Chapter 58
VICTOR
It’s sunset when we stroll along the side of the lake. The sky seems like it’s painted – it is that beautiful. We walk in a comfortable silence.
It’s true to say that I have never ever been with someone like Josie before - I’ve always had to feel on around other people, but this girl instantly relaxes me with just her presence. She can unravel me so well she can murder me with just her eyes.
I’m getting restless.
Being vulnerable to a girl is not my native state. I’ve got to do something to get my mind off all this.
And so, I start stripping. Right here. Right by the side of the lake.
Josie turns and stares at me in utter disbelief.
“What are you doing?” she asks, stuttering, as I rip off my shirt and dump it on the sand beside me.
I flash her a smile.
“What does it look like I’m doing, Josie? I’m stripping. I’m going to get naked.”
“You can’t do that...”
I pull down my pants and flick off my shoes. I’m now completely naked, just as I promised I would be.
“I can, Josie. Nobody’s going to stop me.”
“What are you...”
I offer her a hand.
“Come skinny dipping with me,” I say, nodding toward the inviting lake.
“Going for a swim naked? I’ve never done that.”
“There’s always a first time,” I reply. “Come on.”
“No. Someone could see us.”
“There is no one around, Josie. No one for miles. It’s just us.”
“I still don’t...”
“Fine. Your loss.”
And I, completely naked, sprint away from her and dive into the cool, clear lake. I glide underwater until I’m back up for air and looking behind for Josie.
She’s still at the bank. She hasn’t moved. Her arms are crossed. She’s hesitant. She doesn’t want to strip.
“Come on in,” I shout to her, beckoning with a wave. “Just get naked.”
She shakes her head. Once. Twice.
But I see the double-thinking going on in that pretty head of hers...
And then she does start to strip. I ogle at her from the water as her perfect little body is gradually revealed to me, piece by piece.
Finally, she comes in. She clearly finds the water too cold, but she braves it.
She swims up to me.
“There, not too bad, right?” I ask her.
Josie practically growls at me.
“It’s okay.”
“How does it feel being naked?” I ask her with a smirk.
“Strange.”
“The feeling will never leave you,” I reply. “Just be careful of sharks in these waters.”
The girl basically squeals and glances down beneath the surface around her.
“Victor...”
“I’m just joking,” I reply. Josie is not happy. “There’s nothing to worry about.”
“You’re mad, Victor. Truly, indescribably mad.”
“I know,” I reply. “You want to see another mad thing?”
“What?”
I pull myself close to her, and our lips touch.