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Love the feel of his cock stroking all the places inside me that feel like they were waiting for him to find them.

Most of all, I love the expression on his face when I look up at him. His tight, determined expression gives way to something like joy like the sun breaking through storm clouds.

I move my fingers. My pussy tightens. Warmth spreads through my body.

Luke keeps going, pumping his hips. I keep doing it and suddenly I’m floating. The tide has come in and I’m drifting on rolling waves of pleasure over and over, until I spread out like the stars in the sky above us.

Luke grunts. His expression is absolutely pained. I realise he’s still waiting for me and I force myself to find breath for words. “I’m cumming. Luke, I’m—”

“Thank fuck.” He plants trembling arms on either side of me and growls. Then he slams his body into mine once, twice, and with a final thrust he comes. I might not have ever done this before, but it’s unmistakable. His head dips forward. His mouth parts. Then his gaze flicks to mine and I’m caught there, hanging on the edge between his orgasm and mine. The moment stretches. I forget about the waves lapping at the rocks outside the cave. I forget about the wet seeping through the back of my dress. I forget everything except the way he looks at me right then. Like he’s never coming up for air.

After another breath, he leans down to kiss me. Then he pulls out carefully, sitting back on his knees. He gets rid of the condom and reaches out his arm to help me up. “Mia, I—that was...” He shakes his head.

My stomach flips. Was I that bad? I didn’t tell him I was a virgin exactly, but I kinda thought he’d work it out. “I’m sorry.”

He stares at me. “Sorry? For what?” He pulls me into his arms. “I’m a lucky bastard you even let me touch you. I wasn’t expecting this.”

I laugh into his chest and he lets me pull back to smile at him. “So it was OK for you?”

He lets out a huff of a laugh. “It was better than OK. How about for you? You weren’t faking were you? It felt good?”

My cheeks heat. Lucky it’s so dark he can’t see how fiercely I’m blushing. “Yeah. It felt way better than OK.”

He takes my hand and we climb out of the cave. The tide is coming in and I know we can’t linger. I wish we could. For a little while I was transported into another world. One where I don’t have to worry about my parents’ expectations. A world where I don’t have to commit to a course of study at uni that tears at my guts. A place where I could just be whatever I wanted to be.

I’m more grateful than I know how to express to Luke for bringing me here. Even if it can only be tonight.

We don’t say much on the walk back. It’s cold. The wind has picked up. Luke tucks me in front of him and protects me from the worst of it, but I’m still shivering when we make it back to where his brothers have lit a fire and the music from the portable speaker is thumping.

“You want a blanket? Pretty sure I’ve got one in the car?”

I shake my head. “I should get going.”

He doesn’t respond. I’m trying not to find it awkward, but I don’t know how to do this.

He asks, “Will I see you again?”

“I hope so.” It’s the truth. It’s probably stupid to admit it, but it escapes before I can trap it.

He grins. “Good. Cause there’s loads more places I can show you around here. By the end of the summer, I’ll have you convinced to stay in Rosella Bay.”

My smile has a bitter edge. I’d like nothing more.

But that’s not my life. Soon enough the summer will be over and I’ll be going home.

As I walk up the steps from the beach, hugging my arms around myself, it doesn’t feel like going home. Every step I take feels like a step further from where I really belong.

ONE

Ten Years Later

Mia

“What now?” Oliver rolls his eyes, fumbling for his phone on the centre console of the car. He’s driving, so I pick it up.

“Just pass it to me.” His tone is harsher than expected and I’m taken aback. “Sorry.”

Oliver sighs. “You know I hate being late.” Bringing the phone to his ear, he barks, “Yes!”

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