Spring Fling

  AN AGE GAP ROMANCE

  SEASONS OF DESIRE

  ELLE GARNET

  Copyright © 2023 by Elle Garnet

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  1. Spring

  2. Vic

  3. Spring

  4. Vic

  5. Spring

  6. Spring

  Epilogue

  Also by Elle Garnet

  About Elle

  Chapter 1

  Spring

  "Isn't this exciting?" Mom grins as we walk up the dock. Her sunglasses hide half of her face but her smile is a mile wide.

  I force the best smile I can muster. "Yeah, Mom. It's super exciting." I hope I sound more sincere than I feel. This trip was not my idea, and it was not what I had planned for my last spring break from college. Right now my friends are probably up at the luxury cottage we rented together. We'd had it planned for months. No boys, just us girls swimming in the lake and sunning on the floating dock. It all sounded a lot more fun than sharing a room on this ship with my parents.

  It's not that I don't like my family. I do. They mean the world to me. But this was the last spring break I'd get to spend with my best friends before we all left college to start new jobs. Who knows when we'll all be together again? I'd tried to turn down the trip when my mom surprised me with it. Her face had dropped when I'd hedged, and the words 'nonrefundable' came out. She couldn't get the money back from my ticket if I didn't go, and my family was far from rich. There was no way I could bail on them now. So here I was.

  "Oh, there they are!" Mom exclaims, waving an arm in the air at someone down the dock, closer to the massive ship. The ship looms ahead like a magnificent floating city. The air is salty and perfumed by the thick scent of seawater and exhaust.

  "There's who?" I ask, looking over my shoulder at my dad. He's smiling too, although it's a little more pained as he struggles with their luggage.

  Before he can respond someone runs towards us and throws their arms around my mom.

  "May!" My mom beams at my sister as she wraps her up in a tight hug.

  "Hi, Mom!" My older sister May grins.

  If you can't tell my mom has a thing for months and seasons. May was born in May, and I was supposed to be born in April which would have made me April. But I messed up their plans and came early; at the very butt end of March. My mom hated the idea of naming me March but she also couldn't bring herself to make me April when I wasn't born in April. So my name became Spring.

  "Honey, I'm so glad you could make it." My mom holds May out at arm's length, her eyes drifting behind my sister. "Oh, the others made it too!"

  "The others?" I ask as my sister extricates herself from my mom and comes over to give me.

  May yanks me into a hug that takes my breath away. "I missed you sis."

  I hug her back. "I missed you too!" I shake my head as we let each other go. "Married life seems to suit you. You look amazing. Did Paul come with you?"

  May nods. "Yeah, Paul and his best friend Kyle are here. And we even managed to drag Vic along."

  My stomach clenches at the mention of Vic, and my eyes instantly seek him out. He's approaching a few feet behind his son Paul. He walks with easy grace. His white t-shirt pulled taught across his muscled chest. God, he's gorgeous. His dark hair glimmers with silver in the overbearing sunlight. Vic is short for Victor. He and his ex-wife had Paul when they were nineteen, which makes Vic at least a decade younger than my parents who are in their late fifties. He might technically be old enough to be my father, but he's not the same age as my father. Which makes my crush on him less weird, right?

  I shake my head, trying to push aside thoughts of Vic as I greet Paul and his friend Kyle. I remember Kyle from my sister's wedding six months ago. He was Paul's best man and seemed nice enough. My eyes dart behind him to Vic as Kyle bends his lean frame to hug me. Electricity jolts through me as Vic's eyes meet mine. His mouth curves into a half smile which is much different from the usual mask of indifference I've grown used to from him. I've been occasionally flirty with Vic, but he's always been careful not to cross any lines. I've always figured that my feelings were one-sided, but the way he's looking at me right now makes my entire body flush.

  "You didn't tell me that the others were coming," I say to my mom as we approach the ship.

