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"Lucy."
She took a deep breath and sighed, "Yeah, Mason?"
What could he say that would explain how earth shattering, mind-boggling, this was?
"I know you don't have a lot of experience, but you need to know... It's never been this good."
His eyes didn't open as he felt the bed dip, then she curled into his side with a sigh. He savored the nearness of her, and without shame or regret, he held her close as they both drifted to sleep.
Chapter 23
"Lucy, I don't know about this." Mason said as they rode across the water in the speed boat.
Mason had worked this morning like usual, then he'd taken her exploring after lunch. The geyser had been fun, even when she'd almost slipped a few times. Mason had almost had a panic attack when she'd done that.
But then she'd wanted to go parasailing.
He still couldn't believe he was doing it with her. She had a way of making him relax and take risks, and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
But he did know that she wanted to have adventures, and he wanted to give her the world.
She nodded as the staff member slowed the boat. "I'm sure. I want adventures, things we can't do in Texas. Have you changed your mind?"
He shook his head. "No. If you go, I go."
"Are you sure? What about your injury? Is this going to hurt you? You've been moving pretty stiffly."
He wiggled his brows. "I'll give you a stiffy later."
She giggled and it set some of his unease aside.
He kissed her softly on the lips, a lingering kiss that held promise. "Personally, the marathon sex sessions have been my favorite activity."
She blushed and laughed. "Mine too, but that doesn't answer my question. What about your back? I haven't pried into your scar or the way you hold it when it bothers you. But you haven't opened up about it either. I'm not sure if this is something you should be doing."
He swallowed and looked away, his stomach twisting. The staff member waved to them, and they hopped up to put on their harnesses. The man checked the straps and adjusted them. "I told you about Amanda bringing me food and being shot in the back."
She sighed, her voice soft. "I know, but there's more to it than that, isn't there?"
He pursed his lips, and she waited, giving him time. The staff member was checking other harnesses, so there was no rush.
Finally he sighed. He had nothing to hide from her.
He held her, just breathing in the salty sea breeze and the oranges in her hair. "When Amanda died last summer, I was shot in the back. My injury had me in the hospital for a few weeks, then in physical therapy for months. They weren't certain how much mobility I would have post surgeries. They thought it was a career ender."
She caressed her hands up and down his back. "It was almost a life ender, hot shot. You're incredibly blessed."
He smiled, leaning back to kiss her softly on the lips before replying, "That I am, little bird."
The instructor called for attention, and they listened as he gave directions and went over the itinerary. Soon they were soaring through the water on a boat with three other couples. One of the other couples went first.
Lucy watched the other couple with rapt attention. She grinned when the woman squealed and was lifted in the air. Seeing her legs bounce, feeling her hand on his thigh as they sat side by side on the boat, the wind blowing wispy hairs out of her braid...
He felt like this was the life. But a stab of guilt gnawed on him. Amanda would never get to experience any of this. She wouldn't be able to feel the sun on her face or enjoy a fun boat ride or even go on adventures like tandem parasailing.
The driver slowed as the instructor reeled the parasail in, lowering the couple to the back of the boat. They were laughing and talking as the boat stopped and bobbed on the water.
Lucy's eyes were hidden by the sunglasses, but her grin was wide as she squeezed his leg. "We're next. Oh my God, I can't believe I'm actually doing this. I've always wanted to, but never thought I'd—"
