Page 47 of Ms Perfectly Fine
She stared up at him. He was holding out a hand. “Really?”
“On the count of three,” he said, his fingers weaving through hers.
“One,” she breathed.
“Two.” He smiled, and seeing him so at ease calmed her nerves.
“Three.” She held her breath as they leapt from the rocks.
The water cocooned her body. The cold embraced her, and a rush of happy relief brought her to the surface.
“Elijah,” she called, dipping her head back into the water so her hair fell down her back and out of her face.
“I’m here,” he said, coming up behind her. She spun around to face him, letting the current float her.
“It’s so freaking cold! You said chilly,” she said accusingly, trying to keep the water out of her mouth.
“You’ll get used to it. Just breathe,” he assured her. She didn’t know why she’d believed him.
They swam further from the rocks, and it wasn’t long before the numbing effect relieved her aching joints after the long ride.
“How are you feeling now?” Elijah asked. “If you’re in pain, we can get out.”
Why would he think that? “Better. I’m not in any pain—or I’m too numb to feel anything,” she told him, looking at the rock they’d jumped from.
“Not so scary after all,” he said, following her gaze.
“I wasn’t scared.” Something brushed past her leg. Autumn lunged for Elijah with a squeal, wrapping her arms and legs around him. “Something touched my leg!” she gasped, clinging to him.
He held her waist as she searched the waters for whatever it was. With one hand, he reached down and pulled up a few strands of clumped seaweed. “Terrifying,” he teased.
She slapped his chest. “It could have been a jellyfish!”
“Don’t worry, I would have peed on you.”
“Gross.” She didn’t let go; her arms remained around his neck, and his hands held her thighs. From the shoreline, they probably seemed like any adoring couple. Her eyes met his, and she had never seen him smile so broadly.
“Are there usually jellyfish this time of year?” she asked, and he laughed.
“Probably.”
“Are you serious?” she demanded, wriggling closer.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got you,” he said, and somehow she trusted him. “Relax. Nothing will sting or bite you.”
“Not even you?” she quipped, and his eyes darkened.
“Not unless you want me to.”
She rolled her eyes. “Really cute.”
“I can let you go if you’re all right.”
“No, don’t let go,” she said, still afraid of what might be lurking around them. “I’m not afraid, I’m just cold.” She could feel every warm ridge of his body against her own, his hands on her thighs. She was amazed at how well they fit together.
“Why are you afraid of the water? We live so close to the ocean, it’s a pity you don’t come here more often.” Elijah’s tone was conversational, and she guessed he was trying to distract her.
“I’m not scared of the water, it’s the stuff in it.”