  "I wanted it to be a surprise." She grins. "I know you haven't seen her since the wedding and I thought this would be a fun idea."

  Having May here made things more fun. I loved my sister. She was four years older than me but we were always close growing up. When she got married and moved halfway across the country it was hard. She walks ahead of us, hand in hand with Paul as we make our way up the gangplank, I can't help but finally feel a sense of excitement about the trip. Sure, I still miss my friends and wish I could spend time with them. But if I have to be on a cruise, at least I'll have my sister, not to mention some Vic eye candy. God, I bet Vic looks good in a swimsuit. Once we're on board, my parents and I head to the cabin we'll be sharing to unpack. It's a small room with two double beds crammed inside and a tiny bathroom. I make a mental note to avoid spending too much time here.

  After we settle in, we head up to the deck where the pool and bar are located. Vic is already there, sitting at the bar with a drink in hand. Vic's hair is short, and his skin is a golden brown. His jaw is covered in dark stubble that my fingertips ache to trace. His eyes are deep green and his body is lean and fit. Vic glances up, his green eyes meeting mine. They flick over me from head to toe. Is he checking me out? Just as the thought enters my mind, Vic turns back to his drink acting like he hasn't just looked at me like I was something he'd like to devour.

  "Isn't it beautiful?" my mom gushes, looking out at the ocean. "I can't wait to explore the ship and all the different ports we stop at."

  The sea is blue and deep while the sky above is clear and crisp; the colors contrasting and merging. Waves crash against one another, and the ship churns against the sea. Birds squawk and squeal in the distance. It's a cacophony of noises, sights and smells.

  I nod, smiling. "It is," I agree. "It's absolutely beautiful."

  My mom squeezes my shoulder before turning to say something to my dad. I take that opportunity to glance back in Vic's direction. I'm surprised to find him looking at me. His eyes don't leave mine as he lifts his glass to his lips and takes a slow sip. His throat bobs as he swallows, and when he licks his lips, I almost melt on the spot. My entire body flushes and I quickly turn away, hoping no one has noticed. Of course, my mom has.

  "Spring, honey, are you feeling okay?" she asks, reaching out to touch my forehead as if checking for a fever.

  "I'm fine, Mom," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "Just a little hot, that's all." And the sun has nothing to do with it.

  "Well, make sure you drink plenty of water," she admonishes before turning to my sister. "What do you say we all go get some lunch?"

  As we head to the buffet, I hang back and Vic falls in step next to me. "You seem a little flustered," he says, glancing at me with a self-satisfied smile.

  What the hell is this man trying to do to me? My face gets even warmer. God, if I get any hotter I'm going to combust on the spot. "Oh, no, I'm fine," I stammer out. "Just a little overwhelmed, I guess."

  He quirks an eyebrow at me. "And what exactly is making you so...overwhelmed?"

  "I know," I say, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. "It's just a lot to take in, I guess."

  Vic smirks as he nods. "If you need some help calming down, let me know." His voice is low and sultry as he speaks and my jaw drops.

  Holy hell! I open my mouth but only a tiny squeak comes out. I can't seem to speak. Can you get so turned on that your brain short-circuits?

  Vic, dear, would you like to join us for lunch?" my mom asks.

  Vic's eyes flicker away from mine and he gives her a small smile. "Sure, thank you."

  We get our food and make our way to the table. My sister sits next to me. "So," she says. "Paul and I were thinking it might be fun to go on a little double date tonight."

  I nod and shrug. "Yeah, I'm sure that would be fun. Who are you going with?"

  "We were thinking maybe you could come with us and be Kyle's date."

  Chapter 2

  Vic

  My head shoots up at May's words. I'd wondered why my son had insisted on bringing his best friend Kyle on this trip, and now I understand. They're trying to set him up with Spring.

  My Spring.

