The New Year Resolution Read online

  The crew was nowhere to be seen. They must be below deck, although right at that moment, Nicole didn’t really care where they were. She was only conscious of Ryan’s hands on her body. His fingers slipped under her shoulder straps and ever so slowly, he peeled her swimsuit down to her waist.

  Ryan stared at her breasts for a long moment as if he couldn’t believe how lucky he was, and then gently cupped them in his hands, kneading gently. Nicole gasped. His hands were scorching hot on her damp skin and the contact sent shivers through her body. He rubbed her erect nipples with his thumbs, just rough enough to leave them aching for more.

  “Oh...” she whimpered, unable to help herself. The warm sun on her naked skin, along with his gentle ministrations had her literally bubbling with arousal.

  Encouraged, Ryan bent his head forward and suckled, tasting each nipple in turn. Nicole writhed on the canvass, scarcely able to contain herself. Already she felt a raw pulsing between her legs, still covered by the wetsuit.

  Ryan looked up at her. “You drive me wild,” he told her. “I’ve wanted to do that since I first saw you in that tiny bikini on day one.”

  “Likewise,” whispered Nicole, lifting her head to kiss his chest. He lay on one side to give her better access. Nicole ran her tongue over his broad chest and licked his nipples, savouring the salty taste of him. Then she ran her hand over his abs, tracing the dents with her fingers.

  “Please tell me you work out,” she said in awe. “Because it’s not natural to have a body this hot.”

  Ryan laughed. “I go to the gym twice a week,” he admitted. “It helps clear my head.”

  Nicole sighed. “I should go more, but with work and then Olivia it’s almost impossible.”

  Ryan ran a hand over her concave stomach. “It’s hardly like you need to work out,” he said admiringly. “You’ve got a perfect body.”

  “Why, thank you,” Nicole grinned. “You know all the right things to say.”

  “I try.” Ryan slipped his hand under her swimsuit and delved beneath the tight neoprene until his fingertips touched her bush. Once again Nicole silently thanked Janine for suggesting she have a wax before she left Pretoria. She didn’t have anything glamorous like a Brazilian or anything, but at least she was neat and trimmed.

  Nicole held her breath as Ryan probed even further and touched the soft inner folds of her lips. Unfortunately, he could go no further. The wetsuit was far too constricting.

  “Can I take this off you?”

  “Please,” she breathed.

  It couldn’t come off fast enough. Nicole raised her hips obediently as Ryan tugged it over her bottom and off her legs. He had to pull quite hard and she slid half-way down the trampoline before it was off. They both ended up laughing.

  “Not the easiest of clothing to remove,” he murmured. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll take my wetsuit off, too. It’s rather constricting.”

  Nicole glanced down and saw what he meant. The taut fabric was jutting out painfully over his erection. “Ouch,” she said, sympathetically.

  Ryan pulled his suit off and threw it onto the deck. Unrestrained by the wetsuit, but still covered by his swimsuit, his erection was larger than ever.

  Nicole gulped.

  “That’s better. Now where were we?”

  Nicole felt very exposed on the deck of the catamaran in nothing but her swimsuit scrunched up around her waist. She glanced over at Dominic’s yacht, but couldn’t see anyone on deck.

  “Worried what your friend might think?” asked Ryan, lying down next to her again.

  “Not in the slightest,” replied Nicole, realising it was true. “I just don’t want the crew getting an eyeful.”

  Dominic was no doubt quite a catch, but he didn’t make her feel the same way Ryan did. This crazy, can’t-get-enough passion she felt for Ryan took her breath away.

  As if proving the point, she reached for his head and pulled it down to hers. Ryan kissed her hard, wiping away all thoughts of Dominic and stamping his mark on her. When his lips left hers she was panting like a dog returning with a stick.

  There was nothing tender in the way he looked at her now. His eyes were dark and intense with desire. Nicole felt the flutter of anticipation in her belly turn into full-out churning. In one swift move he pulled the bathing suit from her hips, down to her ankles. Wordlessly, she kicked it off.

