“Oi, pretty lady, you around?” I call and knock on the door for the millionth time. Where could she be?
Her car sits in the driveway; perhaps she went for a walk. I make my way around to the back, just in case she’s fallen asleep on the deck bed. Now that would be a sight to see. When I first laid eyes on Chloe screaming profanities at her car, it was the highlight of my day. Even though she had red splotches of anger on her cheeks, she was still gorgeous. Her face is what I see every night before I go to sleep. Those beautiful brown eyes and her laughter are things that make me want her more. They also keep my darkness at bay.
There is sadness in her eyes. I saw it the first day I met her on the side of the road—not because she was crying though. It went deeper. And Nan saw it as well. I remember when I came home that night, she told me a new girl had moved into her cottage. I knew whom it was right away; it excited me. I couldn’t wait to get to know her. I never told her about Nan or that she would be seeing me again, I wanted to surprise her, to put a smile on her beautiful face. But she has walls, walls she’s erected around herself to protect her heart. She’s obviously been hurt in some way. I’m content we’re building a friendship, and finding a level of trust, but that kiss . . . those soft tender lips . . . I need more, so much more. The secrets she’s protecting–the ones she’s holding close to her chest–I want to be privy to them. I want to know who’s hurt her and what can be done to repair the damage she’s endured. If I can help her overcome the bad experiences she’s encountered by providing her with happiness that alone would be enough.
“Pretty lady!” I continue to call as I walk around the back, only to find it bare as well. Where is she?
From out in the darkness or the ocean, a high-pitched scream echoes through the night, and my chest tightens with fear. Who’s that?
“Hello? Chloe!” I raise my voice louder as I sprint down to the darkened shoreline.
Another cry for help pierces the blackness of the night. It definitely came from the water. It’s her—it must be. Adrenaline kicks into overdrive, and I strip off my shirt and shoes. I run so hard into the water, it splashes back over me.
“Chloe!” I yell out with everything I have in me, hoping she can hear me and knows I’m coming. What the hell is she doing out here at night?
Bringing my hands out in front and diving into a wave, I kick my legs so hard, they push me out into the dark sea. Splashing up ahead catches my attention. I swim as hard as I can towards it before I lose her. The rip in the water pulls me with it, making it slightly easier for me to reach her. It’s a good thing I worked as a lifesaver through the summer as a teenager while I studied to become a mechanic.
Another splash. I’m closer. I hope I’m not too late. A piercing silence falls over the ocean, so I stop swimming to look around. My stomach twists when I see her head, lit by the moon, slipping silently under the water.
“Chloe! Swim!” I beg, hoping she hears me. My legs thrust hard and my arms pull me closer to her with each stroke. Please hold on, Chloe.
When I get to the area she was in, I dive down with my eyes open. The saltwater irritates them slightly, but I won’t let anything happen to her.
Something lightly touches the tip of my outstretched fingers, and I twist as fast as I can while submerged in water, searching desperately for her. It’s her hand. Reaching out frantically, I tightly grip her fingertip, then adjust it to get a better hold. With all my strength, I pull her up against me. She’s a deadweight in my arms. Please be all right. I wrap my hand around her waist. What the hell? It’s then I realise she’s naked. What was she doing? Maybe it’s a good thing she’s not with it right now.
When I surface, I suck in a gulp of air, filling my depleted lungs. My eyes roam over her face, waiting to see if she is breathing. Breathe . . . I silently beg her. Chloe begins coughing and I release a sigh. Thank goodness, she’s all right. The weight that had been resting on my chest, lifts as her coughing continues.
Not wanting to get pulled out farther by the rip, I put my arms under hers and have her head resting on my chest, letting her body float. I try to keep my eyes averted to let her keep some dignity. It’s one hell of a challenge. I’m a man, sue me.
When she begins to cough and splutter again, I don’t stop, I comfort her as best I can. “It’s alright, Chloe. I’ve got you,” I soothe.
“Seth?” she croaks and coughs again. She doesn’t fight against me, but tries to relax.
“Yeah, it’s me saving the damsel in distress once again.” I chuckle, as I head towards the shore, kicking and moving the best I can to get out of the rip. It’s so strong, my legs burn, but I keep going.
Chloe continues to remain calm. After another coughing fit, she attempts to speak. “Seth, don’t look. I’m naked.” She croaks.
I roll my eyes at her statement. “I know,” I pant. My chest feels tight and my lungs burn as I attempt to keep my breathing even. Her mention of being naked arouses me and I can’t help but take a quick glance at her shining, bare, beautiful body. Seth stop, you pervert.
“Oh, how embarrassing.” She groans.
“No more talking until we get back to shore.”
She hums an okay. I need to concentrate to get my lady back to land and covered up.
Before long, my feet hit the sand, and I’m able to push forwards easily. My chest is tight and puffed, but I wasn’t stopping for anything. When my feet hit the sand, I pull her closer to me. A groan escapes me. Control yourself, Seth. This is not the appropriate time to think about her naked. I steal another quick peek. In the moonlight, her body is perfect. From what I’ve seen during the day, her skin is perfect, naturally bronzed, and sun-kissed. I assume that’s what she’s been doing with her time here, sunbathing . . . naked?
I look up the beach looking for my stuff, or even hers, for that matter. I didn’t see her clothes when I went in after her. A moment later, I spot my shirt and shoes on the shore. Gathering Chloe up in my arms, I carry her to my clothes. I place my shirt over her head and assist her to sit. She quickly tries to curl up and cover herself.
