Page 70 of Backstroke

“Oh, I definitely did but if you need a reminder, I’ll more than oblige,” he whispers, his lips brushing against mine with a promise that sends shivers down my spine. He pulls me even closer, his eyes darkening with a mix of affection and desire.

“Consider this your reminder,” he purrs, capturing my lips in a kiss that sends a jolt of electricity through my veins. I melt into him, the craziness of the past few months fading away as I lose myself in the moment.

His hands move to the small of my back, pulling me even tighter against him. The world outside our little bubble ceases to exist, leaving just the two of us, connected by something deeper than words. I run my fingers through his hair, feeling the heat between us build.

Breaking the kiss, Remy rests his forehead against mine, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “You drive me crazy, you know that?” he murmurs, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

“Good,” I reply, my own breath shaky. “Because I feel the same way about you.” He chuckles in my neck, sending a flurry of butterflies to my stomach. He stands abruptly, carrying me along with him.

“Hey! Where are we going?” I ask, my curiosity piqued. He doesn’t respond, just smiles as he walks us up the stairs then through the hallway to his room. Remy sets me on his bed, then rummages through his closet for something. He turns around with a guilty smile playing across his lips and something hidden behind his back.

“What are you up to?” I ask, trying to peek around him.

He steps closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Close your eyes,” he instructs, his voice soft but commanding.

I hesitate for a moment, but then I close my eyes, my heart pounding with anticipation. I hear Remy moving closer, the sound of rustling fabric filling the room.

“Okay, open them,” he says, his voice filled with excitement.

I open my eyes to see a wetsuit laid out on the bed. My breath catches as memories of my near-drowning experience flood back.

“What’s this?” I ask, my voice faltering, a mix of fear and confusion swirling inside me.

Remy steps closer, his expression earnest. “I know you’ve been afraid of the water ever since that accident. But I want to help you face that fear. To get back into the ocean. You’re stronger than your fears, Fallon.”

Tears well up in my eyes as I look at him, the sincerity in his gaze overwhelming. “Remy... I don’t know if I can.”

He takes my hand, his grip warm and reassuring. “You don’t have to do it alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way. You’ve got this, little fox. I believe in you.”

His words wrap around my heart, giving me the courage I didn’t know I had. “Okay,” I whisper, nodding. “Let’s do this.”

Remy drives us to the beach, the hum of the engine and the rhythmic crash of the waves creating a strange sense of calm. My nerves are still buzzing, but the thought of facing my fear with him by my side brings me a sliver of comfort.

As we arrive, he parks and jumps out, coming around to open my door. The cool morning air greets us, filled with the salty scent of the ocean. He takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze as we walk toward the shore.

“Are you ready for this?” he asks, his voice gentle but encouraging.

I take a deep breath, the sound of the waves steadying my racing heart. “I think so,” I reply, trying to muster as much confidence as I can.

He helps me into the wetsuit, his touch comforting as he zips it up. We stand at the water's edge. I can feel the fear bubbling up inside me, but I push it down, focusing on Remy’s steady presence.

“We’ll take it slow,” he promises, stepping into the water first and reaching out for my hand. I hesitate, the memory of the accident flashing through my mind, but then I take a step forward, feeling the cold water lap at my feet.

As we wade deeper into the ocean, Remy suddenly pauses and turns back to the shore. “Hold on,” he says with a glint in his eye. “I’ve got one more surprise for you.”

Curiosity piqued, I watch as he jogs back to the truck and pulls out a vibrant hot pink surfboard. My heart skips a beat as memories flood back—the same color as the one I used to have before the accident.

He brings it over, a proud smile on his face. “I thought this might give you a little extra push,” he says, handing me the board.

I run my fingers over the smooth surface, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. “You remembered…” Tears stream down my face as I look up into his fierce blue eyes.

“Of course,” he replies softly, cupping my chin. His thumb strokes my cheeks, gathering my tears.

“These are supposed to be mine, remember?”

I smile, the warmth of his touch and the sincerity in his eyes melting away my fears. With a deep breath, I nod, feeling a newfound determination. “I remember,” I breathe.

“Now, show me what you’ve got,” he says, his voice filled with encouragement. Never did I think I would be back in the ocean but with Remy beside me I feel like I can do anything. We've faced storms together, and now, I know that nothing can sink our ship.

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