Sandra reclined on the soft chaise lounge smiling, her eyes closed to the sights and sounds around her. The aroma of the sea filtered through her senses, while she relaxed under the evening stars aboard Creighton’s luxurious, refurbished yacht. She couldn’t believe all that they had done in one simple afternoon. The memories made her feel the tingle of excitement all over again.

After their lunch, they went to Monte Carlo where Creighton had reservations for them to go parasailing. It was amazing, flying above the Mediterranean Sea on the strings of a kite. At first, she refused, she was terrified and all she could think of was the old adage 'if man was meant to fly he’d have been born with wings', but after a considerable amount of persuasion and several heart-stopping smiles, Creighton had her agreeing to try it and she discovered it really was quite simple. He was a magnificent instructor and within a very short time she was up in the air alone, flying behind the rental boat, the wind blowing through her hair and she at last understood what it felt like to be a cloud. She couldn’t remember a time when she had smiled so much or laughed until her sides ached.

The ocean was crystal clear and the most beautiful shade of blue she had ever seen. Looking down a hundred feet above the earth’s surface was very surreal. She often had dreams of flying, but she never imagined actually doing it. She felt free as though she were floating on the wings of the breeze. It was an experience she would never forget as long as she lived.

Shortly before supper, Creighton suggested they try water-skiing, and after flying like a bird, she had the courage to try everything he suggested. This was almost as incredible as parasailing had been, and she found she enjoyed it just as much. Her friend, Amanda Barrett, invited her to go snow skiing in Colorado when she was a senior in high school, but she was too afraid to accept. The idea of lacing large Popsicle sticks on your feet and sliding down a mountain filled with snow and ice wasn’t her idea of having fun. But this, this was exciting, and having Creighton right beside her, teaching her and guiding her, was exhilarating. Every time she fell off the skis, he was there in the water with her helping her back up and hugging her tightly. She felt like a drowned rat by the time they finally went back to the pier, but she had to admit, she would willingly do it again.

The afternoon sped by much too quickly, and they soon found themselves speeding along the coastline to Nice, where they had supper at a little French bistro. After they ate, they visited the Matisse Museum with its two floors and eighteen rooms of eighty pieces of works, comprised of several different mediums and techniques, with works reflecting every period of Matisse’s life. Creighton seemed to know each and every one intimately, telling her about them and helping her to understand the articulate details as only a skilled eye could see.

They walked the beach talking about their day, gathering seashells and skipping an occasional stone across the water’s surface. Her hand remained tucked inside his for what seemed like hours and she felt treasured, cherished, and excited. Warm waves of anticipation caressed her body, bringing with it hopes and dreams of a fantasy come true.

Sandra was completely exhausted by the time they finally left Nice, shortly before eleven o’clock. She drew a contented breath as she stretched out her legs, wiggling her toes and circling her ankles. Her feet hurt, her legs felt like she had run twenty miles and she could feel the sunburn stinging her cheeks and shoulders, but she didn’t care. This was the type of vacation that she had always dreamed of having. Loads of adventure and a very, very handsome man by her side to show her the local attractions.

Creighton’s crew had brought his yacht down to Nice and she found herself once again sitting on the upper deck, sipping Chablis and snacking on cheese and pastries, while talking with Creighton about everything from music to politics. The crew retired early, leaving them alone on deck to enjoy each other’s company in private. The closeness caused her heart to skip a beat. She turned her head and glanced at the man stretched out on the lounge chair next to her, a quiet jazz arrangement echoed from the stereo speakers, his long fingers wrapped gently around a crystal glass. He was positively perfect, more handsome than any man had the right to be. His profile showed his chiseled nose and sculptured cheekbones, chin, and jaw. His skin was flawless and tanned. The usual light dusting of a beard lay across his jaw and upper lip. He looked primal and virile, just like the heroes in her books had been described.

His eyes were closed, giving her the opportunity to admire him without hesitation. His chest was hidden beneath a gray tee-shirt that hugged his muscular arms and torso, his long legs were encased in a pair of dark blue jeans, his feet bare and crossed at the ankles. His jeans seemed to hug him in just the right way that made a woman’s heart race. His muscled arms and a flat, tight stomach made her fingers itch. She smiled and bit her lower lip as she glanced back up to his face, making certain his eyes were still closed, and then back down, allowing her gaze to travel slightly lower than his stomach to the bulge that seemed to beckon her attention.

With his eyes closed, Sandra could inspect him all she wanted without feeling the usual sting of embarrassment. She couldn’t believe how fortunate she was. Out of all the beautiful women the French Riviera offered, she was the one he had chosen to speak with, and yet he had done very little more than kiss her.

“You keep staring at me like that and we’re both going to be in trouble,” he whispered from behind his closed eyes, a slight smile caressing his full lips.

Sandra felt it. The magenta color tinting her face, neck, and ears as he turned his face toward her.

