The Virginity Mission by Cate Ellink Read Free Book Online

body entwined this closely to his. Or will that be too overwhelming? I move against him. His cock jumps against me and my stomach twists. Definitely too overwhelming.
    We stay like this while we chat about ourselves, our lives. All those bizarre things you talk about when you first meet. It’s easy talking with him now. A few kisses has relaxed me and given me confidence. He’s fun, interesting and he feels damn good wrapped around me.
    â€œWhat you do to me, crazy girl.” He punctuates with a kiss to my nose. “How long are you away for?”
    I lay my head against his shoulder. As well as arousal, there’s comfort in his touch. I revel in being close to him. My body against his. And he’s tall. Tall enough to make me feel protected. I could be here forever. “Seventeen days is the plan but it could blow out to twenty.” The reason it could blow out to twenty days is me—I’m slow and the group wants to add in some time ‘in case’. The ‘in case’ means they’re worried I’ll get even slower but no one says that. I hope I can keep up the pace.
    â€œAnd after that, the mangroves?”
    Oh, thank goodness he hasn’t asked the reason for the extra days. But how on earth does he know where we’re going next? I frown as I look up at him. And then I realise. Logistics. He’s in charge of logistics. For a moment I thought he’d looked it up for me, to find out where I was going, but it’s just his job. Fool. I look away over his shoulder into the darkness.
    â€œI would have looked it up, you know.” His amused voice makes my foolish heart sing. He must read minds. “We’re all due R&R. I thought I’d take mine when you guys are doing your mangrove work.”
    This means nothing to me. When he takes his break is not something I can change or worry about. “Why?”
    â€œI thought I’d be like Tim, but have my R&R at the caravan park. Do a bit for the mangrove team while I’m there. Drop the group to the boats each morning, pick them up in the afternoon and have my days, and nights, free.” The way he pauses either side of the words, ‘and nights’, sends sensations like shards of glass shooting through my body. Are they significant pauses? Is this an invitation?
    â€œJust you?” Why on earth did I say that? I could hit myself but I don’t have time before he replies.
    â€œWould you prefer someone else?” He doesn’t grin this time. His face is serious and in the darkness I feel his eyes boring into mine. I’ve hurt him.
    â€œGod, no.” Real swell, Mac. “I mean…I’m sorry…that wasn’t what I meant. I was wondering if you’d be alone.” I hang my head as shame fills me. I can’t say I want him to be alone.
    â€œI think I know what you mean.” His comment’s an invitation he backs up by tilting my chin until I look at him. I’m glad the moonlight shadows hide my heated blush. My face is burning. It must be luminous. I need to make the effort to explain.
    â€œIf you’re going to be alone…could I come and see you,…without anyone else…being around?” I sound like a stammering child. Good grief. I’m trying to talk about sex, see if I can spend the night with the man. I should be mature, adult, yet I’m speaking like a five year old.
    â€œYou need to ask?” Gee, he isn’t making this easy.
    â€œI don’t want you in a bad situation. I don’t want it to be a show, when I…I mean, if we…” Shit! What am I meant to say? If we get it on? When we fuck? If you kiss me again?
    A gravelly chuckle slides against my ear and his teeth nip my earlobe. I leap, again. I must stop doing that. Surely it signals how hopeless I am.
    â€œIf we’re careful there’ll be no problem. I don’t want a show when I kiss you properly either. And it won’t stop at kissing.