I didn’t bring a swimsuit today and didn’t tell Savannah to wear one. I could kick my own ass over that mistake. Imagining her under the sun, her soft skin on display in a bikini, her entire body just a couple bows away from my hands, mouth, and cock sets me on fire. I can picture her so perfectly standing in the water, tempting me in a small bikini. Though my current view isn’t bad—she’s standing in the water in that hot dress, tousled hair piled on top of her head, head back letting the sun warm her face. And that damn freckle at the perfect angle to suck isn’t so bad, either.

I slowly walk up behind her, water lapping at our calves, to wrap my arms around her. In the sun, her brown hair shows off strands of gold. I kiss the top of her head and rest my chin on it.

I don’t say a word, neither does she. She does release a long breath, as if she has been waiting for me to hold her like this. I pull her tighter against me, knowing she must feel my raging hard-on. It’s something I’ve become used to since seeing her for the first time—if Savannah is near me, I’m hard.

I know she feels it when she wiggles her ass softly back and forth. I groan and drop my forehead to her shoulder. “Gorgeous, you’re killing me. I’ve been picturing you in a bikini and now I have you in my arms, warm and pink from the sun. You’re nothing but temptation. There are too many kids around here to do what I actually want to do.”

Her breathing picks up. Her chest is rising and falling. I look over her shoulder to see her nipples hard beneath her dress, poking through the fabric. “Wh–what do you want to do?”

I can tell she is nervous asking that question. Even though things got heated last night, I’m guessing she doesn’t often lose herself in a man the way she is losing herself in me. That thought makes me want to pound my chest like a caveman. There are times when I see a feisty, bold Savannah come out to play, but I also see her restraint. Second guessing every move she makes. I want her to let it all go with me, show me every part of herself. I’d drink it all in, my elixir of life.

“There’s a lot I want to do to you, with you. I’m not sure you’re ready for most of it, though. I don’t want to scare you off.”

She is quiet again, looking toward the horizon, bottom lip between her teeth. She opens her mouth to speak, promptly shutting it to bite her lip again.

“Tell me, Savannah. Be honest.”

“I’m scared of what I want with you. I haven’t felt this ... this ... this desire in a long time. I’m willing to bet I want what you want, but I also think you’re right. I’m not sure I’m ready for it.”

I kiss her shoulder. “I need you to tell me when something is too much.”

“I will. I’m not sure you’ll believe this, but I don’t scare easily. I won’t go running for the hills.”

“That’s good to hear. I know you’re strong and won’t scare easily, but I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, either.”

That’s the truth, too. Even when I see hesitation in Savannah’s eyes. I know it’s not hesitation out of fear—it’s something else. When I think back to her punching that bag at Raise the Bar as if her life depended on it, something in my gut tells me she was punching as if her life depended on it. I hug her closer . The only way we could be closer in this moment is if we were naked and I was inside of her. I have her melded to me, wanting to protect her from something unknown. Some threat I don’t even know is real. I know what my gut tells me and how I see her react in certain situations.

In the Jeep on the way here, I saw her let go. It was amazing to see, but once we got here, she’s kept her head on a swivel. I’m making it a personal mission to get her to a space where she can always be the feisty and bold woman who has nothing weighing her down. I want her to feel as free as the wind.

“Just be honest with me. I don’t expect you to spill every secret to me tonight, but I’m letting you know now. I’m interested. I’m more than interested. I will always be honest with you. I want the same from you. You’re not ready to talk about something? Tell me. My touches make you uncomfortable? Tell me.”

She doesn’t speak. So many moments pass that I become impatient and worried. “Savannah?”

“I think I can do that,” she finally responds.

The sun is starting to set. We’ve been here most of the day, but I’m not ready to release her yet. I could stand here with her like this for the rest of the night, but by the sound her stomach just made, I’m not sure she can.

I laugh. “Hungry?” It’s been several hours since we’ve had lunch.

“I was hoping you didn’t hear that. I’m pretty sure it’s obvious now. Yeah, I’m hungry.”

“Do you like seafood?”

“Love it.”

I grab her hand, dragging her out of the water and to the next part of our date.