Read Private 02 - Private Paradise for Free Online

know anything about that,” Sam interrupted.
    Carla felt her face heat, glad he couldn't see her blush in the dark. “And there,” she continued, trailing her finger across the sky, “If you connect that star with those two, that's Ursa Major, the big bear, and Ursa Minor, the little bear.”
    She turned and saw that he was staring not at the sky but at her. Oh, great, there she went, spouting off like a know it all, reminding him of what a nerd she was, totally not worth his time.
    As though he read her mind he said, “It's cool how smart you are. I wish I was smart like that.”
    Carla was taken aback. She couldn't imagine a guy like Sam, who skated through life and averted punishment on the strength of his charm, ever wanting to be anything like her. Besides, she had a strong suspicion that his performance in school―or lack thereof―was due more to disinterest than lack of intelligence. She told him so.
    She felt him stiffen against her. “Nah. Like my dad says, it's lucky I'm good with my hands since I've pretty much got shit for brains.” The sheer cruelty of the remark, coupled with the unmistakable bitterness in his voice told Carla she'd inadvertently uncovered a wound.
    “ That's a crappy thing for a parent to say about his kid,” Carla said.
    “ Yeah, my dad's a real charmer.” His fingers tightened against her leg, then relaxed. “I don't want to talk about him though. Tell me more about the stars.”
    Carla searched the sky, but it was hard to remember the names when he started running his palm up and down the outside of her thigh, from the hem of her shorts to the top of her knee. And then when he moved his hand so his fingers just brushed the inside of her thigh in gentle hypnotic rhythm that had her so entranced she didn't even think to protest as he slowly guided her to her back to lie on the blanket.
    He propped himself on his elbow next to her, his dark head blocking out the view of the stars. Her heart beat so fast she thought it was going to break through her chest and her breath shuddered in her lungs as he bent close enough for her to feel his warm breath against her cheek.
    And then he kissed her.

Chapter Four

    Even now, years later, the memory sent a shock of heat blazing through her. Carla closed her eyes, remembering every sensation with such clarity it was almost as though it was happening right here, right now.
    She remembered his lips, so full and firm, surprisingly gentle against hers. The way he licked at the seam of her lips, his tongue hot and slick. She parted her lips and braced herself for the onslaught of wet thrusting that had been the hallmark of her limited experience.
    Carla had only hooked up with a handful of guys in her eighteen years, and while most of the make out and heavy petting sessions had started out pleasantly enough, most teenage boys seemed to think girls wanted a tongue thrusting down their throats, clumsy hands squeezing at anything round, and fingers sneaking into panties at the first opportunity.
    But Sam... Carla gave a shaky sigh as Sam's kiss sent a jolt of heat through her. Sam might have only been a few years older, but he kissed like a man. A man who knew exactly what he was doing.
    And why wouldn't he, given all the experience he had. You heard all the whispers of the girls saying how amazing he was. Looks like they weren't lying.
    The thought jolted her a bit, reminding her that she needed to be cautious with Sam. If she didn't want to be used up and cast aside like all the others she was going to have to be careful.
    It was almost impossible to keep that in mind though as Sam sucked her tongue into his mouth, slid it against his, then gave her bottom lip a little nip. She threaded her fingers through his thick, dark hair, reveling in the groan he gave at her touch. She might be inexperienced, she thought, but at least she could make him feel good.
    She kissed him back with everything she had, making up with enthusiasm what she lacked in skill.