“Well I guess I kinda like that.”
“What do you want to do now?”
“I thought we were going to Harpers Creek?”
“Let’s do something crazy.”
“Crazy?” She raised an eyebrow at me.
“Lexi, we made it through the drama of high school, we made it through our parents cheating, we made it through Eddie’s death, I made it through a war and here we are together. We need to live life. We need to enjoy it to the max.”
“We could see if Luke is still going to Chicago and maybe join him?”
“Let’s go to Vegas.”
“Drive to Vegas?”
“Or fly. Or take a hot air balloon. We can do whatever we want. We can go rent a penthouse in a hotel and pretend we’re on our honeymoon. We can drink champagne in the bathtub; make love on the lion hair rug. We can do whatever we want.”
“Well, making love on a lion’s hair rug does sound fun,” she laughed. “But I have work on Monday.”
“Skip. Or call in sick.”
“I can’t, Bryce,” she sighed.
“No pressure, Lexi.”
“Thanks.” I saw her check her phone and I felt my heart racing. Had Anna text her?
“Waiting for someone to call?”
“No.” She looked up with a quick smile. “So what are we going to do?”
“Well, you said no to Vegas and I’m guessing no to Utah?”
“Yeah, that’s a no.”
“Let’s go skinny dipping.” I grinned at her shocked expression.
“What? I didn’t bring my swimsuit.”
“That’s why we’re going skinny dipping.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to say yes.” She laughed and I picked her up again and swung her around.
“Let’s go.”
“Harpers Creek?”
“No.” I opened the door for her and then walked around to the driver’s side. “It’s a surprise.”
“Ooh.”
“So, Lexi, where do you see yourself in five years?”
“Huh?”
“I’m changing the topic. Keep up.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Don’t forget the attention, soldier.”
“I’m not sure.” She looked out of the window. “I’ve never thought that far ahead before. I guess I always assumed that Luke and I would rent a house or apartment. Maybe in LA. I’d be acting. Luke would have his business. Anna would visit with her dad.”
“Why would you and Luke be living together?” I frowned.
“Well, he’s my best friend and I just kinda didn’t see any romantic interests coming along for either of us.” She grinned, sheepishly.
“Has he never had a girlfriend?”
“He dated Briget for a while.” She rolled her eyes. “But she was a bitch.”
“Don’t you think his new girlfriend would be upset to hear he is living with a girl?”
“No.” It was her turn to frown. “He wouldn’t date a girl who was jealous like that.”
“I wouldn’t want you living with him.”
“Well he’s moving, so that’s not a problem.”
“Luke is moving?” I looked at her in surprise. “Where to?”
“Boston. He’s going to Boston.”
“Oh.” I tried to keep the smile out of my voice, but I was elated. This was all turning out perfectly. I reached over and stroked her leg, running my fingers up her inner thigh. “I’m so happy we are together, Lexi.”
“So am I.”
***
“I could stay like this forever.” I thought to myself as I floated in the lake. My body felt warm, even though the water was cold. I watched as Lexi floated close by with her eyes closed. I had tried not to look as she had taken off her clothes, but it had been hard. I was so attracted to her. I felt like I needed her. But I was going to wait. I knew I had to wait.
“What are you thinking about, Bryce?” she called out to me and I swam towards her.
“Let’s tread water.” I pulled her towards me. “Hold onto me.”
She looked at me, wearily, before wrapping her legs around me. I held her close and I felt my throat catch as she pressed her naked body against mine.
“I’m thinking that it would be impossible for the sky to exist without the sun, for the lake to exist without the water, for the trees to live without the soil and for me to live without you.”
“Oh, Bryce.” She had tears in her eyes as she stared at me. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Tell me you love me.” I drew her in closer and I could feel her heart beating fast.
“I’ve loved you for years, Bryce.” She ran her hands through my hair. “I’ve thought about being with you in this moment a million times. You’ve consumed my dreams, my thoughts, my mind on countless occasions.”
“Love me, Lexi.” I pushed her closer to me, crushing her br**sts into my chest. I moved my hands all over her body and she looked at me with a question in her eyes. “Let me love you, Lexi.”
“Here?”
“I just want to show you how much I love you. I can’t stop myself. Tell me if you want me to stop.” She ran her hands down my chest until she touched my manhood. She felt just how much I wanted to love her and her eyes widened as I grew in her hands.
“Love me, Bryce,” she whispered into my ears and I felt my nerve endings explode at her words.
“Are you sure?” I stared into her eyes to make sure.
“Yes,” she nodded. “I’ve wanted this for a long time.”
“I don’t have any protection,” I sighed.
“I’m on the pill,” she smiled, shyly. “Because of my period.”
“Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Yes.” She grabbed me harder and I pushed her away quickly.
“Stop that before there is no decision to be made.”
“Oops,” she giggled and I grabbed her close again. “Let’s swim to the shore.”
“Okay.”
We both swam back, eagerly and excitedly. I knew that I was rushing something I shouldn’t be rushing, but I couldn’t stop myself. I needed Lexi. She made me feel whole. She completed me. I don’t know why those words kept floating through my mind. But I knew with everything inside of me that I needed to make love to her. She would make everything right in me again.