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“Right! It’d be popular if others knew about it. That’s why I only bring trusted friends.” A cheesy wink relays my jest.
He glances at me strangely for a moment before asking, “You come here with other people?”
His voice changes, sounding tainted with jealousy. A flutter dances in my stomach, enjoying his reaction, but then I disregard my assumption. “No, I told you, I hike alone. I don’t like to show anyone my spots, they’re secret.” I smile shyly. “The wink was supposed to tip you off. I was joking.”
A pleased smirk lifts his lips, causing his eyes to flicker with cockiness. “But you showed me.”
“Yeah, but you’re different.” I regret the words as they leave my lips, knowing he’ll pounce. He watches me quietly for a moment, but to my relief, he doesn’t say anything.
We set our stuff down by the tree and the water’s edge. I lay my towel out, readying my area for when I’m done swimming.
“How cold is this water?” Jaxton straightens, looking out over the lake.
An evil smirk turns my lips, an idea taking root. He senses it somehow and twists, backing away, but he’s too late. I’m already attacking.
“Why don’t you find out?” I push his chest, triggering his fall into the water, but he snatches my hand and hangs on as he goes down.
We both surface screeching, like two children running in a sprinkler. The water is cold, but it feels good against my flushed skin. Once we catch our breath, we laugh. It’s been a long time since I felt like a kid.
Brushing my hair from my face, I ask mockingly, “So, is it cold?”
He smiles, shaking his head, as he stalks toward me. I back up, thinking he’s going to tackle me like a linebacker, but not caring because the water tightening his shirt against his body is extremely enticing.
“Truce.” He calls, putting his hands up, surrendering. I smile wryly, chewing on my bottom lip. His body and arms beckon me, drawing like a magnet. He clasps my outstretched hand, dragging me against his body, and tucking me under his chin. Our clothes are soaked, but the warmth radiating from his body into mine is like a warm fire.
The moment is surreal, as if a missing piece of me is finally locking into place, completing my other half. The sensation is intense, tugging at my insecurities that tell me he’s perfect. He could have anyone.Why me?
As I rest against his chest, listening to the gallop of his heart, a giant smile spreads. His beat matches mine; nervous and excited, wondering where this passion will take us. “We should hang our clothes on the tree so they can dry. I don’t want them to ruin your car.”
“I’m not going to protest you stripping down into that fine ass bathing suit. You know, to save the car.” Sarcasm is thick in his voice, eyes twinkling as they reflect off the water.
He trails behind as we exit the water, sagging clothes dripping off our bodies as we head to the low-hanging branches of the tree. I tug off my top and sling it over the sturdy branch, then spread it out flat, so it’ll dry faster. My thumbs slip into the sides of my shorts, attempting to pull them down, but they cling to my hips and legs with their wetness. Finally, the shorts slip down, allowing me to flick them in the air before slinging them over the same branch next to my tank top. When I’m done straightening myself, I realize Jaxton hasn’t made a sound. Glancing over my shoulder catches him fixated. He devours every inch of me hungrily, missing my growing smirk.
“Hello.” I say sarcastically, waving my hand in front of his face.
His groan and the mischievous glint signals that he’s heard me, but a moment passes before he meets my gaze, and when he does… Dear. Lord. Smolder. “Kitten, you’re beautiful.” His attention is intense, causing goosebumps to race across my skin, each one leaping for his touch. His nostrils flare, watching my nipples pebble, eliciting a faint blush to warm my cheeks.
Silently, he reaches for the hem of his shirt and drags the wet garment over his head. Now it’s my turn to stare. Every movement is in slow motion as it starts past his waist, revealing the first of many chiseled abs. The shirt reaches his chest, his skin glitters and dances under the sunlight, as a plethora of muscles flex. The wet fabric slips over his head, standing his hair to one side, the water clinging on for dear life. A smile spreads across his luscious lips, watching me, while a bit of drool is probably escaping mine. He flings his shirt over the branch next to my clothes and closes the distance between us. Every muscle in his body moves and flexes with precision, an alpha on the hunt. His arms envelope me once he’s within reach, sending electric shocks across my skin. I sigh, relaxing into his touch. Our hearts pounding against one another.
A low growl vibrates through his chest as he inhales deeply.
“What?”
“Mm.” Another moan escapes before he speaks. “You smell good.” He breathes in deep again. “Coconuts?”
“Yeah, it’s the shampoo I use.” I whisper as his breath brushes my neck.
“You fit perfectly in my arms. Makes me not want to let go.” He watches my face closely for a reaction as he continues. “When we’re together, it’s hard to believe we’ve only known each other for days instead of years.” I like his brutal honesty and straightforward nature.
“I’m comfortable with you, too.” I agree. “Come on.” Lacing his fingers with mine, I dragged him back to the water. “Let’s not waste the day staring at each other.” I give him a sultry smile, wishing we were back at my house, in my room.
After a few hours of splashing and swimming, we dried off. We’re on our towels, staring up at the blue sky, with its puffy white clouds scattered throughout. When I close my eyes, the light air blowing on my drying skin is invigorating, smelling of sunshine and flowers.
Jaxton places his hand on top of mine, but my eyes remain closed, while my smile widens with his warmth. My stomach twists with nervous excitement as butterflies dance the Macarena. The sensation is euphoric, as if understanding something profound is happening, and living in the moment.
At some point I drift off, because the next thing I know, Jaxton is calling my name. “Avery. Avery. We should probably get going. You want to grab some dinner?”
“What?” I asked, confused.
