Page 132 of Chasing Hope

I scoop the bag up, handing Evie the travel mug lid and opening the front door for her. “After you, gorgeous.”

Her cheeks flame, pupils dilating.

“Not holding yourself back anymore, it seems,” she murmurs as she passes me.

The door shuts behind me as I confirm, “You’d have to put me in a straitjacket to keep me at bay, Dove.” Pausing, I put the bags down. “On second thought, I am holding back.”

At my words, Evie turns to me, her head cocked. “How are you holding back?—”

She’s cut off as I step into her space, cup her cheeks gently, and kiss her like she’s the only way I can receive oxygen.

Evie moans at the sudden movement, the sound sending a current of energy down my spine and making me shiver. Pulling back, my lips twitch as I take her in, with her messy blonde ponytail, tight black gym shorts, and matching bra.

“NowI’m no longer holding back,” I drawl gruffly.

“Good choice on Evergreen,” Evie says from where she sits on top of my board.

Looking around the lake, a sense of peace and serenity fills my heart at the near-empty water. “Figured this one would be best during the week.”

While I paddle, Evie relaxes, her knees hugged close to her chest, golden locks cascading down her back, head tipped toward the sky, eyes closed as the sun shines along her tan skin.

We paddled on our own respective boards for a loop, then I beckoned her on mine, leaving her board on the shore. I haven’t gone back for it since.

Growing up, I always found any excuse necessary for us to share a board, craving just a brush of a hand, an arm, or even a thigh whenever I could.

Now as I reach forward, stroking my fingers through her golden locks I don’t have to come up with an excuse.

It’s a heady feeling.

Her eyes flutter open to find me not looking at the lake but at her. The slow smile I’m greeted with makes my stomach flip.

Turning, she rises slowly to her feet, all the while never taking her eyes off me. Nothing changes within her expression, but I know her. It’s why when she steps forward, sliding her hands over my stomach and up my chest, I should be prepared, but I’m not.

I don’t think I ever will be.

Her touch sends goosebumps running across my skin. I drop my head for the woman who has my heart, meeting her halfway.

Again, though, I know her.

But at least her lips brush mine before she pushes me.

Smirking, I fall back into the water, the cold soothing the heat of my sizzling skin. Evie’s cackle of laughter is music to my ears as I reemerge, shaking the water from my hair with a flick.

“That’s payback for all the times you pushed me off the board,” she says between gasps.

Slowly swimming toward her, I drawl, “Do you want to know why I always pushed you off?”

Wiping the tears from her eyes, her lips part as she gives me a dubious expression. “Why?”

“I’ll have to show you to explain.”

Evie’s head cocks right as I grab the board and tip it.

As if I’m watching in slow motion, her eyes widen, her legs give out, and she lets out a shrill scream right before she plunges into the water. Pushing the board behind me, I swim for her as she comes up, sputtering for air.

Her incredulous gaze lands on me as I wrap my hands around her waist and whisper in her ear, “I always pushed you in so I could touch you like this.”

Before Evie can respond, I lean forward and capture her lips, devouring the lake’s cold droplets from her mouth. I tilt my head and caress her lips further, asking for entry.