Down boy. I chastised my growing erection. I’d managed to settle Kit’s soul while in close proximity. The last thing I wanted to do was give her a new reason to run in the opposite directionevery time I entered a room she didn’thaveto be in for the moment.
I was appreciative of the water’s temperature as I lowered my body into the circular structure. Kit observed with curiosity and concern dancing in those irises of hers. Once inside, I didn’t settle.
The journey to her end of the water began. Her chest swelled with air.
“Am I interrupting your free time?” I asked, closing the gap between us without haste.
I was in no hurry to lose control of my limbs, lips, and listening ears. Because, that’s what would happen if I moved any swifter. Instead, I took my time. Held her gaze. And silently assured her that she had little reason to worry.
“I asked you a question,” I reminded her.
Her head swung from one side to the other. There was nothing between us, now, except two inches of bubbling water that fizzled against our skin. She smelled like honey today.
Different.
It was a pleasant, subtle scent that paired well with her pH. Her chest rose higher. Her eyelashes batted, displaying the perfect natural curl at the center of them. They framed her eyes so well.
I’d reached her and she had still forgotten to breathe. Before I lost her permanently, I tipped her chin upward. Finally in contact with her frame again, I was hit with an electric current that made the hair on my back stand.
She’s exhilarating.
Her boredom was tantalizing. It was exciting. It was so damn cute. And, fitting. And, interesting.
“Breathe, Kit.”
For a woman with a sharp memory, her actions were questionable. Suddenly, she couldn’t remember the most important action known to humankind.
She nodded. “Ye– yes.”
Softly, the words fell from her lips.
“Right.”
Her chest deflated as her tongue exited her mouth to wet her lips.
I could’ve done you that favor.
The way I wanted to care for Kit, on levels I didn’t understand myself, was driving me up the fucking wall. The fact that I was forced to take my time and lean into the idea of having her in my world when this was all over should’ve been doing the same, but it wasn’t.
Strangely, it was giving me the opportunity to carefully craft the demise of her burdens, barriers, and boundaries the actions of another nigga had caused her to adopt. Whether she understood it or not, I’d claimed her as my own and would do anything to have her. Even if not now, someday, and that day would have to be sooner than later.
“Are you comfortable?”
Soundlessly, she nodded. I accepted her response for what it was.The truth.
I stepped closer, not stopping until our bodies touched.
“Still comfortable?”
She nodded.
“Good.”
I placed my glass on the concrete behind her. When I hoisted her up and into my arms, a gasp seeped through her lips. Naturally, her legs wrapped around me, encasing me in her frame.
Right here. I was exactly where I wanted to be. Not for a brief second but for many moons.
“And, now.”