“I don’t mind you looking, I've done it often enough to you, so I suppose it’s only fair.”

The color in her cheeks darkened, she could feel it as the heat made her sunburn sting.

“Oh,” she whispered. What else could she say?

“Are you still hungry?” he asked, pulling his long frame up from the lounge chair, walking toward the table that held a platter of pastries.

“No, thank you, I’ve had enough.”

She watched him pick up the bottle of wine, pouring a little more into his glass before walking back to her, holding the bottle up. She instinctively reached her glass toward him, though she didn't really want anymore to drink, she didn't want the day to end, either.

“Are you tired?” he asked as she yawned.

“A little,” she lied. She didn’t want to say anything that might make him take her back to the hotel.

“Liar,” he accused lightly as he placed the bottle of wine on the deck floor between them and sat on the edge of her lounge chair. “You’re exhausted, and you can barely keep your eyes open.” He paused and looked at her seriously. “Do you want to go back to your hotel, or would you like to stay here.”

She was wide-awake now. She nodded, and he drew a deep breath.

“I’ll get the captain to drive us back.”

He stood from his seat and she realized he had misunderstood her answer.

“No,” she nearly shouted, swinging her legs over the edge of the chaise and stood up. “I mean, I’d like to stay.”

He looked down at her, his eyes darker than normal in the evening light, making the heat soar through her veins, her heart pounding beneath her breast.

“Then let’s get you to bed,” he said in a soft whisper. “I have very special plans for us for tomorrow and you’re going to need all the sleep you can get.”

He leaned into her and kissed her briefly before walking with her through the parlor and down the hall. He stopped outside the door to the master bedroom and looked down at her again, a strange twinkle in his eyes that caused her stomach to lurch unexpectedly.

“Here, or one of the other rooms?” he asked her, and she immediately understood.

She bit her lower lip as she reached for the handle to the door and pushed it open. She couldn’t keep the smile from her lips when she saw the expression cross his face. He looked shocked, exhilarated, and thrilled, and without a second thought, she was lifted into his strong arms and carried across the threshold. As he kicked the door shut, she felt her heart start a wild tango with her breathing, his lips finding hers, and in an instant, they were falling slowly to the cool covers of the large bed, his long leg crossing over hers, holding her in place against the mattress.

She slid her arms around his neck, holding him tight. She didn't want him stopping this time. She wanted to know more, go further and explore these strange and exciting new feelings. As though understanding her desire, he intensified his kiss and softly pressed his erection against her outer thigh, his chest covered the top part of her body as he shifted slightly, holding her prisoner beneath him. She moaned deep within her throat, his tongue invading her mouth, tasting and caressing the deep, wine sweet recesses.

Courage quickly overtook her, and she began to imitate his movements, sparring with him in an oral battle. Her hands slid across his muscular chest and down to his waist. This felt wonderful, she thought, incredible and wicked. The fire of his kiss ignited her desire, traveling down her body and filling every corner of it with a need she had never known.

With a hesitant moan, Creighton removed her fingers from the hem of his shirt, and kissed the tip of each in turn, before lifting her hands above her head. He held them firmly in his hands, making it difficult for her to move as his lips trailed hot kisses across her cheek, to her ear, and down her neck to her collarbone. Her heart began to race inside her chest, an erotic rhythm that thrummed within her ears. Creighton tugged and sucked gently on her earlobe, tracing the outer rim with his tongue.

The sensation drove her desires higher and she moved her head to the side to give him further access, which he took immediate advantage of, kissing and licking the side of her neck, trailing small bites down the length. He released her hands momentarily, and then wrapped them securely, and gently, within the fingers of his large left hand. His right hand traveled down her chest, slipping beneath the hem of her shirt where he caressed and massaged her waist and stomach. She felt the small buttons of her top begin to pop open one at a time, very slowly as they revealed her breasts to his eager explorations.

“Have you ever made love with a man?” he whispered against her ear, his warm hand cupping the swollen mound of her breast through her lacy bra. She shook her head softly and his actions froze. He leaned up and looked into her face, his eyes glowing dark with passion. “How is that possible, or don’t you like men?” he asked softly.

“Yes, I like men. It’s just never been right before,” she whispered. She frowned at his expression, eager, passionate, and hesitant all in one.

“And it does now?” he whispered softly. She nodded, and he smiled. “I have wanted you for so long,” he whispered and closed his eyes briefly. “Since the first moment, I laid eyes on you.”

He slowly released her hands and wrapped her in his embrace, kissing her hair and breathing in the scent of her. They lay on the bed together, feeling the warmth of each other’s body.

“I don’t think it should be like this. Your first time needs to be special, memorable.”

“I don’t want you to stop,” she insisted.

“You’re incorrigible,” he said against her neck as he nuzzled it softly with his lips.

“Please?” she pleaded and was rewarded for her impatience as his warm fingers traced the exposed skin above her bra, his lips returning to her ear, licking and teasing the soft curves. She wasn’t sure what it was exactly that she wanted, or how to proceed in obtaining it, she just knew she didn’t want him to stop.

