B&B. They climbed the long flight of stairs that switch-backed up the cliff and brought them to the porch off the parlor.

“Your room key will work the front and beach door locks,” said Kit, taking the key from her when she fished it out of her pocket. “I should probably say goodnight…”

“I really wish you wouldn’t.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve rarely been as sure about anything in my life.”

Kit opened the door and they headed inside, being sure to lock and close the door behind them. As they walked down the hallway to her room, Abby felt a sense of calm wash over her. Again, it occurred to her how right being with Kit seemed to be. When they were together, there were no awkward silences or feelings, just a gentle acceptance of what was supposed to be.

They entered the room and Kit handed her the key, which Abby put on top of her closed laptop.

“Do I get to read it?” he asked.

“The book? Do you want to?”

“Very much.”

“Then when I get the first draft done, you can read it and tell me what you think of it.”

Kit nodded and Abby watched as he peeled off his hoodie, revealing the black T-shirt that accentuated his muscular arms and broad chest that tapered down to his lean waist. His muscular build and rugged features made her heart beat faster and her breath quicken. He shucked out of his T-shirt, revealing his six pack abs and a lightly furred chest with a pleasure trail from his navel that disappeared below his button-up fly. Abby felt her insides flutter as he approached her and reached his hand behind her head, cupping the nape of her neck and drawing her close, the warmth of his skin against hers intoxicating.

They kissed fiercely, their bodies molding together like two puzzle pieces finding their perfect fit. Their hands roamed each other’s curves, seeking out pleasure and solace. Kit grabbed the hem of her sweater and lace camisole and pulled them over her head as a single article of clothing. His touch set her skin alight with a soft, gentle blaze.

After helping each other undress, Kit went to the fireplace and lit a fire. Watching him return to her cast only in the light of the flames took her breath away. He was entirely too gorgeous. He helped her into bed and then crawled in beside her. Under the sheets, their movements were passionate yet tender, filled with an intense longing that seemed to burn through them both. They moved in sync, as if they had always been meant for this moment. His touch was electric, sending shudders throughout her body.

Cupping her breasts, he trailed kisses down her neck, across her collarbone, and down further still. She arched into him, moaning softly at the sensation. Kit leaned down, capturing one of Abby’s nipples between his teeth, nipping and sucking on it gently. His fingers moved to her clit and began to circle, tug, and press on it. He seemed to drink in her every sigh and moan.

Kit withdrew his fingers from Abby’s dripping core and slid down to replace them with his tongue. He flicked and lapped at her swollen nub, his expert ministrations sending waves of pleasure crashing over her. Abby’s hips bucked against his face as ecstasy coursed through her body.

A loud moan escaped Abby as Kit’s talented tongue brought her to the edge of climax. Her body trembled with the intensity of the pleasure he gave her, causing her to tremble in his hands. She clung to the sheets, her knuckles turning white as she fought to hold on just a little longer. Kit continued his assault, his tongue swirling and licking with an expertise that left Abby gasping for air. His hands gripped her hips, holding her steady as he devoured her with an insatiable hunger. The wetness between her thighs only seemed to fuel his desire, his own need for release seeming to grow more urgent with each passing moment.

As Abby teetered on the precipice of bliss, Kit withdrew his tongue, denying her the release she so desperately craved. He rose to his knees, his eyes locking with hers before he stretched himself on top of her and gave her his full weight. He slid his hard length over her clit, getting his shaft wet. Locking eyes with her, he thrust up inside her, spearing her in a single move as they became one. He drew back only to slam back into her as she tightened around him. Their hips rocked together in rhythm, creating new sounds that echoed around the quiet room. Their mutual orgasm washed over them like the sea kissing the shore. She felt his warmth fill her as he collapsed on top of her. It felt as if they were the only two people in the world, as if nothing else mattered but this moment in time.

Afterwards, they cuddled in each other’s arms, their breathing heavy. Abby could feel Kit’s heart pounding against her chest, his skin still flushed with desire. She couldn’t stop herself from admiring his strength and passion, his tenderness and feeling for her. As she held him close, she realized this was what she had always wanted—this sense of security and belonging that she’d only felt with him.

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