Page 83 of Ripple Effect

A lump forms in my throat, my emotions threatening to spill over. “Elio—”

“I know it’s a shoddy excuse for the real thing.” He gives me a sheepish grin. “But I’m supposed to avoid strenuous exercise, and I thought this could be the next best option.”

I remember the moment distinctly, that day at the beach when we first met. I asked him a million questions then, not knowing where I was going but just hoping to crack his shell. My heart races now, palms clammy. “You once told me you’ve never surfed, and you never will.”

“Yeah, well, I guess I’m a changed man.” His lips quirk into a half-smile. “Though, I’m not sure that virtual surfing really counts.”

I step closer, my fingers lightly touching his cheek. “Oh, it counts. It more than counts.”

“So, you don’t think it’s, like, really fucking corny?”

“It’s a bit corny,” I concede with a grin. “But it’s so sweet and so ... you. If I had any doubts about having sex with you tonight, which I didn’t, this would’ve sealed the deal for sure.”

His laughter is rich and warm, echoing through the room. “Well, damn, I guess I did something right.”

“Thank you, El. Seriously.” I pull him into a gentle hug. “I love it.”

His fingers trace circles on my back, sending shivers down my spine. “You want to try it out?”

Pulling back, I meet his eyes. “I do. I really do. But ... after.”

He blinks, a grin slowly stretches across his face. “After,” he repeats, low and husky. “Right, well, you’re the one in charge here.”

31

ELIO

Daisy’s tonguedarts out to wet her bottom lip, eyes shining as she meets my gaze.

My breathing slows as I take her in. Her soft, blonde hair, her full lips, and all the perfect curves of her body. I know she may not see it, but she’s the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.

She takes a step toward me, her hips swaying with each movement. The sight of her—so confident, so brazenly determined—is mesmerizing.

I swallow, my mouth going dry.

“Elio,” she murmurs, the sound of my name on her lips setting my blood to simmer. My gut clenches, and liquid heat pulses through my veins, my desire for her growing with each passing second. “Take me to your room.”

I swallow a deep, shuddery breath, trying to steady myself. “You don’t have to ask me twice,” I say, my voice barely more than a hoarse croak.

My palm slides into hers, and I pull her behind me down the hallway, a sense of urgency pounding in my chest. I’m burning with anticipation, my mind racing with thoughts of all the lovely, wicked things I want to do to her,withher.

My room is already dimly lit, hazy shadows dancing along the walls. The soft sounds of “Everywhere, Everything” filter in from the living room. Daisy’s eager eyes linger on my bed, her lips parted in anticipation.

And I’m determined, with every last shred of decency inside of me, to make this experience unforgettable. For her, for me, for two people who’ve been bruised and jaded by love before.

Without a single word, I take her hand, and we slide into the bed together, the blankets wrapping around our bodies. I pull her close, savoring the warmth of her skin against mine. Slowly, I capture her mouth, my tongue flicking against the tip of hers just the way she likes.

My hands work to explore her body, tracing the dip in her waist, the swell of her full hips. I press my lips to her cheek, then to her neck, kissing her hungrily as she melts into a whimpering mess.

She slides her hands into my hair, and I move on top of her. The two of us slowly work together to remove every last shred of clothing from our bodies. It’s not the first time I’ve seen her naked, but it sure as hell feels like it—like every little perfect piece of her is meant just for me.

My hand patiently works its way between us. I swipe my fingers along her slit until I reach that little bundle of nerves, touching and teasing her until she’s so wet, so fucking ready for me. Her hips involuntarily writhe against my thigh.

She looks up, blinking at me through thick lashes, her deepest desires, her insecurities, all laid bare. “Take care of me, will you?”

“Only if you take care of me,” I say. And then, with one solid, earth-defying thrust, I’m finally inside of her.

Nothing else exists. There’s just us, and this bed, and this fucking perfect, unending moment between us. I move slowly, savoring each breath, trying to be aware of her every reaction.

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