Page 23 of The Sky in Summer
“Okay. I’m willing to let you start five seconds before I do. But for that concession we need to make a side bet.”
“And what would that be? Loser gets naked? Don’t even think about showing me your goodies.”
“At least you think they’re goodies. Plural. I take it you’re including my balls. No, that isn’t the bet. Loser has to kiss the winner for a full thirty seconds.”
“That makes you a winner either way.”
“You as well,” I volley.
There’s a slight hesitation, before she dips back in the water. Then those beautiful eyes lock on mine and she lifts her head.
“Deal.”
My dick twitches with the breaking news.
“I have to trust in your honesty and ethical nature. Don’t count to three and then take off. It’s five full seconds, you know, one thousand one, one thousand two...”
“Umm, I got it little Miss Peaches, and thanks for reminding me how to count.”
“Get in your place and shut the hell up, little boy.”
“Or what? I’m going to be sent to the closet?”
“I’ll think of an appropriate punishment. One that suits your level of naughtiness.”
It occurs to me I don’t ever again want to settle for good, not great. Just talking with Layla, sparring verbally, makes everything fun. That’s how it feels, even in a pool in the middle of our made-up kindergarten games. There’s nowhere else I would rather be. The woman is impressive. Fuck me. Please. Fuck me.
Grabbing the edge of the pool I wait for her to get in place.
“Ready?”
“Ready when you are,” I answer.
Legs against the wall, she kicks off with more power than I anticipated.
“One thousand one. One thousand two. One thousand three. One thousand four. One thousand five!”
I did my part and push off. Forgot to tell her I was captain of the water polo team in high school. She never asked. Halfway to the other side of the pool, I catch up with her. Got to give it to the girl, she knows I’m about to pass, but she digs in and gives it her best effort. As I reach the other side, I look back and watch her final manic strokes. When she lifts her head, I am tapping my puckered lips, waiting for the kiss.
“Take a minute to catch your breath. I have time,” I say, making it clear there’s no do-overs.
“You are fast. Oh, my heart. It’s beating like crazy.”
“Don’t think you’re going to get out of this just because you’re about to have a heart attack. I know CPR.”
Gently she pushes the water aside and swims to me, face half submerged, eyes locked on mine. There is a kind of a sexy crocodile vibe. Sexy as fuck. When she gets to where I rest against the wall in the shallow end, she stands and takes my face in her hands. I see her breasts rise and fall. Beads of water drip off her eyelashes and pink lips. I could watch forever. She leans in with a maddening slowness and brushes full lips against my waiting ones. Then she takes the kiss. Holy shit, Batman. My hands encircle her waist and draw her to me. More. More.
It was genius to make the thirty second rule. It feels like I have arrived in heaven as she moves her head from side to side, like she is getting everything you can from one kiss. It’s sensual, sexual, all consuming, with just a slight touch of tongue. The taste of her gets my dick dancing. It is clean and sweet and the Patron only an addition to what is natural.
My hands cup her face and I respond with equal passion. Let me have it all. Give me whatever you are offering. Can I bottle this high and never be drunk on anything else again? I may have found the Fountain of Youth, because the world feels young tonight, and I’m eighteen again. One kiss altered reality. Am I going to wear a silly grin every time I see her face now? What is this? It feels like happiness.
As we part, there are questions on both our faces. No one offers answers. For me, there are no words to say. What would they be?That was the best kiss I ever had.Better I keep that to myself for now.
Peaches lassos the smile that threatens to break free. Her eyes raise to mine. “I pay my debts.”
The lights slowly dim. Only the pendulum fixture at the entry to The Club and the low light in the empty office remain illuminated.
“We have to get out before the gate locks. Come on, dessert awaits,” she says, leading the way.