  The hot midday sun burned into her naked body, making her nipples tingle, or perhaps that was Ryan’s scorching gaze. Nicole tilted her head back to maximise the warmth spreading through her limbs. She felt decadent and luxurious, naughty but strangely free. She hadn’t been this spontaneous since before Olivia was born. It felt good, like she was getting some of her old spirit back.

  Ryan stared at Nicole in all her naked glory. She was a goddess. He wanted her so badly it hurt. Quite literally. He was straining against his swimming trunks. But he didn’t take them off. To do so would be to lose complete control and he wanted to watch her enjoy herself.

  Tentatively he stroked her soft, rounded breasts and flat stomach, noticing how she writhed ecstatically under his touch. It spurred him on. He leant forward and kissed her, his breath ragged against hers while his hand cupped her soft bush. She raised her hips ever so slightly, giving him permission to continue. Eagerly he dipped his fingers inside her, revelling at her wetness. She was so ready for him, it nearly drove him over the edge but he managed to hang on.

  Slowly, he chided himself. Don’t rush this.

  Finding her clitoris he made slow deliberate circles over it, feeling her buck gently under him. She moaned softly, egging him on.

  She was so soft and moist, he slid his finger easily into her opening. He withdrew it and continued to tease her, keeping her on the edge of orgasm until she was begging for release. Only then did he let her come, watching her flush and cry out as she pulsed over and over again into his hand.

  Nicole recovered and turned to look at him, a big smile on her face. “That was amazing.” Her gaze lowered to his pants, “But I think we need to take care of you now.”

  Ryan caught his breath. She was so unselfconscious in her naked state, with her blonde hair all mussed up and her body flushed from her orgasm. He reached for her but she shook her head.

  “Uh-huh.” She reached for his swimming trunks and slid them down, releasing his hard-as-nails penis that immediately bounced to attention. Ryan watched her silently, hoping he could keep himself together long enough not to embarrass himself. He couldn’t remember when he had last been this aroused.

  Nicole encircled it with her hand and stroked gently. Ryan groaned; it felt so good. He wanted to taste her, so he leant over and kissed her again but this time Nicole was in control. She pushed him over onto his back and gave him a long, lingering kiss that sent tentacles of heat right down to his toes. Then she started downwards. She kissed his chest and his rigid nipples, running her hands over his stomach. Then she ran her tongue between his abs, and down to his groin.

  He took a rough intake of breath as she slipped the top of his shaft into her mouth and began to suck. Watching her slide it in and out of her mouth almost made him come right there and then, but he managed to hang on. When she wrapped her hand around his shaft and put almost the entire length of him inside her wet, warm mouth, he groaned and let the waves of ecstasy take over his body. Nicole hung on as he thrust upwards into her mouth and came.

  Ryan sat up wondering if, perhaps, they’d gone too far. He glanced down at Nicole who was sunning herself, oblivious to his worrying thoughts. She certainly didn’t look perturbed.

  “We’d better get dressed before the crew discover us.”

  Nicole opened a lazy eye. “But I haven’t danced on the deck yet,” she joked.

  Ryan checked his watch. “No time for that now, I’m afraid. Any moment the skipper will rock up to announce lunch.”

  “Party pooper,” sulked Nicole good-naturedly, and looked around for her swim suit.

  “What’s the matter?
” she asked when Ryan wordlessly slipped into his trunks.

  That was just it. He didn’t know. He felt way out of his comfort zone. Here he was with a girl he hardly knew, feeling things he had no right to be feeling.

  And since when had he been such a prude?

  “Nothing,” he shrugged. “I’m just a little surprised at the turn of events.”

  Nicole frowned. “Does it bother you, what happened? Because I’d hate to think you regretted it.”

  “No, of course not.” He kissed her cheek. “You were amazing. I don’t know what’s wrong. Just ignore me.” He managed a smile.

  Nicole slipped her arms around his waist. “You don’t have to feel guilty, you know. We’re both consenting adults. And the best part is, there are no strings attached. On Friday we fly home and leave all this behind us.”

  She did have a point. He took a deep breath. “And that doesn’t bother you?”

