Page 64 of North Queen
She knew.
She looked up at the top of the rock formation reaching toward the ceiling of the cave, close to a ledge that protruded out over the pool. “Looks like that would be fun to jump from,” she said.
“It is,” he replied.
She gaped at him in surprise. “You’ve done it?”
“I have.”
“No you haven’t!”
Alexander grinned. “I’ll do it now.” He gripped the edge of the rock and hoisted himself from the pool.
She drew in a breath as his braies clung to his skin and the water rolled off his back. Perhaps she shouldn’t watch him, but she wasn’t caught up anymore in what she should or shouldn’t do. Not here.
He reached high and climbed up the mass of rock, faster than she thought he might. Perhaps hehaddone this before. Still, it was high. He reached the top and stretched his leg to the ledge on the cave wall.
She cringed at the thought of him falling. “Be careful,” she called.
But he moved to it easily. Then he flashed her a grin and jumped. She let out a squeal as he hit the water and a large splash rained over her. He broke the surface, laughing as he wiped the water from his face. “Did I get you?”
Of course he had tried. She splashed him back, and he laughed again.
“I don’t know whether that was brave or foolish,” she said.
“I’ve done many brave and foolish things here,” he replied, serious now.
She stilled. She wanted to ask him. The question was on her lips, but her fear kept it inside. Had they both done brave and foolish things here?Together?
They quieted as they drew closer to each other. Was the water growing warmer? It felt warmer. Still, her skin prickled.
But he broke the silence as he pushed back. “This way,” he said. “There’s more to see.”
The moment to ask had passed. She cursed her bashfulness.
He made his way around the rock formation. On the back side, the pool widened and curved to the left. They swam on, and around the corner, the cavern opened to the sky. Light hit the rippling water, and it sparkled in the sun.
She gasped in amazement. “It’s incredible.”
They waded for a long time, marveling at the natural beauty. Alexander’s face held a rare grin, and it brought her a deep happiness with it. If only they could stay here, away from the weight of the world.
He moved to the side and took hold of the rock as he looked up at the sky. “It’s beautiful in the moonlight,” he told her. “With the stars above. You used to try to count them.”
They used to swim here at night? She gripped the rock, edging beside him so she could still herself in the water.
“How many are there?” she asked.
He shook his head with an amused grin. “You’d come up with a different number each time.”
Each time. As in, they’d been here under the stars more than once.
Their eyes found each other again, and they fell silent. He drifted closer to her, close enough again to touch. This time, she did. She reached out her hand, slowly, and pressed her palm flat against his chest. The racing of his heart matched her own.
He drifted even closer.
His eyes matched the sunlit pool, and water droplets glistened in the gold of his hair. He was beautiful. She moved her hand up his chest, over his shoulder, and behind the nape of his neck, pulling him ever so softly to her.
And he followed.
