Midnight with You Read online

  “Oh, yeah.”

  She sank onto him and her eyes widened. She wasn’t sure she could ever get used to how long and thick he was, and just how much he stretched her.

  When she was fully lowered, she wiggled.

  He looked pained. “Watch it.”

  “Gotta make sure I’m seated well in the saddle.” She wriggled a little more, then grinned at him. “I’m ready for that ride.”

  Seth gripped her hips and thrust into her hard.

  Bailey gasped. “Whoa.”

  “You are in for a ride, sweetheart.” He thrust up into her and she held on, trying to get her balance and not pass out from sheer pleasure.

  What was he doing to her?

  The way he clenched his jaw, she wondered if that was what he did when he rode bareback the eight full seconds.

  Of course, here he was not an eight-second ride. He was more like an eight-hour ride cowboy.

  She managed to gather herself enough to give as good as she got. She rose up and came down to match his thrusts.

  He reached even deeper inside her and she watched the intensity of his expression.

  What would it be like to see that face every day?

  Bailey forced herself to concentrate on the sensations inside her that she couldn’t have stopped if she wanted.

  She rolled closer to the peak as she matched every thrust of his hips with a firm slide.

  So much, so much. It was almost too much to handle what her body was going through as she raced toward orgasm.

  “Are you ready to come, sweetheart?” he said in between harsh breaths.

  She almost couldn’t speak with how hard she was breathing, how deeply he thrust into her.

  “Yes.” It came out too low, so she shouted it this time. “Yes.”

  “Do it now, Bailey.” He ground out the words. “Do it now.”

  Bailey let go. She rode him as her orgasm stampeded over her. White-hot fire rushed through her as she charged to completion.

  She wondered how her climax could possibly be more powerful than the last. How she could scream even louder than before.

  Seth shouted with his own climax and slowly came to a stop beneath her.

  She collapsed against his chest. Their perspiration mingled as she lay there, his chest rising and falling beneath her, and he was still inside her core. Her heart thundered and her mind simply whirled, as if it might not stop.

  When Bailey thought she was relaxed enough, she slid off him. He tucked her up under his arm and held her close.

  Bailey thought she heard him say, “I love you,” but she hoped he hadn’t. She didn’t want him falling in love with her.

  She slipped away into an exhausted but completely satisfied sleep.

  14

  Bailey and her friends strolled into the lobby of the ‘Aina Kapu, chatting a mile a minute like they always seemed to do.

  The trio had just spent the morning being pampered in the resort spa, part of the gift Bailey’s family had given her.

  Bailey’s skin tingled, her body completely relaxed.

  Not unlike last night after her bout of lovemaking with Seth.

  Lovemaking?

  She mentally shook her head.

  The thought of last night lit her on fire.

  Dara checked her cell phone as they turned and headed down the Honu wing. “The guys are going to be here at one.”

  She went on. “Jeff just texted that we’re going scuba diving and then to a beach bar this evening called Nalu Grill and Bar. We’ll be here in Keola for both.”

  “Awesome.” Charlee smiled. “We’ve been having so much fun already, and our vacation has just begun.”

  “I don’t know.” Bailey frowned. “You don’t know those guys.”

  Darla rolled her eyes. “Really?”

  Charlee laughed. “You are one to talk.”

  “You’re right.” Bailey bit her lower lip. “I’m acting like Mama Hen when I’m one of the naughty chicks.”

  “And a naughty chick you are.” Dara smiled. “A little harmless flirting with a couple of young guys on a tropical island is just what the doctor ordered.”

  “Wow, you have an awesome doctor.” Bailey grinned. “I want one who’ll write me a prescription so that I can come again.”

  They neared Charlee’s room. She was in the Kuawa—guava—suite and Dara was in the Mīkana—papaya—suite.

  Charlee slid her room card through the reader. “What are you and Seth doing tonight?”

  “He didn’t tell me exactly, but it involves hiking, a bathing suit, and water shoes.” Bailey added, “He said to wear shorts, T-shirt or tank top, and athletic shoes.”