“I want you so badly,” he told her as he kissed her between her breasts, rolling her to her back.

His tongue drew warm, moist circles across her skin, his hands pushing her breasts together tightly, yet gently. She moaned and moved her arms above her head, allowing him full access to her quivering body.

Sandra closed her eyes and fell into a pool of sensation. She had never felt anything as incredible as his touch on her bare skin, then a cool breeze blew across her. He had found the front opening of her bra and unfastened it, pushing the thin material aside.

“Never wear any other type of bra,” he told her with an appreciative grin, his lips grazing the delicate skin, tracing her areola with the tip of his tongue, nipping and sucking her erect nipple.

The sensation was extraordinary, the heat and passion burned into her flesh, his tongue branding her with searing kisses. She heard the deep rumble of his moan, feeling the vibration against her tender flesh as her back arched, her breast pressing deeper into his mouth. His tongue lavishly bathed her, and she was transported to another planet. No reasonable thought, no audible communication was possible as he began to suck her nipple harder, her back arching further against his hot mouth.

Creighton took full advantage of her eagerness, gently sliding one erect nipple between his teeth, biting gently and easing it deeper into his hot mouth. He teased and caressed the sensitive skin with his tongue, over and over, repeating the delicious torture to the other breast until she was certain her soul would explode.

“More,” she moaned, hearing his deep, reluctant groan.

“No more,” he whispered and pushed away from her slightly. “You need sleep and I want better for you, but I promise I won’t make you wait long.”

She looked at him and frowned. How could he possibly say no? Wasn’t he feeling the same heat she was? But before she could utter a single word, he pressed his hard erection against her thigh again, and she felt his response burn into her.

“But I want you now. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

She couldn’t believe the words had just come from her mouth, but then she couldn’t believe he was rejecting her, either. She watched him as he rose to his knees beside her, staring down into her passion-filled eyes. He sat there for a long moment, taking in the sight of her exposed breasts before he reached down and unfastened the snap of her jeans.

“Just like Christmas,” he whispered. His eyes returning to hers and she smiled brightly.

“My present to you,” she whispered with a warm blush as his fingers slowly caressed the exposed skin above the closed zipper.

“I will never be satisfied with another gift after this,” he told her and with painstaking slowness, he slid the zipper down, pulling the flaps apart carefully, and slipping his long fingers gently between her jeans and panties. He caressed and kneaded the soft material that covered her desire until she moaned, smiling wickedly as he gathered the material between his fingers, tugging her panties so the elastic slipped into the moisture between her labia. She moaned again, and he released the tension on her panties, only to pull it again a little more eagerly. He did this again, then once more and stopped.

Her eyes opened wide, following him as he moved from the bed to stand at the foot, untying the laces to her shoes. He slipped them off one at a time, followed by her socks. He let all four fall carelessly to the floor, then flexed her knees up, bending them and pushing them apart gently, her feet braced on the mattress. His fingers traced the inseam of her pants from ankle to crotch, resting his hand firmly against the zipper, pressing the metal teeth into her sensitive flesh.

His touch was maddening, and she closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of his firm fingers as he ran them back down the inside of her legs and slowly up again. He paused momentarily, his fingers playing with the waistband of her pants before he gently began pulling them down. Sandra’s eyes opened to see him smiling at her, while he tugged the material over her hips and down her legs to lie on the floor with her shoes and socks.

Creighton didn’t move for several long moments, his eyes traveling down from her exposed breasts, to her damp panties, then farther down her thighs to her bent legs. He ran his hand down the path his eyes had just taken, allowing his fingers to burn a blazing path of desire across her delicate skin. She moaned and closed her eyes again as he slid a long finger across her panties and stopped. She could feel his eyes on her, the palm of his hand pressing hard against her moist need. Her eyes opened slowly to see him staring into her face again, a soft smile caressing the corners of his mouth. He slid the tip of his tongue out, slowly caressing his lips and causing her to gasp, though she couldn’t understand why his action was so erotic.

He pulled the front of her panties together once more, tugging them sharply until the elastic flipped into the crevice between her labia, making her moan as his eyes turned the shade of midnight. He slowly climbed on the end of the bed, moving his thighs between her legs, pressing his weight into the mattress as he nudged her upwards with his knees against her firm backside.

Without moving his eyes from hers, he released his grip on her panties, then slipped his hands beneath her back and lifted her up to sit in his lap as he deftly removed her shirt and bra from her shoulders. He ran his hands slowly up and down her spine, his tongue licking her from ear to neck, to collarbone. His fingers removed the tight elastic wrap from her hair, and with a low primal growl, he wrapped the long tresses around his fist. He held her on his lap as he moved his lips to hers, kissing her until she was panting. He slowly unwound her hair and lowered her to the bed again, his knees positioned between her spread thighs. She lay beneath his intent gaze, his eyes traveling across every inch of her slender body.

