First Night In Paradise

“This is Paradise,” Annie said to herself as she leaned against the doorjamb between the bedroom of her suite and the balcony she shared with another guest. If she were lucky, this being an off-season for tourism, she would have this gorgeous view to herself!

On arriving, she had taken a long soak in the huge tub, pampering herself. After shampooing, she had left her long mink-colored hair down, letting it dry to the natural straight fall past her shoulders. She had put on a touch of make-up, something she never did away from the office unless she had an official function to attend. Finally, she had slipped into the strapless silk sheath she was wearing to the meet and greet party being thrown for the new guests. The pure white color emphasized her dark eyes and hair. She had bought it specifically for this very evening. It clung in all the right curves of her petite body. She didn’t delude herself into thinking she was drop-dead gorgeous, but she was confident she was an attractive enough female.

“Have a fling!” Megan, her best friend from college had suggested with a naughty grin. “Have some hot sex with some hottie you’ll never see again.”

Annie thought back to the man with the blue eyes who knew how to relax. Now, he had been just the hottie for the job! His shoulders, chest and arms had looked well muscled – the rest of him lean and hard. An active man. His longish hair had made her want to bury her fingers in the waves of dark, crisp silk.

“Whoa, Annie!” She had to laugh at herself when she thought of the things she could do with the stranger. Chances were, she’d never see him again, anyway!

It was customary for the guest to gather on the first evening, Josh had been told. He had a feeling that was when many of the singles hooked up. He wasn’t looking for a companion; he was looking for peace and quiet. Wearing jeans and a shirt left open at the throat, he was certain most of the people at the reception would decide he wasn’t of their ilk and leave him alone. Entering the fairly crowded lounge, he decided he had been right. These people were the epitome of casual chic. It seemed all of them had a carefully, studied casual look about them. They had probably spent way too much on their “play” clothes.

Then he saw her.

Wearing white, she sparkled like a diamond among the jewel-toned tropical colors of the others. Her soft, dark hair fell past her shoulders like a silken curtain – those slim shoulders were left bare by the strapless dress that cupped her small breasts and showed every curve. Her small waist begged for a man’s hands. She must have sensed his eyes, because hers lifted to meet his gaze. He recognized that smile! The woman from the airport. The suit and the glasses had hidden all that? Good Lord! She was beautiful and sexy in a soft way.

He was here! Annie thought when she saw the blue-eyed man she had spun some pretty hot fantasy around. Her heart tripped over her ribs at the obvious interest in his return smile. “Have a fling…Hot sex…” Megan’s words came back to her. Was Annie bold enough to make such a move? Why in the hell not? Men in the boardroom feared her wrath. People went out of their way to do her bidding. He was a mere mortal man, not a god. And they’d never see each other after Sunday. With confidence she didn’t truly feel, she lifted her glass to salute him.

Josh returned the gesture. With one more smile, she looked away and rejoined the conversation of her current companions. She was good with people, he noticed. They responded to her smile – he responded to her smile. For nearly thirty minutes, he watched her flow from group to group, collecting admirers as she went. He didn’t much like the cluster she was with currently. All male. All young stud types. Even she didn’t seem entirely comfortable. One of them talked to her chest, never meeting the dark eyes snapping with irritation. He was about to execute a rescue when a little, grandmotherly type waylaid him. She was gone when he looked up. Damn!

Annie had circled around behind him. It appeared he was looking for her. That was a good sign. Boldly, she slid her arms around him from behind. “Looking for someone?” she asked huskily.

It was her! “You,” he murmured, lacing his fingers with hers as they rested at his waist. She smelled like spice and sexual invitation. Her perfume conjured up thoughts of silk gowns being taken off, satin sheets, and hot sex. His hands pulled on hers, bringing her tighter against him, her warm curves pressing into his back. He couldn’t recall being so turned on so immediately.

She lifted on her toes to tug at his earlobe gently with her teeth. “I feel like a walk on the beach,” she told him, her warm breath making him shiver. “Wanna come?”

“Oh, yeah, baby, do I ever.”

Releasing one of her hands, he kept one in his, allowing her to lead him out of the lounge. He was only too happy to follow. Once outside, she headed for the pristine, deserted beach, blazing orange in the tropical sunset. Letting go, she leaned against a palm tree and looked up to meet his hot blue gaze.

