If Only

If Only - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Cora

"You did it; you did it!” Julian swung me around outside on the sunset balcony. Our Sunday in paradise had turned out slightly differently than we had anticipated. After the evening news my phone had been red hot and burning up with calls. They wanted me in London at headquarters as soon as possible, but I was reluctant. I didn't want to leave Julian now that we had found each other. Naively, I'd thought that we would be continuing our quest for information in the coming weeks, digging up more documentation and spending the nights together.

"No, we did it. You took the fantastic photos and shot the footage now traveling around the world. If you weren't a famous sought-after photographer before - you are now."

"I won't take your limelight away from you. It's you, Cora. I was merely following orders." He had sat me down and was looking into my eyes. His were filled with such tenderness that I had to avert my gaze. I could get lost in him forever. The rest of the world didn't exist when he was with me. I shook my head. I was a fool if I thought this fairytale was reality.

"You're way too modest." I pulled out of his embrace. "I'm so sorry that I have to cut the trip short."

"Don't worry. I've already arranged for the plane to be ready in an hour. We need to pack and leave soon."

"Thank you. I don't know how to repay you,” I laughed before he answered drily, "I walked right into that one, right?"

"Yup, and I think you know exactly how you can return the favor.” Julian smirked and his dimples popped. His shorts hung low around his hips and he hadn't bothered with a T-shirt. The delectable V dipped below the waistband. My eyes couldn't help but follow the path of hair from his navel and lower. There was a reason it was called a happy trail. "Cora, Cora,” he whispered and I found his eyes. "We have tonight, princess, let's get packing and enjoy each other later."

My flight to London wasn't until the following morning. I would fly from Mombasa to Nairobi and from there directly to London.

"What are you going to do while I'm gone?"

"I talked to the agency and I'm free to accept jobs when you're away. Technically my contract is still running, but without you here it's paused. Don't worry; I’ll get paid."

"Is it horrible that I would have preferred that it took a little longer before the story was uncovered?" I stepped back to him and held my body flush against his.

"No, not at all. We were sort of just getting started. I've grown very fond of going on adventures with you." He caressed my bare shoulders and continued down my arms before he took my hands in his. "I hope we will have many more." His voice was low and serious. I wanted to say something, but the words were stuck in my throat. "What I want to say is that ... " He stalled and looked up into the sky. "If you want to try out what this is - you know - between us, I'd like to explore it with you."

"Julian Dexter, are you asking me to go steady?" I uttered teasingly in a southern drawl.

"Depends on the answer, princess.”

"Yes, I'd like to see you more...and I don’t want to see other people. I'm only going to be in London for a short while. When I return, I'd love to see you."

"I'm so relieved." Had he doubted me? I wondered.

"You're a fantastic man and I love being with you. Maybe I only wanted to scratch an itch when I first saw you, but we're too good together to end this."

"Better than good, Cora. I'm wildly attracted to you. Everything about you turns me on: your brain, your determination, your sinful body. Do you want me to continue?" His mouth crashed down on mine. For a moment I was breathless. I sank into him and let the feeling consume me. Gently, he softened the kiss and slowed us down. "We have tonight, but now we're late for our plane back to the mainland."

***

We'd arrived back at the resort early in the evening. Julian had insisted that I have some time on my own to pack. We'd spent all waking hours together for the past week and almost every night. My room felt empty without him in it, and as I folded a shirt the melancholy swept over me. There was a reason I never let people in. At some point they always left. I wasn't nostalgic. Life had taught me to be practical, to never expect anything from anyone and only depend on myself. I'd told him I wanted to see him when I got back and I did, but it also scared me.

There was a knock on the door.

"Hey, come in.” I let him in. He had showered and dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. "You smell good enough to eat," I whispered in his ear as he passed me.

"I don't want to waste any time. Lose the clothes." He took charge, and I liked it. "Get on the bed, princess."

I closed my suitcase, and he moved it to the floor for me. We faced each other as we took our clothes off in silence. His body was a work of art: from his sharp facial features softened by smiling eyes and the two adorable dimples to his broad shoulders, muscular chest, abdomen and farther down to his erection.

"You must work out a lot," I said.

A laugh escaped his lips. "Yes princess, I do. I like to stay in shape."

"You're more than in shape, Julian," I croaked and stepped closer to him. "But you haven't worked out this week."

"I'll catch up - it's been worth it." He flicked his thumb over one of my n*****s.

"Any plans this coming week now that your time is free?" He bent his head and sucked on the other n****e.

"I have an appointment with a realtor who's showing me a few houses." As he answered my questions, he kept up his attention on my body.

"So you're serious about settling down here in Kenya?"

"I don't lie and absolutely. This is as close to home as possible and I don't want to live in a country where it's literally raining half the year." He referred to England. "On the bed. I need to taste you, princess."

My body complied and I obeyed his command. I happily handed over the reins.

"Let me enjoy you."

On the bed, I watched him as he positioned himself between my legs that fell apart without further ado. I loved his tongue on me, not only where he was planning on bringing me to orgasm, but everywhere.

"What are you waiting for, then?" I mused and ran my fingers through his hair.

"Good question." The first lick sent me to a place where only we existed.

***

My alarm had been set for 4 a.m. Julian wanted to see me off at the airport and I hadn't refused him. I wanted him a little bit longer, but I had to release him now that the next step was security.

"Call me once you get there." He held me close to him. "No matter what time it is."

I nodded and blinked back a tear threatening to escape. What the f**k was this? I'd traveled a million times on my own and had never been emotional - not for many years. Perhaps the first time I was switched to another foster family, but I'd hardened and this was so unlike me.

"Will do, and text me pictures of the houses. I'd love to see what's available." Even though settling down wasn't a personal plan of mine, I could support him.

"Sure, princess. I may need help deciding." He tenderly stroked my chin and I leaned into his touch. One last kiss and I needed to go. I poured everything I had into the kiss, hopefully letting him know what I couldn't yet say in words. He was special to me.

"Kick ass, princess. I'll be watching you and if you need anything, you let me know." Last night he'd asked if I wanted him to join me for support, but I truly needed to do this by myself without distraction. This was a monumental milestone in my career and I wanted to give it all I had.

I hoped he'd be waiting for me. One last time, I turned around and waved before I placed my bag on the conveyor belt at security. My handsome man smiled and returned my wave.

I needed him to be waiting.