  “Whatever it is, I know you’ll have a blast,” Charlee said.

  Bailey was sure about that, too. “Have fun with Cabana Boy Number One.”

  After they left Charlee in her suite, Bailey and Dara continued on. They reached Dara’s suite—she slid her keycard to unlock the door.

  “Yes, I intend to have a wonderful time with Cabana Boy Number Two.” Dara smiled as she stood in her doorway. “You enjoy your afternoon and evening with Seth.”

  “Always.” Bailey gave Dara a little wave. Which was true. There hadn’t been a single time where she hadn’t had fun with Seth.

  Bailey made her way to her own room and let herself in. It was such a beautiful room. She let herself onto the patio and looked out at the ocean.

  Her thoughts turned back to Seth and last night. She closed her eyes as tingles rolled through her from memories of his hands, his fingers, his mouth on her.

  And how he felt inside her.

  Bailey sighed and smiled. He made her smile all the time.

  She glanced at the clock—an hour before he’d show up at her door.

  Seth walked toward Bailey’s, feeling on top of the world. How’d he get so lucky to find her? There was no other woman like Bailey McBride.

  Tomorrow the rodeo started, and he’d have to get his head in the game. A bareback ride would be even more dangerous than it already was, if the rider wasn’t focused solely on the event.

  It was considered the most grueling event in rodeo, and he had the scars, dislocations, broken bones, and concussions to prove it.

  Only a former rodeo girl like Bailey would get why this rodeo boy loved it so much.

  He knocked on her door and waited for her to answer. He couldn’t wait to see her smile, which he knew would be just for him.

  It took longer than usual, but when the door opened, it was definitely worth the wait.

  “Hey, Montana.” She looped her arms around his neck and gave him a breath-stealing kiss. “I’m ready for whatever it is you have planned for today.”

  “Hi, beautiful.” He kissed her solidly on the lips again. He handed her a backpack. “Load up your stuff in here. It will be easier to carry.”

  Bailey looked at him suspiciously before she dumped everything from her beach bag into the backpack, then slid her keycard into one of the inside zipper pockets. She tossed the beach bag into her room before closing the door.

  He adjusted his own backpack. “Let’s go.”

  She took his hand. He liked the way her hand felt in his, like it belonged there.

  It did belong there.

  “Are you going to tell me?” She looked at him. “Or are you going to make me wait?”

  He watched to see her expression. “I’m going to take you to Laule‘a Cove to see the dolphins play.”

  “Awesome!” She bounced up and down on her toes like the first time he’d told her about them. “And Monk seals, sea turtles, and a humpback?”

  “Yep.” He grinned at her enthusiasm. “No guarantee on the humpback since they’re out of season.”

  She practically skipped beside him while they headed to the front door. “You are the best.”

  He laughed. “Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you.”

  * * *

  A short drive later, the driver deposited them at a place beyond Ke
ola Beach, closer to the trail to Laule‘a Cove.

  Seth couldn’t wait to see Bailey’s face when she saw the sea creatures. She was so animated when she was excited.

  “No surfing today?” Bailey asked as they walked.

  “Nah.” He squeezed her hand and led her in the direction of the cove. “Today we’re going to see a few things you won’t find anywhere else on the island.”

  “Sounds terrific.” She looked out at the water. “Not as many people around here.”

  He shook his head. “It’s not well known with tourists. It’s more of a local resident’s place to go. One of those best-kept secrets.”

  “I feel honored that you’d bring me here.” She swung their hands. “I like the idea of someplace private and more for locals than touristy. Those are always the best places.”

  “I happen to agree with you.” He drew her down the beach, onto the sand, and toward an outcropping of rocks. “Ready for a hike?”

  She laughed. “I think so.”

  When they neared the rocks, he handed her a water bottle before he adjusted his backpack. “Get prepared to enter another world.”

  Bailey flashed him a smile that about dropped him to his knees. “I’m ready.”

