Chapter 2: Building Tension
Laura arrived at the marina 45 minutes later. This was the fancy marina, not the one the locals used to store their rowboats.
Laura had heard stories of Ryan's boat but seeing it up close did not do the stories justice. This was old money from his family more than what his salary at the firm afforded. The design and attention to detail were astounding, every corner and edge a perfect right angle—no expense seemed to have been spared. He had a captain for the day, but Ryan assured her the big man was no longer required the moment she stepped aboard. Guess he wanted the day to be just the two of them?
Ryan was dressed in tight boat shorts and a loose fitting button down that exposed his well-defined chest. He looked like he stepped off a model shoot for luxury living., Laura thought to herself.
Ryan gave her a look up and down before he focused on her pedicured and painted toes. "You have beautiful feet Laura, you should wear open toed shoes more in the office."
Laura was surprised by Ryan's comment, and she quickly hid her discomfort with a tight smile. "I'll keep that in mind, Ryan," she told him, turning away to take in the view of the water around them. The sun shimmered on the waves, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. They were far enough from the shore that she couldn't see any buildings or people, and it felt as if they were the only two people in the world.
"Let's get to work, I am hoping to wrap this up and be home by mid-afternoon." Laura announced.
"Should not be a problem. Just a matter of crossing alot of "i's" and "t's" and we should be good" Ryan responded. Ryan started up the boat, maneuvering them away from the marina.
The sun beat down hard on their skin, a sign of the scorcher Ryan had mentioned the previous day. They retreated under the canopy and began to work.
The breeze played with Laura's Auburn hair, and she kept pushing it out of her face as she tried to focus on the documents in front of her. Ryan, unsurprisingly, remained unfazed by the heat, working comfortably and efficiently. His eyes flicked up from his laptop to her bare legs, and back to his laptop. She had opted for capri pants to avoid revealing more skin than she wanted, but there was only so much clothing that could protect her from the ever-increasing temperature.
Ryan noticed this and smirked.
"You look uncomfortable, Laura. How about I surprise you with a swimsuit so that you can cool off a little?"
Laura looked at him in confusion. "Swimsuit? But we weren't planning on swimming, were we?"
Ryan shrugged, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Well, nobody's stopping us. Besides, a quick dip in the cool waters could help us rejuvenate and keep working more efficiently."
Laura hesitated but saw the logic in his argument. "Okay, fine. I'll take you up on your offer," Laura conceded, figuring she could do with a break from the endless contracts and documents. Ryan grinned, disappearing below deck for a few minutes before re-emerging with a teeny-tiny bikini. Laura's eyes widened as she took in the skimpy swimsuit – it was more like a collection of a few strategically placed triangles, with strings connecting everything together.
Ryan held it out to her with a wicked grin, completely aware of how much he was pushing her boundaries. "Here you go, Laura.
I'm sure you'll look amazing in this." Ryan's grin widened as he dangled the bikini in front of her.
Laura eyed it suspiciously, her hands resting protectively on her work clothes. "I'm not so sure about this, Ryan. I don't think it's very appropriate."
He shrugged. "It's just a swimsuit, Laura. Besides, we're out here on the water – no one's around to see. It's the perfect opportunity to catch some rays and cool off.
But Laura isn't entirely convinced. Ryan's reputation precedes him, and the thought of being alone with him in such a skimpy swimsuit makes her nervous. She opens her mouth to refuse, but something stops her. She's been wearing the same black pants and sweater for days on end, and a swimsuit wouldn't exactly be the worst thing in the world.
"Fine," she finally says, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ryan's grin widens, and he hands her the bikini with a wink. "You'll look stunning.
Trust me," Ryan reassured Laura as she took the small piece of material into her hands. Laura's pulse quickened; she wasn't sure if she should feel flattered or scared. She clutched the swimsuit to her chest, looking around the deck to ensure they were indeed alone.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Laura asked, still holding onto the swimsuit.
"Of course it is. We're both adults, Laur. It's just a swimsuit.
No big deal," Ryan replied, dismissing her concerns with a wave of his hand. Laura hesitated for a moment longer before finally setting her work down and taking the swimsuit into the cabin below deck to change. The space was quite large and it had a big king sized bed against the wall and a small bathroom to the right.
Laura was grateful that she could take her time while changing and it gave her some much-needed breathing room from Ryan.
She eyed the bikini skeptically and realized that she would have to step out of her comfort zone to fit into this. The material was small, and it seemed impossible that her modest curves would fit into the triangles. She undressed and pulled on the bikini bottom first, struggling to get the strings tied around her hips. Her heart felt like it was pounding out of her chest as she looked at herself in the mirror.
The bikini fit, but it felt like her every curve was on display. She took a deep breath, grabbed the matching top, and slid it over her head, tying the strings in a bow at the back of her neck.