“I’m Annie.”

“Josh.”

“I don’t have time for anything else in my real life.”

“Neither do I.”

“Whatever happens here ends here.”

“Agreed.” Of course, at this point, he would have been agreeable to nearly anything she wanted!

“It’s only fair to warn you I’m not terribly experienced.”

He smiled at that. “I think I can manage.”

“One more thing…” Was she actually going to proposition a strange man? “Got condoms?”

For some reason, the question made him laugh. It was almost as if she were challenging him. “A few. I can always get more in the morning.”

Annie’s boldness faltered. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she whispered more to herself than him.

Josh put his hands on her waist and leaned closer. “I can’t either. We can slow down, Annie.”

She shook her head. Then she would lose all her bravado. “Kiss me.”

The first kiss was a mere brush of the lips. The second, their lips clung. The third, a little longer. The fourth, longer still. On the fifth kiss, the tips of their tongues touched tentatively. Annie reached up to bury her fingers in the touchable waves of his hair while Josh cupped her head beneath the silken fall of her hair.

“You taste good,” he murmured.

“So, do you,” she breathed. “More,” she commanded.

He complied readily. His mouth closed over hers, luring her tongue into a dance with his. Once her tongue followed into his mouth he sucked on it lightly.

Annie moaned at the pure sensuality of the action. When her tongue retreated, his followed. Capturing it gently between her teeth, she teased it with hers.

Josh raised his head, breathing hard. “I am so damned turned on,” he grated out hoarsely.

“My place?” she asked breathlessly.

“Lead on.”

“Where are we going?” Josh asked when Annie led him towards his suite.

“My place.” She stopped one door before his.

“We’re neighbors.”

“What?”

He grinned. “Go out to the balcony.”

“But?…”

“Just do it. You’ll see.”

Looking dubious and having the feeling she was being dumped, she disappeared into her suite. Stepping out on to her balcony, she was joined shortly by Josh.

“This is convenient,” he murmured as he stood behind her, wrapping his arms about her waist. “Kismet.”

“I was sorta hoping I had no neighbors, so I wouldn’t have to share the view.”

”Share it with me?” he purred against her ear.

Annie melted back against him. “Even if we weren’t neighbors, I have a feeling I’d be sharing it with you anyway.”

For the longest time, they remained where they stood, taking in the fading hues of pinks and violets of the sunset, enjoying the silent presence of the other. She had never felt an instantaneous connection to someone before. Usually, silence between new acquaintances meant an awkward pause, not with Josh. With him, it was simply a shared moment without the need of words.

At last, his hands moved up to cup her breasts gently as his mouth nibbled at the sensitive flesh below her ear. She sagged further back, feeling the heat and hardness of him.

“You know right where to go,” she murmured wonderingly. Was he a gigolo? If he was, then he needed to hook up with a sugar mama, didn’t he? In a brief flight of fancy, Annie decided she had enough money to keep him. The thought made her giggle.

“Ticklish, baby?”

“Mmm…not there. I was just thinking.”

“About?”

Abruptly, she broke away. When she turned to face him, she was very serious. “I think we need ground rules.”

“Ground rules?” Where had that come from? She had been ready to fall into bed without ground rules earlier.

“Rules of engagement, if you will.”

“Do you think we need them?”

“To protect the both of us.” Mainly me, she thought. “Yes.”

“Let’s hear your rules, Annie.”

“Let’s not tell each other who we are beyond our first names. Or what we do. Anything that would make it possible to find each other once we return to the mainland.”

Josh frowned. “What if he wanted to find her?

“Josh?”

“Okay. But I tend to talk about who I am.”

“Who you are is not what you do.”

“Mostly it is.”

“Then I guess this ends now.” Crossing her arms over her breasts, she stood firm, like a spitting kitten facing a much larger foe.

She looked cute when she tried to look tough, he thought. He wondered if anyone bought that act; he didn’t. “You’re a bitch back home, right?”

“I’ve been known to be.” Her chin went up a prideful notch.

Josh smiled and hauled her to him. “But on the island, you’re gonna be my sweet baby, aren’t you?”

