Chapter 27

Feeling a brilliant sunshine on my face, my brain slowly wakes and I at first smell the wonderful scent that is Harley. I open my eyes to see his beautiful tattooed chest. Touching his nipple lightly, I lazily circle it as my mind wanders back to yesterday. Harley brings out a side of me I never knew existed. I have never been so free sexually as I am with him. I feel fear flicker through me at how I will survive these memories when this is over.

I lift my head to look up at him and see that he is awake.

"Morning beautiful," he says, grinning.

My stomach flutters at his sexy grin. I will never survive Harley whole.

"Morning," I say quietly. I have to push my worries aside, concentrate on enjoying whatever this is between us, while I can.

"I have been waiting for you to wake," he murmurs brazenly.

"Oh yeah? For what Mr. Stile?" I ask, as I feel his erection against my inner thigh.

"I want to make love to you in the daylight. I want to see that body of yours in the sunlight. Come on," he says, his words sending an instant spiral of desire through me. He gently pushes me off his chest so he can get up and pull me out of bed.

Swooping down he grabs my legs, swinging me up and over his shoulder. I playfully scream, "Put me down," as I realize he intends to carry me this way. Stopping in front of a mirror, Harley gazes at my bottom over his shoulder and I feel another warm flush spread through me, landing between my thighs. He wasn’t kidding about viewing my body in the daylight.

Harley reaches up to cup a cheek bottom saying, "I like this view," then he mercilessly continues to carry me to the beach, grabbing a towel along the way. Setting me on my feet once the water reaches his waist, he grasps my face to place a deep kiss on my lips before trailing his mouth down to my breasts. Moaning, I place my hands on the back of his head encouraging him. I can’t help but watch as he flicks his tongue out to touch my nipple before drawing it fully into his mouth. The sight is so erotic.

He straightens after a few moments and gazes at me in a primitive way that makes my body tingle. "I want to taste you," he says and I shudder as I feel hot desire, unlike I had ever known before Harley, race through me. I will do anything he asks.

Harley takes my hand and I move my gaze to where his hand is joined to mine, his cross tattoo peaking through. Continuing my gaze up his arm, past his sword tattoo, I feel like I am having an out of body experience. Being here on this beautiful, quiet, private island is nothing compared to being able to stand here next to this man, having him stare at me so intensely that I feel as if I am the only female in the world for him. It makes it so easy for me to give him what he asks. To allow him full freedom to do anything he wants. Allowing the barriers, I had erected against him, to be completely torn away by him. He gently tugs me back to the beach and I watch as he spreads out the towel, squirming at what I know is about to happen. I allow him to push me down to the towel, spread my legs wide and watch as his long hair falls forward as he leans down to lower his head between my legs, all the while keeping eye contact with me. As soon as his tongue touches me I can't help but close my eyes and arch my back. I feel his breath and more warmth floods me. Swirling his tongue all around me, I lose control, grabbing his hair to pull him closer. I involuntarily buck into his mouth, giving over to the orgasm.

Harley barely gives me time to recover before he is pulling me up to whisper in my ear, "Have you ever been fucked in the ocean?" My breath catches at his question and I shake my head with my eyes wide.

“Come with me,” he invites, as he steps away from me, holding out his hand for me to grasp. Biting my lip, unable to say no to him, I allow him to tug me into the ocean until he is waist deep. Lifting me, encouraging me to wrap my legs around his waist, he settles me immediately onto his hard length. I can feel the pulse humming through it before Harley sets a pace of lifting and lowering me onto him by clutching my bottom. As he lowers me each time, my breasts touch his tattoos, sometimes sticking and then sliding over his chest. That sight, along with being able to intermittently see where we are joined, and the sensation of his hands holding my bottom as the water slaps against us, is my undoing. I collapse against him letting my head fall against his shoulder, but still Harley isn't done with me.

As he walks back to the towel with him still inside me; it is an incredible sensation. Harley is such an extraordinary man in every way and to have him here with me like this, totally focused on my pleasure only, making me feel like the only woman for him, is an indescribable experience.

