Page 76 of Guarded Deputy
He’s not good for my health.
“I heard that,” he says.
“You’re lucky you’re cute.”
“Cute? I thought I was hot?” I hear a smile in his voice.
“Goodness, I need to stop telling you things that will feed your ego.”
“My ego is the perfect size and so is my—“
“If you finish that sentence, we end here.”
Nate’s laughter booms around us, rocking the damn kayak to the point I grip the sides because it feels like we’re about to tip.
“Nate!” I yell, but he keeps on laughing.
“Babe, the fact that you thought I was actually going to say that shows how much you still have to learn about me. I’m a man of action not words. I think it’s time we go back to shore and enjoy the beach.”
“Okay.” I’m at a loss for words based on his previous comment, and I’d rather him show me what he means instead of asking.
We paddle back to the shore, turn in the kayak, and then Nate’s dragging me down to the beach area a few feet away. He rips his t-shirt off, giving me an uninterrupted view of his very defined chest and abs. I mean, wooheee. I knew he had to be fit and muscular, but he is on another level.
Each muscle on his body is defined and perfectly sculpted. I need to meet the artist who created this fine man and thank him. Oh right, that would be him and his workout regime.
“Are you going to stare or strip?” One side of his mouth lists in a smile.
“You are sassy today.” I point a finger at him before unbuttoning my shorts and sliding them down my legs.
Nate’s eyes don’t leave my body, trailing my movements as if he were the one undressing me. It feels like foreplay.
Once I’ve removed my clothes covering up my bathing suit, he grabs my hand and leads us to the water. The soft waves crash on the white sand, and the smell of salt infiltrates my senses. The beach is my home. If I could turn into a mermaid and live forever in the water, I would.
As soon as my feet hit the water, I sigh. It’s a hot spring day, and I could use a reprieve from the heat.
“The water feels amazing.” I look at Nate, covering the sun from my eyes.
“It does.” His smile is dazzling.
We go deeper in until we’re mostly covered by the ocean. I smile at Nate as I bounce from foot to foot, staring at his gorgeous face. This man does things to my heart, making it flip and soar.
His hands reach for my waist, pulling me to him.
“Hi.” He smiles timidly, and for a moment he looks like a vulnerable man.
“Hi,” I whisper, placing my arms around his neck.
“Have I told you how beautiful you are?” He brushes away a strand of hair stuck to my cheek.
“I’m always willing to hear it.” I smile.
“You’re beautiful.” He brushes his lips against mine.
I pout when he pulls away, and he chuckles.
“We don’t want to make a show out in public. After all, you’re an admirable teacher and I’m a man of the law.”
“We are quite the example of morality in our town.”