“You did? Thank you,” I reply beaming, taking the bag from him and looking inside. He spoils me. The wetsuit is black with large patches of pink throughout, matching the life jacket perfectly. I love that he chose my favourite colour. I’m touched by his thoughtfulness. Getting up on the tips of my toes, I brush my lips against his.
“Go get changed while I hook the trailer up to the car,” he says leaning down and kissing my forehead. “I’ll meet you downstairs when you’re ready.”
••••
I had the most amazing time on the jet-ski and being wrapped around his sinful body as he sped across the water. The smell of the salty sea, the sun on my face and the wind in my hair, made me feel invigorated. We stayed out there for close to two hours. Carter took it easy as we navigated through the waves. I’m pretty sure that was for my benefit. I was grateful.
He didn’t let loose until we reached the calmer water. Thankfully, it was a nice day, so it wasn’t choppy. We did hit one bump that made my face screw up from the sudden jolt to my aching head. Surprisingly though, there’s something about being with him that seems to lessen the constant pain in my brain. Maybe I’m just so lost in him I don’t focus on it so much. Maybe it’s something else.
Before coming back into shore, Carter stopped about a kilometre out to sea. He moved me to the front of the jet-ski and wrapped me in his arms while we sat and watched the beginning of the sun setting on the horizon. It was majestic. We would’ve stayed out longer but it was starting to get dark. He’s promised to take me out again next time I come up. Hopefully that will be soon.
When we headed back to the apartment, Carter sent me upstairs to run a hot bath, while he washed down the jet-ski before stowing it in the small garage at the rear of the shop.
The warmth of the bath water is welcomed after being out on the ocean in the cold wind for the past few hours. I’m lying back relaxing and reflecting on the wonderful time I’ve had whilst I’ve been here, when Carter enters the bathroom. Opening my eyes, I find him stripping out of his wetsuit. “Hope you don’t mind some company,” he says smirking as he stalks towards me.
“Not at all,” I reply as my eyes rake over his magnificent body. He really is beautiful, and all mine. I’m one lucky girl. I lean forward so he can hop in behind me, and sigh contently when he wraps me in his big strong arms.
“You feeling okay?” he asks placing a soft kiss on my shoulder. I wish he’d stop asking me.
“I’m feeling wonderful. I’ve loved every minute of my time here with you,” I tell him, turning my head and brushing my lips against his cheek.
“I’m happy to hear that,” he smiles. “Does that mean you’ll come back?” The hopeful look I see on his face melts my heart.
“If you’ll have me, I’d love to come and stay with you again.”
“Next week? I thought maybe we could stay in Sydney for the weekend, so you could spend time with your dad. I could bring you back with me Sunday night.” I’m thrilled he wants me back here so soon.
“It sounds wonderful.” I turn my body to face him, wrapping my legs around his waist. “But, I don’t want to put you out. I don’t want to disrupt your life any more than I already have. You’ve been so good to me.”
“Hey,” he says cupping my face. “Having you here hasn’t disrupted my life at all. Only enhanced it.” His words make me smile.
“I love you,” I reply bringing my mouth down on his. I love him with every fibre of my being. He’s been a wonderful distraction from what lies ahead, and has taken such good care of me. I hate that we have this illness looming over us, but just having him around helps more than he’ll ever know.
“Please say you’ll come back with me next week then,” he whispers against my mouth as he grasps my hips, pulling me forward so our bodies are flush.
“Okay. I’d love that.”
“That’s my girl.” I feel his lips curve into a smile against my mouth. I love being his girl. Threading my hands into his hair, I deepen the kiss. Carter groans as he slides his tongue into my mouth. “Jesus, I wanna fuck you so bad right now,” he growls.
“Then do it,” I say breathlessly.
“I can’t, I don’t have a condom.”
“I’m on birth control, Carter,” I say pulling back to look at him. “I’ve only ever been with one other person, and we never had unprotected sex. I want to experience that with you.”
“I’ve never had unprotected sex either,” he sighs, “but it’s too risky. I can’t take that chance.” His words sting. Is the possibility of having a child with me so repulsive?
“Fine,” I say trying hard to mask my hurt, but failing miserably. I lift myself off his lap and go to turn, but he holds me still.
“Don’t,” he growls. “Don’t you dare pull away from me, Indi. You know about my past. You know I’d never want to bring an illegitimate child into this world, and risk him being tainted like I was.”
“Carter,” I say, wrapping my arms around his waist. “I’m sorry. It’s just …”
“Shhh,” he whispers, brushing his lips with mine. “Don’t think for a minute that I don’t want to experience that with you, because I do. I just can’t take that chance.”
“You could always pull out before you come.” I raise my eyebrows hopefully. I want this with him.
“Fuck,” he groans taking me in his arms again. “You drive a hard bargain, babe.” When his hands slip below the water and between my legs, I know I’ve won. Tilting my head back, I moan as his fingers circle my clit. “I’ve always wanted to feel what it was like to go bare back,” he whispers against my neck as his tongue trails a path up to the sensitive part behind my ear. “Only with you. It will only ever be you, Indi,” he breathes, gripping my hips, lifting me up slightly before pulling me back down and impaling me with his dick.
“Ohhhh, yes,” I moan as he fills me completely.
“Sweet Jesus,” he groans as his eyes roll back in his head. “You feel like fucking heaven.”
Ditto Mr. Reynolds. Ditto.
••••
Carter ordered some takeout Chinese food when we got out of the bath. After we eat, we end up snuggling on the sofa; me between his legs, my back to his front with my head lying on his chest. His fingers make lazy circles against my temples. It feels amazing. I love how he cares for me.
“How are your headaches going today?” he asks.
“They’re okay,” I lie. “Manageable.”
“Do you want me to get you some headache pills?”
“No. What you’re doing with your fingers is fine. The pills don’t really help anyway.” My confession makes him exhale a loud breath.
“I know you’ve been putting it off, but we really need to go over that information the doctor gave you. We might have some questions for him tomorrow.”
“I guess,” I sigh. He’s right. I have been avoiding it. I didn’t want it to spoil my time here with him.
“Where is it?” he asks lifting me off his chest so he can stand.
“Bottom of my suitcase.”
When he sits back beside me he opens the envelope, pulling out all the paperwork. He passes me half, keeping the rest for himself. I look over at him and smile. “What?” he asks shrugging. “I’m not letting you read them all on your own. I’ll read these, and then we’ll swap notes.” God I love how invested he is in this.
“I just love you. That’s all,” I say leaning over and brushing my lips with his. “You’re amazing.”
“I love you too, Indi. So much.”
An hour later, I place my pile on the coffee table. All this reading is making my headache intensify. It’s very daunting and way too much information to take in. “You okay?” he asks. His brow furrows as he studies me.
“Yeah. I just need to take a break. The reading is hurting my head.”
“Come here,” he says pulling my head down on his lap. “Close your eyes. I’ll keep going.” I sigh when he uses his free hand to massage my scalp.