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“Solia, I’m going to release the ladder on the back. Do you have enough strength to climb?”
“Yes, I can do that,” she says breathlessly but with conviction. When she looks at me, I have the answers my soul needs. She smashes every wall I’ve ever built, and I want to wake with her face next to mine every morning.
I hold on to her feet and guide them so she slides into the water. “Here, give me your hands.” With her hands in mine, I put them on the ladder and hold it still while she slowly climbs the three metal rungs and steps into the boat. She throws herself onto the cushioned seat.
“Stay right there, I’m coming.” Thinking quickly, I spot an old bungee cord hooked on a buoy. I secure the clip to the bungee cord Solia has attached to her board. With that connection, I hustle up the ladder. Collapsing next to Solia, I wrap her in my arms tight as if she might get carried away by the wind.
She lies back with her head against the side of the boat, the sun on her skin. Her breathing has finally slowed. I undo the buckles of her life jacket like a package marked Fragile and peel it off her shoulders. “Here, try to lean forward so I can take this off you.”
Slowly, I grab hold of the jacket from behind, freeing her from it. I pull my drenched T-shirt over my head, throw it on top of the jacket, and move as close to her as I physically can, lifting her legs onto my lap and hugging her into my chest. Her skin warms against me. She nuzzles her head into the crook of my neck and presses her open palm to my chest.
With a gentle whisper, her breath on my skin, she asks, “How did you know?”
“Oh, Solia. You weren’t there. At the meeting. I know you’d never miss it. I kept searching for you. As soon as the storm began, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. I remember you saying you were planning to go out on the lake. All I could think was you were out here alone. Nothing else crossed my mind other than finding you. The thought of losing you broke me.
“You have had my heart from the day I met you. And every day since, you’ve put me back together, piece by piece. Thinking I’d lost you forever shattered every piece all over again. Solia, leaving was the only solution that would allow me to forget the past, the hurt, and the loss, but leaving Meriden is not the answer. You are my answer.”
She slowly pulls her head back to stare at me. Tears continue as she cups my face. “What are you saying, Jackson?”
“I’m saying, I don’t give a shit what I thought my plans were. There is no future without you. This place, this lake, this town darkened for me—the lights have been out for too long. You turned them back on, and little by little, I’ve seen the beauty again.
“Because of you, I see the possibility of love, the forever kind of love that people spend a lifetime searching for. I was being a complete fool, thinking I had it figured out. I thought running away from here would solve my problems, but I had it wrong. My future is here, right in front of me. It’s you, Solia. It’s always been you. I don’t want to live another day without you by my side.”
I take her face into my hands and pull her lips to mine, kissing her with wild abandon. I want the passion that has been brewing within me on full display. I can’t hold back for another second. Solia moans in response, driving me to want more.
My hands drift from her hair, down her back, caressing her skin and finding her bikini tie. I lift her onto my lap as she wraps her long, sexy legs around my waist. I pull her into my body and let my hands run wild. Solia kisses me back fiercely, allowing me in.
Before we get any further, Joe’s boat comes into view around the island, and he’s waving and honking from the cockpit. Solia doesn’t move one inch. She stays right where she is and softly giggles against my neck, whispering, “Why is it every time things get good, we are interrupted?”
I laugh and turn my head toward the approaching boat.
“Hey there, Captain! I guess you found what you were looking for?”
“Sure did, Joe, and I’m never letting her out of my sight again. Solia, this is Joe, the owner of the marina.”
Solia’s legs are wrapped around my waist, and she tries to turn to face Joe. “I’ve seen you a time or two at the boat launch. Nice to meet you. Sorry it’s under these conditions.”
“I actually can’t think of a better condition. I haven’t seen my boy here smile this big in forever. And I’ve known him since he started walking. Whatever Jackson lost, he’s found it with you.” Joe chuckles. “I’m glad I didn’t stop you, Jackson. When you’re ready, head back in. The channel is empty. And people are gathering back at the marina.”
“People? Why?”
“I’m not sure. As soon as the storm cleared, I flew out to open water. But you certainly don’t need me here. You’ve got it covered.” He turns the wheel and speeds off.
Solia beams and snuggles closer, undoing me all over again. I harden underneath her and try to stop my hands from moving further.
“What happened out here?”
Solia hops off my lap, sitting next to me. “I came out a few hours ago and went farther than usual. By the time I started back, the wind shifted and threw me off-balance. I hadn’t fallen off my board in ages, but when I did, my paddle went flying. Seems I bought an aluminum one without thinking, and it’s at the bottom of the lake for sure. I figured I could make it back lying on my board and paddling with my arms or kicking.”
She takes a deep inhale, and I pull her closer. “I did that for a while, but the marina was an oasis. It was just too far, and then the storm came through. I figured it would pass, eventually.” Solia’s pain-stricken eyes water and I wipe away every drop as it falls.
“You’re OK. You’re safe. I’ve got you.”
“I was exhausted. I tried, but the wind was too strong and the rain was unrelenting. Holding on was my only chance. I prayed while I laid there, and then …” She turns and takes me in her arms. “And then you answered my prayers.”
“You must have been so scared,” I say, brushing her hair off her forehead.
“You’re here now. I can’t believe you came out onto the water.”
