So it is understandable that I am nervous, but when James looks at me, I don’t see pity, or revulsion. I see his eyes widen. I hear his breath quicken. And then his hands are on my breasts, gently, with all the care in the world. And in that moment I feel like a woman again.

“You’re so beautiful Ava,” he says, and I hear nothing but honesty in his voice.

All my anxiety fades away, and I reach for him. It has been too long, and I can’t wait any longer. He lowers me down onto the blanket and soon we are joined together, moving in sync, our breath mingling as our hearts beat against each other.

I find love that day. There, beside a waterfall so powerful it has changed the shape of the land, I receive the ultimate reminder of life.

Chapter Thirty-Two

So…” I have my head in my hand, leaning up on one elbow. James is lying on his back beside me, his hands underneath his head, eyes closed but with a smile playing around his lips.

“So.”

“That was…”

“Impressive? Epic? Ground-shaking?”

“Oh, yes, definitely. All of the above.”

He opens his eyes and reaches up a hand to tuck my hair behind my ear. “You’re so beautiful, Ava.”

“So you keep saying.”

“Because it’s true. I remember the first time I saw you, on the beach, with your dress hoisted up around your legs as you paddled in the water. I could barely take my eyes off you then. There was just something so intriguing about you.”

“I felt the same way about you.”

“Really?”

I nod. Lowering my head, I kiss his lips lightly, my whole body tensing at the touch.

“Your lips were the first thing I noticed about you,” I murmur. “That and how insanely good-looking you are, of course.”

“Of course.” He pulls my head down firmly and kisses me, with a hunger that can never be satiated. Abruptly, I push him away, climbing to my feet. I stand too quickly and immediately stumble, dizzy. Thankfully he doesn’t notice.

“Where are you going?”

Steadying myself, I walk away from him, toward the water. Turning my head, I call back over my shoulder. “Exploring. You coming?”

“Not this again,” he complains, light-heartedly.

I don’t hear him until he is right behind me, and then it is too late and he scoops me up easily, laughing.

“Put me down,” I squeal, aware that if anyone were watching they would catch an eyeful more than they bargained for. But there’s no one, of course, not for miles. He walks quickly down to the water and wades right in. We both exclaim at the temperature, and I tighten my grip.

“If you say so,” he says, and drops me.

I emerge from beneath the surface, spluttering. “Oh my God, that’s cold.” But as cold as it is, it also feels sensational; both refreshing and cleansing on my body.

“I know a way that we can warm each other up.”