“Olive, will you put that basket down?”
“I promised you tea. And I don’t know if it’s the best idea…”
“Let me pick out a flavor then.” He takes the basket from her hands and sets it on the counter, sliding it away without so much as a glance. Then he rests his hands on the counter on either side of her. She can feel the heat rise in her face. Her body responds to his nearness, screaming to be touched, to be even nearer. She might feel trapped if it was anyone else standing this close, blocking her escape. But there’s no desire to run from him.
“Vic, I don’t know.” “Say the word and I’m gone,” he says as they stare at each other. She swears she can hear her heart beating, or maybe his. She reaches out, running her hand over the rough stubble of his cheek. His skin warms her cold hand. “I don’t want you to go.”
His arms are around her in an instant, crushing her to his chest. She turns her face into his neck. Her lips find his pulse; it beats rapidly against them. She kisses there again
and again. Then down his neck, relishing the rough stubble against her nose and mouth. “I don’t ever want to let you go,” he breathes into her hair. She tilts her face to his. His mouth is on hers, pressing, urgent. He squeezes her body then releases her from his iron grip, only to run his hand up and down the length of her back. Then he cups her face in both hands and continues to kiss her hungrily. His tongue plays at her lips until she responds with her own. His fingers slip away from her face, working their way into her hair, gripping slightly at the roots. Her body is alight with passionate fire. His cock prods at her belly through their clothes. A groan rumbles in his chest. “Vic, stop,” she whispers against his mouth. He pulls away and unravels his hands from her hair, resting his forehead against hers. “This is happening too fast. I’ve never…” He steps away suddenly. The absence of his touch almost painful. “You’re not a virgin, are you? Oh god, I’m so sorry, Olive. I never would have come on so strongly. I should have read the room.” “No.” She shakes her head. “I’m not. I’ve never fooled around here on the boat. It rocks if I get up too fast, I can’t imagine what kind of waves we would make. And…I don’t know. It’s like my parents are everywhere in here. It doesn’t feel right. I know it’s silly.” She leans against the counter and rubs her eyes, wishing she is back in his arms.