  “Why would it bother me? I’m old enough to realise this isn’t going anywhere. Actually, it’s kind of liberating, don’t you think? We’ve got carte blanche to do what we like and walk away without owing each other anything.”

  It sounded perfect. “The ideal scenario,” he agreed.

  She ran her hands suggestively over his buttocks. Ryan felt an involuntary tightening in his groin.

  “Does that mean we can do this again?” he asked, looking into her vibrant blue eyes, which immediately sparkled with anticipation.

  “Most definitely,” she confirmed.

  Ryan kissed her then, on the lips. It signified his relief and gratitude. Nicole was an amazing woman. Ever since he’d met her she’d put no pressure on him whatsoever. No demands, no expectation. She had her own life and he wasn’t part of it. It struck him that, ironically, she would be the perfect girlfriend. Someone he could enjoy being with, but who wouldn’t demand more than he could give.

  He released her, smiling. “This week is turning out to be a lot more fun than I expected.”

  “For me, too,” Nicole chuckled. “I’m going for a swim.”

  And she did a perfect swallow dive over board. Ryan shook his head. Add unpredictable to the list. Then laughing, he dived in after her.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “Come here,” ordered Ryan, as Nicole emerged, showered and dressed, from the bedroom.

  Nicole smiled and walked into his outstretched arms. She felt great. They had managed another dive after lunch, this time sticking together on the calm side of the reef wall. Ryan had pointed out a moray eel, sting rays and even a baby reef shark.

  “You look stunning,” he murmured, nibbling at her ear lobe. Shivers shot down her spine.

  “Ryan, you’ll get me all hot and bothered before we go out,” she muttered.

  “Don’t care,” Ryan continued to nuzzle, kissing his way down her neck.

  “We’ll be late. The Mahlers are waiting.”

  She laughed as he pulled down her strap and popped her nipple into his mouth.

  “Ryan, stop it.”

  He continued to suckle until her nipple was hard and erect. Nicole groaned. She wanted him so badly, but now really wasn’t the time. Since their little tryst on the boat, Ryan hadn’t been able to keep his hands off her. Nicole knew it was the promise of more to come that was egging him on. This afternoon had been a taster. Tonight would be the main event. All thoughts of seeing Dominic had vanished.

  She firmly pushed his head away. “Later....” she whispered. “Now’s not the time.”

  Reluctantly Ryan released her. “Okay, you win. I suppose we’d better get going.”

  They walked along the path to the main hut and met Vincent and Sylvia at the bar. Sylvia looked exceptionally glamorous in a long, emerald-green dress with matching earrings and Vincent had a big smile on his face. They greeted their hosts and Vincent politely enquired about the day’s diving.

  Nicole had to laugh as Ryan outlined their activities, making sure to leave out the bit where they got naked and pleasured each other. She knew the crew had probably given their boss a full report, anyway. As much as she liked Vincent, he was a crafty old fox and he had invited Ryan here to suss him out.

  Their little tryst on the deck would only work in Ryan’s favour.

  Ryan was in a buoyant mood and infected everyone else, so consequently dinner was a lively affair. The band was back, this time playing more muted tunes in the background, which added to the ambience. Ryan didn’t miss an opportunity to touch her and caressed her inner thigh throughout dessert and coffee, making his post-dinner intentions clear. By the time they said goodbye to the Mahlers, Nicole was practically bubbling over with desire.

  They ran back to the chalet across the beach, not caring that sand got into their shoes.

  Ryan threw back the sliding door and half carried, half kissed Nicole all the way to the bed. She couldn’t stop giggling at his enthusiasm. Now they’d given each other permission to have sex, there was no stopping him.

  “I’ve been looking forward to this moment all afternoon,” he told her, unbuttoning the front of her silk shirt-dress. He unsnapped her bra and her breasts sprung free. Ryan fondled them lovingly, before moving down to her panties. These he slid off her long, newly tanned legs.

  Nicole lay naked before him, her eyes dancing devilishly. She was enjoying this as much as he was.

