Don't Let Go: A Full Hearts Novella by Mj Summers

around the family and away from the people that he can get drugs from.”
    “I hope he does decide to stay here a while,” Alicia replied, getting out of the truck. “Come on, you, I’ve got your favourite supper in the Crock-Pot. I thought maybe you could have a hot shower while I get things on the table.”
    “Alicia,” Ben said, taking hold of her hand as they walked up the steps to their front door, “I know I don’t say it enough, but I am really grateful for the life we’re building together. I know we don’t ever seem to have enough money and I can’t buy you all of the things that you deserve or take you on nice trips, but in the end, everything that is important in life is right here on this front step right now.”
    Alicia tilted her head and smiled before giving him a lingering kiss. “I know it is, Ben. I don’t need any of that stuff. You’re all I’ve ever needed since I first laid eyes on you.”
     
Three Months Later
    The Caribbean sun had almost completed its descent over the crystal-blue waters. Ben sat on a towel on the icing sugar that disguised itself as sand with Alicia leaned up against his chest. She sighed happily, pressing her cheek to his as she ran her hands lazily along his bare thighs. Ben was wearing only his swim trunks and Alicia was in her new turquoise bikini with a long, flimsy skirt covering her legs. They had spent the late afternoon swimming and relaxing on the secluded beach, deciding to stay for the sun’s final, spectacular show of the day.
    “Can you believe we are finally here?” she asked as they waited for the stars to make their appearance.
    “Not really,” he replied. “It’s sure been a long time coming. It seems like the best dream ever. You, me, the sand, the surf and now this sunset.”
    “I know. Do we really get another nine days here?” She turned and kissed Ben on his neck as the last of their fellow spectators made their way slowly up the beach, leaving them alone.
    “I believe that’s what our return ticket has printed on it, but let’s not think about that just yet. How about you and me pretend we are the only two people on this island and we’re staying for a good long time?” Ben nuzzled her neck for a moment and then found her earlobe with his lips, savouring it.
    “Why, Ben,” Alicia said coyly, “if there is no one else on this island, that means we can do anything we like, anywhere we like . . .”
    “Exactly,” Ben replied in a low, sexy tone as he slid his hand in between her thighs. Finding the high slit in her skirt, he ran his large hand along the silk of her legs, wasting no time in getting to her bikini bottoms. He toyed with the strings resting on her hips. One little tug and they would fall away from her, leaving her exposed under her skirt. Trailing kisses down her neck to her collarbone, he pulled at the strings. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day,” he murmured in her ear.
    Alicia gasped a little at the thought of being so exposed to the world before she realized that they really were alone. She allowed herself to enjoy the hot breeze as it caressed her sensitive skin. “That’s kind of why I bought it.”
    Ben’s fingers moved along the length of her sex, taking in its satin warmth. Alicia gave a little moan and turned to find his mouth with hers, feeling her body respond as it always did to Ben’s touch. After years of his kisses, she never stopped getting that thrill from feeling his lips on her. He kissed her the way he looked at her, as though she were the only woman to have ever inhabited the planet.
    Sliding his fingertips gently into her, pressing his palm against her, rubbing with exactly the amount of pressure that he knew she loved, Ben knew every inch of her body, how she wanted to be touched, what she needed, and he took full advantage of that knowledge as he moved his other hand up over her breasts. Moving his fingers in tiny circles inside her, he could feel her press herself hungrily