Daring Her Love (11 page)

“You’re killing me. Do you have any idea what it’s like to see your bare breasts in the moonlight, with that sweet, trusting smile on your lips that makes me feel like a total letch for wanting to touch you?”

She stepped in front of him and pressed her naked body to his, and he scooped her up into his arms and carried her deeper into the water. She squealed, but it wasn’t a frightened squeal. It was a delightful, playful sound that filled him with happiness. She clung to him so tightly that he sensed her delight was turning to fear as they sank chest deep. He tightened his grip and said, “I’ve got you, sweetheart.”

“Don’t drop me. Don’t let me go,” she pleaded.

“Never.” He guided her legs around his waist, and she narrowed her eyes. “I’m not trying anything. I just want to get a better grip on you.”

“Uh-huh.” She tightened her legs around him. “Hey, careful with that water snake poking its head where it shouldn’t.”

He laughed. “If you put a den by a bear, you can’t complain when he takes shelter.” He’d never do anything she didn’t want to, but he realized that this playful banter was a great distraction. He took a step into deeper water, submerging their bodies up to their necks. She dug her nails into his skin.

“Wait.” She drew in a deep breath.

He stopped walking and reassured her. “I’ve got you. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise. Talk to me, Kat. What scares you most about the water?”

“Drowning,” she snapped.

“Look at me.” When he had her full attention, he asked, “Were you ever taught to swim?”

She nodded. “I know how. My father made me learn that summer when I almost drowned, but even though I knew how, it never helped waylay my fears.”

“Okay, then staying afloat is completely within your control.”

Her legs tightened around his waist, pressing against his erection.

“Keep doing that and I won’t be responsible for what happens.” He smiled to let her know he was kidding. “I’ve got you. We’re just going to stay right here for a few minutes, neck-deep. When you’re comfortable, just loosen your grip a little. Trust yourself. Trust your ability to save yourself.”

“That might take a while.”

“I’ve got all night,” he assured her.

“I’m talking months.” She looked from side to side, and her gaze softened. “The river’s really pretty, actually. It looks like the moonlight is dancing off the ripples.”

“Yes, it’s almost as pretty as you.” He ran a hand down her back and patted her butt.

“Flirt.”

“Truth teller.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I can’t believe I’m going to ask you this, because there is no better position than this one right here—unless of course you’d agree to sink down about eight inches.”

Her eyes widened. “
Tsk!
I’d smack you if I weren’t afraid of falling under.”

“Damn. Thought I could trick you into loosening your grip. Focus on me, and I want you to untangle your legs from around me and let them hang in the water. I’ll hold you. I promise.”

“No.” She clenched her jaw.

“Fierce belligerence. That’s a total turn-on.” He pressed his hips forward, and she gasped.

“Hey!” Her eyes filled with mischief. “You’re supposed to be helping me overcome my fear of deep water.”

“It’s not my fault you’re sexy as hell and even hotter when you’re mad. Now, drop your legs and trust me to keep you safe, or I’ll carry you out of this water and you’ll definitely have an active snake on your hands.”

She laughed, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

“I have faith in you, Kat. You can do this.”

She rolled her eyes and slowly unwound her legs. “Don’t let go.”

“I would never.” He held her around her waist. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, and their mouths were at the perfect height for him to seal his lips over hers. He kissed her sensuously, relishing the slick feel of her body against his, the easing of her hold around his neck, and the melting of the tension from her body.

“You’re doing so well,” he said against her lips. “Keep kissing me, and you’ll be able to tread water in no time.”

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, I
want
to 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 his wallet. 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?”

He lowered his lips to hers, and beneath the moon and the stars, as Hope stood sentinel, their bodies fell into sync, and Eric found the only thing that had ever felt like
home
—and she was right there in his arms.

Chapter Eleven

BY SEVEN THIRTY the next morning the Braden house was bursting with energy. Christian was stuffing Cheerios into his little pudgy cheeks, and Layla was in full waitress mode. Her bangs were pinned up on top of her head in a pretty barrette, bringing her wide smile into full focus. She was obviously pleased to have a big-girl responsibility as she placed a plate of pancakes in front of Hal.

“Would you like butter, Poppy?” Layla asked.

Hal wrapped a thick arm around her and pressed a kiss to her temple. “No, thank you, sweet girl. These look delicious just as they are.”

A proud smile passed between Kat and Brianna. Kat had grown up in Richmond, and when Brianna had first interviewed for the job at Old Town Tavern, she and Kat had immediately hit it off. Kat had been part of Brianna’s life since before Layla was born, and she could hardly believe how many years had passed. Layla was obviously flourishing as part of the Braden family.

