Chapter 17

17

The hot Mexican sun beat down on Adrianna's bare skin as she lay on the soft, white sand of the secluded beach in Cabo. The rhythmic crashing of the turquoise waves was a soothing reprieve from the usual chaos of her life.

She sighed in contentment, her hand finding Mickey's beside her. His fingers laced through hers, giving a gentle squeeze.

"This was a brilliant idea," she said, rolling onto her side to face him. His eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling with each breath. She took a moment to admire the lines of his jaw, the curve of his mouth.

He cracked an eye open and caught her staring. The corner of his mouth quirked up. "Enjoying the view?"

Heat flooded her cheeks. She ducked her head, shy. "Maybe."

Mickey propped himself up on an elbow, trailing a finger down her arm. Goosebumps erupted in its wake. "I know I am." His voice was low, husky.

Adrianna's heart stuttered. She glanced up at him through her lashes, noticing the open desire in his gaze. Her mouth went dry.

They were together publicly. No more hiding. No more pretending they were just student and teacher. Here, they were free to explore the simmering passion that had been building between them.

Mickey leaned in, brushing his lips against the shell of her ear. "Do you have any idea how long I've waited for this?" he whispered.

A delicious shiver ran down her spine. Adrianna turned her head, capturing his mouth in a searing kiss. Mickey groaned, deepening the kiss as his hand slid around to the nape of her neck.

They were both panting when they finally broke apart. Adrianna stared into his darkened eyes, her heart overflowing with love for this complicated, brilliant man.

"Show me," she said, reaching up to caress his cheek. "Show me how long you've waited."

Mickey's eyes smoldered. "With pleasure."

Mickey scooped Adrianna into his arms and carried her into the turquoise waters of the sea, laughing along with her delighted squeals. The warm water lapped at their bodies as he set her down, the sand shifting under their feet.

Adrianna wrapped her arms around his neck, gazing up at him through half-lidded eyes. "Have I told you how happy I am that we're here together?"

Mickey brushed his nose against hers, a smile tugging at his lips. "You may have mentioned it once or twice." His hands settled on her hips, thumbs gently caressing her skin. "But I don't mind hearing it again."

"I'm happy," Adrianna reiterated, brushing her lips teasingly against his. "Ecstatic. Overjoyed. And any other synonyms you can think of."

"Good," Mickey murmured. "Because you deserve to be happy. And I plan on doing everything in my power to keep that smile on your face."

Adrianna smiled, warmth flooding her at his heartfelt words. "You always know just what to say, don't you?"

"Only because I've had practice." Mickey's eyes twinkled with mirth. "I do try my best to be eloquent and poetic. Especially for my favorite girl."

She smacked his arm. "Just yours."

"Mine," Mickey repeated, wonder in his voice. He dipped his head, capturing her lips in a searing kiss that left her breathless.

When they finally broke apart, chests heaving, Adrianna nestled into his embrace. She had never felt so content, so at peace. It was as if she had finally found her way home.

The waves lapped at their ankles as they strolled along the shore, hand in hand. Adrianna sighed happily, squeezing Mickey's fingers.

"What is it?" he asked, glancing down at her with a smile.

"Nothing," she said. "Just...this. Being here with you. It's perfect."

Mickey paused, turning to face her. He cupped her cheek, thumb caressing her lower lip. "You're perfect," he murmured, eyes darkening with desire.

Adrianna's breath hitched at the raw emotion in his gaze. She melted into him as he captured her lips, her hands winding around his neck to pull him closer. The kiss deepened, months of pent-up passion and longing pouring forth in the slick slide of tongues and the nip of teeth.

"Come swim with me," he suggested, voice rough with arousal. He took her hand and led her into the water, waves lapping higher and higher up their bodies.

Adrianna gasped as Mickey's hands slid over her, slick and seeking. She clung to him, her own hands roaming across the planes of his chest and back, relearning the feel of his skin against hers.

The sun was setting over the ocean, painting the sky with vibrant oranges and pinks. But Adrianna only had eyes for the man in front of her, the one who made her feel cherished and desired.

With the water swirling around them, Mickey lifted her up and entered her in one smooth thrust. Adrianna cried out, pleasure rippling through her in intoxicating waves as they moved together.

It was perfection, bliss, rapture. Their bodies and hearts entwined as deeply as the ties that bound their souls. Adrianna gave herself over to the joy and wonder of their union, finding her release amidst the crashing tides and the steady beat of Mickey's heart against her own.

They emerged from the sea as night fell, hands clasped together. Mickey spread out a blanket on the sand and they lay down beneath a sea of stars, wrapped up in each other's arms.

"That was..." Adrianna trailed off, unable to find the words.

Mickey pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "Magical," he supplied. "Being with you feels like coming home."

Adrianna nestled closer, filled with a deep contentment. "I never want this night to end."

"Then let's not let it," Mickey murmured. "We have all the time in the world, my love."

His words resonated within her, a promise for the future. Adrianna lifted her head to meet his gaze, reading the devotion in his eyes.

"I want this - us - forever," she confessed. "No more hiding, no more secrets. I want to share our love with the world."

Mickey's answering smile lit up the darkness. "Forever and always, my darling. There is nothing I want more."

Joy welled up inside Adrianna, spilling over in happy tears. She surged up to kiss Mickey, a sweet and tender exchange that sealed their sacred vow.

When they parted, Adrianna pillowed her head on Mickey's chest, lulled by the steady beat of his heart. She drifted off to sleep under the watch of moon and stars, dreaming of a future as boundless as the sea and sky.

The next day, Adrianna awoke as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains. For a moment, her unfamiliar surroundings disoriented her. Then she felt the warmth of Mickey's body curled around hers, and the memories of last night came flooding back.

She turned in his arms to find him already awake, gazing at her with a tender smile. "Good morning, my love."

"Morning," she whispered, shy under the intensity of his gaze. "Did you mean everything you said last night?"

"Every word," Mickey affirmed. "You are my heart, my home, my everything. I want to spend the rest of my life proving that to you."

Adrianna's eyes welled with tears again. "I love you so much."

"As I love you," he said. Mickey leaned in, kissing her with exquisite gentleness.

When the kiss ended, Adrianna sighed in contentment. "What now?"

Mickey shook his head. "I want to take you out on real dates, show you off on my arm, and finally introduce you to my mother as the woman I intend to marry."

Adrianna's heart swelled with joy. "Really?"

"The rest of the world can say what they will, but they cannot come between us. Our love is bigger than their disapproval."

Tears streaked down Adrianna's cheeks as she surged forward, capturing Mickey's mouth in a searing kiss. When they parted, she gazed up at him with eyes shining bright.

"Then take me home, Mickey, and show me off to the whole world."