17. Seventeen

Seventeen

Carson

I look down at Anna, and she's practically begging me to take her. Now, it's time for me to walk away and leave her aching for me.

When I saw her making her way to the kitchen, I cooked up this little plan for revenge. I would get her to this point of no return and then leave her wanting, panting, needing me.

The problem is—my plan has backfired. I don't think I'm capable of walking away. I want her too damn much. I could pound nails with my hard-on. Just the thought of my cock plunging into her has me shaking with need. Why shouldn't I take what she's willing to offer? I reason.

I move closer, my engorged cock pulsing and eager. I fist it with one hand as I position myself at her core, and hearing her needy whimper, I can't wait another minute. I thrust forward, she's so damn tight, I have to pause. I pull out a bit and then thrust heavily into her again.

When I'm finally in full throttle, I groan at the feeling. "So, fucking, good," I mutter in a gravelly voice. I pull out and then push roughly back in, setting a rhythm. I look down and watch my cock as it enters her, a visual stimulation that mixes with the sounds and the feeling of sliding into her wet warmth.

I tighten my grip on her hips to hold her steady as I increase the pace. Soon, I'm slamming into her, the sound of our bodies as they make contact only increasing my need. I'm practically pushing her off her feet with the forcefulness of my thrusts. Yet, she pushes back to meet me halfway.

I'm close. I feel my balls pull up and tighten. I hear her pants as the first tremor courses through her body. Then she lets out a shout as her body clamps down hard. Milking me. I follow her over the edge with a hoarse groan of completion. I lean over her bare back. Spent. It takes a few moments to recover from my mind-blowing orgasm.

I finally straighten, pulling her up beside me. I wait for us to recover as our breathing slows.

As I hold her against me, the realization slams into me. I should never have tried to use our desire as a weapon. It's a double-edged sword. As my mind clears, the knowledge hits me; I've never known this type of chemistry, this connection, whatever the hell you want to call it, with any other woman. I feel slightly ashamed. I was so keen on revenge that I was willing to use sex as a weapon against her.

I lean down and press my forehead against her hair in an unspoken apology. She's still turned away from me, but I have my arms around her, pressing her back against my chest.

"Anna, this chemistry between us. It's… unique. I promise I'll never try to use it against you. Okay?" I let out a sigh at her silence. "Resisting it is torture. So, instead, I think we should just accept it. Give in to it. Be lovers." I stop for just a moment, then continue, "Look. Don't answer right now. I just want you to think about it."

I feel her nod her head in agreement. I reluctantly let go of her, stuff myself back into my pants, and pull up my zipper.

She's in front of me, bare except for her panties, a thin strip of black still around her thighs. And damn if I don't want her again. But I took her so roughly she'll probably be sore in the morning. Hell, she's probably sore right now.

I have a strong urge to pick her up and carry her to my bed. Just to keep her close. Instead, I loosen my hold on her. She looks a little lost, and I see her face flush red when she sees I'm still fully dressed.

I suddenly don't want her to feel used. I lean down and softly brush my lips over hers. I pick up her robe, wrap it around her shoulders, and walk with her back to her bedroom. As I leave her at her door, I look down into the clear gray of her eyes.

"I want you to consider my suggestion, Anna. I'd like us to share the master bedroom." With that, I brush her cheek with my hand, turn, and walk away, giving her time.

As I shut my bedroom door behind me, I shake my head ruefully. Way to teach her a lesson, Knight. Instead of pushing her away, you invite her into your bed.

I suddenly grin as the thought doesn't seem too bad. In fact, it feels… right. I crawl between the sheets and don't stir until morning.

There's a dull throb behind my eyes due to the amount of scotch I drank the night before. No regrets, though. A smirk plays on my lips as I head for the shower.

After getting dressed for a day on the water, I head to the kitchen, unsure what to expect from Anna this morning.

The aroma of bacon hits me, drawing my smile even wider. My steps quicken as I find Anna in the kitchen, her figure accentuated by a light summer top. It shows off her curves in a way that makes me want to strip it off her.

She turns, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Good morning," she says, her eyes slowly skimming down my body before coming back to mine.

"Yes, it is," I reply, my grin mirroring hers. "Haven't felt this good in a while."

She pulls her eyes away as she turns to the skillet in front of her. "Scrambled eggs with cheese?"

"Sounds great," I fill my cup with coffee and then pour her a cup. I help her bring the food to the table.

We both fill our plates and start eating. The silence isn't strained. Instead, it feels… expectant. The air practically thrums with hopeful energy, a shared anticipation for what the day, and perhaps the future, might bring. Neither of us mention last night.

I steal a glance at Anna. Searching for a clue in her expression. When I don't find one, I glance away. "Is there anything we need to grab for Connor?" I ask casually, not wanting to push.

"No, I already have his swim trucks. I grabbed some towels, and I thought maybe I'd pack a few treats. I know Connor will want to snack. I didn't pack a lunch, though."

"That works," I shrug. "I'll help clear the table, and then we can head out."

On the way over to my mother's, we stop to grab a bag of ice and some canned drinks. I pop the trunk and throw everything into the large cooler I brought. We don't talk, but the silence isn't strained. I turn up the music.

