Page 72 of Rule 4: Never Get Stranded with a Sports Reporter

I had sex.

With a man.

With Cal.

I smile into the bright blue sky and the brighter blue waves. Birds flit happily over the island, chirping and ruffling their colorful feathers.

After so much worry, so much anger, now there’s only joy and delight.

Because Cal didn’t kiss me for a prank all those years ago. He doesn’t hate me. Not now, not then.

Warmth fills me.

I’ve kissed him over and over again today. We’ve given each other orgasms over and over and over again. Our skin is speckled with hickeys.

“I should teach you how to swim now,” I tell Cal.

“I’m happy wading into the water.”

I take his hand in mine, then lead him toward the ocean.

“You want to see these briefs get wet,” he grumbles.

“It’s possible. They do look pretty awesome then.”

My gaze dips to his cock. What would it feel like to have it in my mouth? What would it taste like? Something inside me quickens, like it always does when I think about Cal.

I want to suck it. I want to feel him shoot into my mouth, to swallow his essence.

But I also want him to be safe.

We go into the water, and then once we’re waist level I stop. “Let’s start here.”

Cal’s glance is wary.

“It will be fun,” I promise. “Children do it.”

“Children also learn languages super easily.”

I snort. “Okay, Mister Well-Informed. Let’s practice floating. Get you used to the water.”

Cal looks down at the water. “Um, I don’t think I can just float in it.”

“It’s salt water,” I promise. “It will be easier.” I extend my hands. “Hold on.”

A flicker of fear moves over Cal’s features, one I immediately hate.

“I’ve got you,” I promise. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I swear.”

His face remains frozen for one second too long, and maybe I’ve said the wrong thing after all. But then his lips swerve upward, slow and steady, until the warmth finally reaches his eyes. “I know.” He glances at the water again. The waves aren’t strong, but they’re present. White foam curls over the waves. “I’ve never...”

“I know.” I take his hands in mine. “Stick your legs out.”

He scrunches his lips together, then lowers himself into the water.

“I’m going to pull you,” I explain.

“Okay.” His voice is tighter than I like, and I consider calling everything off. I don’t want to bring him discomfort.