Chapter 357
**Sara**
I settled into the plush leather seat of Tom's car, still marveling at how effortlessly he navigated Sydney's streets.
The air conditioning was blasting, a welcome relief from the heat that had greeted us when we stepped outside the hotel.
"You're awfully quiet," Tom said, glancing over at me as we stopped at a red light. "Still thinking about this morning?"
I felt my cheeks warm at the memory. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just excited about finally seeing Bondi Beach. I've heard so much about it."
"It's pretty spectacular," he agreed, his hand finding mine across the console. "And I'm looking forward to seeing you in that bikini."
"You've already seen me in less," I reminded him, squeezing his fingers.
"True, but there's something about seeing you again in public, knowing that I'm the only one who gets to unwrap the full package later." His voice dropped to that low, husky tone that made my insides melt.
"You're incorrigible."
"You love it."
I did, but I wasn't about to inflate his ego further. Instead, I turned to look out the window as the scenery changed, buildings giving way to glimpses of blue ocean between houses.
"Almost there," Tom announced, turning onto a road that ran parallel to the coastline. "Prepare to be amazed."
When we finally parked, and I stepped out of the car, I couldn't help the small gasp that escaped me. Bondi Beach stretched before us in a perfect crescent of golden sand, the water a mesmerizing gradient of blues from turquoise near the shore to deep navy farther out. People dotted the beach like colorful confetti, and surfers bobbed in the water, waiting for the perfect wave.
"Wow," I breathed, slipping my sunglasses on against the bright sunlight. "It's even more beautiful than in pictures."
Tom came around the car with a large beach bag slung over his shoulder. "Wait until you're actually in the water." He pressed a kiss to my temple. "Ready?"
I nodded, suddenly eager to feel the sand between my toes and the ocean spray on my skin.
We made our way down to the beach, Tom's hand on the small of my back as he guided me toward a less crowded section.
"This looks good," he said, dropping the bag onto the sand. He pulled out a large beach umbrella and started setting it up while I spread out our towels.
The sun beat down on us, and I could feel sweat beginning to form under my light sundress. "God, it's hot," I said, fanning myself.
Tom glanced up from where he was anchoring the umbrella. "You could take that dress off," he suggested with a wicked grin. "Show off that bikini I've been thinking about all morning."
"You just want to ogle me," I accused, but I was already reaching for the hem of my dress.
"Guilty as charged."
I pulled the dress over my head in one smooth motion, revealing the tiny turquoise bikini I'd packed. It was skimpier than anything I'd normally wear, with string ties at the hips and a top that barely contained my breasts.
Tom's eyes darkened as he took me in, his hands stilling on the umbrella. "Jesus, Sara."
"You like?" I did a little twirl, feeling bold under his appreciative gaze.
"Like is an understatement." He finished with the umbrella and straightened, his eyes never leaving my body. "You're fucking gorgeous."
I preened a little under his praise, then reached into the bag for the sunscreen. "Will you do my back?"
"With pleasure."
I sat on my towel, pulling my hair to one side as Tom knelt behind me. The first touch of his hands, cool with lotion, made me shiver despite the heat.
"Cold?" he asked, his breath warm against my ear.
"No," I admitted. "Just sensitive to your touch."
His chuckle was low and promising as he spread the sunscreen across my shoulders and down my back. His fingers dipped just below the edge of my bikini bottom, teasing.
"Behave," I warned, even as I leaned back into his touch. "We're in public."
"I'm just being thorough," he said innocently. "Wouldn't want you to burn in... delicate areas."
I snorted. "Sure, that's your concern."
He finished applying the sunscreen with a final sweep of his hands. "All done. Turn around, and I'll do your front."
"Nice try," I said, grabbing the bottle from him. "I can handle that part myself."
Tom watched with undisguised interest as I applied sunscreen to my chest, arms, and legs. "You're killing me, you know that?"
"Payback for this morning," I said sweetly.
Once we were both adequately protected from the sun, I stood up and gazed out at the ocean. The waves rolled in rhythmically, white foam creating lacy patterns on the blue water.
"Look over there," Tom said, pointing to my right. "That's the Bondi Icebergs Club."
I followed his gesture and saw a stunning swimming pool built right into the rocks at the edge of the ocean. Waves crashed over its sides, creating a misty spray that caught the sunlight.
"That's incredible! People swim there?"
"Year-round," Tom confirmed. "Even in winter. The hardcore members, anyway."
"Hard pass on winter swimming," I said, shuddering at the thought. "But it looks amazing now."
"Want to check it out later? We can have lunch at their restaurant."
"Definitely." I turned back to the ocean stretching before us. "But first, I want to get in the water."
Tom took my hand. "Let's go, then."
We walked toward the shoreline, the sand hot under our feet until we reached the wet, packed area where the waves receded. The first touch of water on my toes was refreshing, cooler than I expected, but not cold.
"Oh, that feels good," I sighed, wading in deeper until the water reached my knees.
Tom followed, still holding my hand. "Wait till a wave comes—it's the best feeling."
We didn't have to wait long. I saw it approaching, a rolling swell that grew taller as it neared the shore. Tom tugged me further in until the water hit my waist.
"Ready?" he asked, his eyes bright with excitement.
I nodded, tightening my grip on his hand as the wave crashed into us. The force of it pushed against my body, lifting me slightly off my feet. I squealed in surprise and delight, water splashing up to my chest.
Tom laughed, pulling me closer as the wave receded. "Good, right?"
"Amazing!" I grinned up at him, water droplets clinging to my eyelashes. "Let's go deeper."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
