Mari slowly blinked her eyes open, the bright morning light filtering through the gap in the curtains. The room was unfamiliar, a cozy mess of tangled sheets and discarded clothes scattered across the floor. The faint smell of last night’s intimacy hung in the air. He lay beside her, one arm draped possessively across her waist, his breathing steady and deep.
Jack’s face was peaceful in slumber, a stark contrast to the tumultuous thoughts racing through her mind. Her heart fluttered as she studied the contours of his features: the sharp line of his jaw, the way his eyelashes fanned out against his cheeks, and the way his lips parted slightly as he inhaled. The warmth of his body seeped into hers, a gentle reminder of the fiery passion they had shared.
With a gentle touch, she let her fingertips dance across the landscape of his chest, tracing the valleys and peaks of his muscular physique. Each ridge of his abs felt like a mountain ridge beneath her soft caress, the light dusting of hair leading her down to the V at his hips. The sun had painted a golden glow upon his skin, highlighting every sinew and curve. She marvelled at the power and vulnerability that lay intertwined in the form of the man who held her so tightly.
As her fingers continued their journey, Jack began to stir. His eyes fluttered open, revealing the deep pools of his gaze, the intensity of which sent a jolt of excitement through her body. A lazy smile spread across his face, his eyes sparkling with the warmth of recognition. “Good morning,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her chest.
He pulled her closer, the heat of his body enveloping her in a comforting embrace. His hand found her cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray strand of hair as he studied her face. “What’s on your mind?” he asked, his tone filled with gentle curiosity.
Mari’s cheeks flushed as she searched for the right words to express her tumult of emotions. “I… I just don’t know where we stand, Jack,” she whispered. “We’ve been… intense, but I don’t know what happens now.”
Jack’s expression grew serious as he propped himself up on one elbow. “I care about you, Mari,” he said, his voice deep with sincerity. “I truly love you.” The words hung in the air, a declaration that seemed to resonate within the very fabric of the room. His gaze never wavered, holding hers with a steadfastness that made her pulse quicken.
Her eyes searched his, looking for any sign of doubt or insincerity. But all she found was a mirror of her own feelings, reflected back at her in the depths of his gaze. The love that she had been afraid to voice, afraid to acknowledge, was laid bare before her, as clear and true as the morning light.
With a sigh of relief and a smile that could only be described as radiant, she leaned in and kissed him. It was a kiss filled with all the love and hope that had been building within her, a kiss that spoke of a future filled with sunshine and laughter.
Jack’s arms tightened around her, pulling her closer, his tongue exploring the warm cavern of her mouth as if seeking the very essence of her soul. When they finally broke away, both were breathless. “Let’s make today ours,” he murmured, a hint of excitement in his voice. “Our day, just you and me.”
Mari nodded, a spark of adventure lighting her eyes. “Where to?” she asked, her voice a soft whisper against his skin.
Jack grinned mischievously. “Let’s hit the beach,” he suggested. “We can grab breakfast on the way.”
Mari’s heart skipped a beat. The beach? She hadn’t been expecting that. But as she sat up, the realisation dawned on her that she had no swimsuit. Panic flickered across her face as she looked down at her naked form. “Jack, I don’t have anything to wear,” she said, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.
Jack chuckled, his eyes sweeping over her body with a hunger that hadn’t faded even with the morning light. “You look perfect just like this,” he teased, his hand tracing the curve of her hip. “But if you’re set on wearing something, check the drawer.”
Mari felt a blush creep up her neck as she slid out of bed and padded over to the dresser. She pulled open the top drawer and her eyes fell upon a colourful bikini that she had never seen before. It was a daring two-piece with a pattern of tropical flowers against a vibrant background. She picked it up, feeling the soft, flimsy fabric between her fingers. It was definitely not something she would have chosen for herself, but something about it called to her.
As she stepped into the bikini bottoms, they hugged her curves with surprising comfort, as if they had been tailored to her body. She tugged at the strings, adjusting them slightly to ensure they sat just right. The top followed suit, cupping her breasts in a way that made them look fuller and firmer than ever before. The strings criss-crossed between her shoulder blades, and when she fastened the back, it fit perfectly, leaving just enough skin bare to be tantalising without being overtly provocative.