My mom greets us at the door. "Connor is in the kitchen," she says with a smile. I made chocolate chip cookies."

"I hope you made enough for us to take some on the boat," I ask with a hopeful smile.

"Of course, I already have them in a container for you," she says with a fond smile. "Thanks for letting Connor stay over. It was nice to make breakfast for someone besides myself."

Anna answers for both of us, "Anytime, Bonnie. We can make it a regular thing if you want, or just play it by ear?"

"Maybe every other weekend while he's still young? I know once he's older, he'll be too busy with school, sports, and girls to want to spend too much time over here."

Anna and I chuckle. "I hope that won't be for quite some time," I say with a grimace.

Connor is sitting in the kitchen with a happy grin on his face and a smear of chocolate around his mouth. "You ready for a boat ride?" I ask him.

"Yes!" His eyes go to Anna, "Did you bring my swimming trucks?"

She hands him a bag, and he whoops and disappears into the bedroom to change. A few minutes later, he emerges in his blue swim trunks, sunglasses, and flip-flops. Anna says, "I brought all of us a towel, and I also brought you a T-shirt."

As we walk toward the boathouse, the sky overhead is a bright, cloudless blue, matching my cheerful mood.

After we transfer everything to the boat, we wave goodbye to my mom, and I push the throttle forward. The engine offers a deep rumble as it roars to life. As the boat picks up speed, the wind whips past us, carrying a hint of salt and pine—Anna's long hair streams behind her as she lifts her face to the sky. A light spray of water shines on our cheeks as it's kicked up from the bow.

"Dad. Can I steer the boat?" Connor yells over the rumble of the engine. His eyes raised in a hopeful expression.

I promise him with a grin, "Sure, once we get to more open water, you can take over." His eyes shine with anticipation.

Soon, we're in a wider part of the river, and I turn to Connor as I slow the boat. The noise of the engine softens to a quieter hum. "Okay, put your hands on the wheel," I instruct him. He steps in front of me, his excitement obvious. "This is the throttle. Push forward to make the boat go faster and pull it back to slow it down."

Connor listens intently, paying careful attention. I let him take over the wheel, standing behind him and offering patient guidance with my hand on his shoulder. He steers with surprising confidence, a wide grin splitting his face as the boat moves forward, carving a path through the blue water.

My eyes cut to Anna, who is smiling. She gives us a thumbs-up, her easy-going manner as refreshing as the wind. A carefree smile spreads across my face in response. Any tension that may have lingered between us seems to melt away, dispelled by the bright sun and the rhythmic pounding of the boat on the waves.

After a few hours, I instruct Connor to navigate the boat over to a wide part of the river. Then we drop anchor. I pop open the cooler while Anna pulls out some snacks. After we've munched on fruit and crackers, Anna insists that Connor needs more sunscreen.

I walk up behind her and murmur, "Would you like me to put lotion on your back?"

She takes off her light summer shirt, revealing a dark purple bikini top that hugs her curves. Her shorts are purple and white, and they show off her long, tanned legs. When I step up behind her, a sensual awareness seems to simmer between us.

She hesitates for just a moment, the breeze carrying the sound of birds chirping on the nearby shore. "Sure," she turns around, her voice a touch breathless.

I warm the lotion in my palm, and the sound of the waves lapping against the boat creates a rhythmic background hum. "I'll be very thorough," I warn, my voice husky.

She closes her eyes as I begin, and a shiver runs down her spine as I reach her lower back. A soft breath escapes her lips. I move slowly and sensually, the warmth of her skin sending a current through me. Her hair falls around her face, framing her in a way that makes me wish we were alone. I want to pull her close and kiss her, but I force myself to focus on the task at hand.

By the time I'm done, I feel more affected by the contact than she does. Or maybe not? A hint of a blush on her cheeks and a soft smile playing on her lips. She pulls her hair into a messy bun, a few tendrils escaping to frame her face. She looks irresistible, and I have to force myself to look away. There will be time for more later… I hope.

Connor, his eyes wide as saucers, swivels in his seat, scanning the horizon like a young pirate searching for treasure. He loves being out on the water – keeping up a constant chatter as he asks questions about the different wildlife and what creatures live beneath the river's surface.

There are ‘No Wake' signs in certain places on the river, so I explain, "We need to be careful in these areas, Connor." Pointing to a sign. "See that warning? It means we need to slow down to protect the manatees. They're gentle giants, but our boat's propellers can hurt them."

His eyes grow solemn as I discuss the dangers. He nods seriously, his respect for the creatures evident in his expression.

"Dad, are there any dolphins here?" he asks, his voice filled with curiosity.

I smile and shrug. "Possibly. The St. John River empties into the ocean, so it's not unusual to see a dolphin fin break the surface."

When he immediately scrambles to the edge of the boat, his eyes scanning the waves with a renewed purpose, I glance over at Anna. A smile flickers across her lips, mirroring my own amusement at his boundless enthusiasm. Our love for Connor creates a strong connection. Can we keep it to just a physical connection? Then, remembered past lies rear their ugly head like a warning, reminding me to guard my heart.