Page 44 of Love Set Me Free

“What’s wrong?”

“Your woman?”

“What you thought this was? You thought I was just talking to talk last night?”

“I… I don’t know. I mean, no. It’s just the first time I heard you say it like that.”

Kydrick dropped the items in his hands and grabbed her face. “Let me be really clear, and I need you to listen, okay?” She nodded. “Good girl.” He kissed her nose. “I love you. You’re mine. I’m all yours. We clear?”

She blushed fiercely. “We’re clear.”

Her heart felt full in the best way. She blinked back the happy tears that wanted to spring free and simply watched as he grabbed her swimsuit again. After he handed it to her, he held a towel around her so she could change, just like they used to do when they were kids.

“Don’t be shy now. I’m not turning away like I used to. I’m looking at it all.”

Paisley laughed. Kydrick had the ability to pull the little girl with a crush out of her. Since last night, she found herself blushing and giggling uncontrollably, but it was a good change from the past six months. Hell, the past couple of decades, really.

When she was finally in her swimsuit she glared at him in fake irritation. “You would choose the smallest one.” He only grinned in response, causing her to shake her head.

“You’re impossible.” She gestured toward Biscuit. “Has he been swimming yet?”

“Nope.”

“Good thing he has the best swimmers in Ellwood to teach him. Come on, boy!” Paisley called out to Biscuit, slapping her thighs and running toward the water.

“You talking to me or the dog?” Kydrick teased as he followed her and Biscuit.

The water was warm as it hit their feet and then their thighs and up to their stomach. The waves were calm, allowing them to swim far out into the water close to the first buoys.

Paisley encouraged Biscuit the entire way. Poor puppy was reluctant at first, but it didn’t take him long to get the hang of swimming right alongside them while Kydrick couldn’t keep his hands off Paisley.

Swimming had always been the purest form of release for them. All their issues, pain, and heartache were always left in the water. When they emerged, they felt brand new. Their parents always called them little fishes. Paisley couldn’t believe it had been so long since she allowed herself this luxury. She promised to make more time for the things she loved going forward.

They spent the better part of the morning in the water. At some points, they were quiet while they floated on their backs in deep thought. Other times, Paisley worried they might get arrested for public indecency the way they made out in the water. Kydrick tried encouraging her to slide down on his dick, but she drew the line there.

Finally, they swam back to the shore, exhaustion plaguing them from spending so much time in the sun and water.

“I’m starving,” Paisley complained as she plopped down on her towel. The beach was now packed, but everyone kept pretty separate, making it feel like they were still in their own bubble. Biscuit laid down beside her after shaking the water off his fur, and he was snoring within ten seconds.

“Awww, poor puppy is pooped.”

“Yeah, so am I. How did we used to spend all day out here?” Kydrick asked as he sat down next to her, pulling the picnic basket toward them.

“No idea,” Paisley mumbled as she laid back on her towel.

Kydrick opened a can of food for Biscuit, who stayed asleep but would no doubt devour the food when he woke. Next, he pulled out the sandwiches, water, and chips he packed for them.

“You gon’ eat?”

“Feed me?” Paisley poked her bottom lip out and looked up at him.

He chuckled. “Spoiled much?”

“Very.”

“I don’t mind.”

He unwrapped her sandwich and held it to her so she could take a bite. He rotated between them, feeding them both until they were full. When he finished cleaning up around them, he leaned down on his forearm, looking down into her sleepy eyes.

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