Page 81 of All Yours

‘How can I say no?’

They grinned at each other, his eyes dancing with excitement, before he shrugged out of his checked shirt and pulled his white T-shirt over his head. She loved this playful side of Fox. It made her want to bring it out more.

Robyn undid the buttons of her top and let it fall to the ground, then pushed her jeans over her hips and kicked them off. Soon they were both standing in a puddle of clothes in their underwear.

‘Everything needs to go,’ Robyn said, pointing a finger at his shorts, where she could already see the strain of fabric over his erection.

Fox put his thumbs into the waistband and lowered his briefs, slowly, his eyes holding her gaze, until his cock sprang free. Her stomach flipped as he stepped out of them.

Robyn unclipped her bra and slipped it off, watching his gaze drop to her breasts, then shimmied out of her lacy pants, and saw his eyes drop lower. The tip of his tongue ran across his bottom lip and she felt heat between her legs, as though he had physically touched her.

‘Now, come with me.’ Robyn held out her hand to him, and he clasped it in his own without hesitation. She led him towards the front door, turning the lamp off as they passed.

‘Where are we going?’ Fox whispered, getting into the mystery.

‘The pool,’ Robyn whispered back, enjoying his excitement.

He stopped dead, jolting her arm.

‘The pool? But I’m naked.’

‘I know.’ It was her turn to let her eyes sweep down his chest and widen her eyes at what was below. ‘Have you never skinny dipped before?’ He shook his head and shrugged.

‘First time for everything,’ she said.

‘But it’s December.’

‘The pool is heated! We’ll be fine.’ She tugged his hand again, hoping he’d go with it, but he was still hesitating.

‘It’s the best place for it,’ she said. ‘You’ll see when we’re in.’

He smiled again as he made his decision.

‘Okay. Let’s go then.’

Fox took the lead and opened the door. They streaked across the shadowy patio to the edge of the pool, the air biting their skin, giggling as they went. Robyn sat on the edge and then slipped into the silk of the warm water, ducking her shoulders under in the dark. Fox followed behind, emerging beside her, tantalisingly close. Automatically she reached for him and he wrapped her in his arms, and it took all her effort to keep her lips from finding his.

‘Look up,’ she said, breaking away to turn her head skywards, but keeping a hold of his hand under the water. He looked to the sky, keeping his body submerged against the cold.

‘No stars tonight?’

‘But a new moon,’ Robyn replied, pointing at the sliver of silver that sat low in the sky. The crescent was almost invisible.

‘And we are in water infused with the light from it,’ she continued. ‘The perfect place for moon bathing.’

‘Moon bathing?’

She turned to face him. His eyes glinted in the dark.

‘The moon has energy just as the sun does,’ she said. ‘It’s good for your body and your soul to expose yourself to it.’ She paused, checking his face for a reaction, but he nodded at her to continue. ‘Each phase of the moon means different things. Some cultures set holidays for the moon, and some farmers plan their crops by the moon cycles. It’s hugely powerful.’

He was watching her so intently, she felt strangely shy.

‘Go on.’ He squeezed her hand under the water. ‘It’s fascinating.’ She took a deep breath, pleased.

‘Well, this phase, when the moon is new, or very young, gives us the chance to renew ourselves if we want to. To set intentions for the month ahead. And if nothing more, to be soothed and calmed by its energy.’

‘I’ve never heard of any of this. Have you done this before?’