Slipperless Series (Book #4)(4)

I cried out, my voice echoing across the undulating waters of the bay. As my climax washed over me like a mighty wave crashing into the shore, I sensed Gabe’s hips freeze in place beneath me.

As they did, Gabe’s body rumbled with vibration as he groaned. Together, we joined one another in the most pristine state of mind, awash in a sea of carnal delight. I cooed as Gabe came inside me. As never before, the primal connection felt renewed and rekindled. Exhausted at last, I fell forward, colliding against his stone-like torso.

As I did, I peppered his chest, neck, cheeks and lips with dozens of tiny kisses, grateful that our time together hadn’t reached a dark end.



GABE

“I rather enjoyed that,” I said, as I let out a satisfied exhale.

“Yes, I did too.”

“No,” I said, as I turned towards her, smiling. “Actually I was referring to putting a bit of a scare into you.”

Fiona wrinkled her brow at me. “Why would you enjoy that?”

I shrugged. “I don't know. It's hard to explain. I suppose it was just funny.”

She shook her head. “No, it was not funny. Not in the slightest.”

With that, Fiona snatched her clothing from the bottom of the boat and began to put it on with a succession of violent, jerking motions, so much so that it looked as if she might tear the stitching out of it.

Baffled by her gestures, I frowned at her. “What’s with you?”

Fiona froze in place and scowled at me. “What’s with me? Are you serious? Are you really asking me that right now?”

I scoffed. “Yes. As far as I know, I didn’t stutter.”

Without another word Fiona took several steps toward me. Once she closed to within about a foot, she crossed her arms at her chest.

“Scaring me to the point of terror is not funny, and it’s not something I enjoy, Gabe. Don't ever do that to me again.”

For an instant, I battled the urge to smile, but at the last second, I thought better of it.

“Well, I didn’t do it on purpose. If you'll recall, I was busy looking for your bracelet.”

In spite of my reply, Fiona’s anger didn’t dissipate but appeared to grow in intensity.

“Yes, I’m well aware of that, and I’m very thankful you found it. But if somehow you’re misinterpreting my reaction that you could have died in the process as funny, then you’re in for a rude awakening.”

I shook my head as I looked at her.

“Fiona, I think you’re a little emotional right now. Just calm down.”

As I finished speaking, I watched as Fiona's complexion changed from her normal creamy white to a bright shade of crimson. She took another step towards me and poked me in the chest, presumably to put an emphasis on her point. It caught me off balance a bit, and before I realized it, I lost my footing, falling backwards.

Reaching up at the last instant, I grabbed hold of the sail. Otherwise, I might have fallen into the bay. As I steadied myself, Fiona covered her mouth with both hands, staring at me in shock.

“Gabe,” she began with a distressed tone. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry.”

Avoiding the near disaster, I righted myself. I waved her off with a casual gesture.

“It’s okay Fiona. I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Fiona simply shook her head and turned her back on me. I watched as she plopped down, taking a seat in the middle of the boat. As she did, she crossed her arms and bent over slightly at the waist. Her hair fell over her eyes, concealing her face from me. I frowned as I watched her for a moment or two before walking over towards her. I reached down and slid my fingers atop her shoulder.

“Fiona,” I said, squeezing her a bit. “What’s wrong?”

She remained silent for several seconds. In the background, small waves lapped against the side of the boat with a rhythmic slap, slap, slap.

“Nothing,” she whispered, at last. “I’d like… to go back to the resort now.”

I took a seat next to her and wrapped my arm around her shoulder, hugging her close. Fiona leaned her weight into me, reaching around the front of my torso and embracing me in return. No sooner had she done so than I felt her shoulders convulse as tears began to flow. Leaning over, I kissed the top of her head and tried to calm her.

“Fiona, shhh, it’s okay,” I said, as I hovered my mouth just above the crown of her head. “I’m fine. You’re fine. We’ve got your bracelet. Things couldn’t be better. Why are you crying?”

But as I finished asking the question, it was apparent she wasn’t in any shape to answer. Instead, Fiona wept almost as hard as she had earlier that morning on the veranda. It was as if she was reliving the grief all over again. After a few more seconds, I leaned away from her.