Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

Rose

W hen I open my eyes, a rustic shiplap ceiling greets me. I struggle to remember where I am for a moment, but it comes back to me through the fog of my waking brain – my rental houseboat in Lublin Harbor. As consciousness fully takes hold, my mind is immediately flooded with memories of yesterday, particularly of Levi.

I can’t help but smile as I recall his warm smile and how his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed during our lighthouse tour. But it’s the memory of our sunset kiss that makes my heart race. I close my eyes, reliving the moment – the warmth of Levi’s body so close to mine, the gentle pressure of his hand on the small of my back, and the firm press of his lips against mine. The taste of salt on his skin and the scent of the ocean mingled with something uniquely him. My fingers tingle with the memory of running through his hair, and I can almost feel the strength of his arms around me.

But another memory also captivates me, one from later in the dark marina. That inexplicable feeling of being watched, a presence both familiar and intense. I’m almost certain it was my kraken. Following an instinct I couldn’t explain, I lowered my foot deeper into the cool water. I barely managed to hold still, to keep from jolting, when the softest, almost non-existent touch skimmed along the sole of my foot. The touch I felt… it could have been seaweed or merely an ocean current. But in my heart, I know it was something more. Something… extraordinary. The texture was soft and slick – my mind immediately decided the touch felt like a tentacle. Perhaps it had been wishful thinking.

A sudden knock at the door jolts me from my reverie. I’m pretty sure there is only one person who would be knocking at my door this early in the morning. I throw off the covers and stumble out of bed, my bare feet hitting the cool wooden floor. I glimpse myself in the mirror – my hair is a tangled mess, and I’m wearing my old, faded pajamas with little paintbrushes all over them. For a moment, I consider changing, but another knock makes me shrug. Levi, or whoever it is, will have to deal with my morning state.

I pad to the door, my heart racing with anticipation. Taking a deep breath, I crack it open, and there stands Levi, looking unfairly handsome. His blond hair is slightly tousled as if he’s been running his fingers through it, and he’s wearing a soft, well-worn t-shirt that clings to his broad shoulders. The sight of him takes my breath away. He’s holding a container of to-go coffee cups in one hand, steam rising invitingly from the lids, and a brown paper bag emblazoned with the Divine Harvest Bakery logo in the other. The aroma of fresh coffee and pastries wafts towards me, making my stomach growl embarrassingly loud.

“Good morning,” he says, his voice a low rumble that settles in my gut. “Sorry, I know I’m early. I thought you might like some breakfast.”

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “You’re a lifesaver,” I say, stepping back to let him in. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll just be a minute.”

As Levi settles at the small kitchen table, I duck into the bedroom to change. I opt for a breezy sundress over a swimsuit, anticipating a day on the water. When I return, Levi’s laid out an array of pastries that make my mouth water.

“So,” I say, reaching for a steaming cup of coffee, “what’s the plan for today?”

Levi’s eyes twinkle as he responds, “Well, we have a beach day scheduled. The weather’s absolutely perfect for it.”

I nod enthusiastically, already imagining the feel of sand between my toes. As we head for the door, something on the deck catches my eye – a beautiful spiral seashell, its surface iridescent in the morning light. I pick it up, turning it over in my hands. Could my kraken friend have left it? No, I tell myself, that’s just wishful thinking.

“What’s that?” Levi asks, peering over my shoulder.

“A seashell,” I say, holding it up. “Isn’t it pretty? I just found it here on the deck.”

“It is beautiful,” he agrees, examining it. “Where did it come from?”

“I don’t know,” I shrug. “It wasn’t here last night.”

“Maybe a seagull dropped it,” Levi suggests, looking up at the sky as if he’s going to spot the culprit. With a shrug, he looks back at me with a happy grin, “Ready to go?”

I’m lost in the way the shell’s pearl pink surface catches the light, turning it over in my hands to watch the colors shift.

“You must really like that shell,” Levi says, his voice soft.

I look up, feeling my cheeks warm at being caught daydreaming. “I do. It’s beautiful.”