“I have never seen anything more beautiful,” he whispered, his hands moving up the inside of her legs, pushing them further apart until she was spread wide open beneath his eager gaze.

“Not even in the hayloft?” she asked shyly.

“Not even in a million haylofts,” he assured her. “I will never allow anyone to take my gift from me,” he told her possessively and she blushed watching his expression devour her.

With excruciating slowness, he caressed the length of her inner thighs with his thumbs, making her moan again. She closed her eyes and sank further into the mattress, her delicate skin alive with his touch. Her stomach clenched, the apex of her desire quivered when his fingers slowly touched and caressed her through her thin panties.

Sandra moaned breathlessly, her hips rising slightly from the comfort of the bed. Creighton chuckled softly, his tone deep and husky and she could feel his warm breath against her knee as he lifted her legs higher, resting her feet on his thighs. His hand continued to caress her exposed flesh, until she opened her eyes and looked down, watching him kiss and taste the soft skin of her ankle with his tongue. He raised her leg in the air above his head, kissing her calf, the back of her knee, her thigh, blazing a trail of desire through each touch of his lips on her skin, resting her leg across his broad shoulder. He looked into her sparkling eyes, repeating this action with her other leg, until she had him embraced between them, just as her arms had been a few moments ago.

He leaned across her in deliberate slow motion, trailing warm kisses along her inner thighs, first one than the other. She felt like she was on fire, closing her eyes again, feeling his hot breath caress her sensitive flesh. His lips brushed the elastic outline of her panties, and she bit her lip and gasped. His mouth moved against the silky fabric, his breath heating the underlying moisture. The waves of desire began to wash over her as strange sensations came alive between her legs, and she could feel the moisture begin to grow hot with the pent-up need.

Just when she thought she could bear no more; the material of her panties was pushed aside. She opened her eyes and watched him as he bent lower across her, blowing his heated breath against the short brown curls between her legs. He didn’t move for several agonizing breaths, he just looked at her, his eyes setting her flesh on fire with a need she had never before felt.

“So wet.” He gently touched the layer of curls causing her to gasp. “All mine.”

She watched him remove her panties, sliding them off first one leg and then the other, replacing her legs across his shoulders. Sandra closed her eyes again, feeling the bed sink under his weight as he stretched out between her legs. The warmth of his tongue began to caress the soft folds of her desire, causing her to close her eyes tighter, unable to watch what he was doing. It seems so wrong, but it felt so incredibly right.

Creighton’s tongue was very skillful as it dipped into the moisture, his own desire making him growl deeply. The sound vibrated against her heat, causing her to lift her hips up to meet his tongue, seeking closer contact. She felt the sensations, the swirling insanity as his mouth caressed and tasted the top of her inner folds. She was dizzy and knew something was about to happen but had no idea at what depth he would take her.

She moaned again, her legs around his shoulders tightened, her hands clenched the covers of the mattress. The waves of volcanic heat overtook her, and she felt the dam of resistance break free beneath his touch. Her back arched, her hands balling even tighter in the material beneath her and she cried out.

Creighton was ruthless. He didn’t stop his torturous teasing, his fingers joining the game, rubbing against the small nub his tongue had been playing with, sending her release to a deeper depth. She cried out his name when he gently bit her and sucked the small bud into his mouth. Her hips writhed beneath him, and she felt the sting of his finger when he slid one inside her virginal body. She couldn’t stand anymore as the passion ripped within her like a tornado. She tried to struggle her hips lose of his grip, causing him to chuckle, deep and vibrating against her very sensitive flesh. She was a mass of quivering sensations, but he held her down to the mattress, holding her hips prisoner beneath his lavish assault.

Sandra cried out again, louder, trying to pull away from his incredible tongue, but he continued for several more moments, sliding two fingers inside her, swirling them around and thrusting them in and out at a leisurely pace. The need exploded on a much higher plane, and she heard herself scream with this new, deeper release. He slowly relented and stopped his torturous tongue lashing, allowing her to settle back against the mattress. She could hardly breathe. Her heart was pounding wildly, her lungs heaving heavily as they struggled for air.

Creighton moved up to lay next to her on the bed, wrapping her tightly in his embrace, her left leg lying across his hip, his right thigh pressing against her wet apex. She could feel the sweat on his chest and arms as her body began to quiet, her breathing slowly returned to a soft pant.

Several long moments passed before her heartbeat returned to normal and she could think once again. That was possibly the most incredible thing I have ever experienced, she thought, but something deep inside assured her they weren’t finished yet.

“Still want more?” Creighton asked softly against her ear and she felt his own desire press against her.