When we reach the shoreline, Harley gently unwraps my legs from him, causing him to slide out of me. I give a whimper of protest but he soothingly says in my ear, "Shhhh. I am not done."

After softly planting a kiss on my mouth, he gently turns me around, bringing his hands up to cup each breast. I feel his breath in my ear as he whispers hotly into my ear, "Get on your hands and knees."

My breath leaves my body as I visualize myself on all fours on the beach in the brilliant sunshine with Harley slamming into me from behind. My breasts tingling from his hands, my legs weak from the visualization, I sink willingly down onto my knees. Leaning forward, I put a hand out on each side. I can feel the liquid between my thighs.

I hear Harley's swift inhale as he kneels behind me. I am completely exposed and open to him. Feeling his hand between my legs, his fingers moving slowly through the liquid between my legs, I moan and press back against his hand.

"Sweet Jesus you are beautiful. I can't wait any longer," he growls as I feel him reach a hand around my thigh to place a finger on my clitoris. His other hand guides his himself into me, sinking into me deeply. Pulling back, he slams hard into me in slow strokes, stopping for a second each time to feel all of me. He moves both his hands to cup my swinging breasts. My eyes roll back in my head. I feel him move his hands to grab my hips in a strong firm grip and then he picks up speed slamming repeatedly into me. I scream as another orgasm tears through me and tears prick my eyes at the intensity. Harley empties into me while groaning, "Oh Kate," and I fall to the ground with him following me, my legs having gone weak. I lay there a moment as I relive what happened. He has completely consumed me. I have never so sexually free with anyone.

I enjoy the feel of him naked on my back, loving his weight pressed fully against me. I listen to his breathing even out, elated that I can make him lose control.

Planting a soft kiss on my cheek and then whispering in my ear he says, "Sorry. I can't seem to hold back with you. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I purr with a soft smile on my face that he doesn't see.

"I don't want to move," he murmurs, pushing his hips into my backside, reminding me he hasn't moved an inch yet.

"Mmmmmm..." is my only response.

Lying like this for a few more minutes, I savor this moment knowing I will never forget this weekend but also knowing I may never experience this again. Harley will return to his world of fame and me to my increasingly dull accounting job.

“Whatever will I do when the time comes for him to return to his rock star life?” my mind silently reminds me. I feel tears slip over my bottom eyelid and drop to the towel underneath me. I have to stop this. I can’t let myself wander to thoughts of him being with someone else like this.

“Enjoy this moment,” I silently command, but my heart tears anyway, preparing itself for what’s to come.

Harley sighs as he pushes himself off me to stand, and then helping me up, he forces me to look him straight in the eyes by placing his hand under my chin.

His face twists as he sees my tears and I watch remorse cross his face. "Ah Kate. I hurt you. I'm so sorry," he apologizes, pulling me into a hug.

Shaking my head, I lean back to look up at him to reassure him, "You didn't hurt me. Being here with you, like this, my emotions are getting the better of me." There is no way I am telling him what is really on my mind. I won't let anything stop me from enjoying this weekend. Speaking about it out loud will only make it more real. I am not letting reality take over. Not yet.

"Are you sure?" he asks, as his concerned eyes scan my face again.

Nodding and giving him a gentle smile, I place a kiss on his lips as I reply, "Yes I am sure."

He pulls me in for a tight squeeze. Needing to lighten my mood, I push back lightly and he lets me go questioningly, until he sees me give him a mischievous smile. I turn and run into the ocean until the water becomes deep enough for me to dive and begin my swimming strokes. I have never swum naked before and it feels amazing, the warm water swirling around my thoroughly satiated body and the sun beaming down. I do a couple of laps up and down the shoreline with Harley stroking steadily along next to me. Once we are tired, we make our way back to the shore and we playfully fight over the towel until Harley solves it by drying me first and then himself.

