Page 47 of Ask Me Something

“I trust you more than anyone else I know. If you say you’re good, I believe you.”

“I trust you, too. I guess that’s what makes this strange going into it. We aren’t trying to get to know one another. We’re more nervous about losing what we already have.”

“You weren’t worried before. You are now?”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re not exactly flexible when it comes to forgiving people. I’d be lying if I told you that I didn’t think at some point I would screw something up. I can only hope that we can give each other a learning curve.”

I tried not to take it personally. He wasn’t wrong. Exhibit A: I was still holding a grudge against my sister. Ironic, considering I wasn’t the type of girl who made a good first impression, which meant I needed second chances myself. “You know that I’ll most likely mess it up first.”

“Doubtful. Do you think you can maybe learn to be a little more, uh, flexible?”

“Is that a double entendre?”

“Without even trying,” he deadpanned. He laughed, and then I did too. “What you need to do is learn to be a little more relaxed. Take off the pencil skirt and let your hair down, so to speak.”

“Considering I’m at a wedding for my boss’s boss with my supervisor and other people I respect, it’s sorta hard to do that.” Yes, I was kind of reserved. So what?

“Mm hm. Nice excuse. We could be anywhere, with strangers, friends, wherever, and you’d never do anything out of your safe zone.”

“I went speed dating with Catherine. That was way outside the perimeter of my comfort zone.”

“I can only imagine, but I’m talking about doing something on a whim. Like getting up and singing karaoke or skinny-dipping. I bet you’ve never done either of those activities.”

“You’re right. I haven’t,” I conceded. With my history, the very thought of putting myself out there on purpose for people to judge petrified me.

“Promise me if you ever decide to do something crazy, that I’ll be around for it. It would be a sight to behold to watch you let your hair down.”

Somehow, I was suddenly inspired, with the wine and vodka fueling my adrenaline and overriding the conservative part of my brain that was protesting. “It’s your lucky night, then, because I’m about to do one of those things. And here’s a hint: it isn’t singing.”

* * *

By the timeI made it down to the shoreline and looked around, I’d completely chickened out. Someone could see me, there could be sharks, I’d have to shower afterwards, and last, but not least, my excuse was something along the lines of how ridiculous it was to do something like this without anyone else daring you. Wasn’t that the whole point of doing stupid things? Good grief. Then I turned and saw Brian standing there smirking.

“You talked yourself out of it, didn’t you?” he teased.

I took a deep breath and, before I could lose my nerve, kicked off my sandals and pulled my knit dress over my head. It was amazing what a little competitiveness and challenge could do to trump my feelings of anxiety. As my therapist had pointed out, I liked to bulldoze through some obstacles to prove I could.

I heard his muttered curse and tossed him a triumphant smile. “I figured it wouldn’t count unless someone could see proof.” I hadn’t bothered to put my bra back on, and observed his eyes go wide at the vision of me topless. Stepping out of my thong, I heard his breath hiss. I laughed, running into the water so that that he wasn’t afforded too much of a view.

Thankfully, the water was warm and the bottom was sandy. I waded in to my waist and crouched down to my shoulders, enjoying the fact that I’d actually done it.

When I glanced up toward the shore, I saw Brian whipping off his shorts and shirt and, finally, his boxers. I wished I was closer to get a better look. Rolling my eyes internally, I reminded myself that in fact I was an adult woman who had seen a penis before, not some adolescent girl hoping to catch a peek.

He splashed in and stopped a foot away from of me. “How does it feel to be a rebel?”

“If you ever tell anyone about this, I will find a way to—”

He held up his hands in mock surrender. “I solemnly swear that what happens on this beach stays on this beach.”

I giggled.

He raised a brow. “Did you, Sasha-B-Fierce, just giggle?”

I was in a fit of them and nodded, enjoying his playful grin in return. When he moved closer, it felt natural and comfortable. That lasted five seconds because when his mouth met mine, my entire body ignited with desire.

His hands roamed my nude body, sliding over my breasts and down to my hips. His tongue explored my mouth expertly. He pulled away reluctantly. “This wasn’t a good idea. Especially now that I’ve had a glimpse of that Brazilian wax you’re sporting.”

I wasn’t listening. My body ached for his touch and craved release. With him naked and touching me I couldn’t help but wrap my legs around him.

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