How could she possibly handle more? But then that word brought with it a new stirring of her imagination. She moved slightly so she could look into his dark eyes and saw the need shining in their depths. Sandra smiled shyly and realized his long fingers were still inside her. The deep desire in his eyes grew more urgent, his gaze holding her prisoner. His fingers moved slowly in and out of her, his thumb caressing the spot that he had been suckling a few moments before. A knowing smile twitched his lips and she couldn’t believe she was feeling it again, so soon, but her stomach began to clench, and she blushed as he watched her. He looked at her with raised eyebrows, silently wanting an answer to his question. She nodded and blushed as he kissed her forehead, her temple, across to her ear, and down her neck.

And so, it begins again, she thought, closing her eyes and resting her head back against the mattress. Everything she had just felt was waking again, and her breath was becoming a series of soft panting moans. He moved his fingers in and out for several long moments before removing them completely, causing her to moan with regret. Her eyes opened, watching him slip his fingers into his mouth. Sandra gasped as she watched him, it was so seductive but so naughty, and she couldn’t help blushing, feeling the heat spread all the way down to her toes. Creighton’s smile was seductive and reassuring, and he leaned into her, kissing her lips passionately. She was shocked when she realized she could taste the moisture of her release against his lips.

The feeling quickly came alive again as his tongue began to dance with hers, waking all her senses with a dizzy sensation. She was not sure what was going to happen, but she found her legs spreading further apart, his fingers returning to the wet opening he had been playing with, thrusting deeper into her, the palm of his hand pressing against that spot, that small wonderful spot that he had given birth of womanhood to. He rubbed and pressed, rubbed and pressed, again and again. She could feel it, the need, the desire, swirling around the room, floating on the tidal wave of passion. She wanted it, that incredible whirlpool of release and she moaned into his mouth as he rolled her back onto the bed, pushing her legs further apart, settling between them. He moved his fingers out of her again and began to pinch and massage the nub of her desire.

“Are you ready?” he asked her gently, leaning on his elbows above her and she opened her eyes.

She looked at the expression on his face and realized this was it, her last chance to say no, but instinctively she nodded. A relieved smile twisted the corners of Creighton’s lips and he leaned down, placing one last kiss across her mouth. She felt the tip of his hard, moist manhood press against her and she gasped. It was so much larger than his fingers had been, and a moment of fear began to echo through her, causing her to tense beneath him.

“Trust me?” he asked against her lips as though he could read her mind. There was something in his soft voice that made her realize she did trust him.

“Yes,” she whispered, feeling the warmth press against her harder.

“Look at me,” he said with whispered words. “I want to watch you.”

Sandra blushed as she stared into his eyes, feeling warm and protected. The hard tip of his desire pressed against her harder. With a small push, it broke through and the tip was thrust into the small tight opening, causing her to gasp.

“Breathe,” he told her. “Take a deep breath and let it out.”

She did as he instructed. She exhaled and slowly filled her lungs with the sweet musky scent of him. With a quick, almost savage action, he thrust deep into her in one fluent movement, his teeth clenched as their eyes locked and she cried out in a mixture of a moan and a sob. He held still for a moment as her eyes shut tightly. Damn, that hurt, she thought.

“Breathe, my love,” he told her with a soft kiss to her forehead and she realized she was holding her breath.

She exhaled and felt the tension slowly release as her body adjusted to the fullness of him.

“Ready?” he asked again, and she nodded, looking back into his eyes.

He frowned slightly, wiping away the tear that slid down her cheek. With excruciating slowness, he moved out of her then quickly thrust back in. She gasped as he pulled out slowly, thrusting hard yet again. It was a rhythm he continued and after a few moments, she began to expect it, feeling the heat build around him. As he continued his agonizing actions, she could feel him grow even thicker, and she began to moan. It was the second most incredible thing she had experienced that night.

His pace began to increase, and she could feel the need burning to life again, the now-familiar dizzy sensation controlling her senses. She closed her eyes and drew a deep breath, panting at the exquisite sensations that surrounded her lower regions. A moment later and her world began to explode, and she found herself clutching him to her breast as he lay against her. His pace slowed slightly, allowing her to come down from her euphoria before he reached down and lifted her legs, wrapping them around his waist, bringing an even deeper contact between them.

Creighton began his hard thrusting again, more quickly and more demanding. After a few insane moments, his actions stilled inside her, his deep primal growl echoed through the quiet room, and she smiled. Sandra lifted her hips into him, intending to tease him, but he grabbed her tighter and began thrusting again, deeper, harder until she moaned loudly. It was a sensation so overpowering, and she felt the explosion erupt inside her once more, clinging to him, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

A few moments passed before they collapsed into each other, panting for air, their hearts pounding a wild rhythm against each other. Sandra drew a deep breath, trying to steady herself, listening to the soft rumble of the man’s chuckle as he rolled off her, stretching out beside her. She opened her eyes to see him staring down at her with a gentle smile and blushed.

“Thank you,” he whispered kissing the tip of her nose. She frowned staring at him when he winked. “My present was definitely worth opening early.” She blushed, and he pulled her into a warm embrace. “You do realize, you’ve totally ruined my plans for tomorrow.”

