I roll my eyes. “Of course it is.” The water does look mighty enticing, the sun’s reflection glistening like crystals, but I’m just not sure I’m ready for this. Tentatively I take a step onto the first stair. He’s right, the water is the perfect temperature. “Maybe I could just sit on the stairs and watch you swim.”
He reaches for my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine as his expression becomes more serious. “I’ve got you.”
I clutch his hand so damn tightly as I take the next step into the pool, my pulse racing as the water comes up to my thighs.
“You can do this, treasure.” His voice is soft and kind, and I want to believe him, but I’m just not so sure. When I jumped into the ocean the other night, it was because it was the lesser of two evils. Now I know I’m safer on land.
Sweat coats my palms as my scared eyes meet his. “I’m not sure I can.”
He offers me a half smile, helping me one more step down so we’re face to face, and the water laps at my middle. He runs his finger up my arm, trailing all the way up my neck, and pulls me toward him, kissing my lips softly. For a moment I’m swept away with him. “Try not to overthink it, Sloane.”
“Have you met me?” I mutter, anxiety churning in my stomach.
He laughs, knowing it’s the truth. I overthink everything. “Do you trust me?”
“Not for a second.” I grin devilishly.
His head tilts to the side, not entirely insulted at my dig. “Sloane, can you trust me to do this for you? I promise you’re safe with me.”
“Okay.” I go against my better judgment and answer him. But the truth is, he has proven himself to me repeatedly this week. I’m starting to believe he only does want to take care of me and keep me safe. And this offer to help me learn to swim is very thoughtful.
“We don’t have to swim. How about we start with just trusting the water and floating?” he suggests.
My brow pops up. “That sounds even worse than trying to swim.”
He throws me a look as if I’m being dramatic, and I know his patience is wearing thin. “Turn around and trust me.”
With a heavy sigh, I spin my body away from him, closing my eyes up tight.
His hand comes to my lower back where he supports me. “Relax, Sloane.”
I try, but my body is so damn tense.
He gently helps me back into the water, supporting me with both his hands. “Relax, stretch your arms out, tilt your chin up a bit, and take a deep breath.”
Water is all around me, and I feel like I’m going to sink right to the bottom. I suck in a breath, but it feels shallow. My head starts to swell with all the things that can go wrong.
“I’m still holding you.” His voice rumbles over me. “The more you panic, the more you sink. So just float, let me support you until you feel safe to go alone.”
I try to listen to his soothing words, letting my body bob in the water, his hand on my back feeling like my life support.
“Good girl, perfect,” he encourages me, and something in the way he praises me makes me believe I can do it.
My muscles relax, and I let the water feel like more of a comfortable bed surrounding me.
“I’m going to move my hand back just a little, but you have this, you’re already doing it alone.”
I feel the sudden loss of his hand immediately, but I keep my breathing calm and try to relax. For a while I float, feeling calmer than I have in so long. The water blocking out all sounds, even the constant chatter in my head. This is actually nice.
“Perfect, now try small kicks, gentle ones starting from your hips, not your knees; feel the subtle power emanating from your core. Think fluttering, like a butterfly.”
I start to move my legs, and I go under immediately, water washing over my face. Panic grips me, but just like he said he would be, Orlando is right there, scooping me up in his strong arms and pulling me to his body.
“Baby steps.” He smiles softly, brushing the matted hair from my eyes. Quickly he kisses me, distracting me, and I melt into him.
“Okay, baby steps,” I agree, knowing I can do this.
He sets me back on the stairs. “Try and move toward me. Reach forward with your arms, then pull back in the water like you’re scooping or pulling yourself along. You can try a basic stroke, like freestyle or just doggy paddle. Keep it simple and don’t forget to kick.”
