Page 56 of Seal of Approval

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Jasmine

I caught Ethan’s eye as he stood on the bottom stair. He gave me that smile that captured my heart. No wonder women everywhere fawned over him. I kept my gaze on his instead of raking them over his body. It took all my determination to do so. I didn’t want to treat him like sex on legs. Although, it surprised me that he had not been completely uncomfortable with the term. Especially after his reaction at his first wetsuit demonstration.

He jumped in and swam to me. My body was on full alert. It was hot regardless of the water surrounding me. If he touched me, would the water sizzle? I took a deep breath. And if he kissed me? I needed to stop this train of thought. I submerged my head, breaking the eye contact.

“Let’s swim close to shore so we can take in the view from there,” I said when I popped up. Anything was better than my wild thoughts.

I didn’t wait for his answer. Ethan matched my leisurely strokes and soon my feet could reach the bottom. Ethan stood beside me surveying the view. We were in our own secluded paradise, surrounded by white sand and calm water that stretched out to the ocean beyond.

Ethan redirected his gaze toward me. “It’s beautiful, like you.”

My heart rate picked up.

The small waves lifted us, taking my feet off the ground. He gently clasped my waist, keeping us tethered together. I cupped the side of his face and ran my thumb over his lips. His breath faltered. His eyes searched mine before he pulled me closer. His large hands were gentle and firm as he held me against him.

I wound my fingers into his thick hair and pulled his head closer. His soft breath mixed with mine. Our lips touched. My insides were nothingness, a gaping emptiness, full of want and urgency. For him. He coaxed my lips open. Saltiness slipped over my taste buds. Pleasant and satisfying.

Our bodies fused together. Nothing moved but our lips and tongues. Our breath was harsh as we chased the endorphins, catching them one by one. He caught my soft moans the same way. And then my heart.

Ethan’s lips slowed, and he pulled away. My heart thumped in my chest. His teeth gently pulled at my lip as we separated.

“That was better than the view,” he breathed.

I nodded. I had no words. That was the best kiss I’d ever had. And I wanted another and another.

Was this even a good idea? I didn’t care. For once, I didn’t need to be in control.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Ethan

I lay in bed thinking about the day, the boat ride, the swim, the kiss. I’d started the day confused and as I lay there my mind showed me I still was. I’d opened up to her with fear in my heart. And the fear was still there. But not the same as it once had been. I wasn’t scared about being judged or that she would be calculating and use it against me in the future.

I was scared that piece by piece I would unravel and then what was left would show an empty soul. I thought about every conversation we’d had and every time I divulged something new…it had been both a relief and a burden. Because I didn’t understand why I was doing it.

I breathed in deeply and let it out slowly. I needed to situate myself. I was in bed. The sound of small waves lapping against the shore was constant. The lack of streetlights meant the only light came from the moon. I took another deep breath.

Kissing Jasmine had been better than I could have imagined. It was like I was alive for the first time in a long time. A fire had been stoked. A fire could be coaxed gently or it could erupt. I needed to keep it at the lower level. I needed to not lose myself completely.

I shook my head. I needed not to think about the fear of losing myself, but to enjoy the memory of the kiss. And enjoy Jasmine for all she was. That kiss had been fantastic.

I’d sort of been in a daze after it. Our afternoon had been just like any other afternoon when the kids got home. Was she lying in her bed now, two doors away, thinking about it? Would the morning be weird? Would she regret it?

* * *

Jasmine smiled at me as I entered the kitchen, gesturing to a cup on the bench. “Made your coffee for you.”

“Thanks.”

As I took the cup, I inhaled the strong aroma. Jasmine making a coffee for me was unexpected. I was usually the one making coffee. My stomach lifted. It may have been a small gesture, but it showed me what it was like to be cared for. I’d never really had that before from someone other than family.

“It’s not such a rush in the morning now the kids are on holidays, so I have more time.”

I grinned. “Did you make my breakfast too?”

She gave me a friendly nudge. “Don’t push your luck.”

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