Chapter Nine: Will You Just Relax?
It was so hot, unusually so. Daryl felt as if he was suffocating, the air hot and arid as he fought his way back to consciousness. He dragged the covering off his face and smiled as his pillow sighed. Opening his sandy sleep-crusted eyes, he couldn't help but smile against the smooth naked belly beneath his cheek. He swiped a hand over his face and grinned, his gaze traveling over Carol until he could take in the relaxed nature of her beautiful face. He'd seen her immersed in slumber several times since she'd moved into the apartment. She had a bad habit of falling asleep at night on the sofa with him while watching whatever TV show or movie they'd chosen. He could watch her sleep for hours, simply knowing she was near, that she was safe.
Daryl looked over at the clock on the nightstand, but he didn't need it to know the sun had been up for a few hours. Sunlight streamed in through the balcony doors, and he marveled at the fact his inner clock had failed him. It gave testament to just how worn out he'd been the past evening. He nestled back against her belly, his fingers tracing nonsensical patterns over the smooth skin of her hip as his smile grew. He wasn't a virgin any longer. A deep breath huffed from his chest. He'd always been afraid Merle would somehow find out and begin parading women before him in an effort to 'pop his cherry'. It was unnatural for a Dixon to be in his early twenties and still in possession of his 'innocence'. Merle hadn't made it all the way through puberty before he'd lost his, Daryl knew.
Daryl was glad he'd waited for Carol. It felt so right being with her, touching her, loving her. He shuddered at the thought of another woman putting her hands and mouth on him as Carol had done last night. She'd eased away all his fears and brought a lightness to his being, something he'd never thought possible. He'd shed the weight of his past and now had a whole future to look forward to.
His arm tightened around her trim waist, and she shifted in her sleep, pressing her belly further against his face. He grunted hungrily against an acre of satiny skin, his for the taking. How could he resist? The room was warm, the air conditioning turned off, so he didn't have to worry about the temperature of the room waking her. He pushed the blankets lower, nearly kicking them off the end of the bed before moving to rest in the cradle of her thighs. His lips mapped a path from one hipbone to the other, relishing the creamy texture of her skin beneath his mouth.
Daryl fought against the magnetic pull urging him to close his eyes, to savor her, to remember how she'd been in his arms the night before. Instead, his gaze was locked on her face, watching for signs of her waking when his fun would truly begin. His teeth tugged at the birthmark at the very top of her thigh before soothing it with his tongue, and her hand reached out, fingers delving into the softness of his hair. He could smell her arousal as his nose drifted through the delicate dusting of hair on her mound, his mouth watering, his need to taste her nearly overwhelming. His cock hardened further as a low growl rumbled in his chest, his fist knotting in the sheet below her hip, watching her, waiting for her long lashes to flutter before giving into the primal need stirring in his body.
He scooted lower, dragging his tongue over her slit as he pushed her legs wider. He groaned, watching her open like the petals of a flower, her rich aroma tickling his nose. He couldn't wait for her to wake. He needed this now, needed her. He used the flat of his tongue, beginning at her entrance and slowly licking his way up to the little bundle which seemed to engorge to taunt him, peeking out of her hood, begging for his attention. Oh, and he wouldn't deny her, he thought with a wicked grin, devoting everything Merle had ever advised him to her pleasure.
Carol gasped, arching beneath him, her fingers tightening in his hair. "Daryl!" she breathed, his name a plea on her lips.
He raised his head, a lopsided grin toying at his lips. "'Mornin', beautiful," he growled.
She squeaked incoherently and dropped her head back heavily onto the pillow, grinding her hips up wantonly, silently begging him to continue.
"Tell me whatcha want, baby," he crooned before diving back in with fervor.
Carol cried out, her voice reverberating throughout the small room as his lips took her clit and sucked gently. "Fingers! Please … please, love. Use your fingers too!"
Daryl bit back a chuckle, ignoring the ache in his groin. He could definitely get used to her demands if they were always delivered in such a frantic tone so filled with need. His fingers were poised to follow her instruction, teasing at her entrance when he froze, a knock on the door as loud as a cannon blast.
Carol stared down at him with wide eyes, a mix of unrequited desire and frustration swirling in the azure depths. "W-Who could … Merle maybe?" she panted, still fighting for breath.
Daryl glared at the door, eyes narrowed menacingly, his erection ebbing as one passion was replaced with another. "Nah … Merle ain't had time t' get out here, not after drinkin' with his boys last night. I swear if that's Ed, I'm tossin' his ass over th' balcony."
Carol groaned as she untangled her quaking limbs from Daryl's and rose unsteadily to her feet. "You'll have to stand in line," she mumbled, scooping up his discarded tank and pulling it over her head.
He sucked in a quick breath, nearly choking. "Oh, hell no! Y' ain't answering th' door dressed like that." She looked like walking sin, her hair a wild mess of curls around her shoulders and the tank's arm holes showing off the sides of her creamy breasts. And that was nothing compared to the yards of leg left bare to his gaze. A low animalistic growl rumbled deep in his chest as he bounded out of the bed and hurriedly donned the trunks he'd worn the night before. He shoved her bag into her hands and nudged her towards the bathroom. "Get dressed an' I'll deal with this."
