ERIC THOUGHT HE must have died and gone to heaven. Kat stood in waist-deep water, her skin shimmering in the moonlight as she clutched his hand. She wasn’t the least bit shy about her body, and he loved that about her. Just like he loved so many other things about her. The strength of her convictions, the courage she had to take control of her life. She was warm and understanding, and excruciatingly sexy. It was killing him to keep his hands to himself, when what he really wanted was to take her in his arms and make love to her.
“I think this is more an effort in overcoming my desires than conquering your fears,” Eric said. “This is some kind of test you’re giving me, and I’m going to fail. Big-time.”
Kat giggled. “You’d better not fail. I’m counting on you to help me overcome my fear. I can’t remember ever being in water deeper than this.”
He pulled her in tight against him and felt her trembling. “At least not since that time at camp, huh, baby?” He kissed her temple. “Are you nervous or cold?”
“Both.” She wrapped her arm around his waist.
“You’re killing me. Do you have any idea what it’s like to see your bare breasts in the moonlight, with that sweet, trusting smile on your lips that makes me feel like a total letch for wanting to touch you?”
She stepped in front of him and pressed her naked body to his, and he scooped her up into his arms and carried her deeper into the water. She squealed, but it wasn’t a frightened squeal. It was a delightful, playful sound that filled him with happiness. She clung to him so tightly that he sensed her delight was turning to fear as they sank chest deep. He tightened his grip and said, “I’ve got you, sweetheart.”
“Don’t drop me. Don’t let me go,” she pleaded.
“Never.” He guided her legs around his waist, and she narrowed her eyes. “I’m not trying anything. I just want to get a better grip on you.”
“Uh-huh.” She tightened her legs around him. “Hey, careful with that water snake poking its head where it shouldn’t.”
He laughed. “If you put a den by a bear, you can’t complain when he takes shelter.” He’d never do anything she didn’t want to, but he realized that this playful banter was a great distraction. He took a step into deeper water, submerging their bodies up to their necks. She dug her nails into his skin.
“Wait.” She drew in a deep breath.
He stopped walking and reassured her. “I’ve got you. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise. Talk to me, Kat. What scares you most about the water?”
“Drowning,” she snapped.
“Look at me.” When he had her full attention, he asked, “Were you ever taught to swim?”
She nodded. “I know how. My father made me learn that summer when I almost drowned, but even though I knew how, it never helped waylay my fears.”
“Okay, then staying afloat is completely within your control.”
Her legs tightened around his waist, pressing against his erection.
“Keep doing that and I won’t be responsible for what happens.” He smiled to let her know he was kidding. “I’ve got you. We’re just going to stay right here for a few minutes, neck-deep. When you’re comfortable, just loosen your grip a little. Trust yourself. Trust your ability to save yourself.”
“That might take a while.”
“I’ve got all night,” he assured her.
“I’m talking months.” She looked from side to side, and her gaze softened. “The river’s really pretty, actually. It looks like the moonlight is dancing off the ripples.”
“Yes, it’s almost as pretty as you.” He ran a hand down her back and patted her butt.
“Flirt.”
“Truth teller.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I can’t believe I’m going to ask you this, because there is no better position than this one right here—unless of course you’d agree to sink down about eight inches.”
Her eyes widened. “Tsk! I’d smack you if I weren’t afraid of falling under.”
“Damn. Thought I could trick you into loosening your grip. Focus on me, and I want you to untangle your legs from around me and let them hang in the water. I’ll hold you. I promise.”
“No.” She clenched her jaw.
“Fierce belligerence. That’s a total turn-on.” He pressed his hips forward, and she gasped.
“Hey!” Her eyes filled with mischief. “You’re supposed to be helping me overcome my fear of deep water.”
“It’s not my fault you’re sexy as hell and even hotter when you’re mad. Now, drop your legs and trust me to keep you safe, or I’ll carry you out of this water and you’ll definitely have an active snake on your hands.”
She laughed, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“I have faith in you, Kat. You can do this.”
She rolled her eyes and slowly unwound her legs. “Don’t let go.”
“I would never.” He held her around her waist. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, and their mouths were at the perfect height for him to seal his lips over hers. He kissed her sensuously, relishing the slick feel of her body against his, the easing of her hold around his neck, and the melting of the tension from her body.
“You’re doing so well,” he said against her lips. “Keep kissing me, and you’ll be able to tread water in no time.”
She giggled as he took her in another kiss, this one turning up the heat by about a zillion degrees. His hand slid to the bottom of her spine, pressing her body to his as he took a step into deeper water.
She drew back quickly, and he leaned forward, capturing her mouth in another kiss.
“You’re tricking me,” she snapped.
“No, Kat. I’m opening the door so you can see that you’re really in control of everything. You’re holding yourself up.” He ran his hands lightly over her ribs. “When you’re ready, let go, and I’ll hold you until you feel comfortable.”
“Let go?” Her eyes skidded to the water.
“Kick your feet and move your arms, and I’ll hold you right here.” He gripped her ribs. “You won’t go under. I promise.”
She nodded, and he could see her readying herself for her moment of truth, swallowing hard, gritting her teeth, then licking those delicious lips of hers.
“I’m so proud of you right now. You can do this.”
She slid her arms down his shoulders and over his biceps, gripping them tightly.
“It’s okay. You can hold me. Kick your feet. That’s a girl. Now use your arms to tread water. I will not let go until you tell me to.”
Her arms slid into the water, and she treaded water beautifully.
“How do you feel?”
“Like a child.” She smiled.
“Trust me, you look nothing like a child.” He blew her a kiss. “Do you feel buoyant? Want to try on your own?”
“I remember how, even though the last time I swam was so long ago. I’m just scared. I always tried to conquer this fear, but I never made it. I’ve never been able to force myself to go into deep water. There are only a few things I’m still trying to overcome, but this one scares the daylights out of me. But with you, I want to try harder. I want to overcome it.”
“Like I said, I can stand here all night. Take your time.”
Kat treaded water, her eyes never leaving his, and a few minutes later she said, “I’m ready.”
“Okay.” He took his hands away, keeping them open in the water so he could grab her if need be.
“Ohmygod. I’m doing it. Eric!” She squealed as she treaded water. “This is amazing. It’s fun. It’s freeing!”
“God, you’re beautiful.” He stayed close as she swam around, never putting her head underwater, but keeping herself afloat with a sidestroke and breaststroke.
“I’m doing it. I’m not going under.”
“You’re capable of anything, Kat. There’s nothing you can’t do.”
She swam over to him and wrapped her arms and legs around him. “There is one thing I can’t do.”
“I don’t believe that for a second.”
She sealed her lips over his in a mind-numbing kiss. “I can’t carry you out of the water and have my way with you.”
He scooped her up into his arms again and carried her from the water, their bodies dripping wet, their lips locked in a searing-hot kiss. He laid her on the blanket and reached for his wallet. A minute later he was sheathed and perched above her, silently noting the burgeoning emotions filling his chest.
As he came down over her and their bodies joined together, she reached up and touched his cheek.
“What have you done to me, Eric James?”
“Whatever it is, it’s not enough. One night is not enough. Nothing will ever be enough. I feel like I’ve been waiting for you all my life. Promise me one more night, Kat.”
“Just one?”
He lowered his lips to hers, and beneath the moon and the stars, as Hope stood sentinel, their bodies fell into sync, and Eric found the only thing that had ever felt like home—and she was right there in his arms.