Page 97 of Howl You Doin?
“Oh my gosh, that’s so good,” I say, my words muffled around my first bite. My eyes nearly roll to the back of my head at how good it tastes.
“Mmhm, so is the ham,” he remarks as he takes a slice.
The night sounds cascade across our senses as the light, balmy breeze swirls around where we’re sitting. Nighttime is now like a new symphony for my ears. I can hear everything from the smallest hum of a dragonfly up past its bedtime to the soft trills of the caddisflies rubbing their legs together. It’s amazing and humbling at the same time.
“Finish eating, and then we can go play.” That smirk of his makes an appearance, but this time it only causes butterflies in my stomach.
“Play?” I ask.
“They say the minute you stop playing, you start aging—or something along those lines.”
I raise my brows when he stands and starts pulling his shirt off. I can’t help biting my lip when his six-pack comes into view. He slips his shoes off and starts unbuttoning his pants, and my abdomen clenches for a whole new reason, especially when I see he’s not wearing any boxers.
“Hurry up, cupcake, you’re going to love the woods.”
I find myself living yet another fantasy.
He turns, his bare ass on full display, and wades into the pretty lake. Slack-jawed and drooling, I quickly fish out a scone from the basket and take a bite. Anything to stop where my thoughts are going.
But, my god, is he ever good looking.
Buttery goodness explodes in my mouth, distracting me from his nakedness, and I can barely contain my moan.
“Eat your fill and then get in here.” He leans back and lets the water overtake him.
“In the lake?” I ask, fluttering my eyelashes when his head surfaces above the water again. “What if a sea serpent drags me under again?”
“Yes, in the fucking lake, woman.” He pushes the wet hair away from his face and yellow sparks in his gaze. “And that won’t ever be happening again.”
I hold back a smile from needling him, and break off a hunk of cheese to eat, quickly nabbing a few bites of tart again before licking my fingers clean. I must admit, my heart is accelerating faster than I’m used to, and I can feel energy simmering. It’s like I’ve had a dozen cups of coffee just from a few bites of sweets, and now I understand why he stopped me from eating them in the castle.
“Any night now,” he says in a sing-song voice, watching me as he stands waist deep in the pool of water. “I’m trying to be romantic here, and you’re bloody ruining it.”
Water droplets glisten on his warm-colored skin and chest hair. He rubs at his wet beard and our gazes meet. He smirks and water fans out every which way as he waves me to come to him with both hands.
“Alright, alright. I’m coming,” I tell him, unable to stop the swell of butterflies taking flight in my stomach.
Swimming in the dark after a picnic under the stars. As if I could really say “no” to that?
I get to my feet and undo my robe, letting it fall to the ground before taking off my shirt and leggings, then toeing out of my sneakers and socks. My bra and panties come off next, and I step into the cool water, pausing when it reaches just above the tops of my feet.
A frog croaks loudly, reminding me that I’m outside, at night, on a picnic with this beautiful man. A sense of weightlessness strikes my heart, and my tummy suddenly feels like dancing champagne bubbles have joined the butterflies.
Doyle huffs and gives me a look that says he’s not impressed.
I wade in the water cautiously, expecting it to be brisk, but the cool temperature is actually gentle and relaxing.
“Could you be any slower?” Connor gripes.
I roll my eyes at him dramatically and swim toward him.
“Come here and lie down,” he says, and takes me by the waist. “Have you heard of water therapy?”
He cradles me in his arms and dips me in the water, then shifts his grip until I’m held up and floating by my head in his hands. The move makes me feel completely vulnerable, but before nerves can begin to rattle in my ribcage, he bends and kisses my mouth, effectively stealing my anxiety.
Water sloshes in my ears as I wiggle my head side to side in answer, unable to speak with how awestruck I am. The stars overhead, and the feeling of him beneath me, keeping me afloat—I’ve never felt more safe. I can’t help slipping my arms around his neck, bringing him closer, and I try to shift and wrap my legs around his waist.
Like his touch sets me off, arousal blasts through me.