  * * *

  They had to climb an outcropping of rocks to get to the trail they would hike to get to Laule‘a Cove. Bailey understood why Seth had told her to wear athletic shoes.

  She followed him down a trail from the rocks and they entered a tropical forest. It was like the trip on the canoe to the grotto, only thicker.

  The three-mile long hike was supposed to be a tough one. Thank goodness she was athletic and kept in great shape, and he’d brought plenty of water bottles.

  “I’ve never been on a more beautiful hike.” She couldn’t get over all the gorgeous flowers and other plants.

  “Just you wait.”

  They continued the breathtaking walk until the trail opened up into brilliant sunshine.

  “Oh, my God.” Bailey’s heart thumped a little faster. “The grotto was incredible. This—wow.”

  A small crescent of superfine inky black sand and calm turquoise water were at the base of green cliffs that had to be a thousand feet high. A waterfall tumbled down from the heights to rush into the ocean.

  Bailey pulled off her shoes and socks, which she stuffed into the shoes. She left them with the backpack on a couple of the black rocks that lined the shore to walk onto the wet black sand.

  She walked along the edge of the shore and water rushed in and over her feet. The sand felt cool beneath her soles—she liked the way it felt to walk on wet sand.

  She looked over her shoulder at Seth. “I’ve never been to a black sand beach. It’s amazing.”

  Movement caught her attention and she watched a sea turtle making its way up the sand. “Seth, look.” She wished she could touch it but knew she shouldn’t mess with the turtles’ environment. “The turtle is so cool.”

  She looked closer and saw several of the big sea turtles sunning themselves on the sand. She smiled at Seth, who smiled right back at her.

  “Seals.” Bailey looked to the far right to see a group of them also enjoying the sun, but on a rocky shore on the far south edge of the cove. More of the creatures dove in and out of the water.

  “Those are Hawaiian monk seals.” He reached her. “Seals are rare in tropical waters. Most like frigid waters.”

  Seth gestured out to the ocean. “The reef is teaming with sea life, which makes this a perfect place for these seals to hunt. They go after fish, eels, lobsters, crab, shrimp, squid, and octopuses. Probably other things I can’t name off the top of my head.”

  He glanced back at her. “You generally just find these seals around the remotest of the Hawaiian islands, where there is little human life. One of the reasons they seem to love this cove.”

  “They’re beautiful,” she said. “And cute.”

  He laughed and gestured to a point on the north end of the shore, to their left. “We’ll go snorkeling there. It’s deep and a good place to spot more sea life.”

  She wiggled her toes in the wet sand. “I’m ready.”

  “We can eat lunch when we get there.” Seth slung his backpack over one shoulder. “If you think you can wait that long.”

  “I dunno.” She put her hand to her belly. “I’m pretty hungry.” She laughed. “Yes, I can wait.”

  Bailey sat on a rock, brushed the sand off her feet and put her water shoes on. She stuffed her other shoes into the backpack before they walked down to the point.

  The way was rocky and required concentration to step from one black rock to the next, although it was a lot easier than the three-mile hike

  When they reached the point, they stopped on a rock shelf just above a short drop-off into the ocean. Bailey peered over the edge. The water was dark and appeared deep.

  Seth dug out lunch and set it on the shelf, along with a couple of water bottles.

  They sat with their legs dangling over the edge and ate their sandwiches. Bailey had just taken a bite when she spotted a dolphin as it jumped, followed by four more.

  “A pod of dolphins!” She pointed in their direction even though Seth probably saw them.

  Seth flashed her a smile when she looked over her shoulder at him. “Those are spotted dolphins.”

  They watched the dolphins play as they gleamed in the sunlight. At one point she counted eight of the gorgeous creatures, which looked like they were laughing during their games.

  Bailey looked down into the water and a giant manta glided beneath their feet. “That manta is huge. I’ve never seen one up close before.”

  “They can reach up to thirty feet and weigh as much as two tons.”

