Page 80 of Closer than Ever

Hayley raised her eyebrow. “Outside. But it’s interesting that your mind went there.”

“My mind always goes there.”

“Hey! How are you both doing?” Beth appeared beside the rock pool.

“All good,” Hayley said. “Gearing up for the big final jump.”

“Awesome. It’s a real treat on this river. You’re going to love it. Also, there’s no rush. Take your time. Enjoy the pool.”

Anna sat on a rock beside the edge and peered over. It was a big jump. Was she really up to this?

“Take my hand.” Hayley entwined their fingers together and pulled her up. “We go together.”

There was an undercurrent of something in Hayley’s tone. Anna couldn’t quite work it out. But she felt its meaning and she felt the strength of Hayley’s calm and steady presence beside her. She was right. Together, they could do anything. At least it felt like that today. Anna spoke softly while looking into Hayley’s eyes. “I like the sound of that.”

Hayley bit her lower lip, her eyes full of life. She called out to Beth and Rob, who both gave them the thumbs up.

“Remember to kick your legs when you drop into the water. You want to get back up to the surface as soon as possible. I think that’s what Beth said, anyway.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Go on three?”

“Okay.”

Hayley squeezed her hand and grinned. “Here’s to life well lived.” She held up Anna’s hand in a sort of celebration. “And much more to come.”

The jump into the next part of the river beckoned them on. Even though her heart pounded and her fear of heights was still there, Anna was all in. They counted together while looking over the edge.

Anna screamed in fear and delight as they flew through the air. Before she knew it, she was underwater again, cold and shocked by the speed of her descent and how deep it took her. Kicking her legs to get back to the surface, she prayed the darkness around her was temporary.

Finally at the surface, she sprung up and immediately saw Hayley beside her, wide-eyed and splashing around while gulping for air.

Anna rubbed the water from her eyes and found her breath. Her every cell felt alive with possibility. She felt strong and powerful and confident. If she could fly down this canyon, she could do anything.

“Woohoo!” Hayley swam the short distance towards her and put her hands on Anna’s neck, just below her jaw. Their legs brushed underwater. “That was so fucking amazing.”

Anna used her arms to stay afloat, feeling Hayley’s legs kick into hers as they floated a bit further down the river. The waterfall was just behind them. It was perfect.

Hayley dropped her eyes to Anna’s mouth. Her lids became hooded, and her eyes darkened. “I’m so proud of you for doing that.”

Anna licked her lips, wanting to feel Hayley close and touch her all over. These wetsuits were in the way.

Hayley closed the small gap between them and kissed her hard, with a passion usually reserved for the bedroom. Their helmets knocked against each other. Hayley smiled into Anna’s mouth and tugged her to the side of the rock pool.

Anna held on as they floated to the edge. She found some footing on the rocks and unclipped her helmet. Hayley did the same and tossed hers away. Anna threw hers, too, hoping Beth and Rob weren’t watching too closely, but before she could worry about them too much Hayley pressed her back onto the rockface and leaned into her. The look in her eyes was dark and full of desire.

Anna bit down on her lip, staring at Hayley’s inviting lips.

“My sweet Anna. I think you like it when I test your limits. You like straddling that line with me.”

Anna put her hands behind Hayley’s head and pulled her towards her. She tilted her head to one side and quickly found Hayley’s tongue. The tips of their tongues danced as Anna ran her hands down Hayley’s back and squeezed her, grinding their hips together. As time went on, the kiss became softer, and Anna became more aware of their surroundings.

Pulling out of the kiss, Anna looked over Hayley’s shoulder. Beth and Rob were on the other side of the river, respectfully looking in the other direction. Oh shit. Since when did she kiss people in public?

She turned her head towards her friend. Her lover. Hayley was grinning, with a satisfied smirk and bedroom eyes.

“Hayley, that line is long gone.”

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