“How?” she asked and looked into his relaxed expression.

“I was planning on taking the yacht out to the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and spending the entire day making love to you.” She smiled again, snuggling her head closer to his moist chest.

“So, what’s stopping you?”

“I wanted your first time to be memorable,” he chastised her. “But you were far too eager. How many people do you know have made love for the first time, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea?”

“How many people do you know make love with an incredible man, after a day of parasailing and water-skiing? I will remember this day…all of it…. the rest of my life.”

“Are you telling me you enjoyed yourself? Today I mean, not just tonight?” She nodded and smiled into his chest, yawning deeply as she wrapped herself in his embrace.

“Wait until my sister hears everything that’s happened,” she said sleepily. “She’s going to shit a brick.”

A warm sensation touched her cheek and Sandra frowned, stretching deeply, rolling to her back, her eyes refusing to open. She moaned at the sensation of many sore muscles coming awake. Her legs ached, her back was stiff and there was something that twinged at the junction between her legs. Then she remembered the day before. The parasailing, the water-skiing, the museum, and the incredible night she spent in Creighton’s arms, and she smiled. She heard the soft warm chuckle vibrating close to her ear and felt the warmth of his lips brush her cheek, causing the familiar blush to creep up her neck.

“Do you know how beautiful you are in the morning?” he asked her against her ear, his tongue softly tracing the contour of her earlobe. “Are you sore?” Sandra blushed and nodded softly, causing him to chuckle again, her eyes remaining closed. “I think the best thing for that would be a little exercise. We need to work out your tenderness, while you work on my stiffness.” Sandra’s blush deepened, and he laughed openly in the silent room.

“If I didn’t have other plans for you today, I’d come back to bed and take advantage of your willingness.”

“Who said I was willing?” she asked, refusing to open her eyes.

“That bottom you’ve been pushing against me the past five minutes says you’re more than willing. Now, are you going to sleep the day away, or do I have to give you a reason to wake up?”

Sandra giggled softly, rolling onto her side again and pulled the covers up to her chin, snuggling deeper into the blankets. Creighton laughed, pulling her back toward his chest.

“As tempting and inviting as you are, my love, you can’t stay in bed, not yet at least. Last night spoiled my idea of our first time, but I won’t be cheated out of the rest of my plans. Get up and come eat. We’ll be anchoring soon, and I want you fed and ready for what I have in mind.”

She rolled over reluctantly and opened her eyes, staring at the handsome man behind her.

“Are you regretting last night?” she asked him with a frown and watched a strange emotion cross through his deep eyes.

“I will never regret last night, and I won’t allow you to either. What happened between us was magical. I may have had another idea in mind, but it was nothing compared to what happened. Now get up and come eat.”

He kissed the tip of her nose before walking to the end of the bed, yanking the covers off her in one fluid movement. She screeched and threw a pillow at him, listening to his deep laughter as he dodged the object.

“Don’t shower yet,” he told her as he reached in his dresser drawer and tossed her a light blue tee-shirt. “You’ll have time after breakfast. Now get a move on unless you want me to drag you up on deck, completely starkers.”

She smiled behind him as he left the room, allowing her time to dress in private. Playing with a man in the morning was a new experience for her and she was eager for it to continue.

Sandra slipped the shirt across her head and turned to find her panties. Her clothes had been picked up and placed on a chair near the side of the bed, her shoes tucked underneath, but her panties were not with them. She pulled the blankets back and searched the bed, under the bed, even the adjoining bathroom, but they were nowhere to be found. She couldn’t go up on deck without panties, but realization quickly began to filter into her mind, and she smiled wickedly. That was exactly what he wanted her to do. He had her panties or had hidden them, and he wanted her to go without them.

She went into the bathroom with the intent to brush her hair, but before she could find a comb or brush, she heard her phone ringing from somewhere in the bedroom. Sandra went in search of it, recognizing Cathy’s personal ring. Creighton must have brought her purse in from the deck and she found her phone along with it on his dresser.

“Sandy, you didn’t call me yesterday. How did your date go?” Sandra giggled at the excited tone in her sister’s voice.

“It was amazing, Cathy, and I have a ton of pictures to show you.”

“What happened? Tell me everything.” Sandra blushed. She had no intention of telling her everything.

“Well, we had supper on Creighton’s yacht,” she told her and smiled again as her sister gasped on the other end of the phone. “And yesterday, we went parasailing and water-skiing, and we went to the Matisse Museum in Nice. It has been the most amazing twenty-four hours of my life.”

“That sounds great, but parasailing? Water-skiing? Okay, who are you and what did you do with my sister?” Cathy laughed, and Sandra had no choice but to join in with her.

“So, what plans does Mr. Wonderful have for you today? Climbing Mount Everest, perhaps?”

