Love's Paradox

Chapter 24: If the Boat's a Rockin', Don't Come a Knockin'

It's official: I don't deserve a man like Parker. Instead of making me feel crazy—which I do fine on my own, thank you very much—he leads me to the lower level of the boat to the master bedroom. He sits on the bed and draws me to him, holding me close to his chest with no ulterior motives but to console me for our previously emotionally strained conversation.

My mood has shifted considerably, and I feel like a giant ass for being the one to ruin our date this time. I must admit that being held by someone without the expectation of sex is nice. Ian only cuddled if he knew the end result would be a sated one. Hunter, on the other hand, has held me on many of my bad nights but was always just a friend. However, Parker's arms are soothing in a way I never expected. It's like he can wrap not only his body around me, but his soul as well, leaving me relaxed and in a state of tranquility.

We lie in silence for an immeasurable amount of time. Parker's rhythmic breathing provides me with a sense of safety I haven't felt in months. The sanctuary of the gently rocking boat eases my worries and soothes my nerves.

"I don't want to leave," I rasp, the truth spilling from me in a rush.

His fingers trace down my cheek before he replies, "Then stay with me."

"All right." A few seconds tick by. I tilt my head to meet his gaze. "So, hey, what else did you learn while reading about the ladies?" My eyebrows waggle.

His eyes gleam, lips twitching. "I can show you."

My breath catches in my throat, and my pulse quickens as I nod. My body still aches from his teasing touches before dinner.

His nose trails the length of my neck, making my insides quiver. "As you wish," he whispers.

I sigh as his warm breath fans over the delicate skin beneath my ear. I'm instantly on fire and start to reach for him, craving his lips. Before I touch, he grins, encircles my wrists with one hand, and forces my arms above my head.

Tingles storm my nerves as his mouth presses delicate kisses along my jaw and neck, purposefully missing my lips. My body automatically curves into his, which makes Parker chuckle.

"Relax."

His finger trails along the sliver of skin above my shorts before hooking under my shirts and lifting them. Those divine lips of his linger on my stomach, and my skin flushes as he nips at my hip. The tha-thump, tha-thump of my heartbeat echoes in my ears when he scoots lower and presses his mouth over my shorts. A torrent of heat rushes to my core. Another sigh escapes me.

Our eyes meet, and he playfully nips my stomach, then he lifts my legs one at a time and removes my sandals, kissing the arch of each foot.

I gasp. "Are you trying to torture me?"

He lowers my leg, eyes glittering. "Why? Is it working?"

Voice breathy, I say, "Uh-huh."

"Good. Now take off your shirt."

I sit up, my gaze never leaving his, and remove my sheer shirt, leaving the tank top in place, just to be a smartass. I bite my lip as I stare up at him; one of his eyebrows rises. "Fine," I say and pull the tank over my head, tossing it to the floor.

Like the sex god he is, he advances, hands planted on either side of my body. My own hands hunger to touch him, but his predatory gaze tells me not to. Though his hands are large, the way he strokes my skin is gentle, loving, as he reaches under me to unclasp my bra, flinging it across the room. His fingers outline my breasts, mapping an invisible path to a sacred place. Goose bumps rise along my skin, each caress like a gravitational force as my body is drawn to his.