Eric walked into the kitchen, freshly showered, with hair that looked towel dried and oh so sexy. His eyes immediately found Kat, and his lips curved up in a sinful smile that made her heart race. Every second they’d been together last night had brought them closer to each other and taught her more about herself. She could hardly believe that she’d blocked out the episode at the camp when she was younger, but now her fear of deep water made total sense. Eric had been so thoughtful with her last night when they’d taken Hope down to the river. He had an innate ability to be seductive and careful at the same time, and that brought out the good girl and the bad girl in Kat. The combination had surprised her, after she’d tried for so long to be discerning and to act more responsibly. What she’d learned last night was that she was happier just being herself. She didn’t need to be with strangers. She simply hadn’t found the right man, one who brought out the naughty and the nice aspects of her personality the way Eric did. Going skinny-dipping with him was the biggest thrill, and the most intimate moment, she’d ever shared with a man. Maybe she should be embarrassed by her brazenness in initiating the striptease, but she wasn’t. Not one single bit. How could she be when her heart felt so full? And now, as she watched Eric press a kiss to Christian’s cheek and swoop Layla into his arms as she walked toward the kitchen, making her giggle like crazy, she found herself picturing Eric as a father.

“Are you cooking this morning?” Eric asked Layla, bringing Kat’s mind back to the moment.

Shocked at where her mind had traveled, she tried to distract herself from her thoughts by taking a sip of orange juice. It didn’t help.

Layla giggled again. “No. I’m serving. Do you like my outfit for the picnic? Auntie Riley made it.” Riley was engaged to Hugh’s brother Josh. The two of them were fashion designers in New York City.

Eric set her on her feet and twirled her around with a low whistle. “You are going to be the belle of the picnic.”

Kat loved that he gave Layla his full attention, and obviously Layla did, too, because she hugged him again before rushing off to serve another plate.

“What can I do to help?” Eric asked.

Hugh walked into the room behind him and patted him on the back. “Why don’t you take that seat next to Kat. I’ve got this.” Hugh touched Hal’s shoulder. “Hi, Pop. More coffee?”

“No, thank you, son.”

The front door opened, and Rex’s deep voice echoed through the house. “I smell pancakes.” He had an arm draped around his very pregnant wife, Jade, and his cowboy boots
clunked
across the hardwood floor as they joined them at the table.

“Pop.” Rex patted Hal on the shoulder. “How’s it going, Kat?”

“Wonderful. How are you?” Kat asked.

“Mighty fine. Thanks for asking.” Rex swept Christian out of his high chair, making the little boy squeal with delight and kick his feet. He tucked the boy against his burly chest as he pulled out a chair for Jade. “Sit down, babe. I’ll grab your food.”

“I’ve got it, Uncle Rex.” Layla set a plate in front of Jade.

“Well, aren’t you the perfect hostess?” Rex bent to kiss her. Layla beamed at his praise. He sat beside Jade, bouncing Christian on his knee.

“You’re anxious for your own baby, aren’t you?” Kat asked as Eric sat beside her and draped an arm over her shoulder. She glanced at him, surprised by, and reveling in, his display of affection.

“That I am.” Rex leaned over and kissed Jade’s cheek, then pressed his large hand to her belly.

“Rexy has been ready for this baby since the day he asked me to marry him.” Jade leaned forward to kiss Christian, who was busy trying to get his fingers into Rex’s mouth. “You should probably put him back in his high chair before he thinks it’s playtime instead of breakfast time.”

“How about you, Kat? Do you want children?” Eric asked, surprising the hell out of her.

“Yes. I definitely want children one day. I love kids,” she answered with her heart in her throat.

Beneath the table he placed his bare foot on top of hers as he said, “So do I.”

“Whoa,” Hugh said as he came into the room and set platters of pancakes and eggs on the table. “What the heck happened on your date last night?”

“Did Hope treat you well?” Rex asked.

Brianna carried a tray of fruit to the table, and Hugh pulled out a seat for her. She had her eyes locked on Kat. Kat had been bursting at the seams this morning, and she’d already shared the details of their incredible date with Bree.

“Hope was quite a lady,” Eric said, setting a warm gaze on Kat. “She made it easy for Kat to relax into the ride.”

Was she the only one who heard that double entendre? She hoped so.

“Hope has a way of making people comfortable.” Hal’s eyes traveled around the table.

“Yes,” Kat said. “Thank you for letting us take her out. And the lights on the trail were so romantic.”

Jade smiled up at Rex. “That’s my Rexy for you. Always full of romance.”

“Safety first, romance second,” Rex corrected her.

Jade rolled her eyes. “What is it with men? Can’t they just admit that romance is what drives them?”

“Hey, don’t lump us all together.” Hugh draped an arm over Bree’s shoulder. “I’m totally a romantic at heart. I just didn’t know it until I met Bree and Layla.” He winked at Layla.

Eric placed a possessive hand on Kat’s shoulder, and she tried to keep from grinning like a lovesick fool. From the smiles on Bree’s and Jade’s faces, she’d failed miserably.