Page 16 of The Road to You
He turns toward me, still smiling, but there’s something deeper in his expression. “I was reckless, yeah, but I think I needed it. The pressure on me was intense. If I didn’t let loose in some way, I would’ve cracked and screwed up royally.” His voice dips into something almost wistful, like he’s remembering more than just that one night.
I lower my gaze, tracing the pattern of the stone railing with my fingers. I’ve known for a long time that I missed out on a lot of the typical teenage experiences. But I’ve never really regretted my choices. At least, I don’t think I have.
“I haven’t even done a tenth of what you did that night,” I admit softly. “I was always the mature one. Always did the right thing.”
Michele suddenly straightens, carrying a mischievous glint in his eye. “Then it’s time for you to catch up.”
Before I can react, he grabs my hand and tugs me toward the stone stairs leading directly into the lake.
“What are you doing?” I squeak with my heart leaping into my throat as he lets go of me and starts stripping off his shirt.
“Something crazy,” he says, shooting me a grin as he unbuttons his jeans. “Are you in?”
My brain short-circuits for a second because holy hell. I figured he was fit, but seeing him like this, his chiseled torso bathed in moonlight, is something else entirely. His body ispure, sculpted strength, all taut muscles and toned legs. And then I see it. A long, mangled scar runs down his left thigh.
He turns slightly, catching my gaze on it, and I immediately snap my eyes back to his face. For a second, relief flickers in his expression. He was expecting me to ask but I don’t. Not yet.
“You want to swim? At night?” I ask, trying to focus on anything but the fact that he’s standing in front of me half-naked, looking like every forbidden fantasy I’ve ever had. Jesus, he is hot. Cover-magazine-hot. My lower belly clenches, trying to rein in the hormones going wild.
He winks. “Why not? Got something better to do?”
I hesitate. “Is it even safe?”
“Jumping into a lake in the dark at eleven at night? Probably not.” He steps into the water, wading in until it reaches his thighs. “But I’ve survived worse.”
I glance between him and the inky water. The responsible part of me—the part that has dictated every moment of my life up until now—says to stay put, to let him have his fun while I play the role of the mother hen, watching him and assuring he is safe.
But another part of me, the part that feels electrified by this night, by this man, by the way the universe keeps throwing surprises in my path, that part whispers,What if you just let go?
Michele takes another step, then dives forward, disappearing beneath the surface. I hold my breath until he resurfaces a bit farther, shaking his head. He drives his fingers through his wet hair, his biceps bulging with the movement and making me want to see more of him like this, while his dark eyes lock onto mine.
“Are you coming or not?”
I swallow hard, and my heart hammers in my chest like it wants to escape. I’ve never done anything like this. Even though it will never compare to the kind of nights Michele had when he was young, it feels huge to me.
Then, before I can think too hard about it, I whisper, “Fuck it.”
Kicking off my sandals, I yank my dress over my head and toss it onto the stone steps. The night air kisses my skin, and I take a deep breath before running down the steps and diving in.
The water shocks me. It’s cold, and my nipples strain against the lacy bra, sending a rush of adrenaline through my veins.
“It’s freezing!” I gasp, surfacing.
“You’ll get used to it,” Michele says, swimming closer.
Only now do I realize how little separates us. My lace bra and underwear cling to my skin, and there’s nothing but moonlight and water between his bare body and mine.
For a moment, neither of us speaks. The moment seems surreal and magical at the same time. It’s like we are alone in the world, and the idea doesn’t scare me like it should. I’m swimming half-naked in a lake in a foreign country, doing something probably illegal, with a man I barely know, equally half-naked. I should at least feel a bit on edge for it, but instead, I feel excited. I don’t know if it’s more for the situation or the fact that a gorgeous man is staring at me like he wants to devour me in the best way, but the internal turmoil is wreaking havoc in my stomach and lower, so much lower.
“Is it so bad?” he finally asks in almost a whisper.
I think about it. About how wild and reckless this feels, and about how, for the first time in a long time, I feel free.
“Actually,” I murmur, “it’s pretty damn good.”
Michele smiles, reaching out to take my hand. He doesn’t pull me closer, doesn’t cross any lines. He just holds onto me as we float beneath the stars.
Then, a chill runs down my spine.
