Page 69 of Suncatcher

She gentled Driz with soft kisses, bringing her back to the moment, but Driz still watched her. She had never left.

Pearl smiled and Driz grinned back, those powerful arms gathering Pearl close as she sat them both up. Pearl settled into her lap, straddling her, clinging. They were disheveled and partially clothed, and sand had worked its way into too many places.

“Was that alright?” Driz asked, and Pearl chuckled.

“More than alright. Couldn’t you tell?”

Driz’s face remained serious as she brushed the hair from the side of Pearl’s face. “I do not want to do the wrong thing.”

“I’ll tell you if you do. But all of that was very right.”

Driz kissed her softly. Sweetly.

Panic swirled around in Pearl’s gut. She pulled away, climbing off Driz and out of reach. Pearl should clarify she didn’t need sweet. She didn’t want it. It would be a lie unless she made it the truth.

She stepped toward the shallow water. It would be cold and uncomfortable, and that was exactly what she needed. She yanked off her boots and shed the rest of her clothes.

The rushing water sent shivers up her legs, the sandy, silty bottom clouding around her shins with each step before washing clear.

As Driz joined her, Pearl marveled at the form of her in the faint light.

“You wore it,” Driz said, brushing the pendant on Pearl’s breast.

Pearl stepped back, regretting the choice. “Yeah.”

“You like the water too?”

“Not really, no.”

“Oh.” Confusion or disappointment creased Driz’s face and Pearl looked away.

She crouched down and washed herself. But Driz did not. She just watched. “I thought you liked water,” Pearl challenged, the dark and afraid creature in her chest twisting into meanness.

“I do not want to wash you off me.”

Pearl caught her breath and pretended it was the cold of the water. “Sometimes you say things,” Pearl blurted.

“What things?”

“You’re too honest. It’s scary.”

Driz’s eyes widened. “You are scared? Of me?”

“No, not of you. Just of your words.”

“Which words? Tell me and I will not say them.”

Pearl sighed, the frigid water stealing the slightly hysterical laugh that bubbled in her chest. “It’s not about the words, Driz.”

“But you just said it was. I do not understand.”

“I know.” Pearl closed her eyes, which tried to sting with emotion. “I know.”

Even if Driz didn’t say how she felt, she would still feel it. And that was the real problem.

Pearl finished washing Driz from herself and stood abruptly, splashing out of the stream. The air chilled and she shivered until arms circled her waist and wings curled around, protecting her from the breeze.

She relented for the moment, leaning in and accepting the gesture, resting her head on Driz’s shoulder. Driz sighed in contentment.