Jesse and I have spent every night this week together at my house. We’ve gone out to dinner at a few places that are removed from the beaten path and there’s no need to worry about being spotted. The other nights we cooked together and cuddled on the couch. It feels like we’ve been a couple for a long time instead of only a few weeks. I’ve never felt so at ease with a man, but on the flip side I’ve never been so attracted to someone. It’s the best of both worlds with Jesse and me. The only downside being that we work together and the stress it causes.

“Hey baby,” Jesse calls out as he walks in the front door. “Are you all packed?”

I jog down the stairs with my duffle bag slung over my shoulder and let it slide to the floor when I stop in front of Jesse. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I play with his thick hair. “I sure am. You said shorts, jeans and a bathing suit, right? I don’t need anything else?”

His hands rest above my ass. “Pack a dress in case I want to take you out dancing some night.”

“I already did,” I inform him, winking. “I’m my father’s daughter. I like to be prepared.”

“Some things you can’t prepare for.”

“Yep, like you.” I poke him in his chest and he grins.

“There’s a music festival we can go to this weekend also. They hold it there every year on Memorial Day weekend.” He begins to sway us from side to side. “We won’t have to worry about being recognized as much in Seabrook. No one pays attention at the beach. I hardly ever get noticed.”

“Hardly isn’t as comforting as never would be.” I arch a brow at him.

“You worry too much. I can’t wait to show you my beach house. You’re going to love it. Just being there is relaxing.”

“I could use some down time. My dad has been a bear all week with the trip out west coming up.” My fingers play along the top of his muscular shoulders, tracing over their broad shape. “It was great to tell him I won’t be in again until Wednesday. I thought he was going to melt down, but he held it together. I could see that vein pulsing in his temple; I’m sure you’ve noticed it when he’s trying to control his temper, or he’s fired up. To his credit he went easy on me although I’m sure his tongue had some serious teeth marks in it when I left his office. He said, ‘Four days in a row off from work,’ and shook his head.” Working my lips into a frown, I do my best impression. “I reminded him that I’m supposed to have Sundays off anyway, but hardly ever do and that Monday is Memorial Day. According to my calculations that’s only two missed days and I can’t remember the last time I took off work.”

“Then you’re overdue and we better make the most of it because I know with our busy schedules we won’t be this lucky again any time soon.”

* * *

Curiously looking out the window, I’m afraid I’ll miss something in this picturesque Connecticut beach town while we drive down the quaint main street. There’s an ice cream shop, the orange and blue sign promises it’s homemade and my mouth waters just thinking about the cold, creamy taste. The white iron tables and chairs on the front patio invite you to relax and enjoy your treat. Get Hammered, a combination hardware and liquor store’s next door and my head does a double take when I read the name on the large front window. I snicker.

“What are you laughing at?”

“Get Hammered. I don’t know if power tools belong in the same space as liquor, but it’s definitely an original idea.”

“Silas, the owner, is a good friend of mine. He’s also a contractor who’s done some renovations on my house.” The light turns green and we slowly begin to creep forward. “Traffic is often dense on this main road. It’s the most convenient way to get to Seabrook.”

“I don’t mind,” I tell him, and I mean it. I’m busy checking everything out, my head bobs from side to side as I soak all the picturesque details in. Noticing a gallery that claims to sell only local art, I’m intrigued. “Can we go to the gallery while we’re here?”

“Sure. We can check out the shops and get you a few souvenirs to remind you of our first trip together.”

“As if I’d forget a minute of our time.” The bright colored doorway awnings provide shelter from the sun and add a splash of cheer. All the buildings lining both sides of the street have flower boxes loaded with red and white blooms and small American flags mixed in. They billow in the breeze as we drive past, the blue and white stripes form waves, mimicking the ocean. I love it already and we just arrived. I can’t wait to feel the refreshing sea air skating over my skin.

“When are Ronnie and Wyatt joining us?” I ask.

“I told them Sunday. I want some time alone with you.” The corner of his lips kicks up in a crooked smile.

Jesse and I decided to come clean with them. It was too much of an effort to keep our relationship hidden and they know us well enough to see what’s going on.

“I’m glad. You and me half naked on the beach could lead to some heated moments we don’t need witnesses for.”

“Don’t tease me.” He squeezes my thigh. “Believe me, I’m already thinking about it.”