"I am hungry! How about you?" Harley says as he slings the towel around his neck after drying his hair.

Nodding, absorbing and filing away the sight of Harley naked in front of me on the beach, I follow him back to the house where I quickly dress in a summer dress and Harley pulls on shorts only. We team up and make breakfast together with occasional caresses and kisses.

After breakfast is done, we head out to the pool and opt for the cabana with the sofa to avoid having to use sun lotion. We hold hands and lightly touch each other throughout the morning, each talking about our families.

"You seem so close to your mom," I say, while lightly trailing my fingers over his arm. I love his tattoos, and next to my pale skin, it is such a stark, erotic difference.

"Yeah. My mum has been my rock throughout this whole rock star experience. She keeps me grounded. She always says it as it is," he says. Chuckling he adds, "She doesn't let my head swell much."

"Well, I think she has done a great job," I say firmly, still stroking his arm.

"She is dying to meet you," Harley confesses softly.

Butterflies start up in my stomach as I once again think about Harley talking to his mom about me. Despite my butterflies, there is a part of me that can’t wait to meet the woman who created this amazing man. She has to be a strong woman to guide a boy into being the strong, confident, successful young man Harley is.

Grinning while reaching out to flip my hair over my shoulder, Harley says, "As I told you before, I went to see her when I thought you were still with Ian. She kicked my ass and told me to turn around and come back for you, fight for you if my feelings were so strong. She was happy I had met a girl that didn't fall at my feet. Told me it was good for me. As soon as you gave me a chance she was the first person I called. She wanted to come right away to meet you but I knew you needed time to adjust to me – to us. I didn't need my mother swooping in right away."

My stomach going through a variety of feelings, I decide to stay quiet. The way that Harley talks about me, it is as if he expects us to have more than a sexual relationship. That it will continue when he is gone. How he plans to continue to have a relationship when we are physically separated by distance, I can't seem to figure out.

"So...have you told your family about me?" he quietly inquires.

Dropping my gaze from his eyes, I shake my head as I admit, "No. I was waiting to see where this was going. I never even introduced them to Ian."

I have never been one to bring boyfriends home until I was sure it could be possibly something to build a relationship on. My parents knew about me dating Ian, and I had planned to introduce them over Christmas, but thanks to Harley, that would not happen now. Given that I had no idea of what to expect with Harley, I had not told anyone in my family about him. Only Lexie knows about him and that happened by mistake.

Harley remains silent until I lift my gaze to look at him. When my eyes connect with his he asks, "You still have doubts about us?"

Feeling like my heart is tearing, I shrug my shoulders and drop my eyes. Harley seems so confident in us now but I know things can and will change once he is gone. Always worrying and wondering where he is, who he is with...I can't see myself living that life. Would Harley always be faithful or would he expect me to turn a blind eye and accept that it is part of his life? There is so much temptation for him.

"Tell me what I have to do to convince you I am in this for the long run. That I only want to be with you?" he whispers, lifting my face with his fingers.

"Harley...please..." I plead, removing my face from his touch and dropping my eyes from his, not wanting to talk about this right now. I only want to enjoy this time with him, without complicated talk.

"You have to tell me. I am not letting you walk away from me. You are so much more than a girlfriend of the moment. I don't want to ever be without you, you mean so much to me. I know it won't be easy for you while I am gone but I am selfish enough to ask you to give us a chance, to at least give it a try. You can come see me on tour and we can meet somewhere halfway when I have breaks. Money isn’t an issue. I’ll take care of it," he now pleads.

"Harley..." I sigh. I lift my eyes back to him. He looks devastated. I want to take the look away but I know me. I will struggle with his career demands. I can’t make promises I know I may not be able to keep. I am too honest with myself for that.

But I can see he won't let this go.