“I have no idea,” she answered honestly. “He said he has a full day planned for us, but he won’t tell me what. It’s a surprise.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re having fun. By the way, where are you? I called the hotel when you didn’t answer your phone this morning and they said you weren’t there.” Sandra blushed deeply. She didn’t know how to tell her sister that she spent the night making love with the greatest, sexiest man she had ever laid eyes on.

“That’s because I’m not at the hotel. Creighton woke me up earlier and we’re having breakfast on his yacht.” That sounded innocent enough, right?

They continued to talk for a few more minutes before Sandra assured her sister she would call when she got a chance, hung up, and returned to the bathroom. She found a brush in the vanity drawer and quickly smoothed it through her long brown hair. Next to the sink was a clean washcloth, a new toothbrush still in the package, and a stick of deodorant. She quickly made use of the items and glanced up into the shining green eyes that looked back at her through the mirror’s reflection. She looked a bit red, but she wasn’t sure if that was from the sunburn or the result of not wearing panties. She had a small bruise on her collarbone, and she frowned inspecting it. She didn’t remember getting injured, but when she looked at it closer, she saw the color build up beneath her delicate flesh. She recognized what it really was. It was from him. She had seen one on Cathy once and thought Nana was going to have a heart attack when she saw it.

Sandra returned to the bedroom, replaced her phone in her purse, and glanced down at the bed. She frowned at the dried blood, a tell-tail sign of her gift to Creighton. With a shy smile, she tugged the hem of the shirt a little lower and tried not to look embarrassed as she hurried out of the room. She found Creighton sitting at the dining table on the uppermost deck, talking on his cellphone. With a deep breath to steady her nerves, Sandra walked toward him, thankful that his shirt was so much longer than her torso as she sat in the one and only vacant chair beside him. There were a number of platters on the table. Eggs, bacon, sausage, crepes, pastries, and fresh fruit awaited her. She looked around, unable to decide what to choose first, and opted to think about it over a glass of orange juice.

Creighton didn’t acknowledge her presence and continued to speak…she thought it was Italian…over the phone but he didn’t look at all happy. His face looked tense, his jaw clenched, and an irritated frown pulled his brows together while he listened silently for several minutes before speaking again.

After nearly fifteen minutes, he disconnected the call and sat it on the table with a hard thump, reaching for his coffee cup. He lifted it to his lips and frowned as he realized the contents were cold. Creighton stood up and walked to the railing of the ship, dumping it out into the water. He leaned against the railing, his back to Sandra, not saying a word. The spray of saltwater could be felt through the breeze as the yacht traveled to its new destination. The feelings radiating from the man were not pleasant ones and she was unsure how to react to him. Deciding to do as he said earlier, she filled a plate with food and slowly began to eat. It was really quite delicious; however, it was almost tasteless with the overwhelming tension bouncing across the deck.

Sandra cleared her throat and ventured to speak, but before she had a chance, Creighton returned to the table, sitting back in his seat silently. He flicked his napkin and placed it across his knee before taking the pot of coffee and refilling his now empty mug. He reached for the plate of pastries in front of her and without hesitation, she pushed it out of his reach. He turned and frowned at her, but she chose to continue eating, ignoring him completely. She reached for her glass of juice and took a long drink, hoping to calm her nerves and hide her smile.

Creighton turned his gaze back to the table and reached again for the plate, but she once more pushed it out of his grasp. This time he turned to her with a wicked gleam in his dark eyes, but she chose to pretend not to notice. He sat there watching her for a moment before turning away. He tried once more to reach for the plate and instead of pushing it aside, she did nothing. He was stunned, expecting to have to fight for the plate and frowned his confusion as he picked up a jelly-filled roll. He took a big bite of the sweet pastry and began to chew it. Another bite and a glance her way and still he frowned.

The ball was in her court as her grandfather was so fond of saying. As he reached for his coffee cup, a strange sensation came over her, and she slid the hem of her shirt up her thigh, and tucked it between her legs, exposing her bare hip. Sandra slid her hand over her outer thighs and lifted the material up around her hips, exposing her bare bottom. Creighton caught her movement out of the corner of his eye and stopped immediately, his coffee cup perched to his open mouth. A moment later he was jumping from his seat, hot coffee soaking into his shirt and spilling onto his lap.

Sandra looked at him and blinked innocently as he wiped at the moisture with the cloth napkin, cursing violently. He looked up at her, anger etching his features, but she chose to ignore it and continued to stare at him innocently. Moments passed as they stared silently at each other over the space of the deck. She found it near impossible to contain her flittering heartbeat but managed to remain calm. The game they had been playing consumed her mind and actions as she casually reached for the coffee pot, and poured more into his cup, then slid it quietly to where he had been sitting. She turned her attention back to the plate in front of her and was surprised to find it was empty.