She looked at her reflection again, this time with a critical eye. Was this really a good idea? But she had already agreed, and there was no turning back now. Though for a mid-30's woman who gave birth, she admitted her body was in great shape. 36C breasts and a well-toned ass and thighs. She had always been a fan of low-impact workouts in her spare time, never wanting to gain the kind of muscle mass that would make her look too masculine. She thought about changing back into her work clothes, but considering the heat and how much she was already struggling in the bikini, she quickly dismissed the thought.
"Wow, Laura, that suits you," Ryan's eyes twinkled with appreciation. Ryan had taken off his shorts to reveal a speedo underneath that was barely containing a very large bulge underneath.
Laura felt her pulse quicken at the sight of it - even though she had no intention of following through with any kind of sexual advances from her boss, the sight of that much masculinity was enough to stir something in her.
“Thanks,” Laura replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not sure about this, though. It’s a bit revealing.”
“That’s the point, Laura. You’re a beautiful woman, and you should be proud of your body. Besides, it’s just the two of us out here. No one to judge or stare. It’s liberating, I promise,” Ryan said, his voice soothing and inviting.
Laura hesitated for a moment longer before finally nodding her head in agreement.
She couldn't deny that the idea of swimming in the cool waters did sound appealing, and she trusted Ryan to a certain extent. Besides, he was right - they were out here on the water, away from prying eyes and judgmental stares.
Laura knew she was in good shape and had been taking care of her body, but she had never worn anything as revealing as this bikini in her entire life.
"Let's go for a swim," Ryan said, breaking through Laura's thoughts. She hesitated for a moment before nodding her head. They walked to the edge of the boat, and Ryan held onto the ladder as the both descended into the water.
The moment Laura's feet touched the water, she gasped at the feeling of the cool waves against her skin. This was as close to skinny dipping as she had ever gone seeing as how small the bikini was and it felt amazing.
It was a sharp contrast from the heat of the sun, and it felt incredible. She swam a few strokes away from the boat, feeling the water pull her down while she kicked her legs to stay afloat. Laura turned her head towards the boat and saw Ryan standing on the edge, watching her intently, as he already got back onto the boat. His gaze made her feel self-conscious, and she started to swim back towards him.
Ryan grinned as she got closer, extending his hand towards her. "Hold onto me, and I'll help you climb up," he said.
Laura stumbled up the ladder, her hands gripping Ryan's as she reached the top.
"Thanks," she said, and she walked back towards the canopy. She touched her wet hair and tucked it behind her ear, desperately wishing for a towel to wrap around herself. She flopped down on a soft lounger next to Ryan. He handed her a bottle of water, and they drank in silence for a moment.
"That feels great," he said, closing his eyes and letting out a content sigh. "I actually have some excellent wine if you would like a glass." she asked.
"Well, we are close to the end so, sure." Laura agreed.
"I'd love some wine." She appreciated Ryan's thoughtfulness in offering to share his private stash.
He disappeared below deck and returned with a chilled bottle of white wine and two crystal glasses. The way he expertly popped the cork made Laura feel like she was in the company of a seasoned gentleman, despite his playful side. He poured her a glass first, then himself.
"To new experiences and braving the heat," Ryan said, clinking his glass against hers with a warm smile.
Laura couldn't help but return the smile, her tense shoulders beginning to relax as she took a sip of her wine. It was delicious, with delicate citrus notes that made her want to close her eyes and savor the taste. The alcohol worked its magic, leaving her with a slight warmth in her stomach that heightened her senses.
As they sat sipping their wine under the canopy, Ryan started up a conversation about the latest movies and TV shows they had both been watching. Laura found herself becoming more at ease and relaxed in his presence.
The wine, the heat, and the fact that they were out on the open water, surrounded by nothing but the sea, had a way of disarming her defenses. She found herself laughing at his jokes and enjoying his company but every once in a while would have a flash of concern, with her husband and daughter at the back of her mind. She was after all near nude with her boss on his boat.
Ryan excused himself to take a call down in the canopy. At this point it was mid-afternoon and just a bit more work was needed before she could pack it up and head home.
When she returned to her workstation she saw she missed a text from her husband. It read:
"Hey honey, figured you would be working late knowing how big this project is so I took Brie to my sister's and we are going to hang there tonight. Will be back later Sunday afternoon so no rush and you can have place to yourself until we get back. Luv u!" the text read, along with a kissing emoji.
A twinge of annoyance washed over Laura. Why was she working so hard to get back early if her husband was going to leave with Brie for the weekend? Was so typical of him to jet off for something fun with their daughter while Laura was grinding away at work.
She angrily poured herself another glass of wine and chugged it.
15 minutes later Rylan came up from below deck and announced "Just about done, and we can get you home before dinner!"
"No rush" Laura admitted, "My husband took our daughter to his sisters for the night."