  She's not yours, I remind myself. At least not yet. She's young, barely twenty and I'm almost fifty. I shouldn't even be entertaining the idea of Spring being mine. And yet, it's all I've been able to do since I met her a year and a half ago. She'd been flirty, but I'd kept my distance. She was only eighteen. Barely legal. I'd forced myself to push her from my mind but all my carefully built walls had crashed the moment I saw her at the wedding six months ago. She'd been so beautiful in her flowing bridesmaid's dress. A crown of babies-breath adorning her chestnut brown hair as it flowed down her back. She looked like a winter fairy. Her eyes were alight as she ap

proached me at the reception and asked me to dance. I'd wanted to, hell I'd wanted to do much more than dance. But I'd declined. And I'd regretted that decision ever since. I've replayed her fallen expression over and over in my mind. From the moment we met at the rehearsal dinner, I could tell that she was attracted to me. I can tell even now in the way her cheeks burn a pretty pink when she meets my gaze.

  I try to keep my expression neutral as I listen to the kids make their plans for the evening, but inside I'm seething. How dare they try to set Spring up with someone else? Especially when that someone else is my son's best friend. It's not like I have any claim on her, but the thought of them together makes my blood boil.

  Spring's eyes meet mine for a split second. She swallows "I'm not sure I'm up for going out tonight. I'm pretty tired from the flight and I was thinking of maybe turning in early."

  I feel a small surge of relief at her words.

  "No way!" May says. "It's our first night on the ship, it would be a shame to waste it. Why don't you take a nap this afternoon so you're ready for tonight?"

  Spring nods hesitantly, looking from May to me and back again. "Okay, I guess that could work."

  Jealousy surges through me as I see my son, nudge Kyle and grin. Kyle's a nice guy, good looking and has been a good friend to my son. But as I watch him eye Spring from across the table, my mind is made up. I don't care what the consequences are anymore. Kyle is not the man for Spring.

  I am.

  I'm supposed to meet Spring's parents Sarah and Rob for dinner but I bail. Instead, I head in the club's direction. I slip inside and hover at a table towards the back as I scan the crowd. It only takes a few seconds for me to spot Spring. Her soft hair frames her face like a portrait. Her blue eyes are dancing with laughter, the light catching the silver flecks as she speaks to Kyle. She looks like a goddess in a sexy red dress and my heart skips a beat. Kyle leans in and says something to her before casually slinging his arm around her shoulders. Possessiveness surges through me and before I know it, I'm making my way over to them.

  "Hey," I say, my voice a little gruff. "Mind if I join you guys?"

  Spring's eyes light up when she sees me and she instantly slides over in the curved booth making room for me.

  Kyle looks a little putout, but he forces a smile and nods. "Um, sure, Vic." He slips out of the booth. "We were just about to get some drinks. I'll be right back."

  I nod and sink into the seat next to Spring, ignoring the little voice in my head telling me this is a bad idea. I can't help it. I want to be near her, to feel her near me.

  Kyle heads to the bar to get some drinks. On the way, he stops next to my son and May who are dancing and nods in my direction. They all share confused glances, but ultimately no one comes over to ask me to leave and I settle in.

  "Do you like him?" I ask.

  "Who?"

  "Kyle."

  "He's nice enough, I guess." Spring shrugs. "But I'm not sure if he's my type." I feel a small rush of satisfaction at her words. "What's your type then?" I ask, unable to resist.

  Spring looks at me, her eyes dark and intense. "Someone who's kind—but who's not afraid to take risks. Who will let me be myself without trying to change me."

  I swallow, my eyes locked on hers. "Who in their right mind would want to change a single thing about you?"

  Her breath catches at my words but then she shakes her head, her cheeks turning a delicious shade of pink. "You're just saying that," she says, her voice low.

  I shake my head, my eyes never leaving hers. "I mean it." Without thinking, I reach out and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. I run a finger down her neck, to her arm. Goosebumps follow the brush of my fingertips and I smile at the affect my touch has on her. "You're perfect just the way you are. I've always thought so."

