Free Sweeter Than Wine by Rita Hestand Page B

legs up and took his
shoes off. Together they walked hand in hand. The water was a
little chilly at first, but after a few minutes they were used to
it.
    "I've never done this." She laughed. "I mean,
yeah, it's a simple thing, but I never have experienced it
before."
    "No? Neither have I. People don't often stop
and take time for the simple pleasures." Sam winked. "And when you
get to thinking about it, it is such a common thing. But to feel
the sand between your toes is a new experience."
    "What made you think of this?" she insisted
on knowing, coming closer.
    His arm went around her waist, "I was
thinking of some movie, I don't know what the name of it was, and
it was so relaxing watching them wade through the water like
children."
    "As long as you don't throw me in the tide
and grope me."
    He stopped, turned to look at her and her
smile faded. Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight though and he knew
she wasn't upset.
    "I know I promised not to, but would you mind
if I kissed you, here." He whispered for her ears only.
    Lacey's glance fastened on his mouth at that
moment and slowly she shook her head, "I don't mind." She bravely
whispered.
    He studied her a moment as his hands came up
to hold her face. "This isn't some cheap come on, Lacey." He
began."Don't be afraid of me. I'm not the big bad wolf or an ogre.
I'm a man, enjoying a wonderful summer with a beautiful lady. And I
want to kiss her..."
    Just as his lips touched hers she murmured,
"I'm not afraid."
    The world blanked out as she closed her eyes.
A mindless void of feelings swamped him as she came into his arms,
willingly. She was soft, where a woman should be, and warm all
over, and the waves gently crashing at their feet were oblivious.
He continued to massage her lips with his own. He wasn't groping
her, wasn't even holding her really except her face.
    Shocked by the sheer beauty of the moment, he
continued to kiss her until they had to pull apart to breath.
Instead of gasping for air, she stood serenely still. Her eyes
closed, her lips still wet from his kiss. He knew at that moment,
he could go on kissing her forever and never want to stop, but he
had to use his head. He'd never experienced the joy of just kissing
a woman.
    "You are quite a woman, Lacey Malone," he
whispered hoarsely.
    "You're not so bad yourself Sam," she said as
her eyes slowly opened.
    "Of course you realize we can't sleep in the
same room any longer, don't you," he asked softly now as his
knuckles caressed her cheek.
    "We can't?" she asked her brows
furrowing.
    "Nope, we can't," he cleared his throat.
    "Why not?" She laid her head against his
forehead, groping for some kind of control.
    "Because I'd want make love to you, Lacey,
and I don't think that's wise." He said, almost turning away from
her. "I don't think that's what you want."
    "I don't understand…." She whispered.
    "I know you don't. That's why it isn't wise.
Now come on," he pulled her by the hands now and laughed. "Let's
race to the other side of the beach."
    She shook herself a little, and then looked
at his face.
    He smiled tenderly at her. "Come on."
    She smiled back and took off, "I'll need a
head start."
    She was way ahead of him, as he slowed to
watch her. She was such a beauty and didn't realize it. She took
his breath away, and he was falling for her too fast. He needed to
take things slower. He liked Lacey and he didn't want to hurt her
when their vacation was over. He had to use his head. Sam wanted to
make love with her tonight. But what about tomorrow and the next
day?
    When he finally walked her to the room, he
stopped, "I guess I better go get another room," he whispered.
    She pinked, "You don't trust the blanket
anymore?" she asked with a grin.
    "Do you?" He questioned, his eyes holding
hers.
    "No." she breathed in deeply. "I guess
not."
    "Lacey you have to understand, I want to…"
his pained expression said it all.
    "I know, but you're being a gentleman again,
right." She whispered.
    He laid his head on her