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Chapter Eighteen

Cleopatra

We wake, and I immediately begin my investigation, attempting to uncover clues about today's surprise. I press him in vain as we enjoy my favorite breakfast in the garden house. He’s a locked treasure chest.

We inspect our favorite paint swatch in the early light, confirming we’ve chosen the ideal white in Wedding Lace. On the way, we bid farewell to Sharon and Dad, who are working in the garden out back. I’ve never known Sharon to do manual labor, but she’s as happy as a clam out there, smiling and laughing under her wide-brimmed straw hat as my father shows her the correct way to plant tomatoes.

If they can make it work…maybe Blaze and I could too?

Gah! Where did that come from? Seeing my stepma with my dad makes me imagine a future with my stepbro? No!

Walking hand in hand down the sunlit path, we exchange smiles with passersby, enjoying the lively atmosphere around us. Aside from a few jealous looks I receive from women I assume are single (can I blame them?) the family seems genuinely glad to see me with him.

That feels nice.

I wear a chic cream linen vest, matching shorts by Gucci, and oversized Dior sunglasses. Blaze arranged a salon visit before my departure, so my typically flat hair now has fabulous bounce, volume, and shine. Whatever hair products they use here keep my hair looking as it did when I left the spa chair. I feel a renewed sense of belonging with the Beauties, almost convincing myself I could be one of them.

Almost.

A thin gold chain hangs from my shoulder, carrying my mini Kensington purse, beautifully crafted from soft white leather with overstitch quilting that blends weave and chevron patterns. An antiqued brass eagle head adorns the front flap, adding a touch of sophistication. The purse's contents—lipstick, mints, and hand sanitizer—metaphorically contrast with my oversized teacher bag that holds the entirety of a small drugstore and office supplies.

My mood is as light as my tiny purse.

He’s taken care of everything.

When we reach the dock, a massive, spotless white yacht awaits us—bright gold letters glitter in the sun, naming the boat The Aphrodisiac.

Of course, the beautiful, sexy Bachmans would name their private yacht something like this .

He stares up at the gleaming boat. “I thought you’d enjoy a day cruise.”

“Seriously?”

He gives me a shy glance. “Yeah. You talked about the Jersey kids and being a homebody. I thought this would be perfect.”

“You thought exactly right!” I press up on the balls of my feet, cupping his face, and plant a big ole smooch on his smooth, freshly shaven cheek. Oh dear, he smells good.

He beams with pride. “I’m glad you like it.”

I give a little squeal of glee, clapping my hands. “Blaze, this is so cool!” I don’t even care if I sound like a kindergartener. I’m too excited to pretend to be posh. “I can’t wait to board. This is way too much. You spoil me!”

“I booked it for the whole day,” he says proudly. “We have it till midnight. Then, we turn into pumpkins.”

I eye him. “Did you just make a Cinderella reference?”

“I’ve seen all the Disney movies. And the Lego movies. Obviously.”

He says this, as if he’s said he’s eaten all the flavors of chips. A secret bowling alley? Kids movies? Could Blaze Bachman be a secret dork? All my hobbit girlies, cross your fingers for yes.

“Awesome. I like you even more.” I grab his hand, tugging him towards the boat. “Let’s go! Time’s a ticking!”

He quickly shows me around before we head to the bow to watch the boat depart from the dock. He wraps his arms around me, giving me a Titanic moment that any romantic movie lover would envy. I rest against his warmth, letting the breeze caress my face as we smoothly navigate the breathtaking waters. In the distance, the snowcapped mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

Magic. Pure Magic.

The boat chooses a cozy cove to anchor in, embraced by lush greenery and the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shore. A lively group of staff in cheerful blue polos and white shorts moves about energetically, setting up an inflatable dock tied to the boat and two jet skis that I’m sure Blaze will look like a god on, and I'll have no idea how to operate.

We go back inside to put on our suits. He’s thought of everything, packing for me to keep the trip a surprise. He’s chosen several outfits and accessories from the closet he and the Beauties had outfitted for me.

“Dang. The student has surpassed the teacher. Your folding is on point!”

He puffs up his chest. “Thanks. I try.”

“You’ve thought of everything. I can’t express how nice it is not to have care in the world!” I carefully move the neat piles of clothing aside, looking for a swimsuit. I hope for a nice one-piece with maximum coverage, preferably in black. He’s been so meticulous with his packing that I can’t imagine he forgot the bathing suit.

Finally, I come across some slinky, bright royal blue fabric at the bottom of the suitcase.

Umm …

My carefree spirit dissolves. Does he think my body is going to squeeze into this? I lift it in the air, staring. “Are you sure this is a bathing suit?” I hold up a few strings and triangles.