"Harley..." I begin again. "I don't see how this is going to work. I work in an accounting firm, which is a nine to five job. I get a couple of weeks of holidays and weekends off. You..” I sigh as I continue, “You travel all over the world for long periods of time. You have family in England that you are close with and need to see during your limited downtime. I am sure getting to your house in California is a struggle and is pretty much limited to a month or two months, if you are lucky. What kind of life will that be for me? Wondering where you are and who you are with? Wondering whether someone else has caught your eye, but yet I wait for you to return, only to have a month with you? It isn’t what I want in a relationship."

Staring at me he says, "You are worried that I may meet someone else? That's a worry for me too. I worry that you will meet someone who will give you what you want. But I have decided to trust you. And now that I have you, I will do everything I can to be in California. Kate, I am no fool. I know I am lucky to have you. I won't do anything to screw that up. I want to try and I want you to at least promise to give it a try."

Sighing, knowing he won't let this go, I nod giving in only slightly. "Okay Harley. I will think about it," but deep down I know I will struggle. I know I can’t make a promise I can’t keep.

"You know, there is another option," Harley quietly suggests. "You could quit your job. I have enough money for the both of us. You could then travel with me," he finishes quickly, uneasily.

My eyes feel as if they will pop out of my sockets. I am stunned by his suggestion.

"Harley, you ask too much! I can't give up my career to follow you around. My parents taught me to never depend on anyone else because life never happens the way you planned. If I gave up my job, I would be totally dependent on you. If something happened and things didn't work out between us, I would be left with nothing. Please do not ask me again to do that," my pulse is racing and my voice has risen, shock evident in my tone.

I see remorse on his face as he reaches out to place his hand on the back of my head. "Kate. I'm sorry. I was being selfish. I am panicking here that you won't give us a chance. I shouldn't have expected you to give up your career."

Nodding, I accept his apology. But I need a moment of space between us. I need time to collect myself after his suggestion.

Moving away from him, I break the connection between our bodies and stand up. Looking down at where he is lying, for a moment, I have an inner fight to keep from crawling on top of him and giving into every promise that he wants.

Instead, I ask, "I need coffee. Want some?"

He looks dejected as he nods.

"I’ll make the coffee and then perhaps I’ll make lunch while you relax? I would love to explore this island after we eat. It's not often I get to a private island," I lightly suggest, trying to change this intense topic.

"Okay. Let me know if you want help with lunch," he says quietly.

I am thankful he has picked up that I need space and he is willing to give it to me.

I head into the kitchen to make coffee, my thoughts whirling around in my head. What Harley has asked is completely out of the question for me. I can’t follow him around the world and give up my life. It is not me, how I was raised or what I believed in. I am way too independent and I like being in control of my life. I shake my head, trying to forget about his plea to give up my current life to follow him as I make the coffee.

Bringing a cup of coffee to Harley, I know his quiet demeanor is because he regrets asking me to give up my life. I return to the kitchen to make lunch without asking for help to allow us both space to think, to clear our heads.

After we eat lunch in relative silence, we head out and explore the small island. It is very hot and humid. When we stumble across a small waterfall that spills into a perfect swimming area, we both discard our clothes and jump in, forgetting in our eagerness to cool off, the awkward silence during lunch. We can’t help but come together under the waterfall. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I sigh contentedly as I feel Harley slide easily into me. Arching my back to allow the waterfall to gently cascade over my hair, I let myself slip under his spell. Revelating in this feeling and wanting to remember how it feels to have him inside of me, I focus and burn this moment into my memory. My arched back gives Harley free access to my breasts, and I burn the feeling of his mouth, his tongue, the feeling of the satisfied fullness with him in me, into my brain. It doesn't take long before I let go.

"Oh God Kate..." Harley growls as he lays his head against my chest, allowing himself to fill me.

The last part of my heart, the piece I was hoping to keep intact, gives in. I know I need to at least try to have a long distance relationship with him. I also know I will regret it. Whether this ends in a couple of weeks or a couple of months, I am in too far with him already for it to make a difference. I will still be shattered once the time comes to end things.

"Harley," I whisper, while wrapping my arms around him. I am trying to pull him closer than he already is, never wanting to let go, as I continue, "I will try."

