Page 68 of Beautifully Broken

Winter Beach Trip

I open the door to the suite and step into what feels like a dream.

The room is airy and bright, with sunlight pouring in through wide glass doors that lead out to the balcony.

A huge bed sits in the center of the room, dressed in crisp white linens, with plump pillows stacked high and a light, colorful throw folded neatly at the foot — a vibrant splash of teal and coral that reminds me of the sea just outside.

A ceiling fan spins lazily overhead, stirring the warm, sweet-scented air.

To my right, there’s a sitting area with a low, cushioned sofa and a dark wooden coffee table, where a welcome tray of fresh tropical fruits and a chilled bottle of rum punch waits.

Even the scent of the room is comforting, a mix of coconut, salt air, and a hint of something floral I can’t quite name.

It’s peaceful, like the suite itself is a private little oasis carved out of paradise.

As I walk out the sliding door of our room onto the balcony with a private pool overlooking the azure waters and white sands, I sigh.

It has been eight years of demanding work, no breaks, late nights and more studying than I want to think of.

This vacation has been long overdue and I refuse to let anything get me down.

Standing on the balcony, the world feels like it’s holding its breath.

The sun hangs low over the horizon; sinking into the endless stretch of the Caribbean Sea.

The sky is a masterpiece, brushed with deep oranges, fiery pinks, and soft purples that bleed into each other like a watercolor.

A warm breeze brushes against my skin, carrying the faint scent of salt and tropical flowers from the gardens below.

** *

Somewhere in the resort, a steel drum band plays, their rhythm slow and dreamy, perfectly in sync with the changing colors of the evening.

The laughter and chatter from the beach grow softer, more mellow, as everyone seems to pause and watch the day give way to night.

I lean against the balcony railing, completely still, letting the beauty of it all wash over me.

For a few perfect moments, it feels like the entire island is made of nothing but light, music, and warmth.

This, right here, is the heaven I have dreamed of escaping to.

Heading back into the room, I get ready for dinner with Van.

Dressed in a lavender chiffon dress, light and airy with a halter top and empire waist, perfect for a romantic island dinner. See Van on the balcony I step out next to him. He hands me a glass of champagne and we drink it together, his arm around my waist tucking me between him and the railing.

The night is warm and velvety, with a gentle breeze drifting in from the sea, carrying the scent of saltwater, jasmine, and grilled spices.

With the sky above a deep, endless navy, speckled with stars that shimmer like scattered diamonds.

The moon hangs low and full, casting a silver glow across the softly lapping waves just a few feet from our table.

The beachfront restaurant is open air and tucked beneath a canopy of swaying palm trees, their leaves rustling quietly in the night air.

Twinkling fairy lights are strung above, woven through the palms and linen-draped wooden beams, bathing everything in a soft, golden glow.

Lanterns flicker on each table, their candlelight casting delicate shadows across the sand.

The table is nestled right on the beach, our toes buried in the cool sand, while the rest of the world is distant and hushed.

A live musician plays soft acoustic reggae in the background, just a guitar and smooth vocals, melting into the night like a lullaby.

The faint clink of glasses and low murmurs from the diners are the only other sounds, muted by the rhythm of the ocean.

Dinner arrives in stages: jerk lobster tails brushed with spiced butter, grilled filet dusted with jerk spices, coconut rice, and fresh fruit salads.

A chilled bottle of Moscato sits nearby, beads of condensation trailing down its surface.

We sip, we laugh, touch fingertips across the table, stealing glances between bites and brushing feet beneath the table.

The world feels smaller here, in the best way. Like it’s paused just for this moment—just for the two of us under the stars, wrapped in warm air, candlelight, and the hush of the sea.

I lean back in my chair, wine glass in hand, toes buried in the cool sand.

The breeze off the ocean is warm and soft, and the candlelight dances across Van’s face, making the little gold flecks in his eyes flicker.

He looks stupid good tonight. Rolled-up sleeves, messy hair, collar popped open just enough to distract me in ways I should not be distracted while eating.

“You keep looking at me like that,” he says, flashing that crooked grin that’s been undoing me since sophomore year, “and I’m going to think you’re not here for the food.”

I smirk, swirling my wine. “Okay, the lobster’s amazing, but that shirt on you? Even better.”

Van laughs, cutting into his food. “So now it’s about the shirt? Baby doll, I’m pretty sure you’ve been checking me out since we landed.”

“I was eyeing the rum bar,” I tease. “You just happened to be in the way, looking way too good.”

He leans in slightly, voice lower, softer. “We’ve had a lot of firsts lately, you sure you’re ready for what comes next?”

I look straight at him. “Are you asking if I’m ready to stop dancing around this and be something real? Something public?”

His expression shifts, still playful, but there’s something serious there, something careful. “Yeah. That. You’ve always been the girl I didn’t want to mess things up with but you’re all I think about.”

My fingers tighten slightly around my glass, and I lean in so there’s barely any space between us. “Funny, I’ve been wondering what took you so long to catch up.”

