Beyond Me by Jennifer Probst Read Free Book Online Page B

seemed massive behind the ridge of his jeans. I imagined him slipping between my thighs and I moaned again, sinking into an animal state where I didn’t care about anything except slaking the ache.
    “James. Please.”
    He breathed heavily, and when he finally lifted his head, those aquamarine eyes sucked me in, foggy with lust and naked want. I went to reach for him again, but the sound of laughter close by made me stiffen as reality leaked in. Holy shit, I was on a public beach with people everywhere! This was not like me at all; I was an extremely private person. The thought of strangers watching me practically climb on him with my dress exposing my girly parts freaked me out. Shaking, I tried to pull back, but he realized I was upset and tightened his hold. Tucking my head under his chin, he pressed a kiss into my hair, gently caressing my back.
    “I can’t believe I did that,” I muttered against his chest. His T-shirt was soft and smelled like Snuggle dryer sheets.
    “Shh, my fault. I got crazy. I want you so bad, Quinn. I’d love for you to come back to my house so we can finish what we started, but I think it’s too soon. I screwed up once, I’m not going to do it again.”
    His words both comforted and disappointed. I halfway wanted him to haul me in his arms, drag me to the hotel, and give me no choice. My brain began to uncloud, and I realized he was right. I loved the idea of having a quick night, but honestly, when it came to ripping off my clothes and actually having sex, I kind of liked to know a guy better.
    His control confirmed another layer of my trust. Did he do it on purpose? And if so, did it really matter? We both wanted each other. We had the week stretched ahead of us, and my goal was to let go a bit and live. What was I fighting so hard to protect?
    I relaxed in his arms and enjoyed being wrapped up tight. Safe. Weird, I was always the one in charge and taking care of people. Had anyone ever made me feel protected? “Thank you,” I finally said. “Things got a bit out of control.”
    His chest rumbled with laughter. He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “I like the idea of getting you so hot you forget we’re in public,” he teased. He pulled back and tipped up my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “But don’t get me wrong, Quinn. I’m not going to be able to wait much longer. You make me a little crazy.”
    I smiled. “Crazy is good, right?”
    He kissed me again, slow and sweet, with the moonlight streaming over us. “Yeah,” he said softly. “Come sailing with me tomorrow.”
    I tried to think if I’d made any plans. I had none. Mackenzie had been insistent we separate until our breakfast meeting on Tuesday. It was all in her master plan to make sure we came back with two less virgins and one who finally orgasmed. So embarrassing. “That sounds like fun.”
    “Good. Come to the marina at eleven.”
    “You have a boat?”
    He grinned. “Sure. My parents taught me all the necessary skills for success in life. Tennis. Sailing. Keeping a stiff upper lip. And preserving appearances at all costs.” Darkness flashed and stole some of the humor in his eyes, but then he was kissing me again and I didn’t care. He groaned and finally stepped away. “You’re addicting. I can’t keep my hands off you.”
    Pleasure tingled in my veins. I wasn’t the type to inspire men to want to rip off my clothes, they usually would rather discuss a situation or be friends. I was glad the dark hid my pink cheeks so I didn’t look like a virginal idiot. “Fishing?” I asked.
    “Do you want to?”
    I shook my head. “No, I feel too bad for the fish.”
    “Then we’ll let the water take us wherever we want.”
    The image of being with him alone on a boat in Key West made excitement unfurl in my belly. Oh yeah. I’d be sleeping with him tomorrow if everything went okay. But did I trust him to be out on the water without anyone else?
    Yes. Hell yes.
    “I’d like that,” I