“I just need to grab my clothes.” She gestures to the pile of clothing on the sand, near the rocks. Reluctantly, I release her arm and quickly run over and scoop up her stuff. As I breathe in, her berry scent fills my nose.
“I’m so sorry, Seth.” She cries into her hands. I grab her towel and swiftly wrap it around her perfect body, but I don’t let her go.
I sit beside her and hold her tight. She cries into my shoulder. My heart breaks for her. I can’t help wondering what she’s been through. “What are you sorry for?”
“I wanted to be spontaneous, to do something I haven’t done before. Instead, I found myself drowning. Gosh, I’m such a fool.”
My arms tighten around her. Friends or not. I feel the urge to comfort her and let her know I’m here for her. Gently, I press a kiss on her wet hair. “Chloe, I’ve been where you are. Our situations are different, but we get past them.” That’s a lie—I haven’t gotten past mine, but I’m not about to tell her that.
“Seth, how do you forgive someone who’s hurt you?” Her tear-filled eyes look up into mine. My gaze falls to her lips and back to her chocolate stare.
“It takes time. Allow yourself to take a moment to breathe and then maybe you might be able to find the strength to overlook what those people have done to you.” Forgiving myself is something I’ve never been able to do. My mistakes are haunting and unforgivable in my eyes.
“What’s wrong, Seth?” Her hand falls softy on my cheek. Closing my eyes for a moment, I open them to hers sparkling in the moonlight.
“It’s not important right now . . . You are what’s important. I think we should get you inside and dressed. How are you feeling? Sorry, I should have asked sooner.” How insensitive of me to not ask her how she’s feeling. Between her nakedness and my want for her, I forgot. How terrible of me.
“I’m okay.” She sighs. “Will you help me up to get inside?”
“Of course I will, my lady,” I reply, smiling. Standing, I assist her, and she adjusts the towel as she positions herself upright. I’m trying my best not to imagine what she looks like in the light without my shirt or the towel. She wobbles slightly, and I catch her arm to steady her.
When we get to the house she flicks the porch light on, and I notice a flush creeping across her cheeks rapidly before spreading down to her chest.
Her eyes avert from mine and look to her feet playing with the sand on the deck, so I wait. Eventually she speaks, “Umm . . . Thank you for helping me. Well, basically saving my life.”
“Lucky for you, this is what Captain America does,” I joke, giving her my best one-sided grin. More pink flares on her cheeks. “Will you be alright? Do you want me to stay?” Secretly, I’m hoping she does. Just being near her helps me fight my inner monster.
She hesitates a moment, seeming to be unsure of what to do. “Umm . . . I’ll be okay, I think.” She smiles.
“Let me give you my number in case you need anything, and I mean anything at all.”
She grabs her phone off the small table and hands it to me. I put my details in under Captain America, then ring my phone from hers to put her number in my contacts. I could have simply copied down her details from work but that would raise a confidentiality issue, plus she would mostly likely freak out or call me out as a stalker. I didn’t want that to happen. I sigh in relief when I realise my phone wasn’t in my pocket when I dived into the water. Thankfully, I’d left it at home charging. I take a deep breath in relief.
“I’ll message you later,” I tell her.
She smiles. “I’d like that. Thanks again, Seth.” Her voice cracks before she shakes her head. I’m not sure what she’s doing, but it looks as though she’s trying to stop herself becoming emotional.
Stepping forward into her space, I gather my courage. Her lips are pink, plump, and wanting. Her tongue glides over them. My stomach twists in nervous knots, something which is new for me. What is she doing to me? My hands take her flushed cheeks, and her eyes close as I move closer to her. Our lips gently touch. My chest is about to burst. I pull back after a moment; as hard as it is to let her go, I do. She holds me, stopping me from moving away. My arms instinctively close around her waist. When I look down I see her eyes shining back at me, piercing mine. “Why did you come here tonight?”
My arms tighten and, I place another kiss to her forehead before I answer. “I’m not sure . . . I wanted to see you and find out how you were going?” The truth is I missed her. The few days I’ve gone without seeing her have been dark days. Since she came along, I’m easier to be around, well that’s what Sherri said last night. Sherri basically pushed me out the door tonight to go see Chloe. How could I refuse?
“Your timing was perfect. I thought perhaps you were avoiding me. I know I was sort of maybe trying to avoid you.” She nibbles on her lip, it arouses me. I want to claim those lips again, and again.
“Why? Because of the kiss?” She nods. I roll my eyes, releasing a chuckle.
“Hey, don’t laugh at me!” She shoves me in the chest, releasing me, but I hold her against me.
“Look at me, Chloe.” She doesn’t, instead her head turns towards the water. “Chloe . . .” I push. Finally, her head turns towards me, those chocolate eyes watch me. “The other night, I’m glad I got to kiss those delicious lips,” her head shakes moments before she cracks a smile, “and again tonight. You make me feel things I haven’t in I don’t know how long. Let’s keep this, whatever it is between us going. Only if you want to, though?”
She nods, “Okay.” Her grin couldn’t possibly be any wider and her cheeks pinker than what they are right now. I love making her blush, and smile. Her arms around me slacken, “I better get inside.”
“Yeah, you better. Wouldn’t want you to lose your towel, I may lose my self-control.” Reluctantly I release her and we step back from each other.
“Good night, beautiful.” I sigh, leaning in once more, I rest my head against hers before turning away.
“Good night, Seth,” she whispers before walking into the cottage, closing the door behind her.