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She giggled as he took her in another kiss, this one turning up the heat by about a zillion degrees. His hand slid to the bottom of her spine, pressing her body to his as he took a step into deeper water.

She drew back quickly, and he leaned forward, capturing her mouth in another kiss.

“You’re tricking me,” she snapped.

“No, Kat. I’m opening the door so you can see that you’re really in control of everything. You’re holding yourself up.” He ran his hands lightly over her ribs. “When you’re ready, let go, and I’ll hold you until you feel comfortable.”

“Let go?” Her eyes skidded to the water.

“Kick your feet and move your arms, and I’ll hold you right here.” He gripped her ribs. “You won’t go under. I promise.”

She nodded, and he could see her readying herself for her moment of truth, swallowing hard, gritting her teeth, then licking those delicious lips of hers.

“I’m so proud of you right now. You can do this.”

She slid her arms down his shoulders and over his biceps, gripping them tightly.

“It’s okay. You can hold me. Kick your feet. That’s a girl. Now use your arms to tread water. I will not let go until you tell me to.”

Her arms slid into the water, and she treaded water beautifully.

“How do you feel?”

“Like a child.” She smiled.

“Trust me, you look nothing like a child.” He blew her a kiss. “Do you feel buoyant? Want to try on your own?”

“I remember how, even though the last time I swam was so long ago. I’m just scared. I always tried to conquer this fear, but I never made it. I’ve never been able to force myself to go into deep water. There are only a few things I’m still trying to overcome, but this one scares the daylights out of me. But with you, Iwantto try harder. I want to overcome it.”

“Like I said, I can stand here all night. Take your time.”

Kat treaded water, her eyes never leaving his, and a few minutes later she said, “I’m ready.”

“Okay.” He took his hands away, keeping them open in the water so he could grab her if need be.

“Ohmygod. I’m doing it. Eric!” She squealed as she treaded water. “This is amazing. It’s fun. It’s freeing!”

“God, you’re beautiful.” He stayed close as she swam around, never putting her head underwater, but keeping herself afloat with a sidestroke and breaststroke.

“I’m doing it. I’m not going under.”

“You’re capable of anything, Kat. There’s nothing you can’t do.”

She swam over to him and wrapped her arms and legs around him. “There is one thing I can’t do.”

“I don’t believe that for a second.”

She sealed her lips over his in a mind-numbing kiss. “I can’t carry you out of the water and have my way with you.”

He scooped her up into his arms again and carried her from the water, their bodies dripping wet, their lips locked in a searing-hot kiss. He laid her on the blanket and reached for hiswallet. A minute later he was sheathed and perched above her, silently noting the burgeoning emotions filling his chest.

As he came down over her and their bodies joined together, she reached up and touched his cheek.

“What have you done to me, Eric James?”

“Whatever it is, it’s not enough. One night is not enough. Nothing will ever be enough. I feel like I’ve been waiting for you all my life. Promise me one more night, Kat.”

“Just one?”