Turning to Jack, she held up the bikini top with a question in her eyes. “Where did this come from?” she asked, puzzled.
Jack’s grin grew wider as he sat up, the sheets sliding down to reveal his own naked form. He leaned back against the headboard, his arms behind his head. “I might have picked it up for you,” he said, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “I had a feeling we’d end up here.”
Mari’s eyes widened. “You… you planned this?” she asked, holding the bikini top against her chest.
Jack nodded, a smug smile playing on his lips. “Every detail,” he said. “I knew we’d need a fresh start, something to remind us of the fire we have.” He watched her, his gaze intense as it roamed over her body. “And I knew you’d look like a goddess in it.”
Mari felt a warmth spread through her chest, his words like a balm to her insecurity. She let the bikini top fall into place, the fabric a soft kiss against her skin. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.
They both got dressed, Jack pulling on a pair of board shorts and an opened button shirt that hugged his toned body just right. He grabbed a pair of aviators from the nightstand and slid them onto his face, the transformation from sleepy lover to beach-going stud complete.
Mari slid into the bikini, her heart racing as she caught her reflection in the mirror. The vibrant colours of the suit contrasted beautifully with her tanned skin, and she couldn’t deny the way it made her feel – sexy and confident. She slipped into a light cover-up and sandals, her hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders.
When she turned back to Jack, his eyes were dark with desire, his gaze lingering on her body as if committing every inch of her to memory. “So sexy,” he murmured, the words a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine.
They headed to the beach, the warmth of the early morning sun kissing their skin as they stepped out into the day. The sand was warm beneath their feet, a stark familiar feeling that mirrored the previous night’s passion. The ocean stretched out before them, a vast, glittering expanse that seemed to go on forever, a canvas for the ever-changing moods of the sky.
They could see some surfers in the distance, their forms like tiny ants riding the waves. A few other beach-goers dotted the shore, some jogging along the water’s edge, others setting up camp with towels and umbrellas. The rhythmic crash of the waves provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation as they strolled hand in hand, the cool breeze playing with their hair.
Jack led her to a spot where their towels were laid out, a picnic basket and a small cooler sitting in the shade of an umbrella. “I figured we could have breakfast here,” he said, his voice filled with excitement. “I packed your favourite, eggs Benedict.”
Mari couldn’t help but laugh at his thoughtfulness. “You’re too much,” she said, her eyes sparkling with happiness. They sat down, their legs entwined, as Jack unpacked the basket. The eggs were perfectly poached, the hollandaise sauce a velvety blanket over the English muffins and smoked salmon. The smell of fresh coffee filled the air as he poured her a cup from a thermos.
After a leisurely breakfast, they couldn’t resist the siren call of the ocean any longer. They waded into the cool water, the waves lapping gently at their ankles. The sensation was at once soothing and invigorating, a stark contrast to the heat of the sand beneath their toes. As they ventured deeper, the water caressed her body, the bikini clinging to her skin in a way that made her feel both exposed and incredibly alluring.
Jack’s eyes never left her, his gaze a silent promise of more passion to come. They swam and played in the gentle surf, their laughter mingling with the cries of seagulls overhead. The salty spray kissed their skin as they dove into the waves, the water a refreshing balm to their overheated bodies.
As they waded back to their spot on the beach, the sun began to kiss their skin, drying the remnants of the ocean. Each droplet of water glistened like a diamond in the sunlight, tracing a shimmering path down her body as gravity pulled it back to the earth. The warmth of the sand beneath their towels was a stark contrast to the coolness of their skin, and as they lay there, the heat began to soak in, warming them to their very cores.
Mari felt Jack’s hand sneak under her cover-up, his warm fingers dancing across her bare skin. Her breath hitched in her throat as he traced the outline of her hip, his touch feather-light and tantalising. She turned to face him, her eyes searching his, and in that moment, the rest of the world melted away.
They decided to share a kiss oblivious to everything around them, their lips colliding in a fiery dance of passion. The taste of salt and sunscreen mingled with the sweetness of the lingering breakfast on their tongues as they explored each other with a hunger that had never truly been satiated. The sound of the waves receded into the background, the only noise that of their own breaths, mingling and becoming one.
