Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

H e couldn't seem to control the shaking he felt deep down in his bones when he touched Andrea. Which is why he was keeping his fingers wrapped around the railing of the deck behind her instead of running all over her like he wanted.

It was almost hell holding himself still as she ran her fingers through his hair. It seemed like the hardest thing he'd done in his life.

Why couldn't he get his body under control?

He was trying his hardest to focus on anything else so he didn't move too fast, but then she slipped her fingers under his shirt and ran her fingertips gently over his skin, exploring him. The simple touch, however featherlight, sent his body and mind skyrocketing.

"Andrea." He practically growled her name.

"No, don't tell me you want to stop," she warned against his mouth.

"No," he said with a shake of his head. "Summer affair." He smiled.

She ran her short nails against his skin. "Summer affair."

He nodded quickly. Too quickly. He had to grip the railing harder so he didn't fall over. Was he actually light-headed?

She reached up and removed his shirt in one quick movement. "Then take me here, with the last fading rays of the sunset," she whispered against his ear.

"Here?" He glanced around the darkness, but she stopped him by placing her hands on his face. There were a few dark rays lighting up the sky, not to mention the string lights she'd turned on before the sunset.

"Here," she said with a smile. "No one is watching. My deck is private enough," she assured him. "Besides…" She ran her hands down his chest until she reached his shorts. Then she slid her fingers under and gripped him. "We're both so ready." Her fingers tightened slightly and then she started to slide them up and down his full length.

"Andrea." He closed his eyes on a groan. It felt too damn good to argue. Still, it mattered. She mattered.

"We can't fight it any longer," she said as she ran her mouth along his jawline. Then she took his earlobe in his mouth and sucked.

When he did finally touch her, he felt as if he couldn't move fast enough.

Her swimsuit and the coverup she was wearing hit the floor of the deck moments later. His mind barley had enough time to register how perfect she looked in the soft glow of the lights.

He pinned her to the railing as his mouth traveled all over her body. Sucking, licking, taking parts of her into his mouth and savoring the salty taste of her skin.

"My bag," she said when his shorts dropped. "On the table. There are condoms."

He took the two steps, dumped out her bag on the table, and then smiled when the condom packages fell out.

He ripped one open and slid it on as he made his way back towards her.

She gasped as he embedded himself deep inside her. Then she let out the sweetest little moan he'd ever heard. And just like that, Dean Wallis fell deeply and irreversibly in love.

He'd never imagined how painful the trip would be. How much it would cause his chest to tighten. To ache. With each breath, his lungs felt as if they were on fire. He wondered what it would feel like if he was unable to be with her. Would he combust? Explode from the inside out? Or would he just wither and turn to dust and disappear with the next breeze?

She wrapped her legs around his hips. "Dean." Andrea's whisper sent him moving. His fingers dug into her skin, holding her tight against him as he took what he wanted, what he needed from her. Her cries of pleasure echoed across the empty beach, mixing with the sound of the crashing waves.

While the last rays of sunlight disappeared, they both hit their limits. The second he felt her release, he joined her.

And then, he made one of the biggest mistakes of his life. He mumbled some stupid excuse, yanked on his clothes, and left her house with an awkward goodbye.

The entire drive back to his place, he mentally kicked himself. Why had he left? His heart had just…stopped. She'd looked so damn right. So beautiful. For a split second, he'd thought This is it. I've found her. This is where I want to be for the rest of my life. And that had scared the shit out of him. So he'd left to protect himself…or her. Either way, he'd been an idiot.

The second he stepped into his place, his phone chimed.

"You forgot your shoes."

Shit. He looked down at his bare feet and grimaced.

"I'll get them tomorrow," he replied.

"Are you freaking out?"

He took a couple deep breaths before responding.

"Totally. Sorry I bailed."

"It's okay. Just…are we still on to hang tomorrow?"

"Yes, absolutely," he responded as he sat down on his sofa.

"Good, because I really wanted to hit the flea market tomorrow and I hate going alone."

"What time should we meet up?"

"Come by my place around nine. We can grab some breakfast at Sunset Café before we head into Destin."

"I'll see you then," he said and then he quickly added, "Andrea, don't mistake my bolting for not enjoying what happened." He thought for a moment. "I'm just…it's never…" He backed out the entire message. "I really enjoyed today."

"Me too. See you tomorrow," she said, and he relaxed.

The next morning, Dean arrived at Andrea's house, his heart pounding a little faster than usual. He took a deep breath, straightened his shirt, and walked up to the door. Before he could knock, Andrea opened it with a smile, holding his flip-flops.

There was no odd look in her eyes, no weirdness that he could see as she looked him over.

"Hey there," she greeted easily. She was wearing a summer dress with thin little straps showcasing her tan shoulders. Her hair was in another long braid. She looked like a summer goddess.

"Morning," he replied back, pushing the guilt of leaving her the night before to the back of his mind. "Ready?" He took his shoes and put them on.

"Absolutely," she said, grabbing her bag and locking the door behind her.

