Page 62 of My Salvation
I explain how my dad was never in the picture, but I didn’t really miss having one because of my grandpa. And because of my mom. My mom was incredible. She was always supportive of my intense focus and dreams, but she was also determined that science would not be my only accomplishment.
“She was always enrolling me in extracurricular classes, like art, gymnastics, computer coding camps, and of course dance. She was determined that I would be more than just the nerd my grandpa wanted me to be.”
“It definitely paid off. Lowell raved about your ability to tango.”
We had been talking non-stop for hours, only pausing when he caught a fish. He finishes his current story about Lev’s first time fishing just in time to pull his sixth fish out of the water. I roll my eyes.
Unbelievable. I haven’t caught a thing, not one tiny little fish yet. It’s like he’s a fishing ninja.
Laughing at the look of jealousy on my face, he releases his fish back into the water.
My stomach growls as I watch him let the fish go. “So, what’s in the picnic basket?”
“Are you giving up so quickly?”
“Nope. Just think this date would be better if you would feed me.” Scowling at him, I wade over.
“Ouch, my Angel is grumpy.” Kissing me on my nose, he reaches for my pole.
We walk back up to bank, trade our waders for our shoes, and head over to the truck. He hops up into the bed, lays down some cushions and a blanket, and pulls out the picnic basket. Hopping back down, he grips me around the waist and lifts me into the truck. I scramble back towards the cushion and plop down.
As we’re under the shade of the tree, I take off my hat and smooth a hand over my ponytail. Shaw hands me a glass of ice water. While I drink up, he pulls out several containers and plates. Opening them, I notice we have sandwiches, fruit, cheese, crackers, and some kind of dip. Plus a bottle of wine.
“Yum! Lev knows how to pack a picnic.”
“Excuse me?” Glaring at me, he motions to himself. “I’ll have you know I put this together, not Lev.”
“Oops, sorry.”
Smiling, I lean over and kiss him softly on the lips. When I lean back, he’s sitting there with his eyes closed and a small smile on his face. A minute later, his eyes open, his brown eyes molten as they run over me.
“That’s the first kiss you’ve ever given me,” he points out.
“I’ve given you several kisses.”
“Not one I didn’t initiate first. It feels damn good.” He pours some wine into a glass and holds it up for me to take before grabbing his own. “Cheers. To our first date, and to new fishing adventures.” Clinking glasses, he takes a drink, then leans over to pop a strawberry into my mouth. “Mmm, I’m starving.”
Leaning back on the cushions, we eat and laugh and talk for a while. Once the picnic is cleared, Shaw moves the basket and pulls me into his arms.
Sweeping the hair back from my face, his chocolate brown eyes stare down at me, as if to see into my soul and secrets. Languidly, he lowers his head and captures my lips with his own. Fire instantly erupts between us, but he reins it in, keeping the kiss from raging out of control. Pulling his lips from mine, he suckles on my lower lip before swiping his tongue over it.
“So, how was your first day of fishing?” he asks huskily. His lips trail down the vee of my T-shirt, while his hand slips up my bare leg to the bottom hem of my shorts.
“Fishing?” I’m breathless as I try to answer him. My body jerks slightly whenever he touches a sensitive spot. “It’s peaceful out here and soothes my soul. I’m not sure about the fishing. It would be nice if I actually caught a fish instead of just standing there watching while you catch them.” My fingers run through his silky brown hair.
“It’s your first day. It’ll happen.” His hand skims inside the hem of my shorts, causing me to inhale sharply. He smiles at my reaction to that smallest of touches. “And was the date as bad as you thought it would be?” With his hand caressing my thigh and those soft lips scattering kisses on my cleavage, the teasing is driving me crazy.
“I’ll tell you when it’s over. So far, it’s been torturous.” Wiggling, I try to move in closer to him, but he holds me in place as he teases me. “Please.”
Stopping, he gazes up at me before closing the distance between us and aligning his body tightly with mine. Wrapping my arms around him, I settle in close. Like Lev, he’s definitely got some muscle, and he’s tall like Lowell, so overall I’m feeling tiny and protected.
Shaw moves his hand further into my shorts so he can grip my ass. His fingers spread wide, mapping every inch of that cheek. “I’ve been wanting to get my hands on your ass for months, ever since you first tried on those jodhpurs. Never has a pair of clothing turned me on so badly until you walked out in those tight tan pants and presented me with your ass.” His fingers continue to caress and squeeze before he grips it hard. “I’m only going to say this once. This Is Mine. I claim this beautiful ass. One day I’m going to lick it, bite it, spank it, and hopefully, fuck it. Do you hear me?”
“So, you’re thinking long-term now, huh?”
“Yes, damn it. I’m in this for the long haul. Now say it.”
My breath hitches as I think about all he is claiming. “I’m yours. My ass is yours. To lick, to bite, to spank, and to fuck.”