I tuck the shell carefully into my bag, and we head to his truck. The drive to the beach is filled with comfortable silence and stolen glances. As we arrive, the ocean stretches endlessly before us, leaving me spellbound. The beach is relatively empty, save for a few families scattered here and there.

We find a spot and spread out our towels and set the cooler. The sand beneath is already starting to warm, and as I settle onto my towel. I can feel the heat seeping through the fabric, warming me from beneath. The contrast with the cool sea breeze on my skin sends a pleasant shiver down my spine.

“Want some sunscreen?” Levi asks, holding up a bottle. “I can get your back if you’d like.”

My heart flutters in my chest at the offer. “Sure, thanks,” I manage to say, turning my back to him.

His touch is gentle but firm as he works the sunscreen into my shoulders and down my back. I close my eyes, savoring the sensation.

When he’s done, I face him, looking forward to returning the favor. But to my slight disappointment, Levi doesn’t take off his tank top. The garment clings to his muscular frame, hinting at the muscles that lie beneath. His arms are tanned and toned, and I find my eyes tracing the curve of his biceps as he applies sunscreen to his exposed skin.

The call of the water proves irresistible, and soon I’m racing toward the waves with Levi right behind me. The sand is hot and gritty under my feet until I reach the shoreline, where cool, damp grains squish between my toes, and gentle waves lap at my ankles.

The shockingly cold water steals my breath away as we wade in. It’s a stark contrast to the warm sun on our skin. Despite the chill, Levi and I can’t resist splashing and playing in the waves like children, our laughter punctuated by excited yelps as the frigid water hits us. There’s a moment when a large wave crashes over us, and Levi catches me, steadying me against his chest. The warmth of his body is a stark, welcome contrast to the cold water. Our eyes lock, and for a heartbeat, the world narrows to just us two. Droplets of water cling to his eyelashes, and I’m struck by the intensity of his gaze. His skin is covered in goosebumps, mirroring my own, but neither of us seems to mind the cold anymore.

I lean in, drawn by an irresistible urge to close the distance between us. But just as I gather the courage to kiss him, another wave crashes into us, bigger than the last. I lose my footing, and my arms windmill wildly as I let out a surprised yelp that’s far from dignified. The powerful current threatens to sweep me off my feet, but thankfully, Levi wraps an arm around my waist. With his help, I regain my balance, coughing and spluttering.

Levi guides me to shallower water as I push my soaked hair from my face. I turn to thank him for his help, when movement in the distance catches my eye. A man is swimming out in the ocean at a distance that makes my heart race with concern – he’s dangerously far from shore. Yet he glides through the water with impressive speed and grace, showing no sign of the struggle any normal swimmer would face. He cuts through the water like a knife, barely leaving a ripple behind.

“Oh my god,” I gasp, grabbing Levi’s arm. “Look at that swimmer! He’s incredible!”

Levi follows my gaze, grinning. “Oh, that’s just Merrick. He’s a competitive swimmer.”

“He’s amazing. I’m surprised I haven’t seen him in the Olympics. He’s faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

“He prefers local competitions,” Levi says with a shrug. “Come on, we should head back to shore before another wave catches us off guard.”

He offers me his hand, and I take it gratefully, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach as our fingers intertwine. As we return to our towels, I cast one last glance over my shoulder, but Merrick has disappeared in the distance.

Later, we walk along the shoreline, our fingers intertwined. The wet sand yields beneath our feet, leaving a trail of footprints quickly erased by the tide. We pause to watch a family building an elaborate sandcastle, complete with a moat and seashell decorations.

As we continue our walk, I can’t help but admire Levi’s profile. The sea breeze has tousled his hair, giving him a rugged, carefree look that suits him perfectly. His skin has taken on a hint of a golden glow from the sun, and a few grains of sand cling to his damp legs. I wish I could capture him on canvas, just like this.

The day passes in a blur of sunshine, salty air, and shared laughter. We alternate between playing in the waves and lounging on our towels, letting the sun dry our skin. The heat of the sand seeps deep into my bones, making me feel languid and dreamy.

