Instead, she would tap Tristan on the leg and point to things she found interesting. She was especially wary of the jetties, which were a big pile of slimy rocks covered in barnacles, just as Tristan had described.
After about an hour, they had gathered a nice collection of shells.
Tristan was careful not to take any that had a living creature inside. She and Claire were wading back to the beach when Tristan noticed that Claire’s back and legs were getting red, not to mention the portion of Claire’s bottom that her swimsuit did not cover. “Claire, I think we need to get out of the sun. Your entire back side is getting red.”
Claire didn’t argue the point as her skin began to sting. She glanced over at two men sitting in the sand enjoying the sun. One was openly appraising her as she dried off. Anxiety and fear gripped her as she allowed the thoughts that had been floating in the back of her mind to come to the surface. Were the eyes that had sought her out so many times before now upon her? She swore those eyes were near; she could sense their presence. It was as though she had a link to the person who caused her so many sleepless nights.
Her thoughts and fears slipped back into the recesses of her mind as she felt Tristan’s soft lips on her shoulder. The simple gesture filled her with comfort and the reassurance that Tristan would keep her safe from the person who sought to torment her.
They gathered their things and began the long walk around the point. Neither spoke much, being a little tired from the adventure.
Tristan’s long legs and stride maintained a much faster pace than Claire could keep up with, so she stayed a step or two behind. She admired Tristan’s backside as she walked; the two-piece swimsuit accented some of the tall brunette’s attributes.
Claire mused to herself about Tristan’s sense of modesty. When they were not in the water or lying on the beach, Tristan kept her wrap around her waist. However, on their trek back to the car, the 152
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heat was too intense to bother with the wrap, giving Claire and the other beachgoers something to enjoy.
Claire admired her lover’s muscular and tanned back as she walked. Her eyes trailed down to Tristan’s rear end and settled there for most of the walk. The sight was having an effect on her that could not be blamed on the hot weather. Her desire was kindled further by the memory of the previous night, when she had dug her nails into those firm cheeks. The memories alone were enough to make her heart race.
When they finally made it to the vehicle, each drank an entire bottle of water. Tristan took another couple of bottles out, and they took an impromptu bath to wash the saltwater from their skin.
After they had dried themselves sufficiently, they climbed into the car that Tristan had wisely started to cool when they had arrived.
Claire put her hand on Tristan’s when she reached for the gearshift. “Tris, don’t pull out yet. Let’s just sit here for a few minutes.”
“What’s on your mind? Is there something else you want to do?
You know, you really can’t go back out into the sun today. You’re a lot redder than you realize.”
“That’s not exactly what I had in mind, Tris,” Claire said with a grin as she reached over and ran her fingertips up Tristan’s thigh.
Tristan’s eyebrows arched in surprise. “Weren’t you the one who fussed at me last night about public displays of affection?”
“Yes, but we were outside in the open. Now, we are in a vehicle with tinted windows.” Claire continued to run her fingers up Tristan’s thigh, locking eyes with her as she did, grinning as she felt her lover’s body reacting to her touch.
“Tris, recline that seat, close your eyes, and forget that anyone else is out here but us,” Claire purred as she ran her fingertips under the thin material separating her from her goal.
“This parking lot is full of people, what if we get caught?”
Tristan asked nervously as she looked around.
“That’s part of the thrill.” Claire said in a seductive tone.
It only took Claire a second to realize that Tristan’s body was not opposed to the idea. “Tris, your body is betraying your sensibilities. Relax and let me do what I will. I promise you will not be disappointed.”
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Tristan did as she was asked and reclined her seat. She spread her legs a little wider, giving Claire the room to move the way she wanted. Tristan looked around for anyone who might be coming near the car.
“Close your eyes and relax. If I see anyone coming near, I’ll let you know. The only thing I want you to concentrate on is what you feel,” Claire said as she slid two fingers on each side of the bundle of nerves that obviously craved her attention. She massaged gently and slowly, avoiding direct pressure to the sensitive spot.
“Claire, this may take a while. I can’t help but be a little nervous,” Tristan said breathlessly as she shuddered under Claire’s attentions.
“I’m in no hurry. The longer, the better,” Claire said as she continued to massage the tender area. She watched as the muscles tensed in Tristan’s legs and stomach. Magnificent, Claire thought to herself, as her lover’s body became taut as a bowstring, displaying her muscle tone.
Claire refused to give credence to the nagging voice in the back of her mind, whispering that she had seduced Tristan to free her of the troubling thoughts that haunted her. Taking Tristan like this was a pleasant diversion, and Tristan certainly didn’t seem to mind as Claire dipped her fingers in the well of her passion, then glided them back to the spot that made Tristan shudder.
Tristan’s breathing became erratic as she gripped the sides of her seat. Claire had completely forsaken her duty as lookout. She could not pry her eyes from Tristan as she brought her closer to ecstasy. Tristan’s breath caught in her throat, and Claire watched as Tristan’s body stilled a minute before she cried out her name.
“You are beautiful, baby. I love you so much,” Claire whispered as she watched Tristan struggle to get her breathing under control.
As a double bonus for Claire’s afternoon, she was allowed to drive Tristan’s car back to the condo. The activities of the day had proved to be a little too strenuous on Tristan’s legs, and she was not quite up to working the clutch. Claire wore a proud smile as she drove her exhausted lover in her sports car down the strip.
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN
After a nap and just as Tristan had guessed, she and Claire spent the remainder of the afternoon going from one shell shop to the other. At one in particular, they found a beautiful replica of a lighthouse and decided it would look perfect on the fireplace mantle of the home they shared together. Claire decided to have mercy on Tristan as her eyes glazed over while she was dragged from one shop to another. The two made their way back to the condo, where they were looking forward to spending the last night of a perfect weekend together.
Tristan noticed that Claire kept wincing and pulling at her shirt collar. She also turned the air conditioner down a notch in the car.
“Claire, how about we just pick up something and take it back to the condo? I don’t know if I’m up to going anywhere else tonight.” Claire readily agreed, confirming Tristan’s suspicions that she was uncomfortably sunburned.
Tristan pulled into a convenience store. “I’m going to get something to drink and something for that sunburn of yours.” She closed the car door before Claire could utter a word. When Tristan got back in, she laughed at the way Claire squirmed in her seat.