Page 21 of Reluctant Chemistry

As it turned out, Luka’s recovery had been quick and strong. And by the time they’d made it back to his studio, CeCe could think of nothing but the intensity of what might happen once they walked through the door.

He’d pressed her back against the wall as soon as they were inside. Not in a display of dominance, but gently, his hands cupping her face as he kissed her. She was naked under her voile skirt, and the feeling of his erection and his murmured words of assurance added a layer to the sex that she’d never experienced before.

Afterward, they lay on his bed, feeding each other slices of sweet, white-fleshed nectarines from the tree in his backyard, and when she finally headed for home, it was after two in the morning.

Before she left for work a short six hours later, CeCe packed a few things into an overnight bag, just in case he invited her to stay again. She ate breakfast, the sensation of him a distant tingle between her legs, and waited for her father to leave the house before confiding in her mother.

CeCe rose from the table and put her plate in the dishwasher. She turned and rested her elbows on the breakfast bar. “I thought I might stay in town tonight.”

Her mother looked up from her coffee. “What, again? Don’t you need a decent night’s sleep after your early morning sneak in?” She sipped.

“No, I’m good.”

“So, what’s he like?”

CeCe hesitated. She often stayed at Molly’s so she didn’t have to drive home if they’d been out. But her mother seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to CeCe and her love life, or lack thereof. She smiled at the thought of him. “Gentle.”

“Okay. But you know if you ever need us, just to call, don’t you?”

“Of course.” She walked over and kissed her mother on the cheek. “You’re the best.”

“Thanks, but you realize I don’t keep secrets from your father.”

CeCe chuckled. “Course you do. We all keep secrets, Mum. Life would be so dull if we didn’t.”

As she went to leave the kitchen, her mother called her back. “I know you’ve been through a lot lately, sweetheart, but it’s nice to see you smile again. Anna would have wanted that. She was such a bubbly girl before she met that Dillon.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

* * *

The following day at dawn, with CeCe at the wheel, they traveled south along the coastal highway toward Sandwater Bay. While there had been many moments over the past few days when she’d thought the happiness would burst from her chest, this morning had to be one of the best she’d had lately.

The previous night had been hot and humid, making sleep difficult, but despite this and their seemingly insatiable desire for one another, CeCe didn’t feel tired.

She parked in her usual spot behind the dunes at the far end of the beach. The surf was slower here and quiet for a change, suiting her level of skill. It normally roared its arrival onto the shore, but that morning, the entire world still seemed to be drowsing.

They sat in the sand and watched the sun rise over the Bay of Plenty, CeCe resting between Luka’s jean-clad legs as his arms held her—loose enough to flee, tight enough for her not to want to. The beach was deserted, and as she briefly closed her eyes, the soft sough of the surf and the warmth of his scent had her wishing he’d never let her go.

The sun now above the horizon, a shirtless Luka stood and stretched his arms over his head. CeCe marveled at the sight of him: every muscle defined to perfection, his skin glowing and blemish free.

“Have you ever surfed naked?” he asked with a grin.

She looked up, the taste of salt settling on her lips. “No. Have you?”

“Sure. Want to give it a try? It’s awesome.”

“But what if someone comes?”

“You can leave your towel on the beach, and I’ll grab it for you while you hide under the water.”

“But then they’ll seeyounaked.”

He shrugged. “Doesn’t bother me. Being naked is a great leveler, don’t you think?”

“Maybe.” She laughed. “But you’re just saying that because you have an amazing body with a most impressive piece of equipment and a six-pack.”

Luka bent down, picked her up, and tossed her over his shoulder as she giggled her protest. “You have an amazing body too. But if you don’t strip soon, we’ll miss our chance.” He slapped her playfully on the butt and ran up the beach to the van.

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