  “Now you,” she murmured, sitting up to undo his shirt. Once that fell to the floor she unbuttoned his trousers and slid down his zip. Already she could feel the impressive bulge under his pants. Ryan shook off his trousers and then his undies and joined her on the bed. He tickled her idly with one hand while the other brushed a hair behind her ear.

  “You’re sure about this?” he asked, one final time. It was a rather pointless question really, as he didn’t think he’d be able to resist now if she said no. He wanted her too badly. Since their conversation on the boat he’d been building up to this, imagining making love to her in so many different ways. It would be torture to stop now.

  “No guilt, remember?” she replied, smiling up at him. “We have this one week to enjoy each other, so let’s make it count.”

  Ryan didn’t need more confirmation than that. With a muffled groan he took her face in his hands and kissed the living daylights out of her. He could sense her hunger and it matched his own. As he tasted her, inhaled her and felt her naked body beneath his, Ryan allowed himself the rare luxury of giving in to his emotions.

  Nicole was a wonderful lover. Easily the most responsive woman he’d ever been with. When he kissed her breasts, her nipples perked up and begged for more. She shivered as he ran his hands over her stomach and buttocks, quivering under his touch.

  Her endless legs wrapped around his hips, urging him to get to it. Ryan guided himself into her and nearly collapsed as her internal muscles gripped and caressed him. He began to move, rhythmically thrusting into her, careful not to be too forceful, but dimly aware he was losing control.

  Nicole grabbed his buttocks and pushed hard. She wanted more. Already he was filling her completely but he thrust harder, feeling his cock pound against her cervix. Her hips rose off the bed every time he drove into her. At the same time her back arched and her breasts thrust upwards like a glorious angel in the throes of ecstasy. The moans and gasps escaping from her parted lips spurred him on until he heard his own cries of pleasure mingling with hers. Then when Ryan didn’t think he could hold on any longer, Nicole bucked rapidly beneath him and screamed as she came over and over again. Her muscles contracted around his penis sending him flying over the edge and Ryan exploded inside her in one of the most powerful orgasms of his life.

  Nicole lay by the pool with a little smile on her face. Last night had been something else. Ryan had proved himself to be both exciting and unselfish in bed. After the first frenzied love-making session they’d calmed down and begun to explore each other in a more relaxed fashion. It was almost three a.m. before Nicole finally fell asleep.

  They’d slept late, missing breakfast
entirely. It was almost lunch time when they finally got up, groggy from too little sleep and stiff from too much sex.

  Vincent had left a message outside their door for Ryan to contact him when he got up.

  “Maybe he wants to discuss the project with you?” suggested Nicole, padding around in her underwear.

  Ryan looked hopeful. “You never know.”

  He showered and dressed quickly, eager to hear what Vincent had to say.

  “Wish me luck,” he smiled, as he kissed her goodbye. Then he left with his laptop firmly planted under his arm.

  Nicole was happy for him. She liked Vincent and thought Ryan could do with having his mentor back in his life. She could see Vincent was fond of Ryan too, just a little cautious about letting him back into his life in such a prominent way. Perhaps Ryan wasn’t the only one who’d lost out when he’d left Melanie.

  The African sun was relentless and Nicole pushed up the beach umbrella to get a little shade. She was a lovely golden-brown now, but she didn’t want to burn. After reading for a while, Nicole put her book down and closed her eyes.

  She must have dozed off because it was substantially cooler when she woke up. Dark clouds were sweeping in off the sea, heavy with moisture. The umbrella was buffeting precariously, so she hurriedly put it down before it took off across the deck.

  What time was it anyway?

  Strolling inside, Nicole was amazed to find it was almost five o’clock. She’d been asleep for the better part of three hours. Ryan still wasn’t back so she made a cup of tea and slipped into a casual summer dress and flip flops. Half an hour later, Nicole decided to go and see what was keeping Ryan.

  Leaving the chalet she made her way towards the Mahlers beach house further down the beach. It was easily the biggest chalet in the private resort. A double storey, it was also more than double the length of theirs.

  The wind had picked up and it looked like the heavens might open at any minute. What a sudden change. Three hours ago it had been a perfect summer’s day.