Beckett drew in a breath, making his chest, which she was trying not to study, rise. “I likeyou.”
It was a wonder she heard him with the jets, the erratic thumping in her ears, and the way his voice lowered to that husky timbre. It sent a shiver over her skin even though they were sitting in a hot tub.
“I like you, too.” Which was bizarre, considering she’d planned to be here with another man.Thank you again, Universe.
“But you’re hurting,” he whispered.
Presley smiled. “My feet, maybe. But surprisingly, not my heart.”
His smile was quiet in the glow of the lights but it lit her up inside. “I knew you lied about your feet.”
Silence stretched between them, her hand on his arm, their gazeslocked on each other. She definitely hadn’t come here for this, but she was tired of ignoring the signs that were right in front of her.
Beckett Keller wanted to kiss her and she wanted the same. So she leaned forward, grateful he met her halfway. The heat of the tub, the heady scents of almost-summer wafting around them, and the softness of his mouth against her own made the kiss dreamlike.
She sighed into it as she moved closer and one of his hands cupped her cheek. The water lapped between them. She put her fingers on his wrist, not able to wrap them all the way around. Beckett’s mouth moved over hers, gentle and sweet. Presley leaned closer, needing more. Needing him. Her other hand moved to his shoulder, her fingers digging into his skin just a little. He let out a sharp breath against her lips, their eyelids fluttering open for just long enough to scorch each other with want, then his free hand whipped around her waist, stroked up her back, stopping when his fingers touched the back of her neck under her hair. His forearm braced her against his body, locking them closer even as he turned the kiss deep and insistent. Their lips met over and over again. Ragged breaths, his tongue touching hers, retreating, teasing. When he changed the angle, tipped her head back a little against the cradle of his hand, he stole her breath. He could have it. She’d gladly give him that and anything else he wanted in this moment. Her own hands moved into his hair, her fingers tangling in the strands. It was soft, his body hard, and his mouth made her dizzy with desire.
When they parted, they were both breathing heavily. His forehead rested against hers as they regained some semblance of composure. Not that she wanted it—she’d trade feeling calm for his mouth on hers any time. How had she thought she knew what kissing was when, clearly, she’d been missing out until this moment?
“Wow.” His voice was full of reverence.
Presley’s heart bounced around in her chest, excited by this new development. “I’ll say.”
She loosened her grip in his hair, but only a bit. She liked the feel of it between her fingers. His hands stroked over her skin, up her back and down, along her outer thigh with a gentleness that made her feel precious. His choppy breathing matched hers and their chests rose and fell together. Letting her own hands drift down, she gripped his shoulders, sighed when his lips touched the underside of her jaw.
“Uncle Beck,” came a shout just before Ollie rounded the corner.
They moved back from each other like the other was on fire. In a cute little swimsuit, her red hair in braids, bouncing like her steps, Ollie announced, “Mom says I can go fishing with you.”
She hurried up the deck steps, stopping at the edge of the tub. She looked down at the two of them with so much excitement, Presley couldn’t help her laughter.
“Mom made me shower before I came out. Did you guys shower? I beat Mel at Chutes and Ladders.”
Jilly, in a navy-blue swimsuit, her hair piled on her head, rounded the corner. “Oh.” She stopped when she saw them. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d be out later tonight. Ollie, we’ll do this tomorrow.”
She felt Beckett’s embarrassment even without looking at him. “Don’t be silly. I’m actually going to go. That hike did me in, and if I want to become a master fisherwoman tomorrow, I need some sleep.”
Ollie lifted her arms so Beckett could lift her into the tub. He did so with a fun splash, making the little girl laugh.
“I’ll put the worms on for you, Presley,” she said, jumping up and down in the tub.
Jill sent Presley an “I’m sorry” look that was unnecessary.
Giving Beckett’s sister a subtle headshake, she looked at his niece. “I would love that. You can be my expert.” When she stood, her legs weren’t entirely sure they were up to the task of holding her steady.
“Hey. I thought I was teaching you,” Beckett said, finally meeting her gaze.
“We can share, Uncle Beck.”
Jill covered her laugh with a cough and looked at her brother. “Yeah. You can share.”
“Awesome,” Beckett muttered. “You sure you need to go? Did you want me to walk you back to the cabin?”
“I’m fine on my own,” Presley said after climbing out of the tuband grabbing a towel. She slipped on her flip-flops. “Enjoy your family time.”
She walked back to the cabin, her brain and body buzzing. That kiss was as shocking as her being here on her own. Life was full of moments that changed a person, pointed them to new choices. She already knew that. But for years now, she’d chosen the safe path. The path she believed would lead to the end results she craved. She’d pushed realities aside for the fairy tales she spun in her own mind. She believed she could turn what existed into what she wanted.
With this trip, she hadn’t chosen safety. She’d dropped herself right into the middle of a world she wouldn’t choose. And she felt more like herself than she could ever remember. It begged the question she hadn’t even considered: Who the hell was Presley Ayers? And what did she want?
