Lei'd With Cupcakes (Cupcakes 3)

I opened my eyes and started to stretch, then jerked to a halt when I almost fell off the bed. I was literally on the edge of the mattress, so I shifted to my back and my hand brushed up against my naked man.

Biting back a moan, I snatched my hand back and exited the bed as quickly as possible, not looking down at the prone figure before me. I knew if I caught sight of Cade, naked, rumpled with sleep, and appealing as all get out, I’d ignore my own bedroom rules and jump him. So, I kept my eyes averted, gathered my clothes from where I’d laid them out the night before, and exited for the restroom.

Once I had brushed my teeth, pulled my unruly mop back into a tail, and threw the maxi dress over my head, I left the safety of the bathroom in search of coffee.

I thanked the gods, and Cade’s mom, when I saw the full pot waiting on the counter. After filling a mug that boasted a large pink flower on the side, I crossed the room to take it outside.

Even though my mind was still a little foggy from sleep, the scent of salt in the air, and the amazing view before me, had my lips turning up as I stepped out into the morning.

I sipped my coffee and crossed to where the grass turned into sand, scrunching my bare feet in the sand until it sifted through my toes.

“Good morning,” I called out to Pops and Elena, who were in the middle of their first surf lesson.

“Morning, Ku‘uipo,” Pops replied, while Elena just grinned and waved wildly.

I watched as Pops worked with Lena on the sand, showing her how to come up to standing on the surfboard. What she lacked in experience, she made up with determination and excitement, and I shouted encouragement when she finally got the move down.

I was so intent on enjoying my surroundings that I didn’t hear the back door open, so I was startled when Elin’s slim arms wrapped around my waist.

“Morning, Mom,” he said sleepily, his head tucking into my side.

“Morning, buddy,” I replied, enjoying every second, since his hugs were fewer and farther between now that he was eleven. “How’d you sleep?”

“Good. I never knew how nice it is to sleep with the sound of the ocean right outside.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty amazing here, isn’t it?”

“The best,” Elin replied, his tone gaining excitement. “Cade said he’s going to take me snorkeling today.”

“I know, I can’t wait.”

“Me neither. Going to say hi to Lena and Pops.”

“Okay, buddy.”

He was walking off when I heard the door open behind me and turned to see Cade step outside.

Dressed in board shorts and nothing else, my man stepped toward me with a grin. Then, without a word, he gathered me toward him and lowered his head to brush his lips against mine. Once softly, then again, and when he came back the third time, I parted my lips and wished him my own good morning.

Cade grunted his approval, then accepted my invitation and swept his tongue inside and cupped the back of my head with his hand. A whimper sounded at the back of my throat as I strained closer to him, my mug clutched between my hands so hard, I feared I might break it.

“Morning, darlin’,” he said gruffly, when I lost his lips and he rested his forehead against mine.

“Morning,” I whispered breathily, my need for him apparent.

His lips brushed mine once more, then he was gone, striding purposely toward the waves. Cade walked into the ocean until it hit the hem of his shorts, then he dove into the incoming wave.

I watched, my breath stuck in my throat, as he rose in the water and flipped his head back with a happy shout.

Good gracious…

Water dripped down his toned, tanned body, and the look of pure joy and contentment on his face was enough to make my knees weaken.

“My son was made for the ocean.”

I jumped, coffee sloshing over the side of my mug, at the sound of Cade’s mother’s voice coming from right next to me.

Startled, and feeling guilty at being caught ogling her son, I turned and gave her a shaky smile.