She did as he asked, worriedly glancing at the door again as a more insistent knock sounded. It had to be someone in their group, so she shrugged, trusting Daryl to handle it.
He breathed a sigh of relief to have Carol out of sight, and yanked a shirt out of his own bag, pulling it on as he stalked to the door, throwing it open to glare at the intruder. He opened his mouth to blast her for the intrusion, but Michonne beat him to it, a smug little smirk lifting the corner of her mouth.
"We missed you guys at breakfast," she said, arching one raven's wing brow in his direction as she handed him the small tray with two coffees and breezed past him into the room. Her lips pressed into a thin line to stifle the chuckle building behind her teeth as she took in the state of the room, blankets and clothes strewn all over the floor.
"Slept in," Daryl explained, trying not to snarl at his girl's closest female friend. "Ain't no reason for y' t' be beatin' down our door."
"Lighten up, Dixon," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. He wasn't as intimidating as he'd like to think. "The whole reason Carol didn't want to cancel her trip was because of the non-refundable spa package she'd paid for in full. And if she doesn't get a move on, we're going to miss it."
Daryl raked a hand through his hair. "Crap!"
"The shuttle to the resort will be here in about fifteen minutes."
He stormed across the room to pound on the door of the bathroom, yelling, "Carol Ann, move your ass, woman! Your spa treatment's waitin'." He heard what sounded like her shampoo bottle bouncing off the bottom of the tub, a curse, and then, "Five minutes!"
Michonne couldn't miss the blush on his cheeks as she smiled knowingly, but she wasn't there to torture him. She'd just wanted to make sure Carol didn't miss her appointment. How else was she ever going to get her friend off alone to pry every juicy detail from her? "Well … I guess I'll just wait downstairs. Enjoy your coffee, Dixon."
Daryl watched her flounce out the door and shook his head as he sipped at the coffee she'd brought. It was hot and freshly made, the heady brew and rush of caffeine helping to clear the fog from between his ears. He had to make sure Carol enjoyed herself while still keeping an eye on Ed.
He was dressed by the time Carol emerged from the bathroom, and she stole his breath away. It was just a simple lilac sundress, nothing fancy, her feet once again clad in a pair of strappy sandals, but he didn't think she'd ever been more beautiful, an aura of happiness enveloping her skin to make it glow. She'd piled her long auburn hair at her crown, one curl having escaped, laying against her cheek.
Unable to resist, he reached out and took it between his thumb and forefinger, caressing the silky lock. "Y' look beautiful," he whispered, pink tinging his cheeks. He wondered if he'd ever be able to say things like that to her without blushing, but he refused to hold back. She wanted honesty; she wanted openness. He wouldn't hide any of his feelings from her ever again.
Carol slid her arms around his neck and brought her lips to his for a soft lingering kiss. "You look nice too."
Daryl rolled his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh as he looked down at the white board shorts and cornflower blue button-up he'd changed into while she'd been in the shower, a pair of converse sneakers on his feet instead of his trusty boots. "Yeah," he scoffed. "Merle's gonna take one look at me an' wanna kick my ass."
Carol giggled, picking up her bag and heading for the door. "He is not!" she argued. "You are supposed to be here to have a good time and relax. It's a vacation … sort of."
Daryl caught her hand before she could open the door and pressed something into her hand. "I want y' t' keep that on y' … jus' in case."
She looked down at the pocket knife he'd placed in her palm, a frown drawing her brows together. She'd seen it before. It was the same knife he carried with him at all times, easily opened with a flick of his thumb. Merle had given it to him when he was still a small boy, and he cherished it. "Why?"
"I'd jus' feel better knowin' y' had it with y'. Please, do this for me? An' don't keep it in your purse. I want it on your person, Carol."
Carol studied his troubled eyes, seeing fear lurking in their depths. "Daryl …"
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, his fingers caressing her nape. "I … We waited so long. I cain't stand th' thought o' losin' y' now, ok? After all this is over, an' Ed ain't a threat no more, y' can give it back if y' want."
She slipped it into the pocket of her dress and nodded, feeling a little more secure to have a part of him with her at all times. "I'll take good care of it, Daryl. I promise."
"I'm more worried about it takin' care o' you."
*.*.*
Michonne clucked her tongue in a sound of mild irritation. "That's the third time you've looked at that door since we were brought in here, Carol. Would you stop worrying?"
Carol sighed heavily and pressed her face back to the table, her masseuse once again starting on the knots which littered the muscles in her neck and shoulders. The spa had been Michonne's idea, a treat for themselves to celebrate a high GPA and three long years of hard work towards their bachelor's degrees. Carol felt as if it was an unnecessary luxury, but she'd agreed when her friend had coaxed and cajoled her with the suggestion.
The Tranquil Experience … two and a half hours of pampering which included a sugar smoothie body polish, peaches and cream facial, and an aromatherapy massage. All hers for the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars. She had to admit the body polish had been amazing. A total body exfoliation using a vanilla infused sugar scrub and moisturizing body butter. She didn't think she'd ever felt so soft and wondered if Daryl would appreciate it. The facial had left her glowing, but now that she was lying face down on the massage table, she couldn't rid herself of her troubles. How was she supposed to enjoy herself when she couldn't get her mind to relax?
