AllFreeNovel
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Nate laughs, but it’s not a mean laugh. “It’s a lake, Laney. Fresh water. Sharks need salt.”
I watch the back of his head for a second. He makes it look so easy. Being free.
“What if I get scared?”
“I’ll take care of you.” His reply is warm and resolute.
I don’t question for a second that it’s the truth.
One…two…three…
Jump.
My feet leave the dock. I fly through the air, not nearly as graceful as Nate, but still, I make it into the water.
The lake is sharp as a knife, coldness cutting through to my core.
I push myself up to the surface and gasp. “It’s so fuckingcold!”
“You did it!”
It takes me a few seconds to come back to reality. But when I do, it’s Nate I see. A few feet away, taking me in.
“I’m proud of you, Laney.”
“Oh, shut up.” I splash him.
Nate flinches and splashes me back. “I’m serious!”
We go on splashing each other far too long for a pair of adults. But it’s too fun to stop, and my heart feels light.
“Uncle! Uncle!” Nate finally shouts.
I am breathless from splashing and treading, proud of my win.
A sliver of panic creases through me. “I need to…” I gasp for air. “Be able to stand.”
Nate doesn’t waste a second, swimming over to me and grabbing my hands.
For a second, I think he’s about to kiss me. I would allow him. Deep and unyielding.
Instead, though, he flips around and places my hands on his shoulders. “Hold on, I’ll take you where it’s shallow.”
I grip his shoulders and allow Nate to swim like a frog closer to the shore.
His muscles tense with each stroke. I’d love to explore every nook and cranny of him with my hands, feel the ridges and curves. He’s so strong. So solid.
And I want him. And I know we are both fighting this.
The question is, how long will it take until one of us breaks.
11
NATE
Laney’s a goddess,even while she’s sleeping.
Like a cat, she’s picked the sunniest spot in the den, on the plush cloud couch, and curled up on it for a nap. Her golden locks are splayed across her face, hiding most of her features, except her plump pink lips.
