Page 22 of Mountain Man Summer

We drifted out to the deck, the night air marginally cooler than inside. Despite the temperature, something about being outdoors felt necessary for the conversation building betweenus. The storm had moved on, leaving behind a sky washed clean of clouds. Stars blazed overhead, the Milky Way a bright smear across the darkness.

"I've never seen so many stars," Didi murmured, head tilted back to take in the view. "In Chicago, you're lucky to spot the Big Dipper through the smog and light pollution."

"One of the perks of small-town life," I said, taking a pull from my beer.

"There must be others," she said, glancing my way.

"Plenty," I admitted, watching how the moonlight silvered her profile. "But right now, the view from this deck might be my favorite."

Her eyes met mine, understanding my meaning instantly. A flush spread across her cheeks that had nothing to do with the temperature.

We fell into easy conversation, the beer and the night air loosening our tongues. I found myself drawn to the way she laughed, how her hands moved expressively when she spoke, the occasional brush of her knee against mine as she shifted in her chair.

The summer heat pressed down despite the late hour, the air thick with humidity. Didi's tank top clung to her skin, her neck glistening with perspiration. I wasn't much better, my t-shirt sticking uncomfortably to my back.

"It's still so warm," she complained, fanning herself. "Even with the air conditioning inside."

An idea formed, dangerous but irresistible. "I know somewhere cooler."

Her eyebrows rose in question.

"The lake," I explained. "There's a private cove just down from the dock. Water's perfect this time of night."

"Swimming?" She looked intrigued but hesitant. "I didn't bring a suit."

The words hung between us, loaded with possibility.

"Neither did I," I said, heart pounding as our gazes locked.

A slow smile spread across her face, decision made. "Lead the way, Detective."

We walked down to the water in silence, the only sounds our footsteps on the wooden dock and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. The lake stretched before us, a vast mirror reflecting stars and the rising moon. The air here felt marginally cooler, stirred by a light breeze off the water.

At the end of the dock, I paused, suddenly unsure. This was the point of no return. If we did this—if we crossed this line—there would be no going back to simple neighborly friendliness.

As if reading my thoughts, Didi reached for my hand, her touch grounding me. "Noah," she said softly. "I want this."

Three simple words that cleared away my doubts.

I led her to the small, secluded cove just beyond our docks, hidden from view by a stand of pines and a natural rock formation. The moon provided just enough light to see by, casting everything in silver and shadow.

Didi didn't hesitate. With a boldness that took my breath away, she crossed her arms and pulled her tank top over her head in one fluid motion. The moonlight sculpted her curves in silver, her skin luminous against the dark water.

"Are you coming?" she asked, her voice teasing as she stepped out of her shorts, now completely naked.

I couldn't have looked away if I wanted to. She was magnificent—all soft curves and feminine strength. Her full breasts were tipped with dusky pink nipples that hardened in the night air, her waist curving into generous hips, and between her thighs, a neatly trimmed patch of blonde curls. When she turned and waded into the water, I finally remembered how to move, shedding my clothes with considerably less grace.

The water welcomed us, cool silk against flushed skin. Didi dove beneath the surface, emerging with a gasp of pleasure, her hair slicked back from her face, water droplets clinging to her eyelashes.

"This feels incredible," she sighed, floating on her back. The water lapped at her curves, partially concealing, partially revealing her naked body.

I swam to her, drawn by an invisible current. When she righted herself, we were face to face, treading water, the space between us charged with anticipation.

"Hi," she whispered, a smile playing at her lips.

"Hi yourself," I replied, reaching out to brush a wet strand of hair from her cheek.

She leaned into my touch, her eyes never leaving mine. "I've been thinking about kissing you again all day," she confessed.

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