Page 154 of Those Who Are Bound

“I’m going to fuck up again. But I’ll let you check me on it. I’ve already fucked up this morning more than I can count.”

Elliott tilted her head back. “It started with the alarm.”

He chuckled low. “You knew that was going to happen.”

“You kept me up all night.”

“You keptmeup all night.” His eyebrows waggled.

Clapping hands and a sharp whistle interrupted them. The workers were ushering people out onto the water; they had a schedule to keep. Cheers and shouts went up as canoes were launched.

Jonah gave her a quick kiss. “Sunscreen?”

“I’ll put it on.”

He looked distressed. “Elliott.”

She laughed as she planted a foot inside the canoe. He took her hand and assisted her. “I know you’d rather assist me, running your hands all over me, but I can manage.”

As she settled on the metal seat, he replied, “I have an oar. I don’t need more wood getting in the way.”

Her answering laugh was lost on a startled yelp as he wrenched the canoe into the water. Apparently, Jonah wasn’t going to wait for help. But of course, this was his element; he didn’t need help.

He leaped into his seat with agility, barely rocking the craft. She experienced one heck of a hot flash at the sight. Oar in hand, he was looking over his shoulder at the others in the more congested area, dropping and dragging to ensure no one crashed and capsized immediately as they caught the river’s flow. Although he was managing their craft, she could tell that he was assessing the others, as well, making sure they were doing okay. Her heart squeezed. On a sweep of the river ahead of them, he slowed when he found her watching. He smiled, breaking her heart in two, before he continued to make his assessment.

Turning away, she let her face fall. She hated herself. She hated him. Sad that she needed him to be more of a prick. Frustrated that she was so fucked in the head that she needed the perfect balance in a man that didn’t exist.

So close. They’d been so close.

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