As the sun dips toward the horizon and evening’s chill creeps in, we gather our belongings and begin the journey back. A tantalizing aroma of grilled fish and lime drifts through the salt air, drawing our attention to a taco shack perched in the sand just off the boardwalk.

“Hey,” I say, tugging on Levi’s hand. “How about we grab some dinner?”

His eyes light up at the suggestion. “I’m starving. Good call.”

We approach the stand, joining the small queue of other beachgoers with the same idea. The menu, handwritten on a chalkboard, offers a variety of tacos, burritos, and, to my delight, margaritas.

“Two fish burritos and two margaritas?” Levi suggests, glancing at me for confirmation.

I nod eagerly, my mouth already watering at the thought.

As we wait for our order, Levi wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. I lean into him, savoring his warmth and the way our bodies seem to fit together perfectly.

Our food arrives quickly: two foil-wrapped burritos and two plastic cups filled with icy margaritas, with salt crusting the rims. We find an empty picnic table and settle in to eat.

The first bite of my burrito is heavenly – tender fish, tangy sauce, and rice and beans. The margarita is strong and tart, the salt on the rim complementing the lime and tequila beautifully.

“Oh my god,” I mumble around a mouthful. “This is amazing.”

Levi grins, his cheeks bulging slightly. He swallows before speaking. “Definitely beats my cooking.”

We eat in companionable silence, occasionally exchanging glances and smiles. As I finish the last of my margarita, I feel a pleasant warmth spreading through me – a combination of good food, alcohol, and Levi’s company.

With our hunger sated, we continue our journey back to the houseboat. We’re both satisfyingly exhausted, our skin salt-kissed and sun-warmed. My shoulders feel the telltale tightness of too much sun, while stubborn grains of sand cling between my toes.

Back at the houseboat, we linger on the deck. Neither of us seems ready for this magical time to end. An electric tension hangs between us, the culmination of a day filled with stolen glances, lingering touches, and unspoken desires. It feels as though every moment has been building to this. Levi’s hand finds mine, his thumb tracing gentle circles on the sensitive skin of my inner wrist, sending shivers up my arm. The simple touch feels infinitely intimate and charged with promise.

“I had a wonderful time today,” I say softly, looking up at him.

“So did I.”

As the last rays of sunlight fade, Levi leans in, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that tastes of salt and a hint of lime from the margaritas. When we part, I’m breathless, my heart pounding a staccato rhythm against my ribs.

Before I can overthink it, I hear myself say, “Would you like to come in?”

Levi’s gaze turns molten, a current of raw desire flickering across his features as he steps closer. “I’d love to.”

I take his hand and lead him into the houseboat, hyperaware of his warmth behind me in the small space. His presence seems to charge every molecule of air, making it hard to breathe. Each brush of his body against mine as we head inside sends sparks of electricity down my spine. My skin feels too tight and sensitive, and my pulse is already a riot in my veins.

We sink onto the loveseat, our bodies angling toward each other, drawn together like magnets. The weight of his gaze makes heat flood through me – his eyes are dark with want, mirroring the desire coiling low in my stomach. Then, in unison, we lean in, closing that last breath of space between us. This kiss ignites like wildfire – deeper and hungrier than ever before. Levi’s hand slides up to cup my face, his thumb tracing my cheekbone as our lips tangle, and I can’t help but arch closer, craving more of his touch.

As we kiss, my world narrows to the feeling of Levi’s lips and hands on my skin. When we finally part, I feel like I can’t get enough air, it’s been sucked out of the room. Levi rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.

“Rose,” he whispers, my name sounding like a prayer.

I run my fingers through his hair. “Stay,” I whisper back. “Stay with me tonight.”

Levi’s eyes search mine, the tenderness in his gaze making my chest feel tight. “Are you sure? I’d love to, but I promised to help on the fishing boats tomorrow morning. I have to get up very early.”

“I don’t mind,” I assure him softly. “I just want you here with me.”