“Sexy, right?”

“Yes. It’s beautiful.” I pinch the material. “And so silky. I’m just not sure it’s…me.”

“It’s just you and me, baby, and I’ve already seen you the way I like you best. Absolutely naked.” He takes what he considers a bathing suit from my fingers. “Want help putting it on?”

I know where that will lead. Time is ticking.

I take the suit back from him. “Thank you, but I’m changing alone.”

I leave him, a wake of his chuckles behind me. In the privacy of the bathroom, I take a deep breath, undress, and strap myself into the tiny, bright blue bikini. When I look in the mirror, I know I don’t look anything like the girls he’s used to. So why do I feel cute? Pretty? Sexy, even?

He wants to see me in this; he bought it, he packed it, and he seems to be into my curves.

He’s put in so much effort. I can, too. I’m going to wear it.

But I’m going to put a robe over it first. I grab a big white fluffy terry cloth robe, wrapping myself in its warmth and coverage. After carefully wrapping my hair into a low bun with a fabric scrunchy the way the hairdresser taught me to extend my blowout, I step out of the bathroom. Blaze sits on the edge of the bed, expectantly, looking like a surf ad in his teal and blue board shorts and flat abs.

He eyes the robe. “You good?”

“Yep! Let’s go.” I turn towards the door, hurrying before he can untie this robe. He totally would. I do the hobbit hurry, scurrying down the hall and out into the sun before he can catch up and demand I remove my safety blanket.

I reach the lower deck, where the toys have all been set up. There are two chairs on the deck, overlooking the water. I sit safely away from the water, crossing my legs neatly under the robe. I gaze out over the scenery. “This is gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.”

Watching me with a funny look, he approaches the metal ladder that dips into the water. Holding on to the bars, he goes down a few rungs till he’s submerged up to his knees by water.

“You gonna get in? The water is nice.”

“In a minute,” I sniff.

“It’d be a shame to waste that beautiful bikini.”

“Would it?” I pull the robe tighter around me.

“Tell you what.” He sinks into the lake, his long, muscled arms gliding over the water’s surface as he talks to me. “I’ll turn around and face the mountains. You take your robe off and slip into the water. Tell me when you’re in, and I’ll turn around.”

“That’s really sweet. Thanks. ”

“I’ll pack you a one-piece next time.” He turns in the water, his back to me. “Maybe.”

Next time?

Good to his word, he remains facing the mountains. I quickly slip off the robe and tiptoe to the edge of the dock, easing into the clean lake until warm water is lapping at my shoulders,

I tread water, calling out. “Okay. Ready.”

Immediately, he’s holding me and kissing me. He slips my bathing suit bottoms to the side, fingers dancing over me. I can feel his hardness against me. He removes his suit and positions the head of his cock against my entrance with my suit bottoms still pushed to the side.

We try to have sex in the water, but it just doesn’t work. My natural lube kinda disappears in the lake, and he’s so big I can’t really get him comfortably in. Not to mention, I’m twisting in all kinds of awkward positions to keep my hair as dry as possible. Instead of embarrassment, we laugh like best friends at some social mishap. Even at the best of times, Keith wasn’t my bestie. Seraphina was.

“How do they do this in movies?” I laugh.

His brow arches. “What kind of movies are you watching?”

“Disney like you,” I say. “But I watch some grown-up stuff, too, like romance. And yes, sometimes they have sex. In the water.”

His brow knits. “I don’t think Lego people can have sex. In or out of the water. ”

This sends me into a roll of laughter. “Now you have me picturing Lego Batman trying to have sex! This is so wrong.”

He plants his palms on the floating dock, lifting his muscled body from the water. His ass is white from suntanning in his suit. Seeing his white cheeks makes me fall into a second fit of giggles.

“Looks like there’s gonna be a full moon tonight,” I laugh. The giggle chokes off in my throat as he turns around, sitting on the edge of the dock. His cock is fully hard still and stands at attention.

I want to climb on top of him right now. Am I brave enough to leave the water in this suit? To be naked? To have sex outside, where anyone could see us?

I don’t know. But I want to try.

He pats his thigh. “Come here, baby. Come sit on Daddy’s lap.”

Groaning, I warn, “Do not call yourself my daddy. It’s bad enough I’m sleeping with my stepbrother.”

“You’re scared of the dark,” he says. “I’d be a bad brother if I let you sleep alone.”

“I am so not! And, if you want sex, enough of that sibling talk. Eww.” Holding my head up in an attempt to save what’s left of my blowout, I doggy paddle my way over to him.

