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A splash was the only response I got. She surfaced and slicked her hair back from her face. A perfect vision. What the hell had I been thinking to bring her somewhere like this? Guess I was a glutton for punishment.
“Did you see that shark?”Muriella said, grinning as she lifted the mask off of her face.
“I saw it, and I’m ready to head back to the boat.”
“It was only two feet long.” She splashed me as I turned on my back to float.
“Those teeth looked plenty sharp.” I could handle that little one if need be; it was the bigger ones that might also be around that had me concerned.
“The reef is amazing,” she said as she peered back down into the water. Watching her enjoy our surroundings brought me an intense pleasure. I wanted her to stay like this. Not so burdened. Having a good time…with me.
“I’m sorry we can’t stay longer.”
“It’s my year to pick the Fourth of July vacation. I choose here.” Her features clouded. “Are you skipping out again this year?”
The sting in her tone took me by surprise, but also made my chest expand. “I didn’t think you’d noticed I wasn’t there.” What I didn’t say was that I’d stopped going the last few years because of her. It had gotten harder and harder to be near her without being able to pursue my feelings.
A ‘hmph’ noise escaped her, and I hid a smile. “It’s getting dark.”
We swam back to the boat. Once on the deck, I wrapped her in an oversized towel without thinking. She went rigid, and I dropped my hands.
Whoever had hurt her deserved a lifetime of pain. They’d robbed her of love, a love different than the kind she had with Vivian and Daniel.
“It’s not just you that I don’t want to touch me.” I stilled. “It’sallmen.”
“You allow Daniel to.” A warped jealousy twisted through me. Their relationship was of the sibling nature, but the fact that he could hug her and I couldn’t tinted my world green.
“It took a long time.” She hugged the towel to her chest. “I initially only did it because he needed affection.”
“And I don’t?” I looked away. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”
“I know you do. In ways I just can’t give.” Her voice pleaded with me to understand.
“You held my hand earlier,” I pointed out. When she’d offered me that comfort, it made me forget about the ranch for a minute. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized just how much I wanted her touch.
“That was my choice.”
I recoiled. When I’d put the towel around her, my intent had been to care for her, not to take that choice away.
“I—That’s not what I meant…”
Her shoulders dropped. “I know.”
“We’ll take this at your pace, but you proved today you’re capable of more than you give yourself credit for. Maybe that was just the beginning.”
“Stone, I’m not capable of intimacy.” Her cheeks turned pink, but she held my gaze as she spoke.
“Intimacy comes in a lot of different forms. Not just the physical ones.”
Sadness shadowed her beautiful features. “It wouldn’t be enough.”
“Don’t be so sure. I haven’t been with a woman since I met you.”
Shock turned to incredulousness. “What?! Why? You’re the sexiest man alive.”
I grinned. “Why thank you, darlin’. That means more coming from you than fromPeople.”
She pursed her lips. “I was quoting the magazine.”