Taking his hand in mine, I stand and lead him toward my bedroom. My body hums with desire and fluttering anticipation, every nerve ending suddenly alive and hyper-aware. The world around us fades, leaving only the warmth of Levi’s hand in mine and the promise of what’s to come.

Once in my room, we pause, the air thick with anticipation. Moonlight streams through the window, casting a silvery glow over Levi’s features. He looks almost ethereal, and I’m struck again by how handsome he is.

Slowly, we move towards the bed. As we sit on the edge, Levi cups my face in his hands, his touch impossibly gentle. “Rose,” he murmurs, my name a caress on his lips.

I close the distance between us before he can ask again if I’m sure. I’m sure – even if I’m a little nervous. Levi’s arms encircle me, pulling me closer, and I melt into his embrace.

We fall back onto the bed, the soft cotton sheets cool against my skin. Levi hovers above me, his weight on one forearm while his other hand traces down my side. Our legs tangle naturally, my thigh sliding between his as he settles closer.

When Levi’s lips find that sensitive spot just below my ear, my back arches instinctively. He whispers my name against my skin, his voice rough with desire, and the sound sends shivers cascading down my spine. His hand maps the curve of my waist, fingertips skimming reverently along my ribs, leaving trails of goosebumps in their wake. I thread my fingers through his hair, still carrying a hint of dampness, and guide him back to my lips, needing to taste him again. His thumb traces idle patterns on my hip as he deepens the kiss, and I can feel his heart racing in time with mine where our chests meet.

Every touch, every kiss feels charged with an electric current, sparking waves of pleasure that ripple through my body. Levi’s lips trace a path along my neck, each press igniting a new point of warmth that spreads outward. The gentle scrape of his stubble against my skin provides a thrilling contrast to the plush softness of his lips.

As he explores, I inhale deeply, drinking in his scent. The sharp, mineral smell of the ocean clings to his skin, mingling with the coconut notes of sunscreen and a deeper, muskier scent that’s uniquely Levi. It’s intoxicating, and I crave more. My fingers trail down his back, mapping the contours of his muscles, feeling them flex and shift beneath my touch. I start to tug off his shirt, but his hands capture mine, pressing them into the mattress by my ears. A breathless groan escapes me, my body arching instinctively as a thrill of desire shoots through me. I love being held down. Did he realize it? Or was this just a happy accident? Before I can ask, he shifts, laying his hips over mine, pinning me beneath him with delicious weight, and lowers his mouth to mine, giving me drugging kisses that make my head spin.

The weight of his body against mine is comforting and exciting all at once. Every point of contact between us seems to burn with a slow, simmering heat that’s steadily building. I arch into him, seeking more of that delicious friction, more of his skin against mine. His grip on my wrists tightens slightly, and then, in one fluid motion, he transfers both to a single hand, pinning them firmly above my head. The unexpected display of control sends a jolt of electricity down my spine, igniting something primal and needy inside me. His other hand slides down my side, his calloused palm leaving a trail of buzzing sensitivity in its wake. I’m startled by how much the restraint heightens every sensation and how being at his mercy makes each touch feel impossibly more intense.

Time seems to slow, the world narrowing down to just the two of us. All I can focus on is the warmth of his body, the heat and tenderness in his blue eyes as they meet mine, and the way his muscles flex as he holds me against the mattress. His grip tightens just enough to remind me of my captivity – firm but never hurtful – and the pressure sends a pulse of heat through me. It’s the contrast that undoes me: his raw strength tempered by such careful restraint, the gentleness in his touch even as he holds me at his mercy. My breath hitches as I surrender, each sensation heightened by the knowledge that I can’t touch him back, can only take what he chooses to give.

Finally letting go of my wrists, he tucks his arm around me, pulling me closer as his lips claim mine again. The kiss sends my head spinning, and heat rushes through me. As I melt into the sweetness of his kiss, my hands fumble with the hem of his shirt, tugging it upward. He pauses for a moment, helping me by pulling it over his head in one smooth motion before tossing it aside. He barely pulls away to break the kiss before diving back in. His chest presses against mine with each breath, skin to skin, salt-kissed and warm.

