The Heartbreak Club

Floating

At first I didn't understand all the fuss about summertime in New York, but I learned. Here, summer is like a friend who visits and leaves. Like a short-term love that breaks your heart. Not like where I'm from - year round sun. So, when Tony invited me on his family's boat, I was in.

I wore a long flowing dress with flat sandals. He was in shorts and a pastel polo shirt. Such a preppy attorney on a leisurely outing. But, oh so hot.

His arm was strong, I held it to steady myself on deck. Also because I wanted to touch him. All the time. We were at the edge looking over the side when he stood behind me, spooning me in front of him.

"Don't fall overboard," he whispered and flinched to scare me.

"Would you save me?" When he didn't answer I turned to look at him. "Tsk."

"I'm thinking."

"What?" I was facing him.

"These shorts were expensive," he smirked, "I got them in Nantucket."

I knocked my closed fist on his chest.

"You wouldn't jump in and save me?"

"I'd ask the captain if the waters were free of sharks."

"If there's no sharks, then you would?"

"Well no, if there's no sharks, you're fine. You can wait for help. The coast guard or something."

The longer he teased me, the more I laughed. Tray-passed champagne made the rounds, he took two glasses.

"To the best summer," he toasted to us. We handed the flutes back when we were finished. He cradled me at the edge again.

"I wouldn't have to jump in," he was breathing in my ear, making me crazy. "Because I'd never let you fall." His arms firmed around me. I turned my face toward him, he was going to kiss me, I knew it. Finally. But not too much PDA. "You want to see inside?"

He gave me the grand tour of the family vessel. He'd been there every year since childhood. He was giddy as he showed me the traces of young Tony and his siblings. He'd carved his initials more than one place.

We took the narrow stairs below deck where there was a seating area and a bedroom. He guided me in and closed the door behind us. He grabbed handfuls of my dress, driving me back until I was lying down. He moved over me with the smoothness of a wave.

"Tony, your family is up there."

"That's why it's perfect that we're down here." He wasn't stoping. He tugged the elastic at the top of my dress, peeking in. His face twisted in amazement, I giggled.

"Your dad's partners are up there," my voice was more desperate. His kisses rained down on me nonstop. "I'm pretty sure I saw a federal judge."

"No. A state judge." His hands were up and down my sides.

"Oh, okay. That's not so bad then." He confirmed with a low groan. Something about him being turned on was like catnip to me.

"I like sneaking away with you," he paused to look in my eyes. His fingers laced through mine, pushing my arms back. "I like sharing the only private part of your life with you."

I let my dress hike up and crossed my ankles behind his back. I loved his godlike physique and the masterful way he touched me. In those intense moments, his kisses were desperate and dominant at the same time. But it wasn't just that. He understood how much I needed those secret moments. After having bared my soul to the world, I was rebuilding something - myself. His tender understanding was something from a dream.

"Only I can hear you," he cupped my head, holding my face close. I knew what he wanted - I spoke unmentionables into his ear. Things I'll never repeat, not even in The Heartbreak Club.

When we rejoined the party for dinner, a sense of exposure lingered on me. It felt like they knew, but they didn't. They were all occupied with visiting, observing the view and enjoying their own time. We were far from a spectacle. Our secret was hidden in eye contact and the touch of our hands as we passed the dishes.

I was exhausted when I slipped into bed that night. Tony went home because he had to be in court early. I didn't mind, I was still floating from the day.

I was groggy when I got a text.

"Have I done my penance, Em. How about dinner?" from Caden.

"Fine."