Page 55 of Come to Me

"You were right,” he said when he saw her.

“About what?”

“The water is great at night.”

Had she said that to him? “It took you long enough.”

“Will you join me?”

Oh, how she wanted to, but she was still skittish about this incarnation of him. How long would it last?

He floated in the water, looking at ease. Finally, he swam toward the dock. “I won’t touch you if that’s what your worried about.”

She frowned. “Why not?” Once the words were out, she inwardly kicked herself. He didn’t need to know that she missed his touch. “I mean?—”

“I want to earn your trust again, Michaela. Or at the very least, your forgiveness.”

He seemed so sincere. Or maybe it was her hormone short circuiting her common sense. She stood, stripping down to her bra and underwear. She figured it was like a swimsuit. Besides, it wasn’t like he hadn’t seen her naked.

She slipped off the dock and into the water, submerging entirely, relishing the coolness on her hot and bothered skin. As she surfaced, she felt Patrick’s eyes on her.

“Hi.” Patrick smiled. There was something about the earnest, sweetness of it that had all her inhibitions melting away.

“Hi.” She had so many questions about why he’d been so rude and what had changed his attitude. But as their gazes held and the tension built, the questions faded away. For long moments they stared at each other, their smiles growing wider, the distance between them growing narrower. She wanted to jump into his arms. To kiss him. But he said he wouldn’t touch her.

“I forgive you.”

Patrick reached out and traced the line of her jaw with his finger, his touch feather-light. “Thank you.”

Her heart raced as Patrick's fingers grazed her cheek. His touch was gentle, almost reverent. She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch.

“Michaela?” His fingers brushed along her lips, sending tantalizing sizzles through her body.

“Hmm?”

“Can I kiss you?”

Her eyes opened to find him inches away, his gaze on her lips. “It looks like you still need to work on reading women.”

“Perhaps you’ll teach me.”

“When a woman is this close, savoring a man’s touch, then yes, you can kiss her.”

“Good to know.” His eyes shone with amusement.

She arched a brow. “You can start anytime.”

He laughed and then tugged her close, fusing his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders as she gave into the kiss. His warm, slick body molded to hers and need built to excruciating levels.

“Did you once say something about skinny dipping,” he murmured against her lips.

“I did, but?—”

His hands gripped her backside, pulling her against his erection, sending her thoughts scattering.

“But?” He sucked on her lower lip.

“Skinning dipping is for…ah…swimming.”

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