Chapter 27

Sue nearly floated back into the beach house, happier than she'd ever been. Jack stayed on the beach playing fetch with Levi for a bit. The sun was all but gone, the stars beginning to show bright in the sky. The moon sat just above the tips of the cresting waves causing the sea foam to glow. It was beautiful.

Jack made his way back into the house and began searching for Sue. It wasn't long before Levi bolted into her room announcing their return. Levi wagged his tail fiercely begging for Sue's attention. Sue's happiness shown on her face. Her eyes sparkled. Jack stood at the door watching her exchange with her companion.

"Come in Jack." Sue said, her words sounding like a song soaring from her lips.

"So… I was thinking…" He began. He reached into her lap and took her left hand, looking at his ring on her finger. "It's very warm out tonight… maybe we could take a swim?" He suggested.

Sue was quiet for a long moment, the joy momentarily gone from her features.

"I-I don't think that's a good idea." Sue said.

"Why not?" Jack asked.

"Well… I don't have a bathing suit and I'm certainly not going skinny dipping…" Sue protested.

"Darn, that was my next suggestion too!" Jack teased. Sue playfully swatted at him, her mouth gaping open in mock shock. "I actually had Lucy pack one for you. It's in your bag."

"Oh." Sue said, putting her eyes down to look at her hand.

"Sue? What is it?" He asked.

"I-I… I can't … I'm not ready for something like that." She said, tears building. "I don't think I can…"

"Sue… It's just you and me out there. This is a private beach; no one else is out there, no one." Jack reassured her. "It's OK. No one will see you."

"I- I don't know." Sue stuttered.

"If it'll make you more comfortable… just to prove that it's a private beach… I'll go skinny dipping." He teased.

"NO!" Sue all but shouted. Jack couldn't hold in his laugh any longer.

"I'm going to get some towels and my suit on. Come with me." He pleaded as he left her room. Sue slowly reached into her bag and pulled out her bathing suit, weighing her options.

A few minutes later Jack tapped on the door and let Levi in to clear his way in. Sue called to him to come in. Jack smiled wide to see her sitting on the edge of her bed wearing the turquoise tie dye once piece suit. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Sue sat with a towel covering her top half, partially because she was in less than Jack had ever seen her in, and part because she was self-conscious about how the bathing suit sagged on the left side.

"You're going?!" Jack asked excitedly. Sue nodded. "Awesome! This is going to be fun." Jack said offering her his hand. They strolled out of the bedroom and to the soft sand that had grown cold in the night air. The waves crashed on the shore dragging seaweed, empty shells and driftwood in its wake to and fro. Jack draped his arm around Sue's shoulder as they casually walked. The sky was clear and a million stars floated above their heads. Jack walked ankle deep into the water, holding Sue's hand effectively dragging her into the surf with him. Sue dipped a toe in the water, but quickly pulled it back out.

"Are you nuts?" She squealed. "It's freezing!"

"It's not that bad. Come on." He urged. Her foot steps were tentative at best. She stuttered with each forward motion. "J…J..Jack, this i d." She complained. He laughed and pulled her close to him. His arms slid around her waist to lock together on the small of her back. He pulled her to him, holding her tight. He leaned in slowly and kissed her. Their lips barely touched, but she could feel her skin begin to smolder under his touch. His nose nuzzled on her neck placing light pecks along the path leaving goose bumps in its wake.

Jack gently eased Sue into the water until they were up to their chests. His hands traveled the concourse of her back, covering every inch of the cool wet material of her suit. His fingers tangled in her hair as he made his way up the other side of her neck kissing and licking his way. Sue let out a soft moan when he reached her ear lobe and tugged lightly on it with his teeth. Her arms stretched out and encompassed his neck allowing him greater access. Jack caressed her cheek, jaw and finally made his way to her lips.

Sue licked her lips in anticipation of Jack's attack. As he mounted his assault, his hands spread the width of her back creating an incredible sensation deep within her. His lips pressed to hers, drawing her in, nipping at her bottom lip. She gasped enticing Jack. He licked her bottom lips silently asking permission for entrance to her sexy mouth. To his surprise Sue was caught up in the moment as much as he was, and quickly granted him the access. Their tongues danced together an unfamiliar tango, no it was more like a rumba, as his hands began to explore his new fiancé's body. His hand sprayed out on her lower back and onto her back side. Her breath hitched in her throat, causing her to moan once more. Sue brought her hand to his chest to try to slow their progress, but was too caught up in the passion. Sue realized then that Jack was naked from the waist up and decided it was her turn to explore. Her hands spread across his abs, relishing the feel of his sculpted six pack. Her fingertips traced random patterns in the small patch of hair in the middle of his chest. Jack's fingers crossed the southern boundary of her suit pushing Sue to her limits. Sue's fingers sprayed out across his chest, one coming in direct contact with a hard nipple. She lightly ran her fingers across the tip, circling it softly. This simple action solicited a groan from deep within Jack. Sue could feel it resonate in his chest and couldn't help but smile.

Jack pulled away from Sue's lips, staring deep into her eyes. Water from the splashing waves dripped from their noses and eye lashes. Jack kissed the water from her eyes, and then began a path to her temple, cheek, jaw, chin, high neck, and middle neck. As he reached the hallow of her neck, he pulled back again to stare into her eyes. He reached his hands up and pushed both straps of her bathing suit to the top of her arms, stopping only to lay light caresses along the top of her shoulder. As he skimmed her skin, barely touching it in some places, he elicited a lustful moan from her. He smiled at his conquest. His fingers pushed the straps lower on her arm, causing the top to move down a tad.

Sue grabbed the top, firmly holding it in place and effectively halting Jack's play. Jack placed light kisses all along the shoulder area and pulled the straps back into place. "Jack…" Sue whispered in warning. Even in the darkness her cheeks glowed with embarrassed nervousness. Jack let out a cleansing breath pulling her to him, wrapping his arms once again around her holding her tight.

When his breathing had returned to almost normal, he released her from his embrace and kissed her lightly on the nose. "I love you Sue." He said making her smile.

"I love you too Jack." She said sweetly. He pulled her into another lustful kiss. Their tongues tangled with the other's tempting and teasing each other with their play. Sue pulled back from the passionate embrace. "But… that's not going to get you any further with me… at least not tonight." She laughed. Jack hung his head, busted. He smiled flashing his pearly whites and as much boyish charm as he could muster making her laugh out loud. Jack held out his hand to her. She took just the very tips letting him lead her from the chilly water. As they reached the shore, Jack swaddled a towel around her, tucking her tight inside to warm her. He then wrapped his arms around her rubbing his hands on her arms creating some much needed heat.

Jack dipped his head to hers kissing her again. Sue's shyness was dissipating slowly and she was able to enjoy their encounter more. Jack stepped back enough for her to read him. "I'm serious Sue, I want to make love you. Right here. Right on this beach." Sue blushed a deep crimson and walked to the house as Jack wrapped himself in a towel following close behind.