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“That’s some determination.”
“You have no idea.”
“Um.”
We fall into silence once more. After a few feet, he stops, turning toward me. I look up into his eyes as he crowds my space. My heart starts to race, I know the look in his eyes.
His gaze drops to my lips. His arms band around my waist. I hold my breath.
“Cee?”
“Yes,” I whisper.
“I miss you. Are you ready for me to kiss you?”
“No.” The word slips out so easily.
It’s the truth. I’m not there yet. These dates have been sweet, and I’ll admit they’re chipping away at the steel and ice, but I’m not ready.
He nods. His eyes lift to mine. His jaw works as he presses his forehead to mine.
“Then dance with me,” he says gently.
“Okay.”
This I can do. I close my eyes. Allowing him to dance us around the wet sand beneath our feet to whatever tune is playing in his head, I relax. It’s actually just what I need.
I’m lost in the comfort of his arms. This is dangerous, but it’s what I need.
* * *
Gregor
She looks so beautiful tonight. It seems like she’s becoming more gorgeous by the day. I want to kiss her so badly, but I won’t push her if she’s not ready.
Tonight has been one of those nights where she’s been more open than not. However, I still feel like I’m walking on eggshells. From moment to moment, I don’t know which Chloe I’ll get.
Still, right now—as I dance her in my arms—this has been the closest I’ve felt to her yet. It’s like time and space stills. We are one as the water laps at our feet. I savor the feeling of having her so near.
I don’t know how long we dance in circles before a grin takes over my face. I dip to wrap my arms around her thighs and lift her over my shoulder. In the next instant, I’m running into the water like a teenage boy.
Cee squeals and beats at my back, but her laughter rings out as I enter the water. It’s a joyous sound. Nothing in the world can touch my heart the same way.
Allowing her body to slide down my front, I lock eyes with her as she stands before me. Her lips are turned up into a genuine smile. She reaches down to splash water up at me. I laugh and return the gesture.
“You’re going to pay for this.” She laughs.
“To hear that laughter come from you, gladly,” I croon back.
She lifts a brow just before trying to take me by surprise. She would have too if I didn’t know her so well. I anticipate her right before she tries to push me back into the water.
I wrap my arms around her, pulling her down with me. We both go under. When we surface at the same time, she has a scowl on her face, but the mirth in her eyes tells me she’s not too angry with me.
“I can wash your hair for you when we get back,” I tease.
She looks away. Once again, I’ve forgotten how much things have changed between us. It was something I would have done with no question in the past. Reaching to brush her hair out of her face, I look into her eyes.
“I can pamper you anytime you want without it turning sexual. I care for you. Which means I’m always here to take care of you,” I say.
I see in her eyes when my words take a wrong turn. I curse myself in my head. Eggshells. I’m always walking on eggshells.
“Now… I’m always here from now on. Now until forever, baby,” I say before she can hurl harsh words at me.
She wraps her arms around her middle and her teeth start to chatter. I sigh. I think we’re done here for the night. One step forward, two steps back. I’m still learning this dance, but I don’t intend to give up on it.
One day at a time, Gregor. One day at a time.