He sits straight up and salutes me. “Yes, ma’am!”

I reach him, and he grabs me, effortlessly pulling me up and out of the water. With two tugs, he has my bathing suit bottoms off. Kneeling with one leg on either side of him, I ease myself down onto him. My hands rest on his shoulders, and I moan as I sink lower, letting the full length of his cock ease its way inside me.

My voice goes all sexy as I feel him inside me. “This is better.”

“So much better,” he agrees before giving a deep moan.

We start slow but quickly gain speed. He’s thrusting his hips up, and I’m bouncing on his lap. I throw my head back, holding in a cry, desperate for the staff not to hear me. A whisper breaks away. “Oh, God. Blaze. This feels so good.”

His fingers find my clit, lightly circling it. “Do you think you can come like this, baby?”

Sparks burst between my thighs. “Yes…”

“Can you come for me? Out here in the sunshine and the water?” Playing with me with his fingers, his lips move to my neck, whisper-kissing as he talks to me. “Can you come for me here where anyone could hear you?”

It’s too much, having him inside me, raising his hips so the head of his cock hits my g-spot while he teases my clit, and his warm lips on that sensitive area by my ear that drives me wild.

His kisses trail down the side of my neck as his free hand untucks my breast from the suit top. He takes my perky nipple in his mouth, teasing it with his hot tongue. The feeling makes me go all tight inside, like I’m going to pee or sneeze or implode. Everything coils. Tighter and Tighter. My muscles clench around him. My fingertips dig into his shoulders. My head lolls back.

The feeling is so strong that, in this moment, I don’t care who hears me. I call out, “Yes! Blaze. Yes!”

“There you go, baby. There you go.” His hand finds the back of my hair, knotting it in his fist so he can give it a sharp tug. Him pulling my hair sends me over the edge, and I clamp down on him, hard, chasing down the final tail of the climax.

“God, you feel so fucking good.” He pumps his hips up a few more times, giving a deep moan. I feel his hot come fill me as he finishes. I like the warmth, the way it spills out of me, hot and wet and naughty.

Coming down from our peak, my arms wind around his neck as we kiss. He pushes my damp hair from my cheek, staring at me as I sit there on his wet lap. “You are so fucking beautiful. I hope you know that.”

And I think that I might…

Maybe.

If not in the world’s eyes, at least in his eyes, I do.

Afterward, we shower and dress in nice clothes. I choose a short dress with a flutter skirt and tiny white flowers that he packed for me. It has thin straps around my neck and little cap sleeves over my shoulders. It’s elegant, feminine, and more fitted than I would typically wear.

I do feel beautiful.

I am beautiful .

We have an early dinner sitting across from one another in the boat’s dining room. The staff has closed the curtains, allowing the two white pillar candles between us to flicker with romance. We share wine and eat fresh seafood and salad. He’s requested that the chef bring more of the fresh-baked bread from the café, and I tear off small pieces, dipping the corners in the most delicious olive oil I’ve ever had before popping them in my mouth.

Heaven.

With dessert, the staff brings a rectangular shoebox-sized package wrapped prettily in red and gold paper with a sparkly gold bow. They present us with a strawberry cheesecake on a silver tray, placing the gift on the table next to the tray.

He eyes me curiously. “What’s this?”

“I don’t know,” I say. “Should you open it?”

He unties the bow and carefully unwraps the paper from the box. When he lifts the lid and peers inside, he laughs. Reaching up, he pulls out the gift, holding it out for me to see. He reads the inscription out loud.

“Blaze Bachman. Number One Bowler.”

I giggle.

“How did you find this?”

“When Seraphina and I were shopping, there was a small shop that sold and inscribed t-shirts and trophies. I was lucky they had a male bowler award. He was a little dusty, but we brushed him off. I guess he was waiting for you.”

“Thank you. I love it.” He leans over the table, kissing me .

“You’re welcome.”

It’s a small gesture, and I wish I could do more. I want to show my gratitude for everything he’s done—something beyond a plastic trophy, although he seems to love it.

As we enjoy the sweet, creamy cake, I catch him staring at me across the table, more than once. I don’t know if it’s the magic of the candlelight, the warmth of the wine, or how I feel in this dress, but I almost think he’s looking at me like he likes me.

I sound like one of my students. Should I pass a note across the table like Poppy did last semester to poor Danny Ryan, a shy little boy who had no idea what he was up against?

Do you like me? Check yes or no.

You bedder check yes.

I’m worried. Really worried. I’m afraid I might be…

Falling for him.

Hard.

And there’s no end date on the ‘L’ word.