“If we can keep our everyday lives at bay.”

“That’s why I came here, to escape it. You’re on. On the island, we’re Josh and Annie, lovers.”

Her arms slid around his neck, pulling him down for another hot kiss. “Just Annie and Josh,” she whispered. “Bring condoms?”

“In my pocket.”

“Then let’s…get busy.”

For a girl who said she wasn’t experienced, she seemed to know what to do. Her lips traced along his jaw, down his throat, her tongue teasing the pulse above his medallion into triple time.

“Leo?” she asked.

“Yeah. I wear it mainly for luck.”

“The you’re superstitious?”

“Some times.”

“I’m an Aries.”

“A born leader.”

“I do tend to make my desires known.”

He chuckled. “So I’ve noticed.”

Her fingers were at the buttons of his shirt. As each separated from its hole, a kiss was placed on his flesh. “Mmm…nice…muscular without being lumpy.”

“Glad you approve,” he mused.

Tugging his shirt from his waistband, she spread it wide, caressing his chest and abs with soft, knowing hands.

“When do I get to touch you?”

“Now, would be good.”

She pushed the shirt from his shoulders and let it hit the carpet.

His hands met at the back of her dress and slid the zipper to the end of the track at her waist. The material sagged away from her breasts. With a mere shove it joined his shirt. Josh’s gaze roamed hungrily over the small perfect body revealed to him. He had known not much would fit beneath the dress; still he was surprised when all she wore now was the mere scrap of silk and lace that were her panties. “Wow, baby!”

Without arrogance, Annie knew she looked good naked. She took care of herself and availed herself of the company gym as a stress releaser. She would never be tall, willowy or rail thin like a model, but she was well toned and had all the right curves.

“Damn! You are fine!”

“Let’s see if I can say the same for you.” She reached for the fastening of his jeans. A mere moment later, they stood before each other in their underwear.

“Mmm…lean and ripped,” Annie purred. “I like.”

It seemed like a funny thing coming from her, he chuckled. “I like what I see, too.”

Annie reached up to pull his head down for another kiss. He tasted so good!

Josh lifted her in his arms to carry her to bed. Luckily, the maids hand pulled the bedding back, so he could lay her on the cool cotton sheets. “I want to kiss every inch of you,” he whispered huskily against her throat. “Every damned silky inch.”

“I don’t think I can wait that long tonight, Josh,” she told him truthfully. It had been five years since she’d known a man’s intimate touch. And except for the closeness, it hadn’t been that great.

“Not yet, Annie.” He reached for his pants, pulling five foil packets from the pocket and tossing them to the bedside stand.

“So, we’re gonna have a busy night?”

“I guess that depends on how long you’ve been without. Don’t wanna make you too sore the first night.”

“Five years.”

He stretched out beside her, kissing her shoulder. “A born-again virgin.”

“That bad?”

“No, baby, it isn’t. But you’ll be tight and tender. I don’t want to hurt you.”

She gave him that smile that made his knees jelly. “You’re nice.”

“I try.”

“Josh,” the fingers of one hand laced through his hair, “make love to me.”

Josh stroked and caressed her sweet little body until she was writhing. “Want me now, Annie?”

“Oh, yes!”

“Let’s lose these.” He grasped the waistband of her panties and slid them off past her toes.

“You, too.”

Pushing off his boxers, he rejoined her on the bed. Kissing her hungrily, their tongues mated and tangled. He could feel her hands exploring him thoroughly. His little gal was not shy; he’d give her that! How could he have misjudged her so badly at first sight? She was bold enough to know what she wanted – and woman enough to get it! When she reached for his thick shaft, he warned, “I’m liable to lose it in your hand.” Damn, but she knew just the right, firm touch. He reached to stroke between her thighs; she was wet and swollen.

“Time to put a raincoat on your little soldier.” She gave him a knowing, womanly smile. “Your big soldier.”

Josh found himself chuckling as he reached for a packet. “I take it you’re not all about seduction,” he mused as he rolled the protection on and lowered himself between her legs.

“No. Not when that’s not what I’m in the mood for.”

