a paperback, and we headed to the water.
I found a secluded spot near some large rocks jutting into the water. The temperature was a near perfect 85 degrees and the constant breeze guaranteed it wouldn’t get too sweltering in the sunshine. I was really starting to love Florida. Sand, surf and sunshine—what was not to love?
I was surprised to see that Daniel had followed me. He put his towel down next to mine and we both sat stretched out on the sand.
“What did you bring to read?” Daniel asked.
I held up the book Savages.
He scrunched up his nose. “Do you like it?”
“So far. I haven’t had a chance to read very much of it yet.”
“Did you bring sunscreen? I wouldn’t want you to get burnt.”
I held up my SPF 30 and he nodded. “Let me know if you need help putting it on your back.”
I handed him the sunscreen and turned my back toward him. I could feel him squeeze some of the cream on my back. Then with soft but deliberate movements, he rubbed the substance into my skin. I liked the feeling of his hands on me. Jolts of electricity moved through my body with every one of his strokes. I imagined him touching the rest of me with his strong hands.
“There,” he said when he finished. I was a little sad he was no longer touching me. “Now your back won’t burn.”
I gave him a quick smile. I liked having Daniel take care of me, even if he went a little overboard sometimes. I had never been taken care of by a man. Jeff had always expected to be taken care of.
“You don’t have to stay here with me,” I said. “I know you probably want to spend time with your friends. I want you to. That’s why I brought my book.”
“Are you sure you’ll be all right?” There was apprehension in his voice. Was he really that insecure about me and our relationship?
I looked into Daniel’s eyes. “I’m here with you, Daniel. I don’t want anyone else. You don’t have to worry.”
He nodded, but I sensed he wasn’t completely convinced. I wondered what had happened in his past to make him feel so insecure.
“Please go have fun with your friends,” I said. “It would make me happy.”
“Okay, but only to make you happy,” he said as he rose and grabbed his gear. I watched as he headed over to where Eddie, Joey-G and Ricky were getting set up.
I watched the guys for a while as they did their thing. It was kind of exhilarating watching them and I imagined the adrenaline rush they got from soaring through the waves and then flying through the air on their boards.
After a while, I decided to read my book. With the warmth of the sun, the light gulf breeze and the relaxing sound of waves, it didn’t take long for me to drift off to sleep.
I was dreaming about Daniel’s hands on my body…when the feeling of cool sand being thrown on my arm interrupted my revere.
I opened an eye and saw Eddie standing over me. He flicked another bit of sand at me with his foot.
“Wake up, Sleeping Beauty,” he said as he plopped down on the sand next to me.
“Stop throwing sand on me,” I moaned.
“Technically, I was kicking sand on you, not throwing it.” He picked up a small bit of sand and threw it on my arm. “That’s throwing sand.”
I flipped over to face him and sat up. “I don’t want any sand on me.”
“Then you might not want to lie on the beach.” Boy, was he on a roll.
I glared at him. “What do you want, Eddie?”
He gave me a sexy-as-hell grin that showed his dimple. Electricity raced through my body.
Shit.
He had his shirt off and I noticed beads of sweat were glistening on his tanned abs. I had to restrain myself from wondering how salty his sweat would taste if I licked it from his chest.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
I immediately scanned the beach for signs of Daniel.
“He’s out there,” Eddie said pointing toward the gulf. I could see Daniel was pretty far from shore.
“And why aren’t you out there with the other guys?”
“Because I’d rather be here with you.” His eyes locked with mine and my stomach clenched. “Just so you know, if you were mine, I’d have you sunbathing in the middle of the beach in your little bikini so every guy within half a mile could see you. But that’s because I