Page 19 of Reckless Abandon

“I like all my tattoos to mean something. I don’t understand the point of just random artwork,” he explained to me as he finished pouring our drinks. My fingers stop on the name Ella Marie.

“Who's Ella Marie?” I asked, sensing his hesitation.

“Another night, butterfly,” he whispered. I knew exactly what he meant by not answering and calling me butterfly at the same time. I wasn’t ready to tell him about my tattoos either.

The walk to the pool was quiet. My community seemed especially tranquil that evening. During the summer my complex actually calmed down a bit because most of the college kids went home. I'd hoped we’d get lucky tonight and wouldn’t have to share the hot tub with anyone else. No such luck. There was an older couple snuggling on one side of the spa. They were actually really cute together. But this would force me to have to sit close to Nathan. Not that I really minded.

I placed our towels down on the chairs that I knew had the killer view of the Las Vegas strip. My neighborhood was set just far enough off the strip to be away from it all, but close enough to still enjoy the views. Nathan quickly jumped in the spa, as if he needed to save us seats. At the same time, his eyes never left me. He really did like to watch. With a subtle giggle, I slowly dropped my cover-up. His normal golden eyes went dark with a look I'd yet to see. It was a look of desire, of hunger, and it sent a jolt of electricity to every part of my body.

Two could play at that game. I didn’t get in the spa right away. As I sat down next to Nathan, I ever so slightly ran my leg up against his arm. He gently grabbed my right foot and began to slowly run his thumb up and down the pad of my foot. His skilled hands made my aching foot feel downright amazing. My other foot needed the same treatment, so I swung my legs around his strong, broad shoulders, resulting in both legs sitting on each side of his beautiful body. He continued to gently rub each one of my feet. My nails lightly scratched the back of Nathan’s head as I ran my fingers through his thick hair. A low growl came from deep in his throat as we both continued to relax.

Not long after, the older couple must have sensed our desire for a bit of privacy and quietly slipped away, although we barely noticed. “Come sit with me, Ryann,” Nathan demanded, the edge of authority in his tone turning me on.

I carefully stood up, stepped into the hot tub and sat across from him. On purpose. “That’s not with me, butterfly.” He crooked his finger for me to come toward him. I stood up and slowly made my way to him. When I got within reach, Nathan grabbed ahold of my hips and pulled me up against his rock hard body. I softly sat down on his lap and put my arm around his neck to keep my balance. “Hi, beautiful.”

“Hi,” I whispered back. I could feel my heart wanting to jump out of my chest. I was sure Nathan could hear the thump of each powerful beat. He turned and looked me directly in the eyes, one hand around my waist and the other cupping my face.

“Ryann, I've been thinking about kissing you since the moment I laid eyes on you the night of your birthday. Tonight, I've been waiting to claim your lips as mine.” With that, Nathan’s mouth crashed onto mine. His tongue invaded my mouth with such fervor, I felt my toes curl as my fingers dug into his neck. Our tongues slowly wrestled, wanting to taste every bit of the other’s. With each swirl, the hold he had around my waist was getting tighter and tighter. With a minor retreat, we both slowly pulled back, gently sucking on each other’s lips. His slight five o’clock shadow, was gently scratching my face. Needing to breathe, I slowly pulled away and softly bit down on his bottom lip.

Not pulling my face too far away from his, I whispered, “Wow.” My brain couldn’t seem to form any other words. We sat there for a minute just lost in our moment.

When I was able to regain my thoughts, I stood up and held my hand out for Nathan to follow. I placed a towel down on the double-wide lounger and lay down on my side looking out at the Vegas skyline. Nathan came up and spooned me from behind, leaned up on one elbow, and ran his other hand up and down my back.

“I found this spot one night when I needed to clear my head. This exact spot is the only place in the pool that has this view. I love to come here at night and escape,” I told Nathan.

“Escape from what?” he asked.

I hesitated. “Life, I guess.” He left my answer for what it was.

“It’s the second most beautiful thing I’ve seen tonight,” Nathan said as he kissed my neck. All I could do was moan and fall into his hold. It was so comfortable to lay there with him, losing track of time. We both drifted off to sleep, until security woke us as they were locking up for the night.

Nathan and I held hands as we quietly walked back to my condo. My mind started to race as we got closer to my door. What next? Do we kiss again? Do I ask him to stay? Do I have sex with him? As if he sensed my worry, he squeezed my hand and told me to stop thinking so much. It was like he knew me already.

As we got through the door, Nathan met my gaze. “I had a wonderful time tonight. Are we still on for tomorrow?” I nodded. Of course we were. “Can you do early?” he asked.

“I think I may be able to fit you into my morning schedule. How early are we talking?”

“I'll pick you up at four-thirty,” Nathan clearly stated. “It'll be worth it.”

“Okay, at least let me make the coffee?”

“Deal.” Nathan leaned in and kissed me once more. This kiss wasn’t like the kiss in the hot tub. It was much shorter than the first; soft and tender. Our hands were laced together at our sides as he gently delved his tongue into my mouth like he couldn’t get enough of the way I tasted.

“I’ll see you in the morning, butterfly.”

I could barely sleep after Nathan left, I was too wound up. That man and his tattoos made my body tingle in a way I didn’t even think was possible. Every one of my lady bits screamed to have Nathan in my bed, yet my brain said slow down, hussy. This was the man who had the nerve to call you a MILF the other night and had still yet to explain it. I wanted a summer fling, but I wasn't interested in someone hurting me either. I wished I wasn’t the type of person who had to have everything in my life lined up perfectly in front of me; every single damn duck in a row before I could move forward. But that’s who I was.

When I let Roxy out at three forty-five the next morning, I could already feel the humidity in the hot desert air. There was a heavy cover of clouds and moisture that filled the early morning sky. I hoped the weather didn’t have an effect on whatever Nathan’s plans were. He didn’t tell me what we were doing so I decided to just dress casual. I mean what could we really be doing at five in the morning? I threw on a cute pair of skinny jeans, my ripped MTV tank top, and my old black Chucks. I hated my hair in my face so I threw it up in loose ponytail and was ready to go. Being a kindergarten teacher had taught me to be really low maintenance.

I sent Nathan a text to let me know when he was close so I could meet him outside. I didn’t want Roxy's inevitable barking to piss off all the neighbors.

Nathan: I’m there in 5 min

Me: Ok. I’ll meet you in the driveway.

Nathan: Be safe butterfly. I’ll be there shortly.

Not three minutes later, Nathan pulled up. “Ummm. You weren’t texting and driving right?” I asked him as I climbed into the truck.