He raises an eyebrow. “You ready to move beyond the past and start new?”

I nudge his foot under the table with mine. “You kissed me first, remember? I just turned my head and made it count.”

He lets out a quiet laugh and reaches for my hand. His thumb brushes over mine, and I swear it’s more electric than anything else we’ve done tonight .

“You know this doesn’t feel casual anymore, right?” he says, voice just above a whisper.

“Good,” I say without hesitation. “Because nothing about you has ever been casual to me.”

The waiter shows up with dessert, some rum-drenched bread pudding with melting ice cream, but neither of us even glances at it.

Van gives me this teasing look. “Dessert?”

I grin as I stand, brushing the sand from the back of my dress. “More like I drag you into that private pool at the room.”

His brows shoot up. “Should I bring wine?”

I lean over, kiss the corner of his mouth, and whisper, “Surprise me.”

And yeah, he definitely doesn’t need to be told twice.

***

We go back to the room and as I cross into the bed area I undo the buttons on the halter of my dress and let it flutter to the floor, stepping out of it wearing just my thong. Glancing back at Van, I see his shirt meeting my dress on the floor. Maybe we won’t make it to the pool.

“Should I go get my bikini or ...” I ask, watching Van as I stand by the bed. He grabs my hand and tugs me into his arms. My breasts press up against his chest as his hands move down to my hips.

“Are you sure Nova?” he asks softly, looking into my eyes, desire turning his amber eyes a molten gold.

“Yes Van, I’m ready. I let Jax fall into the past, and I am ready to move on with you.” I say, moving my arms to his neck and standing on my toes to kiss him. He lifts me with his hands on the back of my thighs and lays me gently on the bed.

“I plan to spend tonight and the rest of the week worshipping you.” He leans in, kissing me, his tongue caressing mine, then lightly drifting his lips down my neck and to my breast. Taking the nipple into his mouth, sucking on it, flicking it with his tongue while his other hand pinches and squeezes the other.

My back arches for him, silently pleading for more.

I feel him smile against my body before kissing his way down my stomach and to the top of my mound.

“Impatient, baby doll?” he asks pulling off my thong before running his tongue along my slit.

A whimper falls from my lips as his fingers open me to him.

“You are dripping. So wet for me. ” He says, then his tongue laps at me, up to my clit, where he circles it a few times before slipping a finger into my pussy.

Wanting more, I moan his name. He thrusts his finger into me, hitting a spot in me that makes my toes curl as his mouth sucks hard on my clit.

The sensations make me call out his name as a wave of pleasure washes over me. My release coats his hand.

“You taste better than that rum dessert we left. I am going to enjoy tasting you all night.” Van says looking up at me from between my thighs.

“I want to taste you, too.” I wiggle, trying to slide down below him to get his pants off. He stops me. “I want tonight to be all about you, Nova. Lay down and let me spend my night making you writhe under me.”

“No, this relationship is a partnership, and I am going to worship you as much as you do me.” I reach down and tug open his pants as he leans back, allowing me room to take them off him.

As they slide to the floor, I go down to my knees, caressing his dick.

It’s long and girthy and I have no clue how I am going to take even half of him into my mouth.

I wrap my hand around the base and lick the tip before looking up at him from beneath my lashes.

His eyes are on me and as I circle the tip of his dick with my tongue.

His fingers sink into my hair. He helps guide my head as I take him into my mouth, my tongue flattening along the vein underneath.

I bob my head up and down his shaft a few times, getting more of him into my mouth each time until the tip hits the back of my throat.

I hum with satisfaction as I hold him there, listening to him whisper my name between his moans.

“Nova, my god, your mouth is heaven.” He exclaims with a moan.

Suddenly my phone rings out, stops, and starts again.

“Oh god, that’s Cali. It is how she signals she needs me. I am so sorry.” I look at Van as I jump to my feet and rush to my phone.

“Cali, what is going on?” I ask breathlessly, scared to find out what’s wrong.

“Nova, this is Cali’s mom. She is at the hospital, and she lists you as her emergency contact and the person who can decide.

She cut her wrists in her bathroom, and they need authorization to keep her in the psychiatric unit for evaluation.

They won’t listen to me because she has documents that allow only you. I need you to come right away.”

“Oh my god, I’m in Jamaica, but I will be there in a few hours. I need to figure out a flight and all.” I look over at Van with tears rolling down my cheeks. He has his pants on and is moving to gather our suitcases.

We pack and arrange for a private flight to Cali with Jax getting his father’s jet to come get us. I am in leggings and Van’s button down. My hair is just in a messy bun and my face is red and splotchy from crying.

“Van, I am so sorry our night and trip was cut short.” I tell him as we land.

“No, it was the best night, even with the interruption. We can get back to it once we take care of Cali. Your love for her and me has always been one of the most beautiful things about you.” He caresses my face and leans down to kiss me gently.