  Spring's lips curve into a small smile at my words, and for a moment, it feels like we're the only two people in the crowded club. "Oh really? Because you could've fooled me, Mr. Standoffish."

  "Maybe I've been standoffish because I worry if I get too close I'll do something reckless."

  Her teeth graze her lip, and she lifts her chin. "Maybe I like reckless."

  My heart skips a beat at her words, and I lean in closer. "Careful what you wish for," I say, my voice low and husky. "I can be very reckless when I want to be."

  Spring's eyes widen at my words, and I can feel the tension between us ratcheting up a notch. I know I should pull back. Anyone could see us right now, but I can't bring myself to do it. Not when she's sitting so close to me, her body humming with desire. I slip a hand to her bare thigh beneath the table.

  She shivers at my touch, but doesn't pull away. Instead, she leans in even closer and her lips brush against my ear. "I want to be reckless," she whispers, her breath hot against my skin.

  The sound of her words sends a jolt of electricity straight to my groin, and I can feel myself growing hard. I know I should probably walk away, and let Spring finish her date with Kyle, a man who is likely a better fit for her. But I won't. Not when she's looking at me with those dark, intense eyes, her body practically begging for my touch.

  I slide my hand higher up her thigh. Her skin is like satin beneath my fingers. The hem of her dress rides up with my touch. Daringly, I slide my fingers higher until they're nearly to the juncture between her legs. I bite back a groan as Spring opens her legs to me, her chest rising and falling with rapid breaths.

  Glasses clink down on the table as Kyle sits down across from us. I jerk my hand back as he slides a drink in front of Spring. I lean back, trying to act as if nothing has happened but Spring's eyes are still locked on mine, and I can see the disappointment flicker across her face.

  She clears her throat and takes her drink. "Thanks, Kyle," she says, taking a sip.

  Kyle nods, still looking a little putout. "Yeah, no problem."

  I clear my throat, trying to dispel the tension in the air. "So, have you guys been having a good time?"

  Kyle shrugs. "It's okay. I mean, it's not like we've had a chance to really do anything yet. We've just been sitting here and talking." He looks at me pointedly then and I know he's signalling its time for me to leave. But I don't. Instead, I order a couple more drinks and we all chat a bit more. But as the night wears on, I can't ignore the fact that I'm getting too close to Spring. My desire for her is making it impossible to think straight. I excuse myself to go to the bathroom, hoping that sometime alone will help me clear my head.

  I splash some water on my face and take a deep breath. When I step out of the bathroom Spring is there, leaning against the wall, her eyes dark with desire. Without a word, she steps towards me, grabbing my shirt and pulling me towards her. Our lips meet in a heated kiss, and I know there's no going back.

  Chapter 3

  Spring

  I don't know what's come over me. Maybe it's all the pent-up sexual tension or the fact that I've had a few drinks, but I feel bold. I know what I want, and what I want is Vic.

  Vic pushes me back up against the wall, his hands gripping my hips as he deepens the kiss. I moan into his mouth, my body arching against his as our tongues duel for dominance.

  Vic groans in my ear as he pushes his hips against me. The hard ridge of his erection presses against my upper thigh and I grind against it. Pleasure shoots through me and Vic grinds his hips harder, his hands sliding under my dress to cup my ass. I moan as he squeezes it, his fingers trailing up my skin to trace the edge of my panties.

  My desire mounts and I know I want this. I want him. Right here. Right now. My fingers reach down, fumbling with the button to his pants.

  Vic grins at me. "Impatient, are we?"

  I nod at him, biting my lip.

  His eyes smolder with desire. "Come with me." He takes my hand and leads me into the bathroom. He pulls me to the furthest stall and locks us inside. Vic pulls me towards him, and I whimper as his lips find my neck, planting kisses along my skin. I can feel his hardness pressed against my leg, and I reach down and rub it through his pants, desperate to have him.

 

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