It was only when Jack pulled away that they heard the voice. “What the hell is this?” The question was loud and brusque, pulling them out of their private world with a jolt.
Standing there perplexed was Emma, her eyes were wide with shock, her hand clutching her surfboard. The colour drained from her face as she took in the sight of them, entwined and half-dressed. The tension was palpable, the air thick with the scent of awkwardness and accusation.
Jack’s hand froze on Mari’s hip, and they both turned to face the interloper. “Emma?” Jack’s voice was tight, a clear mix of surprise and guilt. “What are you doing here?”
Emma’s eyes narrowed, and she took a step closer. “I could ask you the same thing,” she said, her voice cold. “But it’s pretty obvious.” She gestured at the picnic basket, the champagne bottle, and the tangled towels.
Mari’s heart sank. This was not the way she had wanted this to go. She had hoped for a quiet morning, a chance to build on the fragile bond that had been rekindled between them. Now, with Emma standing there, the weight of their secret pressing down on them, she wasn’t sure what to do.
Jack slowly sat up, his hand sliding away from her as he faced the woman who had so clearly caught them off guard. “Emma,” he said, his voice tight with tension. “This isn’t what it looks like.”
But the fury in her eyes told them both that she wasn’t buying it. “Don’t you dare,” she snapped. “I’ve known you for years, Jack. I know when you’re lying to me.”
Mari’s stomach churned with a mix of fear and guilt. This was it, the moment she had feared for so long. The moment when their worlds collided, and everything came crashing down around them. She sat up, the cover-up sliding down to expose more of her bikini-clad body. “Jack,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Emma’s gaze flickered to her, and she sneered. “And you, I confided in you,” she spat. “Telling you I had feelings for Jack, and this is how you repay me?”
Mari felt a flash of anger at the accusation. “Jack and I have history,” she replied, her voice firm despite the tremble in her chest. “We’ve known each other for years.”
Emma’s eyes narrowed. “Not like this,” she retorted, her voice dripping with spite. “You’re just using him, aren’t you?”
Mari felt the heat of anger rise within her, the words stinging like a slap across the face. “How dare you,” she responded, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “You have no idea what we’ve been through, what we’ve shared.”
But Emma was already storming off, her footsteps kicking up clouds of sand as she retreated, the surfboard a rigid extension of her body language. The silence that followed was deafening, the waves seeming to crash with an extra ferocity against the shore.
Jack looked at Mari, his eyes filled with a mix of regret and defiance. “We need to talk,” he said, his voice tight.
Mari nodded, her heart racing as she followed him back to the apartment. The tension in the air was suffocating, and she felt like she could cut it with a knife. They walked in silence, the echoes of their footsteps on the pavement the only sound between them.
Once inside, Jack turned to her, his eyes searching her face. “Mari,” he began, his voice heavy with unspoken words. “I never meant for it to happen like this. I never wanted to hurt her.”
Mari took a deep breath, her chest tight with a cocktail of emotions. “Jack,” she said, her voice measured. “We need to talk to the team. They deserve to know what’s going on.”
Jack nodded, his jaw clenched. “You’re right,” he agreed, though his eyes held a hint of fear. “But how do we explain this without it blowing up in our faces?”
Mari took a moment to gather her thoughts. “We need to be honest,” she said finally. “We owe it to them. They’re our team, our family.”
Jack’s expression grew even more troubled. “I know, but… what about your dad?” he asked, his voice tight with worry. “You know how protective he is.”
Mari sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. “Yeah, I know,” she murmured. “But we can’t hide this forever.”
Jack raked a hand through his hair, pacing the floor. “I’ll talk to him,” he said, his voice firm. “But not today. Today is for us.”
Mari nodded, the tension in her shoulders slowly easing. “Okay,” she murmured. “But we can’t put it off forever.”
Jack sighed, his eyes searching hers. “I know,” he said. “But for now, let’s just enjoy the rest of the day. We’ll figure it out.” He leaned in, capturing her mouth in a kiss that was both fierce and gentle, a silent promise that he would protect her, that they would face whatever was to come together.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of stolen moments and passionate kisses, the warmth of their bodies a stark contrast to the cooling evening air. They wandered the beach, collecting seashells and laughing at the antics of a playful puppy that had joined them in their solitude. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow across the horizon that seemed to set the world alight with a fiery kiss.