They got into his truck and he drove to Sunset Café while the early-morning sun cast a warm glow over the landscape. The drive was filled with easy conversation and laughter, the kind that felt effortless and natural. It was obvious that whatever worry he had about the way he'd left her wasn't going to hinder their day.

He'd thought long and hard the night before about his actions. He shouldn't have bolted, but he'd felt something that he'd never experienced before in his life. And it scared him.

When they arrived at the crowded café, they were greeted by the familiar, cozy atmosphere. The scent of fresh coffee and baking pastries filled the air, and the sound of clinking cutlery and quiet chatter created a comforting background hum.

They were seated at a table by the back window that offered a perfect view of the creek that ran through the woods behind the building. As they settled in, a waitress came over with menus.

"Can I start you off with some coffee?" she asked them.

"Yes, please," Andrea said, glancing at Dean. He nodded quickly. "Two coffees, black," she said. The waitress nodded and left them to peruse the menu.

It was nice that they knew each other enough to know what they both liked. How many times had he enjoyed a meal with her and their friends. He couldn't count the times. Over the years he'd worked at the camp, they'd gone sailing together, enjoyed hanging out at Damion's family's place down the coast for long weekends, and even taken small road trips with their friends.

Being with Andrea felt as right as eating at this café.

"This place feels like home," Dean said, looking around. "I spent a lot of time eating here when I was in school. I'm glad Mary and Everette didn't sell it."

Andrea smiled. "It's a little slice of heaven. Every local knows that they have the best breakfast in town. I think they're hoping their daughter will take the place over when her kids get a little older."

They ordered their meals—pancakes with fresh berries for Andrea and a hearty omelet for Dean. As they ate, they talked about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing effortlessly.

After finishing their breakfast, they headed to Grayton Beach for the farmer's market. The small beach town was bustling with activity. Vendors had set up their stalls and early risers were already browsing the fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.

The market was a vibrant display of colors and scents. Fresh flowers, ripe fruits, and an array of vegetables lined the stalls. They wandered through, stopping to admire the goods and chat with the vendors.

"Look at these," Andrea said, holding up a bunch of sunflowers. "Aren't they beautiful?"

"They are. Sunflowers are your favorites, right?" Dean remembered.

A look of surprise flashed in her eyes as she added the flowers to her basket. "Yes, they are." She smiled. "How did you know?"

He reached over, took her hand in his, and ran his fingertips over the sunflowers on her arms. "You have them here." He leaned closer to her. "And other places."

She chuckled. "Okay, so body art is very telling. In that case, you're favorite animal is…a dolphin?" She cocked her head.

"Shark," he corrected with a wince. "It's my spirit animal." She was teasing him, he knew it.

She laughed. "Right," she said slowly. "Remind me to give you the number for my tattoo artist."

He nudged her shoulder with his and took her free hand and continued to walk.

They browsed for another hour, picking up various items along the way—freshly baked bread, homemade jams, and a selection of cheeses.

As they walked, Dean couldn't help but notice how relaxed and happy Andrea seemed. It was a stark contrast to the tension he had seen in her at the charity event the other night. He felt protective towards her when her family was around and admired that she somehow kept that smile on her face no matter what.

They reached a stall selling fresh lemonade, and he bought ice cold drinks for them. They sat down on a nearby bench under the shade of an oak tree to enjoy the cool drink and a blueberry scone they'd purchased from one of the bakery tents.

"This is nice," Andrea said, leaning back and closing her eyes. "I needed this. Time to reset. To act like a tourist."

"Act?" he asked, watching her.

She glanced at him. "We live in paradise yet watch everyone else enjoys it while we help in their relaxation. Every now and then, it's our turn to relax."

"You need more days off," he pointed out.

"That's the number one reason why I'm training you," she pointed out.

"Right." He smiled.

They finished their lemonade and treat then continued exploring the market. It was in this simple moment, surrounded by the warmth of the sun and the buzz of the market, with her by his side, that he realized he felt the happiest he'd been in years.

They stopped at a local eatery for lunch and then hit a flea market before returning to Andrea's beach house in the early afternoon. He helped carry in several bags full of fresh produce. While they unpacked everything, his mind returned to the night before. He wanted to touch her again. To be with her.

"Today was perfect," Andrea said, looking up at him.

"Was? It's not over yet." He wiggled his eyebrows as he pulled her closer and started to kiss her. He knew that this time, he wouldn't freak out.

"Are you sure about this?" she said, leaning back. "I don't want to send you running again."

He sighed and leaned his forehead on hers. "I've done some pretty stupid things in my life. Last night was one of them." He felt her tense and then realized how she might have taken his words. "Leaving so quickly," he added and instantly felt her relax.

"I promised myself I wasn't going to ask, but why did you leave?" she asked, her arms circling around him.

He thought for a moment and then shook his head. "I have no excuses. Just, right now, know that I want to be here, with you." He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. "All night, if you'll let me."

She reached up on her toes and kissed him. "As long as you want to stay," she said and then started to pull away. "But I think I'll make you cook us dinner." His eyebrows shot up. Then she gripped his shirt and started tugging him back towards the hallway, towards the bedroom. "After."