Page 109 of Stone
“I was faking it. I wanted to join the Navy, but I wasn’t certain if it was the right choice. I didn’t want to leave you, but I knew I couldn’t stay in Roanoke or even Virginia.”
“How did you find yourself?”
His grin was sly and he brushed the back of his knuckles across my cheek. “That’s easy. You allowed me to be me. Not the football star or the son of a convict living in a trailer. You saw the real person inside, including every fractured piece. One by one, you guided me toward putting the right pieces of the puzzle together. You encouraged me to follow my dreams.”
“Because I loved you so much. You deserved every bit of happiness and success.”
I realized as soon as he cupped my face what he was doing and it nearly shattered me.
He was gently saying goodbye; not because of what he wanted, but because of what he believed I needed.
“That’s what I want for you. That’s what I’ll always want for you. You’ve always encouraged everyone else to follow their dreams. Now, it’s time for you to do the same. You’re ready. You’re more than ready and you’re so talented. Please, don’t pass this opportunity by.”
“I’m afraid.”
“Since when have you ever allowed fear to stop you? You moved to Paris all by yourself. That took guts.”
I rubbed my hands on his chest, marveling at his physique, something I’d never thought I’d be able to do again. “You’re the one with guts, Mr. Dangerous.”
His laugh turned into a deep growl as he lowered his head. When our lips touched, I swooned as I’d done so many times. He had a way of igniting my core every time he kissed me. Today was no exception. I leaned against him, moaning into the sweet moment of intimacy as he slipped his tongue inside.
I could do this for hours, enjoying the simple act of love. He was in no hurry, opening and closing our lips while he explored my mouth. Stars flooded my eyesight, the tingling sensations turning into waves of white-hot heat. We were meant to be together, yet we’d grown stronger while apart.
I’d never believed that was possible.
As he held me close, I could feel his rapid heartbeat. Maybe this wasn’t goodbye at all, but the beginning of an entirely different life.
When he broke the kiss, he trailed the tip of his tongue around my lips before leaning back and taking a deep breath.
“You are incorrigible.”
“And you fill out a shirt like nobody’s business,” I breathed.
“While you can work a bathing suit like no other woman I know.”
We both laughed and he popped me on the butt. I yelped in appreciation.
“Do you feel like taking a walk? We might even be able to do so without bodily harm.”
He tweaked my nose. “Maybe, but perhaps you should go barefoot.”
“You are so mean.”
He grabbed my hand, leading me down the stairs toward the beach. With our fingers intertwined, he swung our arms up and down just like he’d done so many times when we were younger. They’d been carefree walks at that point.
We’d talked about our future, both together and apart. Somehow, today felt entirely different, yet very much the same. As soon as we were close to the water, I broke away, laughing as I spun around to face him while trotting backwards.
“What do you think you’re doing, missy?” His deep, gravelly voice filtered above the light breeze, his intoxicating scent exploding my senses.
“Wondering if you can keep up with me.”
“Is that a challenge?”
“Are you up for it?”
“Woman, you should know better than to challenge me. I’m up for anything.”
“We shall see.” I blew him a kiss then turned around, racing down the beach while feeling the freedom to laugh.