Levi pulls back, leaning up until he’s kneeling between my thighs, his eyes locked on mine. The air between us hums with heat, and for a moment, all I can do is stare up at him, my chest rising and falling in quick, shallow breaths. His blue eyes blaze in the dark, so intense that I feel like they’re stripping me bare even though I am fully dressed. He looks at me like I’m something rare, something precious, as if he’s in awe of me. With Levi, I feel like a siren, like the most desirable woman on the planet. His gaze alone ignites every nerve in my body, making me want to pull him closer and lose myself in him forever.

Holy moly, his chest and abs are as stunning as his face – lean, sculpted muscle under smooth, tanned skin. My fingers drift across the defined planes of his stomach, tracing each ridge of muscle with reverent curiosity. His abs tighten under my touch, and I trace the thin trail of darker blond hair disappearing beneath his waistband, making my pulse quicken. He drops down from his kneeling position, pressing close, and the solid warmth of him against me draws a soft gasp from my lips. When he captures my mouth again, the kiss is deeper and hungrier, leaving me dizzy with want and craving more.

I lose myself in his touch, my hands moving to his head, fingers tangling in the thick waves of his hair. When I tug lightly, Levi rewards me with a sound that’s pure masculine satisfaction – a low growl that vibrates through his chest and into mine. His eyes lock onto me with predatory focus, and they seem to flash silver in the darkness for a heartbeat.

God, I want him.

His hands roam over my body, the thin fabric of my sundress doing nothing to dull the heat of his touch. Each caress sends shocks of pleasure through me, igniting every nerve. He finds my neck first, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses as he works his way down. The straps of my dress slip easily from my shoulders, and he peels the fabric down with agonizing slowness, revealing my bikini top underneath. A knowing smile crosses his lips before he tugs at the ties behind my neck, letting the top fall away.

The cool air kisses my bare skin, drawing a shiver that has nothing to do with cold and everything to do with anticipation. But it’s the warm press of his lips on my nipple that steals the air from my lungs. He sucks gently, creating a delicious pull that ignites something wild within me. The sensation is almost too much, yet not enough. His mouth teases me with slow, languid flicks against the sensitive bud, each movement sending a jolt of pleasure straight to my core. A wave of heat builds with every stroke of his tongue, igniting a deep, throbbing ache. I arch into his touch, craving more of the exquisite pull of his mouth as my pulse quickens and the fire inside me burns hotter.

His hands drift down my sides, gathering the soft fabric of my sundress as they go. The material whispers against my skin as he slowly peels it the rest of the way off, leaving me in just my bikini bottoms. His eyes darken at the sight, and the naked hunger in his gaze makes heat pool low in my belly. His fingers trace the edge of the swimwear, teasing with feather-light touches that have me trembling. When he grazes over the fabric, barely touching where I need him most, my hips rise off the bed instinctively, seeking more pressure. Every nerve ending is aflame, my body arching toward him in a silent plea for release.

He doesn’t make me wait long. His breath is warm against my skin as he drops to his elbows, hovering above my center. With a slow, deliberate motion, he hooks his fingers under the waistband of my bathing suit bottoms, dragging them down and tossing them aside, leaving me bare before him. The anticipation has me trembling, every nerve alight as I wait for his touch. When his tongue finally flicks over my clit, my hips jerk involuntarily. His mouth is a perfect combination of lips and tongue, exploring every sensitive inch of me, but he doesn’t let me tip over the edge. Instead, just as the pleasure begins to crest, he pulls back slightly, teasing me, building the tension higher with every slow stroke of his tongue. I make a demanding, keening noise when he adds his fingers and crooks them.

For what feels like an eternity, he edges me, pushing me toward release only to pull me back again, keeping me teetering on the brink of ecstasy. My body is on fire, every nerve singing with need. My hands find his thick hair, threading through the soft waves as I press him closer, silently begging for more. He chuckles softly, a low, approving sound vibrating against me. His fingers move deeper, his tongue driving me higher until I’m practically shaking with the need for release.

