Beyond Me (Quinn and James 1)

"James. Please."

He breathed heavily, and when he finally lifted his head, those aquamarine eyes sucked me in, foggy with lust and naked want. I went to reach for him again, but the sound of laughter close by made me stiffen as reality leaked in. Holy shit, I was on a public beach with people everywhere! This was not like me at all; I was an extremely private person. The thought of strangers watching me practically climb on him with my dress exposing my girly parts freaked me out. Shaking, I tried to pull back, but he realized I was upset and tightened his hold. Tucking my head under his chin, he pressed a kiss into my hair, gently caressing my back.

"I can't believe I did that," I muttered against his chest. His T-shirt was soft and smelled like Snuggle dryer sheets.

"Shh, my fault. I got crazy. I want you so bad, Quinn. I'd love for you to come back to my house so we can finish what we started, but I think it's too soon. I screwed up once, I'm not going to do it again."

His words both comforted and disappointed. I halfway wanted him to haul me in his arms, drag me to the hotel, and give me no choice. My brain began to uncloud, and I realized he was right. I loved the idea of having a quick night, but honestly, when it came to ripping off my clothes and actually having sex, I kind of liked to know a guy better.

His control confirmed another layer of my trust. Did he do it on purpose? And if so, did it really matter? We both wanted each other. We had the week stretched ahead of us, and my goal was to let go a bit and live. What was I fighting so hard to protect?

I relaxed in his arms and enjoyed being wrapped up tight. Safe. Weird, I was always the one in charge and taking care of people. Had anyone ever made me feel protected? "Thank you," I finally said. "Things got a bit out of control."

His chest rumbled with laughter. He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "I like the idea of getting you so hot you forget we're in public," he teased. He pulled back and tipped up my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "But don't get me wrong, Quinn. I'm not going to be able to wait much longer. You make me a little crazy."

I smiled. "Crazy is good, right?"

He kissed me again, slow and sweet, with the moonlight streaming over us. "Yeah," he said softly. "Come sailing with me tomorrow."

I tried to think if I'd made any plans. I had none. Mackenzie had been insistent we separate until our breakfast meeting on Tuesday. It was all in her master plan to make sure we came back with two less virgins and one who finally orgasmed. So embarrassing. "That sounds like fun."

"Good. Come to the marina at eleven."

"You have a boat?"

He grinned. "Sure. My parents taught me all the necessary skills for success in life. Tennis. Sailing. Keeping a stiff upper lip. And preserving appearances at all costs." Darkness flashed and stole some of the humor in his eyes, but then he was kissing me again and I didn't care. He groaned and finally stepped away. "You're addicting. I can't keep my hands off you."

Pleasure tingled in my veins. I wasn't the type to inspire men to want to rip off my clothes, they usually would rather discuss a situation or be friends. I was glad the dark hid my pink cheeks so I didn't look like a virginal idiot. "Fishing?" I asked.

"Do you want to?"

I shook my head. "No, I feel too bad for the fish."

"Then we'll let the water take us wherever we want."

The image of being with him alone on a boat in Key West made excitement unfurl in my belly. Oh yeah. I'd be sleeping with him tomorrow if everything went okay. But did I trust him to be out on the water without anyone else?

Yes. Hell yes.

"I'd like that," I said.

"Good. Let's exchange numbers." We input our respective contact information, then he grabbed my hand and tugged me away from the water. "I'll walk you to the hotel."

The stroll back was leisurely and quiet. It was nice to relax and not worry about conversation, and he seemed to enjoy it just as much. He swung my hand was we walked, commenting here and there on some areas of attractions I may want to see during the week, and when we reached the hotel lobby, gave me a gentle kiss on the lips.

But his eyes blazed a promise I wanted him to keep.

"Night, Quinn."

"Night, James."

He waited until I went inside. My legs trembled as I got to my room. I barely got through the door before my phone rang. I jumped--no one usually called me when texting was so much easier. I glanced down, saw Cassie's name, and almost panicked.

"Are you okay?" I asked as soon as I heard her voice.

"Fine. Are you?"

Weird question. "Sure. Why?"

A pause. "Just checking. I met this guy--" She trailed off. "He convinced me to call to make sure you got home in one piece."

My body slumped in relief. Why did I always have to be the paranoid one in the group? I couldn't help the little chuckle that escaped. "Oh." I figured he was right there and she couldn't talk, but I couldn't help teasing her a bit. "This guy sounds pretty special if he's checking up on your friends."

"Shut up." I heard the grin in her voice. "Are you at the hotel?"

"Yeah, just walked in. Where's Mackenzie?"

"Found her hot musician with tattoos. Dumped me pretty quick. Did you find someone to replace Ivy League Dude?"

I collapsed on the thick mattress and groaned. "Yeah. Ivy League Dude."

"He followed you?"

"Yeah. But he was okay."

She laughed. "Your tone says better than okay. Guess you forgave him, huh?"

"Guess so. Go back to Very Considerate Hot Guy. Mackenzie will never leave you alone if you don't get laid this trip."

There was another deliberate pause and I imagined her glancing at her companion, checking him out. Good for her. Cassie put so much into her studying, she deserved some frolic. "'K. Catch up with you tomorrow."

"Stay safe," I reminded her. Not that Cassie needed reminding, but I still felt like the worried mother hen of the group.

"Always."

I clicked off the phone and stared at the spotless white ceiling. Maybe this trip would end up being a surprise for all of us.

Monday

"THAT'S YOUR boat?"

My mouth dropped open as I stood on the deck overlooking the huge catamaran with the massive sails tugging in the wind. It looked about forty feet, with gorgeous teak wood and equipment galore. I knew nothing about sailing, rarely venturing into the water except for a quick swim, but I knew this was mega expensive. I had expected a small motorboat we'd tool around in for the day. Should have realized my Ivy Leaguer would impress the hell out of me.

He pushed his sunglasses up on his head and grinned. God, he was gorgeous. The light played on his midnight brown curls and soaked into his tanned skin. Tiny lines crinkled around his full lips as he smiled, and those eyes rivaled any body of water in the world--a searing light blue that lasered right to the soul. He wore white shorts, boating shoes, and a collared blue shirt that stretched over his broad chest and emphasized the powerful muscles of his biceps. Oh my. Thank goodness I had donned the daring red bikini Mackenzie had bought me and I refused previously to wear. Right now, it was hidden discreetly under my black tank top and khaki shorts. With my ponytail and Ked sneakers, I felt about twelve years old next to his masculine yumminess.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"It's huge." I expected something cozy with just us. Surely this came with a crew.

"I thought bigger was better."

I pursed my lips at his little quip, but couldn't help the laugh that spilled out, and quickly turned into my awful pig snort. I decided to give it back to him a bit. "Big is nice, but you have to know how to use it."

His eyes darkened. "Oh, I know how to use it."

A delicious shiver raced down my spine. I shrugged. "So you say. We'll see."