Page 90 of The Illicit Play

He waits patiently, staring out across the lake, his jaw clenching and unclenching, while I slip these monstrosities on. He made me buy them when I was picking out my hiking boots. I told him it was a waste of money because I would not be putting those things on my feet ever again.

“Screw fashion,” he’d argued with me. “We’re talking about practicality here.”

And of course, he was right.

Smooshing down the Velcro, I get back to my feet. I probably look ridiculous in my sexy string bikini and a pair of freaking hiking sandals.

“Okay, I’m good. Let’s go jump into the lake.”

Clearing his throat, Grady spins and starts walking away. I watch his water shoes disappear down the pathand wish I had a pair of those instead. They look way cooler. Why didn’t he suggest I get those?

The hike only takes about two minutes and is a total breeze without the pack weighing me down. The only hard part is the steep incline at the end, where we have to literally scale a rock face before getting to the top of the small cliff.

I inch my way to the edge, my stomach pitching when I peer over the side.

“How far is that?” I whisper, clutching his arm so I don’t lose my balance and tumble off.

His steady arm is so strong and sure; there’s nothing weak or untrustworthy about this man. I can sense it. Wily always talks about how reliable Grady is. He’s the one who keeps the house organized, together, running smoothly. And I get it. He’s switched on, intelligent, sure of himself.

Even the rock-hard muscles in his forearm are assuring. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true. Everything about him is solid. As stable as the rock I’m currently standing on.

“It’s about fifteen feet.”

I swallow, fear skittering through me. I’ve never been the best with heights, but I don’t want to let that stop me right now.

I won’t humiliate myself in front of Grady and chicken out.

“I’ll go first, so you can see it’s safe.” His voice is a soft rumble, deep and reassuring.

Gently prying my hand off his arm, he steadies me by the elbow, then slowly lets go.

“Do I take off my shoes?” I glance down at mysandals.

“No.” He laughs. “Otherwise, you’ll be hiking back up barefoot to get ’em. You can swim in those. You’ll be fine.”

“Okay.” I nod. “I’m not the strongest swimmer.”

“I’ll be there.” He smiles down at me, and I believe him without a doubt.

There’s really nothing to fear here. As long as Grady’s in that water below, waiting for me, I’ll be fine.

I logically know this.

Trying to feel it is another story, but?—

“Let’s go!” Grady yells, releasing a loud whoop before launching himself off the cliff.

His arms are stretched out wide for a second, rotating in circles before he pulls them into his chest just before he hits the water. His body slices through the surface, straight as an arrow. He lands feet first and I hold my breath, my heart racing as I wait for him to surface.

His head soon pops out of the water, and he lets out another cry of victory before wiping his face and grinning up at me.

“Come on, girl. Show me what you’ve got!” He waves his arm at me to come on down, and shit, shit, shit! I don’t know if I can do this.

Like hell you’re climbing back down.

With a little huff, I shake my head.

“Wil-son!” he singsongs up to me. “You wanted a thrill, remember? This is your chance. It’s a rush, I promise. And way healthier than taking something that doesn’t belong to you.”