Finally, when I’m sure I can’t take it anymore, when I’m pleading, he gives in, his mouth working me with just the right pressure. Pleasure bursts through me, unstoppable, and my body arches off the bed as a powerful orgasm crashes through me, leaving me breathless and trembling in its wake.

Holy shit. Where the hell did my quiet, reserved tour guide go?

Before I can fully catch my breath, he’s over me again, his lips finding mine in a kiss that sparks through my entire body. My hands scrabble over his shoulders trying to pull him closer, needing every inch of him. I don’t have time for patience, not with the way my body is still aching for him.

He pulls back slightly, his voice low and husky. “Do you have condoms?”

For a split second, my mind blanks, and then I internally thank Heather for sneaking them into my bag, just in case . I nod and point to my luggage on the dresser. “Top pocket,” I manage to say.

He’s off the bed in an instant, rifling through the pocket until he finds a condom. In the soft moonlight streaming through the houseboat windows, I watch as he tears it open. The light’s silver glow highlights every sharp angle of his body, his skin seeming to shimmer with an almost iridescent quality that takes my breath away. As he rolls the condom on, my mouth goes dry, and the anticipation coils tighter inside me, my body trembling with need.

He quickly rejoins me on the bed, his heat enveloping me as he hovers above. His eyes lock onto mine with a hunger that makes my pulse race. His skin continues to catch the moonlight in mesmerizing ways, adding to the dreamlike quality of the moment.

As he positions himself, his gaze softens, a look of wonder crossing his face. “You’re beautiful,” he whispers, his voice filled with genuine awe. “I still can’t believe this is happening.”

I laugh softly, touched by his sincerity and the hint of vulnerability in his words. The laugh turns into a moan as he presses the head of his cock against my core. He pauses there while I make an undignified whine, his expression filled with tenderness and heat. He stares down at my face as if memorizing every detail, his eyes intense. Whatever he sees must reassure him because he plunges inside me. The sensation is overwhelming, as ecstasy floods my veins and I dig my fingers into his shoulders, holding on tight. The heat between us burns hotter, every thrust pushing me higher, faster, until I’m on the edge again.

He moves deeper, his hand gripping my thigh, pulling me closer as if he wants to fuse us together. His hips roll, each movement driving us both closer to the edge. My body clenches around him as another wave of pleasure builds, and this time, when I let go, I surrender completely to the bliss as we tumble over together.

My body is still trembling with the aftershocks as his hips stutter against mine and then press deep. He groans against my lips, his mouth hot and urgent on mine as he reaches his release. When he finally collapses onto me, his hands cradle my face, and he kisses me gently, sending a final rush of warmth through my exhausted body.

As the final waves of pleasure fade, we remain entwined, our breathing slowing. Gently, Levi shifts, rolling me on top of him. He wraps his arms around me and holds me close. The heat between us gradually softens, replaced by a quiet, shared calm. He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead, and I nestle into the warmth of his chest, savoring the closeness of this moment. The world beyond feels distant and dreamlike, leaving just the two of us wrapped in peaceful silence.

Later, as we lay in each other’s arms, I trace lazy patterns on Levi’s chest. The room is quiet save for the gentle lapping of waves against the houseboat and our steadying breaths.

“That was…” I trail off, unable to find words adequate to describe what we’ve just shared.

Levi presses a kiss to my forehead. “I know,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice.

As I drift off to sleep, wrapped in Levi’s warm embrace, I can’t help but feel that something has fundamentally shifted between us. This is more than just a vacation fling; more than I ever expected to find here in Lublin Harbor.

I’m falling for him.

I try to ignore the thought of looming departure dates, airports, goodbye hugs, and returning to a life that will feel incomplete without his presence beside me.

As sleep begins to claim me, my thoughts drift to the dark waters outside. The gentle lapping of waves against the houseboat mingles with the steady rhythm of Levi’s breathing. In that hazy space between wakefulness and dreams, I wonder fleetingly if my kraken is out there, waiting silently beneath the water.