Page 49 of Embracing Trust

As we scurry along the sand, beachgoers struggle to load up coolers and picnic baskets.

Ryan and I drop hands and pick up our pace. My bare feet dig into the warm sand and the damp air swirls around us. The dark cloud that had been looming in the distance is overhead and lets out a rumble of thunder. Then the sky opens up and sheets of rain come pouring down.

I let out a squeal as the cool rain quickly drenches my hair and clothes.

Although the rain is cold, it feels refreshing. Almost like all of the worry and nerves that I’d had for the day seem to be getting washed away.

“We’re only about halfway back to my house,” I call out to Ryan.

Ryan takes off in a run and he turns as I struggle to keep his pace. Besides not being able to run as fast as he can, I can’t stop my laughter, which only slows me down even more. We’re both soaked. Ryan grabs my hand to hurry me along.

Beachgoers scurry to their cars while children laugh and dance in the rain.

Ryan snickers. “I guess I didn’t need a shower this morning.”

“Your hair is so short. It’s practically dry already,” I tease.

“Oh yeah?”

Ryan picks me up and hoists me over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry and gives my butt a firm pat. I let out a scream and the sound of my laughter competes with the rumbles of thunder.

When was the last time I felt this relaxed? This free? So comfortable in his arms.

“I can almost see the house.”

Ryan crouches down in front of me. “Here, get on my back.”

I climb on his back, wrap my legs around his waist and plant my hands firmly on his muscular shoulders. He takes off in a run and I laugh as I bounce along and grip him more tightly. My chest presses against his strong back.

By the time we get to the deck of my beach house, we’re both drunk with laughter. I’m barely able to hang on and Ryan sets me down on the steps of my deck.

We are drenched.Soaked to the bone, as my mother would say. I pull the ponytail holder out of my hair and the wet strands fall to my shoulders.

I scurry over to the cabinet next to my outdoor shower and grab a towel for each of us. I toss one to Ryan and we stand under the overhang as we dry ourselves. Ryan’s heated gaze is on me and when I peer at myself, I see my white tank top and unlined lacy white bra leave nothing to the imagination.

Ryan approaches me, his eyes full of desire and he grabs me by the shoulders, and his mouth covers mine. His kiss consumes me, his passion dragging me into his world. My body melts into his firm embrace and intoxicating kiss.

There’s no way I can stop this now. I am Ryan’s and it’s time for him to claim me.

Chapter Twenty-two

Julia

We step inside and his hands quickly move to the outside of my wet shirt. I let out a raspy breath. It’s been so long. I’m filled with need.

Ryan lifts off his shirt and it falls on the tile. I stand frozen in place as I marvel at the view of his broad chest and pecs. His skin is golden brown from his time in the sun and his washboard abs are as well defined as the rest of him. There’s a small mattering of hair on his chest and a trail of hair leading from his belly button down into his shorts. I can’t hide my appreciation.

I wrap my arms around him and feel his bare chest pressed against my wet tank top. His skin is slick from the rain and the damp air permeates his scent of soap.

I shudder at the closeness as chills run through me. This is happening. What we left behind will soon be filled like an ache being healed or a thirst being quenched. I can’t deny this anymore.

Our tongues tangle in a synchronized dance that’s an encore from six years ago. This interlude brings back a fire in me that has never been extinguished—that has never died.

Ryan’s mouth moves to my ear, his voice barely above a whisper. “Let’s get you out of this.” He lifts the tank top over my head and drops it on the tile along with his shirt.

A chill runs down my back as he reaches for the hook on my bra.

“Okay?” he asks and I nod.

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