Harley lifts his head and I see elation on his face as he places both hands on each side of my face. "You won't regret it," he implores as he looks into my eyes. He places his lips on mine for a deep kiss. I know he is trying to show me how much he cares. With a sigh of contented defeat, I let my fingers run through his wet hair.

After a few moments, Harley squeezes me as he whispers against my lips, "I have never been happier."

Nodding, I kiss him lightly. All I can think is how his chest feels against my naked breasts and I welcome the distraction from my fears. Feeling his hands run up my sides, my pulse races.

"Will you come to a press release party with me this Thursday?" he asks, as he breaks my kiss.

I stiffen at his request. "Harley, you keep pushing."

"I want you with me. I want you to meet my world. I want the world to know about you. I have never taken anyone before. No one has been important enough," he implores again, both of his hands back on each side of my face as I try to avoid his intense eyes. But he won't let me avoid him.

My stomach flopping at the intensity in his eyes, I quietly respond, "I can't. Not yet Harley. Please. I am not ready to have people tracking my every movement. I know it feels like we have been together for a long time but it is still new to me. You'll be gone soon and I don't live in an apartment where there is security to keep the paparazzi out. They will camp outside my building at the slightest hint you are interested in me."

Not letting go of my face, Harley says, "Move into my house."

Feeling my eyes widen, my stomach drops as he once again surprises me. "Harley, we have only been dating a little more than a week."

He remains serious as he says, "I know what I want. I want you to move in. I love the thought of you sleeping in my bed when I am on tour."

Shaking my head, I say, "Harley, you are once again asking too much. I feel like you are ambushing me. I don’t want to give up my apartment."

Sighing, he lets go of my face, then concedes by nodding. I kiss him lightly and whisper, "Thank you."

We remain by the waterfall for a few more moments, each of us lost in our own thoughts; mine on how fast this is moving when we both initially agreed to take it slow, his on wanting to speed it up to the next level and have me move in.

Harley walks with me still wrapped around him to the edge of our small pool of water. Sighing as I unwrap my legs from his torso, I climb out and lay naked on the grass under a tree. Harley lies next to me and I automatically turn to him to rest my head on his chest and hook a leg around him. We stay this way quietly until we are dry enough to pull on our clothes and continue our exploring of the island. I have the opportunity to snap a few pictures along the way, some of which Harley insists on being in. As I watch him pose, I can’t help but feel myself warm at the beauty of this man. He sure knows how to work the camera to his advantage. He is lean and sculpted, his tattoos so much more sensual to me as I now know each one of them intimately.

As the sun sets, we grab a bottle of wine and make love on the beach before dinner. I finally get the chance to make Harley his mashed potatoes with a stuffed chicken breast and gravy for dinner. As he eats, he jokingly asks me to marry him, causing my heart to skip a beat at the thought. My mind wanders to what kind of dad he would be.

After cleaning up, we head to the hot tub. We kiss and caress each other until we make love again. I can't get enough of him.

As we lay in bed, we are both a little sad that we return to reality tomorrow afternoon. Neither of us sleep much as we talk and touch each other, not wanting the night to be over.

Dawn comes and we are forced by our stomachs to get out of bed to have a light breakfast. We take a last stroll on the beach before we shower and pack up.

Hearing the boat approach, I snap pictures of the house. I feel a deep sadness leaving this place and want pictures to remember it.

Arriving at the airport, we once again pick up our assigned security at the entrance and manage to make it to the check in counter before a mass of people start surrounding us. Harley grabs my hand threading his fingers through mine as I try to move away. This causes a few people to ask who I am. Not responding, I quietly stand next to him as he allows a few girls to take a picture with him. One of the girls becomes overly friendly and pulls him down to kiss him on the lips. I become uneasy and I want to let go of his hand. I don’t want to watch this. I look around at the small sea of people and see some of them videoing and snapping pictures of the two of us and I know I have to get out of there. Immediately. Gently tugging his hand, Harley only tightens his before looking over at me. He can see that I am uncomfortable.