As the stars began to emerge, one by one, they made their way back to Jack’s apartment. The silence between them was filled with a heavy anticipation of what the night would bring. The tension of the day had only served to stoke the fire that burned between them, making each touch, each glance, feel more significant than ever before.
Once inside, Jack pulled the cover-up from her shoulders, his eyes dark with desire as they took in the sight of her in the dim light. He reached behind her to untie the strings of her bikini top, letting it fall away to reveal her full breasts. He took a moment to appreciate her beauty, his eyes tracing the curve of her neck, the swell of her breasts, and the flat plane of her stomach, before he leaned in to kiss her again.
Mari stepped back, her hands shaking slightly as she reached down to undo the laces of the bikini bottoms. With a soft exhale, she let the fabric slide down her legs, exposing her completely to Jack’s hungry gaze. The vulnerability was exhilarating, and she felt a rush of power knowing she had the ability to make him want her so badly.
Jack’s eyes never left hers as he stood up, his board shorts falling to the floor and his manhood springing free. He was fully erect, a testament to his desire for her. The sight of him, so raw and primal, sent a tremor through her body. He stepped closer, the heat from his skin reaching out to her as if it were a living entity, demanding her touch.
Mari reached out, her hand tentative at first, but growing more assured as she wrapped her fingers around him. His girth filled her palm, the velvety softness of his skin contrasting with the steel-like hardness beneath. He hissed in a sharp breath, his eyes closing briefly as she stroked him, her touch as gentle as a feather’s caress.
Jack’s hand trailed down her body, his fingertips skimming over her breasts before finding their way to her navel. His touch was electrifying, sending sparks of desire shooting through her core. He reached down between her legs, his fingers teasing the sensitive folds of her sex. She was already wet and ready for him, and his touch sent waves of pleasure crashing through her.
But as much as she wanted him, there was something that held her back. A nagging doubt, a voice in her head that whispered of the consequences of their actions. With a tremendous effort of will, she managed to resist for a second and pushed Jack onto his bed, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination.
“Mari,” he whispered, his voice hoarse with need.
Mari straddled him, feeling the warmth of his length pressing against her entrance. Her heart hammered in her chest, the anticipation of their union setting her entire body alight. She took a moment to appreciate the feeling of power and vulnerability that surged through her, her eyes locked on his. The room was filled with the sweet scent of their desire, mingling with the faint tang of the sea that still clung to their skin.
Jack’s eyes burned with a fiery lust that made her own need flare even higher. She saw the love and hunger in his gaze, the unspoken promise of pleasure and protection. His hand cupped her face, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheekbone as he pulled her down for another soul-searing kiss. Their tongues danced together, a silent conversation that spoke of passion and need.
As the kiss broke, she guided his manhood to her entrance, the anticipation making her tremble with excitement. He was so warm, so hard, a stark contrast to the slick heat of her own body. She took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his, as she positioned herself above him. The moment felt both surreal and incredibly right, as if this was where she had always meant to be.
Slowly, she lowered herself, taking him in inch by inch, the sensation of their union a sweet agony that sent shivers down her spine. Jack’s eyes never left hers, the intensity of his gaze never wavering as she sank down, taking all of him. The world outside the bedroom faded away, leaving only the two of them, entwined in a dance as old as time itself.
As she began to move, her hips rolling in a slow, sensual rhythm, Jack’s hands gripped her waist, his fingers digging into her flesh as he guided her movements. Each thrust brought a gasp from her, a little sound of pleasure that only served to drive him deeper, harder. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, a silent symphony of passion that had been building since the first moment they had kissed.
Jack’s eyes never left hers, the love in them so intense it was almost painful to look at. He whispered sweet nothings into her ear, his breath hot against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. His hands roamed over her body, exploring every inch as if it were a map he had been dying to chart. His touch was gentle but firm, leaving a trail of fire wherever he went.
