AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I didn’t want to stop touching her. She looked at me over her shoulder like she could sense my turmoil.
“Do you want to go for a swim?” she asked, shifting back around. Then she stood, removing her shorts.
It took every ounce of control I had not to grab her by the waist and pull her to straddle me.
“Yeah, that sounds good,” I said instead.
We spent the next hour swimming before Bella wanted to sunbathe on the bow above the cabin. God help me. I grabbed myself a much-needed beer, and I asked her if she’d like one.
She leaned up on her elbows and looked back at me. “Sure, thanks.”
“You ready for some lunch?” I leaned over to sift through the cooler. “Mom said you don’t eat enough, so we have a large variety of food to choose from.” I was busy placing various things on the small table when I glanced up to find her in front of me with her hands on her hips.
“My curves would disagree with your mom and definitely show my love of ice cream,” she teased playfully.
“Well, I happen to like your curves.” My words caused her cheeks to redden. Standing, I took one step toward her, causing her to back up into the table, bracing her hands on either side. “In fact,” I began as I leaned slowly toward her, my eyes glued on her lips. “Your curves have been on my—”
A loud honk interrupted the moment. I reluctantly turned and waved at the family passing us by, recognizing the boat, The Pauper II, and the father as one of my customers from the marina at The Dock.
What’s with the fucking interruptions every time I try to kiss this girl?
But after a moment, our attention turned back to each other. We stood there, gazes locked. I wanted nothing more than to pull her body tight against mine and claim her mouth. But Bella bit her lip and looked away. Was she questioning this? If she was, the last thing I wanted to do was push her away. I sat back down and continued to unload all the food I’d packed while Bella slid into the seat on the other side of the table.
“My ex used to tell me all the time I could lose a few pounds, and that I should lay off the ice cream,” she said, avoiding meeting my eyes.
“Well, he’s an asshole and apparently blind,” I muttered.
Her chuckle was awkward, and I wondered if I made her nervous. I knew all about her piece of shit college boyfriend, Brad, and how he was running around on her. Ashley went to visit Bella for a weekend last year when she finally ended it.
“Are you going to the bonfire tonight at Jackson’s?” She took a sip of her beer, and then her eyes got huge when I pulled my mom’s homemade scones out of the bag. Her favorite, and of course, I knew that.
“Yeah, you still going?” I asked, laying the container on the table between us.
“Yep. Riding with Ashley. I’ll need to head to her apartment, drop my bags off, and change when we get back, though.” She was already digging into the scones with a huge smile.
Her smile made my pulse climb.
Lose some weight, my ass.
I hoped she ate all of them and kept every one of her curves I was trying like hell not to stare at.
Finally having the chance to sit and talk to her alone was something I hadn’t realized I was craving. Unlike when we were in high school, over the last few years, someone was always around. And I didn’t realize how much I missed being with just her. She talked about some of her roommates and friends from college, and I told her all about my plans for the family business.
“Have you heard back from any of the marketing firms you sent resumes to?”
“Yeah. Actually, I have three interviews lined up in the next few weeks.” She played with her mom’s heart-shaped necklace hanging around her neck. A sign she was more nervous than she let on. Most of the time, I didn’t think she was aware when she fidgeted with it. Other times, when she was reminded of her mom, she would grab the necklace almost like she was making sure it was still there.
“That’s great. You’ll do fine. No need to be nervous.” And now she was glaring at me.
“I never said I was nervous.” Bella had a stubborn side, and the look she gave me saiddon’t you dare challenge me.
I held my hands up in surrender. “Forget I said anything.”
She pulled her long, curly hair to one side and put it in a braid. I had many fantasies about fisting those long curls while she…
Dammit. Down boy—spiders. Think of spiders. I fucking hate spiders. Creepy little things.
At least I was only semi-hard now. I caught Bella’s eyes, and the desire I saw there was like a punch to the gut.
