Page 58 of The Honorable Warrior
He rushed toward Sophia and gathered her into his arms as she laughed and squealed. “Do youstillwant to wait for swimsuits, or would you like to take a swim with me now?” He stepped further toward the crashing waves, his feet sinking into the wet sand.
“Umm…” she tilted her head, those brown eyes playful. “I’m not sure yet. Keep walking and I’ll decide.”
He took a few more steps as another wave came in, soaking the rolled parts of his jeans. “Keep going?” he asked, though she was well above the water.
“A little more,” she crooned.
Blayze walked further still, until the cold water penetrated his denim jeans all the way up to his waist, the weight causing them to sink lower on his hips. Sophia, safe in his arms, was mere inches from the water. If he lowered her the slightest bit, or stepped further in, she’d be soaked quick.
“Okay, I changed my mind,” she said. “I’d like to wait and come back with a swimsuit, please.”
His eyes widened at her. “That was sneaky.”
She laughed. “I know…”
“And it was also too late,mi amor, cuz you’re going under with me.” He took another step as a massive wave rushed in, holding her tight as the water threatened to pull her away.
Amidst the splash and spray, the sound of their laughter filling the air, Sophia tossed her arms around Blayze. She hitched her legs around him too, their drenched clothing clinging together as Blayze planted his feet in place.
Drops of water dotted Sophia’s dark lashes as she blinked. “You’re going to get it,” she threatened through a laugh.
He chuckled too. “Am I?”
She nodded, reaching out to smooth a hand over his face.
“What am I going to get, exactly?”
“I’m thinking about it,” she said lazily. “But you’re face-- it’s too handsome and it has me all distracted. So, I think I’ll just kiss you now, and think of payback later.”
“Sounds good to me,” he mumbled, pulling her closer against him. He meant to give her a playful kiss, carry her out of the water, and head back to the house where they could lay on the deck and dry off in the sun.
But as Sophia’s warm mouth met his in a lingering kiss, Blayze decided to savor the moment. The hint of sea salt on her silky lips. The heated touch of her velvety tongue. And the slight sound of pleasure she made when he deepened the kiss.
Her hands moved up the back of his head just as she pulled away the slightest bit, her hot breath mingling with his. “Te amo con todo mi corazón.”
He pressed his mouth to hers again before returning the sentiment. “I love you with all my heart, too, Sophia.”
“I know we have a lot to look forward to,” Sophia said, sounding breathless as she leaned back to look at him. “And that we’ll have some hard times too. But let’s promise each other to find joy together like this, enjoying these moments one day at a time.”
As Blayze imagined living the rest of his life with the woman in his arms, he mused there was no better way to go about it. Sophia Vasco had a whole lot to offer, and Blayze didn’t want to miss a thing.
He leaned down, cradled her face in his hands, and brought his mouth very close to her lips. “Sounds perfect.”
He came in for another long kiss, deciding that very moment was the best place to start.