It’ll be nice to be with people who know about us, aside from Carly.

Jesse rolls down the windows on his Jeep and inhales the salty breeze. “There’s nothing better than the fresh air here. After being in the city all the time and travelling, it always smells so clean and pure. It’s like my lungs can only reach their full capacity for taking in air when I’m here.”

“You really love this place?”

“I do.” He grins, nodding. His dark hair ruffles in the wind and I can’t resist reaching over to comb my fingers through it.

“How close is your house to the ocean?”

“You’ll see in about thirty seconds,” he replies, turning down a side street. We come to the end and the Atlantic Ocean is directly in front of us.

“Wow.” My voice sounds as awestruck as I feel. “I didn’t realize we were so close to the ocean.”

“Yeah, it’s so vast, but here it kind of sneaks up on you.” He makes a left turn and we drive parallel to the sea for a quarter of a mile before he pulls into the driveway of a large, modernized colonial.

“You couldn’t be any closer to the ocean without being in it.”

He laughs. “Pretty much. I knew I wanted oceanfront and that was my main requirement. I’m still fixing the house up, but the piece of property sold it for me.”

“I can see why. I’m never going to want to leave and I just got here.”

“We’ll come back whenever we can, baby.”

It pleases me he’s so positive about our future together. Sometimes I let doubts creep in, making me question if we’re rushing things. His confidence helps to reassure me and quell my insecurities.

Jesse grabs our bags and unlocks the dark blue side door. Once inside my gaze is immediately drawn to the back of the large open space. Wall to wall glass provides an indescribable view of the Atlantic Ocean.

“Oh my. Jesse it’s beautiful.” My voice is hushed with awe.

“That whole back wall opens up.” He places our bags down on the tile floor and I follow as he moves through his space. We pass the kitchen and a dining area, but I’m not taking in any of the specifics of the design. The star of the show is right in front of us. It doesn’t get any better than this. The endless sea of blues and greens stretching out to the horizon is humbling. My hand raises to touch the glass, before I let it fall to my side. He flips a few locks and presses some buttons on a keypad and the wall parts accordion style.

“It looks close enough to touch.”

“It’s high tide now.”

“Jesse, it’s stunning,” I gasp. I can’t take my eyes off the churning waves. The cool ocean breeze washes over my face like a butterfly’s wings. Silently I observe, mesmerized by the way the water generously covers the sand and then greedily gobbles it up. Like being in love, there’s a partnership. A push and pull that goes hand in hand. One relies on the other, each essential for both to exist.

Is this the kind of relationship Jesse and I are building? He’s become a regular part of my day, one that I depend on and can lean on. I can’t imagine a day going by where we’re not in touch at various points throughout. I look forward to his sweet texts and quick whispered calls during his practice breaks.

Is our foundation strong enough to withstand whatever crazy things our careers may throw our way? Running a hand over my brow, I press my lips together. Our relationship has been building for three years; no one can call us a case of insta love. We’ve had a lot stacked against us from the get go, but I have faith we can work through it all with time and for now we’ll remain behind closed doors.

Can we depend on one another like the ebb and flow of the tide? Jesse is the epitome of reliable. If I need anything, he’s there as I am for him. Even if we ended tomorrow, I know that he would continue to help me in any way needed. That’s never going to change.

Jesse’s arms slide around my waist, drawing me against his solid chest as if he senses the deep, questioning thoughts running through my mind. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve imagined you standing in this very spot so many times but having you here in the flesh is so much better than anything I dreamed up.”

My hands rest on top of his and trace over their masculine shape. “How do you know just what I need to hear? Are you psychic?”

He spins me around catching my hips in his strong grip, before his arms close around my waist, tugging me closer. “I don’t need to be a psychic to know without a doubt we are meant to be. Accept it because it’s happening. Hell, it’s already happened - as in past tense and it’s not changing. You’re in the deep end with me now, baby and I won’t let you sink.”

“You know, I’m a pretty strong swimmer.” He should know I’m not some weak damsel that needs rescuing all the time. I’m an independent woman who can take care of herself.

“I’ll just be there to save you, whenever you need me.” He grins. His words create a joyful flutter in my chest. We remain in each other’s arms enjoying the broad panorama of sea until the loud rumbling of Jesse’s stomach interrupts the silence. We both chuckle.