Creighton moved cautiously toward the table again, removing his soiled shirt as he approached, leaving him bare-chested in just a dark pair of blue jeans. It took all the strength she had not to reach out and touch his muscled torso. Instead, she reached for her orange juice and took a drink, just as he slipped her missing panties onto the empty plate in front of her, causing her to cough on the sweet liquid. She fought the urge to giggle, picking up the soft fabric, remembering how he looked last night when he removed them.

The boat came to a slow halt and the motor shut off, the sound of the anchor dropping sloshed in the water behind them. She slid the panties off the plate and onto her lap when the captain stepped out of the glass-enclosed bridge, thankful for the long tablecloth that hid her naked behind from observers. Creighton stood and walked to the side of the yacht where Captain Prestley Shaw waited patiently for him. They spoke together for several long moments, allowing Sandra a chance to regain her composure. The captain nodded his bald head and walked down the steps to the lower deck as Creighton turned and sauntered back to the table as though nothing had happened.

Several moments later the sound of a motor echoed in the morning stillness, causing Sandra to look around in time to see a small boat disappear toward the coastline with the entire ship’s crew. A sudden shock raced through her when she realized they were all alone. There was nobody to hear her screams and nobody to interrupt them. The idea of being completely alone with this man-made the heat flow through her veins and her heart began to skip within her chest.

Creighton said nothing as he returned to his breakfast, a wicked grin lying across his lips. The game was afoot as her book-heroines would say. She was amazed by her audacity and lack of shame as she sat there, her panties in her lap, the hem of her make-shift dress raised so high that her naked behind rested on the cushion of the seat. She was completely exposed from the waist down to a man she had known only a few days. Still, the idea of teasing him brought a new surge of heat racing through her veins. A strange clenching took hold of her insides as her lower regions began to tingle.

Sandra reached for the plate of pastries, no longer hungry, but chose to continue her torture on the man. She nearly giggled, playing with him was erotic and fun, and she liked how it made her feel wicked and wanton. She slowly began to imitate the many actions she’d seen girls perform over the years to drive their boyfriends crazy. She slid her finger across the top of one pastry, removing the cream and slowly slipped it into her mouth, closing her eyes and sucking her finger clean. She knew he was watching her. She could feel his eyes on her and she fought the giggle while she slowly repeated the action again.

A moment later and a thought snuck into her mind. She sat the pastry on her plate and stood slowly, picking up her panties and walking toward the railing of the ship. She took a quick glance around their surroundings to make certain there were no visitors on the shore, or houses nearby, to witness her wicked actions, then turned around and looked at the dark eyes watching her intently.

With an innocent smile, she stretched her arm out across the side of the ship, her panties dangling from her fingers, then simply let go, allowing them to drop into the water. Creighton’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open, but he continued to watch her silently, unable or unwilling to speak. Her smile never left her lips as she removed the shirt, he had given her to wear, and did the same thing, nearly laughing as the fabric disappeared from her fingers.

Sandra walked slowly back toward the table, completely naked, making certain to keep a good distance between them. She picked up the pastry that she had been playing with, and slowly slid the tip of her tongue over the frosting flower on top. She licked it and moaned softly, curling the end of her tongue around the frosting, slipping it slowly into her mouth. She watched the stunned look on his face quickly turn dark, seductive. He leaned back on the legs of the chair and looked at her intently, clearing his throat.

“Like playing games, do you?” he whispered with a wicked grin.

She looked at him and batted her long eyelashes innocently. She didn’t know what the hell she was doing, but she liked what it was doing to him, and she could actually feel herself getting wet in that secret place she knew he liked so well.

“On the bed is a box,” he whispered slowly, watching her expression when he stood, taking the pastry from her hand and squeezed it gently. He ran a finger along the side where the cream filling oozed out as he spoke to her. “Take a shower and put on what’s inside the box. I’ve only got enough patience for fifteen minutes. I want you ready when I join you.” He lifted his finger to her mouth and slowly spread the cream across her lips, allowing her to lick it off. She wanted to ask questions, but her throat felt suddenly dry. He repeated his actions with the pastry again, but this time he slid the cream into her mouth and smiled as she sucked his finger clean.

“Go now,” he ordered in a husky tone, removing his finger slowly from her mouth. “You’re wasting time.”

“And if I choose to take a bath instead of a shower?” she asked, his wet finger slowly running down her neck to her exposed cleavage, shocked by her own forwardness.

She didn’t even know if he had a tub on this boat. Creighton’s smile reassured her that he wasn’t immune to her actions, and chuckled softly, cupping her breast in his hand, his fingers deftly kneading and pinching her nipple until she moaned.

“Then one of us will be in a lot of trouble,” he whispered. “I’m not opposed to baths. I just have special plans for you today and I’m quickly losing patience. Now go. The crew will be back at five o’clock and I don’t want to waste a single moment we have alone.”

She didn’t know what to say, so she chose to say nothing, but used her tongue instead to lick her lips in a very seductive action. She slowly turned out of his grasp and walked away…totally naked…swaying her hips as she left.