The New Year Resolution by Louise Rose-Innes

He didn’t know. He felt way out of his comfort zone. Here he was with a girl he hardly knew, feeling things he had no right to be feeling.
    And since when had he been such a prude?
    “Nothing,” he shrugged. “I’m just a little surprised at the turn of events.”
    Nicole frowned. “Does it bother you, what happened? Because I’d hate to think you regretted it.”
    “No, of course not.” He kissed her cheek. “You were amazing. I don’t know what’s wrong. Just ignore me.” He managed a smile.
    Nicole slipped her arms around his waist. “You don’t have to feel guilty, you know. We’re both consenting adults. And the best part is, there are no strings attached. On Friday we fly home and leave all this behind us.”
    She did have a point. He took a deep breath. “And that doesn’t bother you?”
    “Why would it bother me? I’m old enough to realise this isn’t going anywhere. Actually, it’s kind of liberating, don’t you think? We’ve got carte blanche to do what we like and walk away without owing each other anything.”
    It sounded perfect. “The ideal scenario,” he agreed.
    She ran her hands suggestively over his buttocks. Ryan felt an involuntary tightening in his groin.
    “Does that mean we can do this again?” he asked, looking into her vibrant blue eyes, which immediately sparkled with anticipation.
    “Most definitely,” she confirmed.
    Ryan kissed her then, on the lips. It signified his relief and gratitude. Nicole was an amazing woman. Ever since he’d met her she’d put no pressure on him whatsoever. No demands, no expectation. She had her own life and he wasn’t part of it. It struck him that, ironically, she would be the perfect girlfriend. Someone he could enjoy being with, but who wouldn’t demand more than he could give.
    He released her, smiling. “This week is turning out to be a lot more fun than I expected.”
    “For me, too,” Nicole chuckled. “I’m going for a swim.”
    And she did a perfect swallow dive over board. Ryan shook his head. Add unpredictable to the list. Then laughing, he dived in after her.
     

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    “Come here,” ordered Ryan, as Nicole emerged, showered and dressed, from the bedroom.
    Nicole smiled and walked into his outstretched arms. She felt great. They had managed another dive after lunch, this time sticking together on the calm side of the reef wall. Ryan had pointed out a moray eel, sting rays and even a baby reef shark.
    “You look stunning,” he murmured, nibbling at her ear lobe. Shivers shot down her spine.
    “Ryan, you’ll get me all hot and bothered before we go out,” she muttered.
    “Don’t care,” Ryan continued to nuzzle, kissing his way down her neck.
    “We’ll be late. The Mahlers are waiting.”
    She laughed as he pulled down her strap and popped her nipple into his mouth.
    “Ryan, stop it.”
    He continued to suckle until her nipple was hard and erect. Nicole groaned. She wanted him so badly, but now really wasn’t the time. Since their little tryst on the boat, Ryan hadn’t been able to keep his hands off her. Nicole knew it was the promise of more to come that was egging him on. This afternoon had been a taster. Tonight would be the main event. All thoughts of seeing Dominic had vanished. 
    She firmly pushed his head away. “Later....” she whispered. “Now’s not the time.”
    Reluctantly Ryan released her. “Okay, you win. I suppose we’d better get going.”
    They walked along the path to the main hut and met Vincent and Sylvia at the bar. Sylvia looked exceptionally glamorous in a long, emerald-green dress with matching earrings and Vincent had a big smile on his face.  They greeted their hosts and Vincent politely enquired about the day’s diving.
    Nicole had to laugh as Ryan outlined their activities, making sure to leave out the bit where they got naked and pleasured each other. She knew the crew had probably given their boss a full report, anyway. As much as she liked Vincent, he