“Why don’t we unpack quickly and then I’ll make you one of my famous bacon cheeseburgers. The grill is all gassed up and ready to go.”

“Do you have a company that checks on the house for you during the winter and gets it ready when you’re coming to stay?”

“Silas’ company offers that service as well.”

“Wow, he sounds enterprising. Do I get to meet him?”

“Hey.” His arms tighten on my waist. “Don’t you be thinking about other men. And if you must know, I’m a silent partner in his business.”

“Get Hammered?”

“Yep and his contracting one.”

“What did you see in him that made you want to invest?”

“We grew up together. I met him when my family came here on vacation. Every year my parents would bring us back for one week in August and Silas and I would raise hell.” Smiling at the memories, he continues, “he was my wing man during our teen years and we went to the same college; even joined the same frat.”

“Was he surprised when you left to pursue professional wrestling?”

“Nope.” He shakes his head. “He knew it was my goal and he encouraged me to go for it when everyone else told me I was crazy, and it was a pipe dream. My parents wanted me to take an internship right out of school and be a responsible adult. That’s why I invested in his company. He helped me achieve my dream and I want the same for him.”

“Sounds like you guys have a great friendship. I’m glad you took his advice, or we wouldn’t have met.”

“We would have met somehow.”

“No way. You’re the kind of guy I’d avoid. Never in a million years did I think I’d end up with a bad boy wrestler,” I scoff.

“Please, I’m more like a tame lion these days,” he growls, playfully biting my neck.

“Would that make me your lion tamer?”

* * *

“I feel like there’s so much I don’t know about you still,” I mention as we walk along the beach, our feet sinking into the cool, wet sand, our fingers tightly slotted. The tide’s receded and the sky is painted with vivid pink and purple splashes, remnants of the breathtaking sunset we watched as we ate our dinner at the table on Jesse’s back deck.

“What do you want to know? I’ll answer all your questions.”

“What’s your favorite color?”

“Blue. What’s yours?”

“Black and don’t say it’s not a color. It is.”

“I didn’t say a thing.” He flashes me a look of innocence.

“How long do you want to wrestle for?”

“I want to be doing what I am until I’m an old man, but I know I’m lucky if I have another ten to fifteen years left at this level. What about you? Do you want to work for the family business or branch out on your own?”

“I’ll stay at WCW. It’s always been my plan and since I’m an only child and my cousins want nothing to do with it, someday I’ll be running it.”

“I have a feeling that someday might be a long way off. I don’t see your dad giving up control any time soon.”

“Nope, he won’t. And when he finally does, he’ll go out kicking and screaming in protest. My mom will have to force him into retirement.”

“If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?” He inquires.

“I don’t know. I love my house, but I always imagined myself living near the water. What about you?”

“I’m not planning on living in the city much longer. I have a reason to move out of there now.” He looks over at me and winks. “When I retire from wrestling, I plan on moving here. I’ll live out my days fishing, breathing in the fresh air and never get tired of this view.”

“It sounds amazing,” I sigh. I want to imagine we’ll still be together.

“It will be, and you’ll be right next to me.”

“How can you be so sure about us? Don’t you worry what the future holds?”

“Lilah, we don’t know what the future holds no matter who we’re with or if we’re alone. Thinking about us being together for the rest of our lives makes me happy. I want to spend every minute I can with you.” He squeezes my hand and stops walking. Turning to face me, he caresses his fingers down my cheek. “I’ve never felt so strongly about anyone.” He licks his lips, staring intently into my eyes. “I love you.”

My eyes widen with surprise. “You do?”

He nods. “I do. Does that scare you?” I’m not sure how to answer this.

Do I tell him what I honestly feel? Or do I play it safe and keep those details to myself for now?

“Maybe,” I whisper, “but I love you too.”

He grins, showing off his straight, white teeth. “Yes,” he shouts, wrapping his arms around my waist, lifting me off my feet. He whirls me around in circles hooting and hollering. I laugh uncontrollably, and my eyes tear up from all the emotion welling up inside me. It’s too much to contain and tears of happiness roll down my cheeks. He stops turning and I wrap my legs around his hips and connect our lips for a tender, salty kiss.

Jesse’s tongue peeks out to lick the moisture from his lips. “Mmm, you taste like the ocean.”

“I thought I tasted like strawberries?”

“No, your pussy tastes like strawberries.”