Page 100 of Nerdplay
I cast a sidelong glance at him, sizing him up. “And you’ll be naked too?”
“Of course. I love it.”
How about that? Charlie Thorpe loves naked swimming. I guess I don’t know him as well as I think. I would, however, like to know him better. Much better.
“You’ll keep your dangly bits away from my lady parts?”
“Your wish is my command.”
I stare at the water. “All right. You’ve been such a good sport about everything we’ve thrown at you. I’ll do it for you.”
“Don’t do it for me. Do it for you.” He picks up a paddle and maneuvers us closer to shore. “You’ll thank me later.”
I avert my gaze as Charlie strips down first, leaves his clothes in a pile in the kayak, and launches himself straight into the lake. I turn back when I hear the splash.
His head surfaces a moment later. “Feels great. The temperature is perfect.”
“Don’t look,” I tell him.
He switches to his back and floats, staring up at the night sky overhead. With his ears submerged in water and only the stars within sight, I imagine it’s the most peace he’s experienced in a long time.
I remove my clothes and nearly capsize the kayak in my rush to enter the water before being seen.
“I’m in,” I gasp.
“How do you feel?” I ask.
“Chilly.”
“Are you kidding? This is bath water.” He swims closer to me. “You should float.”
“So you can see my boobs? Nice try.”
He points. “I can already see your boobs.”
I fold my arms to cover my bare breasts. “I can’t float.”
“What do you mean you can’t?”
“I mean it doesn’t work. My body sinks like a stone.”
“Then you’re not doing it right.”
I glare at him. “It’s floating, Charlie, not rocket science.”
“But it is science. Come on. I’ll help you.”
“I’m not floating on top of the water when I’m buck naked.”
“What if I promise not to look?”
I feel a sensation against my leg and look down. “I think there’s something in the water.”
“Like a sea serpent?” he teases.
It touches me again and I jump. The next thing I know, my legs are wrapped around his torso. Without any clothing, the nudity adds an extra layer of complication.
“Your lady part is dangerously close to my dangly bit,” he whispers.
