***
He gave her a lot of credit. So far this weekend she hadn't complained once. Not even after last night and judging by the dark circles under her eyes and the fact that she yawned, every other minute she hadn't slept much. Despite her lack of rest when he asked her that morning about changing their accommodations, she'd adamantly refused.
"What are your thoughts for today?" Christopher asked as they strolled along the boardwalk past the enormous statue of Neptune, god of the ocean. "We could look into one of those excursions you mentioned yesterday."
Sara shook her head as she stifled another yawn. "I'm thinking a day relaxing on the beach sounds perfect. Maybe tonight we can come back for the live concert in Neptune Park."
"A day lying on the beach works for me." Crossing to the stairs he led her down to the beach toward an area with rented recliners. Around them children worked on building sand fortresses while their parents sat and watched. Another group played a game of volleyball and others simply sat and enjoyed the warm sunshine. No one paid any attention to them as they walked by, everyone assumed they were just another couple intent on spending time in the sun.
After selecting two recliners far from a group of teens playing Frisbee, Christopher dropped the backpack slung over his shoulder. Unsure of their exact plans for the afternoon, he'd packed sunscreen and bottled water for both of them. "Plan on doing any swimming?" he asked pulling his T-shirt over his head.
Sara's head disappeared inside her T-shirt. Pulling it off, she revealed the top of her emerald green bikini. "The only swimming I do is in a pool. I like to know what's around me." Sara pulled off her shorts and folded them neatly before placing them on the end of her chair. "But go ahead if you want."
Christopher's eyes took in the sight of her lying there in her bikini; once again he was struck speechless by her beauty. By now he should be used to it, but somehow she still managed to leave him breathless.
“Can I borrow the sunscreen?" she asked, adjusting her sunglasses.
Without tearing his eyes from her, he dug into the bag and pulled out the bottle he had packed. "Here you go."
He watched every movement she made as she rubbed the white lotion across her body. With each pass the fire simmering inside him increased as memories of loving her that morning teased him. If he had any hope of surviving the afternoon he needed to look elsewhere. Lifting his eyes he watched two military jets screeching across the sky. When they disappeared into the clouds he lowered his gaze and caught sight of several men watching Sara as she applied a layer of sunscreen to her legs. Watch all you want, but she's with me.
“When you're done can I get some help?" he asked, sitting down on the edge of her chair and kissing her cheek. "I'll return the favor."
Sara paused with one hand on her calf and shot him a smile. "I was hoping you'd ask." Moving closer to the edge of her chair she squeezed sunscreen on her hand. "Turn around and I'll get your back."
The nerve endings in his back jumped the second Sara's hand made contact. Her touch felt like a caress as she spread the sunscreen across his upper back and shoulders. Gradually she worked her way down his spine. Instinctively he leaned back into her caress, content to sit there all day.
“Anywhere else you need help?" Sara asked as her hands skimmed across his lower back and above his waistband.
He could think of several other places where he'd like her hands, but none were appropriate for their current location. "Good for now. What about you?”
Her hands left his back and for a moment he tossed around ideas how he might get them back.
"Just my back. I covered everywhere else."
Christopher took his time covering every inch of her shoulders and back. When he could no longer use the ruse of applying sunscreen as his reason for touching her, he let his hand rest on her shoulders and dropped a kiss on the back of her neck. "All set."