Chapter 35
I caughtEthan’s eye as he stood on the bottom stair. He gave me that smile that captured my heart. No wonder women everywhere fawned over him. I kept my gaze on his instead of raking them over his body. It took all my determination to do so. I didn’t want to treat him like sex on legs. Although, it surprised me that he had not been completely uncomfortable with the term. Especially after his reaction at his first wetsuit demonstration.
He jumped in and swam to me. My body was on full alert. It was hot regardless of the water surrounding me. If he touched me, would the water sizzle? I took a deep breath. And if he kissed me? I needed to stop this train of thought. I submerged my head, breaking the eye contact.
“Let’s swim close to shore so we can take in the view from there,” I said when I popped up. Anything was better than my wild thoughts.
I didn’t wait for his answer. Ethan matched my leisurely strokes and soon my feet could reach the bottom. Ethan stood beside me surveying the view. We were in our own secluded paradise, surrounded by white sand and calm water that stretched out to the ocean beyond.
Ethan redirected his gaze toward me. “It’s beautiful, like you.”
My heart rate picked up.
The small waves lifted us, taking my feet off the ground. He gently clasped my waist, keeping us tethered together. I cupped the side of his face and ran my thumb over his lips. His breath faltered. His eyes searched mine before he pulled me closer. His large hands were gentle and firm as he held me against him.
I wound my fingers into his thick hair and pulled his head closer. His soft breath mixed with mine. Our lips touched. My insides were nothingness, a gaping emptiness, full of want and urgency. For him. He coaxed my lips open. Saltiness slipped over my taste buds. Pleasant and satisfying.
Our bodies fused together. Nothing moved but our lips and tongues. Our breath was harsh as we chased the endorphins, catching them one by one. He caught my soft moans the same way. And then my heart.
Ethan’s lips slowed, and he pulled away. My heart thumped in my chest. His teeth gently pulled at my lip as we separated.
“That was better than the view,” he breathed.
I nodded. I had no words. That was the best kiss I’d ever had. And I wanted another and another.
Was this even a good idea? I didn’t care. For once, I didn’t need to be in control.