He eased himself into her tight, wet heat. “God, baby, this feels like heaven!” he muttered. She was so small…

“Mmm…it does…” she purred. Raising her head from the pillow, she nipped playfully at his lower lip. She could feel him holding back, trying to let her adjust to his girth. “I’m okay, sweetness. Go ahead.”

“This time,” he growled. “But I am all about the romance.”

“Later.” She arched into him, driving him deeper and making him groan with pleasure.

“Damn, Annie…” He moved on her, thrusting in and out of her hot walls that clenched him so tightly. He’d never known a woman who was so eager for him – just him. Not JC Chasez of *NSYNC but Josh Chasez. Lowering his head, he suckled at the hard buds of her breasts. He felt her hold him close with her hands, nuzzling and stroking his hair. For all that Annie seemed to want the sex, she was giving him the closeness and the connection he craved. He slowed his hips to a slow, rocking motion.

“Oh, God! That’s so good,” she whispered against his ear, nibbling his neck. This was what her last and only lover hadn’t known -- that even when it seemed like she was in a rush, she needed to feel cherished. But he had been a boy, a college boy. Josh, despite his rather innocent face, was a real man. She was alive as a woman for the first time. “Josh!” She’d never known this before – like every nerve in her body was drawn tight and ready to snap, yet it felt heady and wonderful!

He felt her go stiff. “Feeling for me, baby?” Lifting his head, he looked down into dazed, confused eyes. She’d never come before! The realization hit him hard. “That’s right, Annie, let go” he urged softly.

“Josh?”

“It’s all right, baby. Just go with it,” he crooned as he increased his pace.

“Oh, God…Josh, I—“ She felt like she was going to fly apart.

Leaning in, he kissed her hungrily. “Yeah, baby, do it. Come for me.”

“I don’t—Ah!—“ Annie just knew her insides were splintering into shards of white-hot bliss. “Josh!”

“Right behind you, baby!” A few more plunges into her heat …He stiffened…”Damn!” he moaned as he went limp from the force of his pleasure.

Annie once again nuzzled him, smoothing back his damp hair. “You okay?” she asked worriedly.

Lifting his head, he gave her a dreamy smile. “Oh, yeah…” He rolled away to dispose of the protection and pulled a sheet over their cooling bodies. “You’re pretty potent, lady.”

“I thought I was gonna die.”

“You didn’t know that’s the way it’s supposed to feel?” He wrapped his arms around her so she could snuggle close.

“Umm…no.” She amended herself. “Well, I’ve read about great sex, but I thought that was more about selling books that real experiences…”

“No, with the right person, it can blow you away.”

“You must be the right person.”

”Must be.” He bussed her forehead tenderly. He loved the way she fairly purred with contentment. She was like a satisfied little kitten with a tummy full of cream. “Kitten.”

“What?”

“You call me ‘sweetness’. I’ll call you ‘kitten’.”

She rubbed her hand over the sprinkle of crisp hair over his breastbone. “I know it’s still early…Would it be terrible of me to fall asleep?”

“No, it wouldn’t be terrible. We can always wake up later and do it again.”

“You’re staying?”

Josh frowned. She couldn’t possibly be one of those women who insisted on sleeping alone. “I was planning to. Got a problem with that?”

“No.” She tucked her head beneath his chin, sighing contentedly.

Relief washed over him. He hadn’t wanted to leave her so soon. Whether she realized it or not, they had connected in the most intimate way possible – heart to heart. “Sweet dreams, kitten.”

“You, too, sweetness.”

They must have slept the slumber of the exhausted Josh decided, when he woke with Annie still in his arms. Checking the luminous face of his watch, he saw it was nearly three in the morning. So much for waking up for another round, he mused. He studied her face in the moonlight. The face of an angel. She came off as tough and worldly at first glance – that was a lie. She was really soft, sweet, and innocent. He wondered what she did for a living that made her wear a façade that wasn’t a good fit most of the time.

Annie woke to find Josh watching her. With a drowsy smile, she ran a hand through his hair. “Like what you see?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“You were supposed to wake me.”

“I’ve only been awake a little while myself.”

She kissed him softly. “Josh, make love to me again.”

“You aren’t too sore?”

She shook her head. “You were gentle with me.”

Dipping his head, he found her mouth with his, slowly setting them on fire once more.