Page 35 of Tainted Tempos

“What do you think is on the other side of the waterfall?” she asks. Salty spray from the falling water splashes us, and the bubbling foam wraps around our waists.

“Gotta dip underneath to find out.”

“All right,” she agrees. “On three?”

“On three.”

“One...two...” we count in unison. “Three!”

With Mckenna’s hand in mine, I dive beneath the streaming water. The weight of the waterfall slams into my back as I swim underneath, dragging Mckenna along for the ride.

A moment later, we emerge on the other side. We’re encapsulated in a cove, the waterfall distorting the view of the shoreline. It’s a little darker, quieter, deserted. It’s beautiful.

“We did it!” Mckenna glances around our secret spot. “It’s so peaceful in here,” she muses, letting go of my hand to climb onto the rocks behind us.

“It is,” I agree, leaning against the rock wall, watching her. I could watch her for hours and never get bored.

She glances around curiously, studying bits of rock and dragging her fingers through the water. She turns to look at me. “Thanks for taking me here, Maverick.”

I straighten when she uses my full name. It’s as if she’s letting me know whatever she says next will be meaningful. Significant.

She stares at me, her hands at her sides, her head held high. “I don’t know if I would have made it through these past few days, this past week, without you.”

“You would have,” I say quietly. “You’re stronger than you think.”

She smiles softly. “Maybe. But you’ve helped me in ways you can’t understand. I don’t even understand,” she admits. “I,” she sighs, “I’m happy I’m here with you, Mav. Thanks for sticking by me even when I made it difficult.”

“You didn’t,” I refute, stepping closer to her. “You amaze me, Mckenna. At every single turn, you surprise me. I’m so proud of you and... I’m proud to be your husband.”

She laughs lightly before tilting her head questioningly. “For now.”

I shake my head, more serious than I’ve ever been. “For always.”

Mckenna stills, noting the severity of my voice. “Mav.”

I close the space between us. Wrapping an arm around her waist, my other hand lifts to cup her cheek. I stare into her eyes, mesmerized by the flecks of lighter blue and gray in their depths. I move slowly so she understands my intention. I give her time to put an end to it. She pulls in an inhale. Her eyes are wide, hopeful, and darting between mine and my lips. Her tongue swipes over the center of her bottom lip, and I nearly groan.

God, I’ve missed her. I’ve missed this with her.

Slowly, I arch my mouth over hers and place the sweetest kiss on her lips. Once, twice, three times, and then Mckenna’s hands clasp my back; I pull her closer and kiss her like our lives depend on it. Maybe a part of our relationship does.

She parts her lips, and my tongue slips inside her mouth. My fingers clench the ends of her wet hair as her nails dig into my shoulder blades.

I curl over her, and she bends beneath me, the two of us swaying in unison as our kiss makes us whole. Joins us. Binds us. Reminds us that what we share is too fucking good to squander.

No matter how this thing between us started, it’s real.

We’re together.

She’s my everything.My wife.

Mckenna takes control, and I surrender gladly. She pins me against the rock as her hands cup my cheeks. She slows our kiss, presses her body against mine, and sips from my mouth like it’s wine. We get drunk on each other, and it’s perfect.

Deliriously languid and deliciously satisfying.

She pulls back and smiles sweetly. “Happy honeymoon, Mav.”

Brushing her hair back from her face, I memorize her features. Her easy smile, her bright eyes. “Happy honeymoon, love.”

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