"He could have joined us for the massage, y'know."
Carol groaned. That was the fourth time Michonne had suggested it. If she didn't want to hear it again, Carol was going to have to provide a reason. "Daryl doesn't like to be touched," she murmured, her eyes snapping open when she realized what she'd just said.
"It didn't appear that way last night when the two of you were wrapped around each other at the beach party," Michonne snarked with a chuckle. "And it didn't look like he was doing a whole lot of pretending either. The world could have ended, and I don't think he would have noticed."
"'Chonne …"
"Oh, come on, Carol, you've been avoiding the subject all morning. You have to give me something." There was a pleading tone to her voice she was sure Carol wouldn't be able to ignore. "Please? You looked so unbelievably happy, and I'm dying here. And don't tell me I'm imagining things. If that man doesn't have real feelings for you, I'll call you crazy and change my name to Rumpelstiltskin!"
"Oh, my god!" Carol retorted, her lips twitching up in a grin. "Are you still watching that show? I thought you gave up on it in season five."
"Oh, hush. Everyone has their weaknesses. The writers are crap, but I can't seem to let go of my ship." Michonne's eyes narrowed. "And stop trying to change the subject.""
Carol couldn't hold back a laugh. She knew Michonne meant well, but she just didn't know if she was ready to share everything with her just yet. "It's all so new. Maybe I just want to keep it to myself for now."
"Seriously?! I've supported you since the very beginning of your crush. Throw me a bone here!"
Carol groaned as the petite ginger-haired masseuse kneaded a particularly tense spot just beneath her left shoulder blade. "I will tell you this … the friend zone I've been stuck in for the past three years is already a distant memory."
Michonne's head popped up, her lips parted in awe, her eyes wide as she looked over at her friend. "Dixon finally manned up?"
A low throaty chuckle drifted past her lips. "He did. God, Michonne, I swear I could never have imagined he'd return my feelings, much less admit to them first. It's almost like I woke him up the other night when he let me kiss him. What we have … it's real. It's not just some bid to protect me from Ed."
Michonne reached out and gripped Carol's hand, giving it a firm squeeze. "I am so happy for you … both of you. Now if you just didn't have Ed hanging around like a creeper, everything would be perfect."
"I know," Carol lamented. "Which is why Daryl's lurking outside instead of off enjoying himself seeing the island. He could have taken the bike on the coast road, or disappeared into the woods for a while. Instead, he's here at the resort, cooling his heels and probably terrorizing the staff."
A dark frown drew Michonne's brows together, her eyes narrowing. "At least Rick and Shane are doing their level best to keep an eye on Ed while we're here, but you really need to consider a restraining order when we get back. I heard the jerk when we were doing food prep last night. He might seem harmless enough to everyone, but I don't buy it. He's got the makings of a serial killer if you want my honest opinion."
Carol shot her a wide-eyed look. "Thanks, 'Chonne, just what I needed to hear," she deadpanned, but she couldn't shake off her gut instincts. The calls, the texts, following her, they had just been the beginning. She'd had to delete all of her social media accounts and make new ones. Her mother had actually called when Carol had deleted her Instagram, wanting to know what was going on. With some clever dodging, she'd assured her everything was fine and she was simply starting from scratch because she didn't want to weed through her follows. She couldn't bear to tell her parents her life had been turned upside down because she had a stalker. They'd have wanted her to come home immediately, and that was something she would never do. She loved her life and she loved Daryl. She wasn't going to give either of them up because of Ed Peletier.
"I didn't mean to scare you, Carol."
She shook her head. "I was already scared. I really just want to go home with Daryl," she said softly.
"Hey, you know Daryl's not going to let you out of his sight, and the activities we have planned today involve the entire group, so you'll always have someone with you."
Carol bit her lip and averted her gaze for a moment before she looked imploringly at her friend. "Would you hate me if we skipped out on the stuff you have planned? I really just want to spend time with Daryl exploring the island." She hated to desert Michonne, but she didn't want to be near Ed even if it was with the group.
"Carol Ann, I could never hate you, and you know it. If it will help you relax – which is what this weekend is all about – then go. Spend time with that man of yours and have fun."
Carol took a deep breath – her first easy breath in a long time – and let it out slowly, feeling as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "Thanks, 'Chonne. And I promise I'll help you with your paper on human behavior when we get back to make it up to you."
Michonne waved a dismissive hand and sighed. "But you're still coming to the wine excursion tour, right? Tonight, before dinner? I've been told the boat ride around the island is amazing at sunset."
"I wouldn't miss it."
A/n: I know it's kinda fillery, but it was needed to move the story along. Next time: Carol goes to the spa, Merle arrives, and there's enough fluff to choke an elephant. I really hope y'all enjoyed it. Thanks so much for reading. A huge thank you to my betas BettyBubble and Geektaire. Seriously, if you haven't checked out their stories, you're missing out.