Free The Virginity Mission by Cate Ellink Page A

swim. Swimming takes too much effort so the lazy ones, that’s how we freely describe ourselves, pile into the spa—me, Annie, Harry and Jason. It’s heaven to lie back with the gurgling swirl of water flowing over my still aching muscles. All day we’re jumping between mangrove roots and boats which must use completely different muscles to scaling hills. Mangrove root jumping causes a bit of the rock-hopping fear and adding the crocodile-lying-in-wait-beneath-you fear, I’m jumping pretty well, with adrenalin surging constantly.
    I’m across the spa from Jason. I tried to be beside him so I could link my hand in his but it didn’t work out. He took his singlet off before he slid into the spa and all that expanse of chest had me gaping, even in the half light. Gaping made me miss my chance of sitting beside him. I may not be able to hold hands but I can look my fill. His eyes are half-closed and heavy lidded. He looks asleep and he’s gorgeous. His forehead is broad and high, enhanced by the military buzz cut. His hair has grown in the past three weeks so it’s no longer cropped close but almost long enough to bend over. I bet I could run my fingers through it and feel it move between them rather than beneath. His strong jaw makes his chin jut and I want to skim my fingers along each stubbled hair until they meet at his chin. I want to taste those lips again. I want to lose myself in his kiss. But there are people. Always people.
    Annie and Harry are talking. They keep trying to draw me in to their conversation and it’s interrupting my fantasies. I wish they’d leave but it doesn’t look like they’re leaving anytime soon.
    Watching Jason is sheer pleasure. The top of his chest and upwards is all that’s visible but it’s keeping me occupied. His uninterrupted, huge breadth of shoulders, rounding to strong arms has my stomach turning to mush. I wish I could see more. My gaze roams freely over his face. There’s no embarrassment when he’s not looking. He has tiny lines at the corners of his lips and eyes. A small bump in the middle of his nose. A tiny scar at the point of his chin. But the most arousing thing is the dark stubble running along his jaw, across his top lip, and over his cheeks. I can almost feel the roughness beneath my fingertips as I dream of touching him. My fingers itch to reach over to him.
    A foot brushes my ankle. I move my leg, thinking I’m in the way. Moments later, the foot grazes my calf. I jolt. Jason’s still asleep. I’m completely puzzled. Annie and Harry haven’t paused in their conversation and neither look like they’re moving. Whose foot is it?
    The foot strokes my leg again, sending goose bumps over all my skin. Surely it isn’t for me? Is it?
    My heart’s paused but ready to gallop in an instant. Every muscle is tense. I look at Jason again. His eyes are still half closed but from under heavy lids he meets my gaze. He smiles. His gaze is deep heated passion.
    Oh. My. God.
    He looks half asleep yet he has me more awake and alive than I’ve ever felt. Did I read that gaze right?
    The spa stops. The foot is gone before the bubbles subside.
    Harry stands up and climbs out. “I’m out of here guys. Do you want me to push the button again?”
    Annie and I answer together. I say yes, she says no. We laugh. Annie stands and lifts herself out. “I’ll leave you to it,” she says as she presses the button and the bubbles resume.
    Finally.
    I am alone with Jason.
    The swimmers have left. There’s no one here but us. My pulse is erratic. My breathing no better. I think I need to pee.
    His foot moves along my leg, stroking slowly, softly. Forget peeing. I’m not moving. Every cell in my body focuses on that foot stroking my calf. Nothing has ever felt so erotic. His toes run along my calf, dip beside my knee and move higher to slip between my thighs. I offer no objection.