Page 36 of Perfect Guy

“I like your hair this way.” He reaches out, but there’s too much distance between us.

“Uh-uh.” I shake my head. My long hair floats around me as I kick my legs to stay afloat.

Canaan swims toward me with confident strokes until he’s in front of me.

“Sorry.” He pouts.

“No, you’re not,” I laugh.

“You’re right. I liked holding you like that.” He arches a brow. “But do you know how I think I’d prefer holding you?”

“How?” I tilt my head, unsure of where he’s going with this.

“I’ll show you.” He winks, and I know I’m in trouble.

He tugs me toward him, forcing my legs around his waist. His hands splay across my back to keep me in place.

“Like this,” he whispers against my cheek.

“Hmm…” I won’t deny that I like this position, too.

“Do you forgive me?” He gives me puppy-dog eyes.

Laughing, I nod. My arms rest on his shoulders, and my hands sink into the back of his hair, brushing the strands. Canaan closes his eyes and sighs.

“Does that feel good?” I whisper.

“Yeah.” He moves us closer to the shore until he reaches the ground. “Better.” The water still covers most of us.

“I’m glad I don’t have to volunteer today. I didn’t want to miss out on seeing you again.” He lifts his hand and skims his fingertips over my cheek. I shiver when it tickles my skin.

“I’m glad, too. Although, I’ll never want you to change who you are for me. I like that you want to help our community.”

“Thank you.” A genuine smile covers his face.

“What did you like about living in a city?” he asks me.

I pause to think about my answer. “I got to meet people from different parts of the state, and even some from other states. It was cool to learn about different lifestyles. I learned I still am and likely will always be a small-town girl at heart.”

“I’m sure it was a great experience to socialize with different people.”

“Yeah,” I nod. “Some people were cool. Others weren’t the kind I’d hang out with, but it still helped me to pave my path and get to know myself better. It’s easy to lose yourself when you’re around so many different beliefs. I can see how peer pressure would affect anyone. It taught me to stand my ground and not give in just to be accepted by a cool group of people.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” He kisses the tip of my nose.

“Why did you decide to become one of the firefighter volunteers?” I ask.

Canaan smiles. “I like helping people. I guess it’s in my nature, but I knew that if I wanted to stay in Mason Creek, fulfilling it as a career would be impossible. Only the chief is a full-time employee. I also like working with my hands. Ever since I was a boy, I remember building things, begging my dad to teach me to saw wood, use a hammer, then a drill.” His smile turns nostalgic.

“I got the best of both worlds. It’s a lot at times and a huge sacrifice, but I can’t imagine living my life any other way. The guys at the fire station are my brothers. My co-workers at the construction company are my friends. We’ve got each other’s backs.”

I smile as I listen to him speak. He’s the definition of a small-town hero. All the people who volunteer are admired. We don’t take them for granted, knowing Mason Creek wouldn’t have the needs it does if it weren’t for them.

“I think it’s great.”

“Thank you,” he leans in.

Our lips meld together in a lazy kiss. We’re in no hurry to leave or finish our day. My tongue peeks out and finds his. They tangle and dance at a steady pace like two lovers who are unhurried in their affair.

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