I was so sensitive; every shift of his hips was sending sparks into my body, flying like the boat’s horsepower. There was no clarity, no forgiveness, no rest in pleasure, just an immediate return that began when his fingers found my clit again.

“I want to feel that tightness when I come,” he growled.

He was arching upward, and I met him in the middle, a place where he could pull away and slide back in. In that spot where we collided, I circled my hips, grinding over him, adding another layer to what was already building.

“Whitney,” he breathed. “Baby, yes … just like that.”

I was there, too, climbing faster than I could control, rushing toward the top.

Within a few pumps, he was joining my moans.

“Fuck!” he shouted against my lips, emptying himself inside me.

The release took hold, and I was quivering over him, each shock of tingles going further into my body, feeling him pump it out until only the water was moving around us.

“Mmm.” He kissed me with gentleness. “I can’t get enough of you.”

I released the rubber and clung to his shoulders, panting, trying to find myself again.

“Look up,” he whispered.

Just as I did, I saw the full moon hanging over our heads, adding to the tenderness between my legs and the fullness in my chest.

Some moments didn’t need words.

This was one.

Twenty-Six

“I have beer in the fridge,” Emily said from my phone as I walked into the break room to get my things. “Burger patties are made and waiting to be cooked, and I’m about to pop the fries into the oven, so they’ll be extra crispy when you get home.”

“You’re making this exhausted girl very, very happy.” I put the strap of my crossbody over my shoulder and settled the bag on my hip. “Should I stop and grab dessert?”

“Does a bear shit in the woods?”

I laughed and made my way into the hallway. “I have a few more things to chart, and then I’ll be on my way. I’ll text you when I leave.”

“A night of food, Sex and the City reruns, no bras, and you—I literally can’t wait.”

I sighed at the thought.

Since returning from Florida a month ago, I’d been picking up extra shifts each week. The nights I had off, I stayed at Caleb’s. The ones I spent at home, I was asleep before nine, too tired to even hang with my best friend after dinner.

“You have no idea how much I’m looking forward to this,” I admitted. “But I might be knocked out and drooling on your shoulder before the first episode is over. Just warning you.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time. See you soon.”