Page 69 of Second Time Around

“Don’t argue with me,” she said. Then she moved so close that their legs touched, and she placed her hands on his shoulders. “I’m sorry, Beck. I wish I would have listened to you back then, but I didn’t, and I’m sorry.”

The jets had shut off, and the air was still. He gazed up at her and saw the remorse in her expression and heard the pleading in her voice. It was exactly what he’d been hoping for, but he could hardly believe it was real.

Her eyes locked on his, and she started to lean in like she was going to kiss him. Tentatively he reached out and placed his hands on her hips, spreading his legs apart so she could move between them.

She looped her arms around his neck, and her breasts brushed his chest. He wondered if she could hear his heart pounding over the sound of the crickets and frogs.

Then she closed the remaining distance between them and gently placed her lips on his. This time, they started out kissing soft and slow, but it was no less intense than the last time. In some ways, it was more so now that they’d bared their souls.

She pressed closer, and he wound his arms around her slender waist, relishing the feel of her warm, damp skin beneath his hands. He wanted more, but he was letting her set the pace. If she wanted to stop, he’d have to be okay with it, though he hoped she wouldn’t.

Then she began to climb onto his lap, and he scooted forward so she could wrap her legs around his waist. She broke their kiss and said, “Is this okay?”

His erection was nestled in the apex of her thighs. “It’s perfect.”

She leaned in and claimed his lips again, opening her mouth this time and inviting his tongue. The water lapped at them as they jostled around, struggling to get closer.

Suddenly he felt unbearably warm. Between the hot water and the heat of their bodies, he thought he might combust. Still, he’d stay here all night if that was what she wanted.

She pulled back and gazed at him intently. “Maybe we should go inside. We don’t need to give the neighbors a show.”

The backyard was rimmed with evergreens, and it was highly unlikely anyone would see them, but he was more than happy to take her inside.

“Hold on tight,” he said and stood up with her still in his arms.

The water sluiced off them as he carefully climbed out of the tub and onto the patio. Holding her with one arm, he grabbed the towels and wrapped them around her. Then he slid open the door and stepped into the warm, dry house.

“Where to?” he asked as they dripped water onto the rug.

“Your bedroom,” she replied without hesitation.

This was it, the moment he’d been waiting for twelve long years…