Mari pushed her hands down on his powerful chest, her nails digging into the firm flesh as she tried to get him as deep as possible inside her. The sensation was overwhelming, a feeling of fullness and connection that she had never experienced before. Each thrust sent waves of pleasure through her, each retreat leaving her gasping for more. Her thighs quivered with the effort of keeping herself in place, her muscles taut and straining.
Jack groaned, his eyes fluttering closed as he lost himself in the sensation of her body surrounding his. His hips bucked upwards, meeting her every move with a force that spoke of his own desperation. His hands slid up her body, cupping her breasts, his thumbs flicking at her hardened nipples. The sensation sent a bolt of electricity straight to her core, making her moan against his mouth.
Mari felt her orgasm barreling towards her, a freight train of pleasure that she had no intention of stopping. She tightened her grip on him, her muscles clenching around his length as she rode him with a fervour that matched the intensity of the nightfall that had descended. The room was filled with the sound of their passion, the slap of skin against skin, the wet sounds of their bodies moving together.
Her breath grew ragged, and her eyes fell shut as she focused on the feeling of him inside her, the delicious friction that was driving her closer and closer to the edge. She could feel her climax building, a coil of pleasure that tightened in her belly, a warmth that spread through her veins like lava.
Her movements grew more frenzied, her hips moving in a wild, untamed dance as she chased after that elusive peak. Jack’s grip on her waist tightened, his own breathing ragged and uneven as he matched her rhythm, his eyes never leaving hers. His strokes grew deeper, harder, as if he too could feel the storm of pleasure that was about to break over them.
And then, without warning, it hit her. An explosion of sensation that stole her breath, that sent her hurtling over the edge into oblivion. Her muscles spasmed around him, clenching and releasing in a series of pulses that seemed to go on forever. Her eyes flew open, and she threw her head back, a keening cry escaping her lips as her body was wracked with the most intense orgasm she had ever experienced.
As she spasmed on top of Jack, her legs involuntarily snapped together, her body trying to contain the sheer force of her climax. But he held her firmly, his own movements becoming erratic as he chased his own release. His grip on her waist was like steel, his body arching up to meet hers with each thrust.
With a final, guttural groan, Jack’s hips jerked upwards, and he released deep inside her, his warmth flooding her in a wave of pleasure that mirrored the one already coursing through her own body. His eyes squeezed shut, his face a mask of pure ecstasy as he emptied himself into her. It was a moment of raw intimacy, a connection that went beyond the physical to something much deeper and more profound.
As the last of her orgasmic spasms faded, Mari collapsed onto his chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as if she might slip away at any moment. His heart pounded against her ear, a comforting reminder that he was real, that this wasn’t just a dream.
They lay there for what felt like an eternity, their bodies still connected, their breathing slowly returning to normal. The only sound in the room was the muffled thud of their hearts and the distant crash of the waves outside. The world outside had ceased to exist, and all that remained was the two of them, locked in this intimate embrace. Their secret revealed but also the freeing feeling it brought.
A new day dawned, and as the reality of their situation began to settle back in, so too did the weight of what they had to face. They had to tell their team about their relationship, and the potential repercussions weighed heavily on them. The team was more than just colleagues; they were a team, a family, a tight-knit group who had been through so much together. The thought of jeopardising that bond was unbearable.
Jack took a deep breath, his arms still wrapped around her as if trying to shield her from the storm that was coming. “We need to tell them,” he murmured into her hair. “They deserve to know.”
Mari nodded, her cheek pressed against his chest. “I know,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the thundering of their hearts. The thought of facing their friends and colleagues with the truth of their relationship was daunting, but she knew it was inevitable. They had to be honest with the people who meant so much to them.
They rose from their bed, the sheets tangled around their legs like the complex web of emotions that now surrounded them. The room was filled with the lingering scent of their passion, a constant reminder of the intensity of their connection. As they dressed themselves, there was an unspoken understanding that this moment of reprieve was fleeting, that the storm of reality was waiting just outside their door.
With heavy hearts, they made their way to the beachfront headquarters where their team awaited them. The sun was a fiery orb in the sky, casting a stark light on their faces, highlighting every line of tension and uncertainty. The waves crashed against the shore in a rhythm that mirrored the tumultuous beating of their hearts. They were ready.