She downed another drink, the alcohol numbing her thoughts for a moment.
Ryan smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "I see. Well, then I guess there's no need for us to rush. We can finish up, enjoy some more wine, and then we'll head back."
Laura nodded, sinking deeper into her chair, the wine dulling the irritation that had taken hold of her moments earlier.
They continued to work steadily, the air around them perfectly still and quiet save for the occasional sound of the boat moving through the water.
The wind had died down a little, making it easier to concentrate on the tasks at hand. But the heat was still as oppressive as ever, and Laura found herself longing for another swim once they were done.
Ryan, noticing her restlessness, gave her a wink and suggested they take another dip once they were finished. The thought of it made Laura's heart quicken, but she managed to keep his gaze and nodded her agreement.
By the time they finished up their work, the sun was starting to hang lower in the sky, casting a golden glow on everything it touched.
Laura had to admit the day had turned out to be surprisingly pleasant, despite her initial reservations. The coolness from the ocean water still lingered on her skin, and she couldn't help but feel like another swim would be the perfect ending to the day.
She got up and stretched, feeling a pleasant soreness on her shoulders and back. "DONE! Finally. Now, I think I'm going to take you up on your offer," she said, turning to Ryan. "Let's go for that swim."
Ryan stood up, beaming at her words.
"I was hoping you'd say that. I'll go first, and you can hand me your things—it's too slippery to attempt it with your phone in hand."
Laura shrugged, handing him her belongings and watching as he dove headfirst into the water. She waited for him to resurface before following suit, feeling the cool water envelop her body as she plunged in. It was refreshing and invigorating, a welcome respite from the heat.
They splashed around in the ocean, and Laura felt her reservations slowly melting away. The bottle of wine she finished as well aided in that.
She laughed and played along, feeling a deep sense of relief wash over her. For a moment, it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off her shoulders.
"So, appreciate all the work you did on this and have done. You know that promotion is yours right? " Ryan asked. "So between this project and your new status, let's celebrate!" Ryan then swam back to the boat, climbed in and disappeared down below.
Laura, initially thrilled, then confused and wondered what was up and going to happen.
He quickly returned with a $1,000 bottle of Champaign and 2 glasses. "You deserve something special for making this project a success and getting the promotion," he said, pouring her a glass before taking a deep gulp himself.
I just want to show my appreciation for your hard work and dedication. No strings attached, I promise."
Although Laura was skeptical, she couldn't deny the generous offer and decided to take it as a token of gratitude. "Thank you, Ryan, I appreciate it," she said, taking a small sip from her glass. The bubbly Champaign tingled in her mouth, making her feel light and free. They spent the next hour chatting and laughing over their shared experience. Laura felt more relaxed around Ryan than she ever had before. Especially when he opened the second bottle. Ryan topped off their glasses, and put the bottle back on the boat to swim towards her.
"I love this time of day and how the ocean feels on your body. But there really is only one way to truly experience it." Ryan told Laura and then he slipped off his bathing suit and threw it back on the boat. Laura watched the wealthy, good-looking businessman glide through the water towards her, her gaze lingering on his rippling muscles and the evidence of his impressive package nestled between his thighs.
"Come on," he urged. "You only live once and you should let go and live a little. You earned it!"
Laura contemplated this. 3 hours ago she probably would have thrown the champaign in his face and been ready to call HR Monday. But between the alcohol, her annoyance with her husband, the beautiful environment she was on, and quite frankly the stud that Ryan was...weakened his resolve to keep this 100% professional today.
Laura took a deep breath and hesitated for only a moment before shedding her skimpy bikini, letting it float away from her. Ryan's eyes widened at the sight of her bare figure, but he didn't stare or make any inappropriate comments as she joined him in his nakedness. Laura felt a thrill of excitement race through her veins; after all, she had never done anything remotely like this before.
Her beautiful 36C breasts were bobbing in the water as she floated and took another sip from her glass. The salt water felt amazing between her legs.
Her body was unabashedly revealed to Ryan and the open ocean, her natural curves a tempting sight. She had spent so long tending to the needs of her family that she had forgotten what it felt like to just be a woman.
Ryan swam up to her and handed her back her glass of champagne; their bare skin touched, sending a jolt of electricity through both their bodies. Neither of them moved or seemed to react, but the weight of that moment had shifted.
Dusk had brought forth a cooling breeze, and with it came the realization of how late it was.
It was time for them to head back, but as Laura and Ryan swam back to the boat, there was a palpable tension between them. Neither spoke nor looked directly at one another, but it was clear they had both crossed a line.
Once onboard, Laura quickly wrapped herself in one of Ryan's fluffy towels, trying to cover herself up as much as possible. Her heart pounded in her chest from the intense moment they had just shared, and the adrenaline still hadn't subsided.