  Her jaw dropped and she looked over the edge to see him drift off. “They’re harmless, right?”

  “Yep.” Seth nodded to the water. “Hawaii’s state fish is a triggerfish called humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa.”

  Bailey tilted her head. “A humawhat?”

  Seth laughed as he repeated the name. “The species lives near the reef. You don’t want to get too close because they are not friendly.”

  “I’d love to see a humawhatever.” Bailey looked out into the water. “There’s so much to do and see in Hawaii.”

  “You’re only getting started,” Seth said. “Just imagine what you can do during the rest of the two weeks you are here.”

  After eating their light lunch, they stripped down to their bathing suits. Seth pulled snorkel gear and fins out of his large backpack. Bailey didn’t have a lot of experience snorkeling, but she’d done enough to get by. With Seth’s tutelage, she felt more confident to free dive, too.

  They explored the waters around the reef, not straying too far from the point. Bailey wanted to exclaim over everything she saw, but since it wasn’t a good idea while snorkeling, she just waved at Seth and pointed to the sights.

  Seth had told her what to be careful for, which sea life that could be potentially dangerous. So, while enjoying herself, she was cautious, too.

  She saw fish and other creatures in brilliant colors around the reef. Seth named some of them for her each time they came up for air. French frigate shoals, clownfish in their host anemone, crown of thorns starfish, parrotfish in a mucus cocoon, nudibranch, and a Hawaiian squirrelfish were just a few of the many sea creatures.

  It was such a wondrous world.

  Bailey and Seth came up at the same time from their last dive. She couldn’t help laughing at the fun they were having.

  “Ready to head to shore?” he asked.

  “One more dive?” She grinned. “Then we can go.”

  He looked amused. “After you.”

  Bailey dove back toward the coral. She saw another humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, like one Seth had pointed out earlier. After his last lesson in how to say the word, she just might have it.

  She swam closer to the reef. The amount and variety, and the color of sea life around the reef blew her away.

&n
bsp; Something brushed her leg. Bailey cut her gaze to it and saw a moray eel flip around in the water and glide straight at her.

  Her heart leapt into her throat and panic sent adrenaline surging through her.

  She backpedaled.

  Pain seared her like fire as her calf scraped the coral.

  She had to get away from the coral, but the eel was coming closer.

  Moray eels aren’t dangerous unless provoked, Seth had told her earlier. The danger is in trying to feed them.

  The eel was in front of her. What if she had provoked it?

  She needed air. Her calf burned.

  Bailey fled, heading straight upward.

  She broke the surface and gulped in air.

  Seth came up beside her and took her by the shoulders. “Are you all right?”

  Tears burned her eyes and she fought to keep her voice steady. “I scraped my calf on the coral. It hurts like crazy.”

  “Damn.” Seth looked grim. “I’ve got some antibacterial ointment in my backpack, and a small first aid kit I bought in the gift shop. Let’s get out of the water and we’ll take a look at it.”

  He leant her support as they made it back to the shelf.

  By the time she climbed out of the ocean and onto the shelf, Bailey’s muscles were tired, her heart was still pounding from adrenaline, and the scrape hurt even worse.

  Bailey laid back on the shelf as Seth pulled himself out of the water.

  “Well, that was exciting.” She grimaced as he started digging in his backpack. “A moray eel startled me.”

  “Let me see the scrape.” Seth brought out a small first aid kit and opened it. “We need to clean and flush the wound, then put the antibiotic on it and wrap it.”

  She sat up and turned her leg so they could both see the scrape, which was about four inches in height and width and an angry red.

  He hissed out a breath. “Hopefully we have enough gauze to cover that.”

  “I knew better.” She felt so dumb for losing it like she had around something potentially dangerous. “I just panicked.”

  “Hey.” He put his hand on her arm. “I probably would have, too, back before I got used to life around the reefs, and there’s no guarantee it won’t happen in the future. Even the most experienced divers have accidents happen. It’s okay.”