Addressing the small crowd, he quickly says, "Thanks all but my flight is about to leave." Then giving a wave with his free hand, he indicates to his security to lead the way.

On the plane, I keep my face turned to the window. That girl kissing Harley keeps flashing through my mind. I feel unsure about telling Harley that I would try to wait for him. I don't know if I can do this. He asks me several times throughout the flight if I am okay and I force a smile and nod. I need time to calm myself and not freak out.

Touching down at the LAX airport, we are greeted with the same madness. This time I drop Harley's hand before he has a chance to react and stand quietly, outside the circle. A few more girls throw themselves at him by forcing him into a hug and kissing his cheek, but thankfully none so bold to kiss him on the lips.

When security whispers in his ear, his eyes automatically find mine. I nod that I am fine and I follow behind the mob that moves with him as he makes his way to our waiting limo. One of his security guards looks for me as we near the car, breaking away from the mob to tell me to get in the car first. Nodding, I walk around the outskirts of the mass of women and reporters to climb in. One girl takes notice of me and calls out, “Fucking slut,” lunging for me. The burly guard quickly stops her from reaching me. No one else notices me as they are focused solely on Harley. As he finally manages to climb in, I turn my head away when I see a woman pull up her shirt to expose her bountiful breasts to Harley through the limo window. I feel myself shaking and bile rises in my throat. I have an overwhelming feeling that I can’t handle this.

"You okay?" Harley asks as he takes my hand from where it was resting on my lap. I keep my head turned and nod.

"Please look at me," he pleads.

Shaking my head, I firmly respond, "No."

I feel him move next to me as the car starts to move slowly through the throng of girls and reporters, all screaming his name.

"You are what I want Kate," he quietly whispers in my ear. Tears spring to my eyes as I nod and allow myself to lean against him. What will I do when he isn't here to lean against or reassure me?

We ride in silence to his house, giving me time to forcefully put the airport scene out of my mind.

As we enter his home, Chase comes running towards us. I can’t help but smile and relax as I get a mouthful of fur when he tries to jump into my arms.

"My dog is even under your spell," Harley lightly chuckles. For now, the mood has lightened. Hilda greets us each with a warm hug asking how our trip was. I drop my eyes and blush at the question. Harley is beaming as he proudly boasts, "Best trip of my life."

Hilda, beaming back at us, says, "You kids are so cute. I made you a dinner you can reheat. I am going to leave early.” Then she adds slyly, “Thought you wouldn't mind Harley."

Harley chuckles and nods, still smiling as he gives her a swift kiss on the cheek saying thank you.

Harley convinces me to stay with him that night at his house, promising to get me to work on time tomorrow morning.

Monday morning, I go to work a changed woman. I catch myself reliving moments from the weekend causing me to smile. The day drags by and I text him several times. During my breaks, I look at the pictures on my phone. Some of Harley's poses are funny causing me to quietly chuckle and some are sexy resulting in a heat spreading throughout my body, as I remember his touch and all the things I allowed him to do to me.

As the day ends, I practically skip again to his waiting car, wrapping my arms around him to pull him into me so I can breathe him in again.

We stop by my apartment on the way to his home to pack some clothes for me for tomorrow. As soon as I open my apartment door, Harley is grabbing my hand to lead me to my bedroom where he strips us both quickly. He pushes me onto my bed and immediately opens my legs, crawling between them. Without waiting he pushes into me, taking my breath away. It doesn't take long for both of us and afterward we lie there soaking each other in.

My stomach growls and Harley moans that he has to move, pretending he is disgruntled with my stomach.

We grab a quick bite to eat then head to his house for an evening swim and a quick walk with Chase. Hilda is gone before we get there so we have the house to ourselves. After our swim, we cuddle together on a lounger until it is time for a shower before bed.

We make love in the shower and when I crawl in bed I am completely exhausted. I fall contentedly asleep on his chest with my leg wrapped tightly around him.