by RJ Moore
Ian crouches down beside me and holds out a fat wiggling worm. “Ready to do yours?”
I wrinkle my nose at the disgusting creature. “Uh, no. I’ll pass.”
He shakes his head, grumbling, “Girls.” He hooks the worm. “All right, come up here and I’ll show you how to cast.”
Standing up, I dust off my butt before stepping over to where Ian is holding my pole. He positions me in front of him and slides his hands down my arms, showing me where to put my hands to hold the pole correctly.
“See this metal part here? That’s called the bail arm and when it’s open, it allows the fishing line to come loose so you can cast. When you open it, hold your pointer finger over the line and only let go when you cast.” He steps back, unfortunately releasing his hold on me, and bends to pick up his own pole. “Here, watch me.” He swings his pole over his shoulder, effortlessly casting it way out in the pond.
Looks easy enough.
Mimicking Ian exactly, I arch my pole back and cast it out. The hook snaps back and almost smacks me in the head. The line wildly spins around and around the pole, making a tangled mess. “What the hell? I did it exactly like you did.”
Laughing, Ian kisses my head and takes my pole from me to untangle the line. “You probably forgot to let your finger go.” Once my line is fixed, he hands it back. “Try again. Remember, practice makes perfect.”
I exhale the breath I was holding, trying my hand at casting once again. This time, I don’t forget to release my finger, and my hook sails out next to Ian’s.
“And that’s how it’s done,” Ian’s voice rumbles out next to my ear. I turn my head to look over my shoulder, giving him a smile. He glances at my mouth a split second before brushing his lips against mine. There is no rushing, only slow, soft, sweet kisses. I release one hand from my pole, bringing my arm up around the back of his neck to pull him in closer. He instantly brings his front flush against my back. His arms skid across my sides until they are wrapped around my middle.
Man, he can kiss!
I’m about to throw down my pole and say forget about fishing when I feel a couple quick tugs. I gasp, breaking the kiss. “Ian! I think I have a fish!” I start hopping from foot to foot. “What do I do? What do I do?”
“Reel it in, just like I showed you.” He points down to the handle. I do as instructed and soon a big fish is reeled in. “Well are you going to pick it up or just let it flop on the dock?”
I squint at the fish flailing around and Ian steps on the line so it doesn’t bounce back into the water. Can I touch it? Yes, I can do this! I slowly stretch my arm out and it unexpectedly starts flipping around, hitting my hand in the process. I squeak, jumping back.
Ian starts laughing, only stopping when I send him my best Shut up or else glare. He easily snatches the fish up, taking the hook out of its mouth. Gross! He holds it out for me, which makes me shake my head. “No thanks. I’m good.” Smiling, he shrugs then throws it back in the water.
We fish for another hour and I actually out-fish Ian. It’s starting to get really hot, making me sweat like I’m in the middle of a hard workout. I want to stick this out for Ian but feel as if I’m going to start panting if I don’t cool off soon.
“Ready to take a dip?” Ian stands up from where he was sitting and reels in his hook, then sets it down. As he peels off his shirt, my mouth drops open.
And just like that, the heat is forgotten about.
There is no hesitation as he continues stripping until he’s in the buff, putting those magnificent muscles on display. I don’t get much time to ogle before he leaps off the end of the dock, diving headfirst into the water. I get one last quick glimpse of his muscular backside before he’s completely submerged. His head pops back up and he shakes it like a dog, flinging the water away.
“Come on, Evie. Water’s great.” He leans backward, floating up, up, and up until the very thing I was waiting to catch a peek at decides to show itself. He backstrokes in my direction, giving me a front row view. Grabbing the edge of the dock, he looks up at me, cocking an eyebrow.
I smile shyly. “I don’t have a swimsuit.”
“You don’t need one here. There’s no one around to see you.”
I bit my lip indecisively and look down. “Well, I don’t know—”
“Evie.” He waits until my eyes meet his. “You’re beautiful. It’s just me. I love everything about you and your stunning body.” His smile is so genuine that I can’t help but smile back. “Now get your sexy ass in the water.” He takes a breath, going under the water.
You got this Eve. You can do this.
I take off my jeans and tank top, putting them in a pile next to my flip-flops. I don’t know why I’m so hesitant; it’s not like Ian hasn’t seen me bare before. Maybe it’s being out in the open in the direct sunlight, or maybe it’s because it seems so much wilder than anything I’ve ever done.
Leaving home to live in the country on your own to have a baby isn’t wild?
Screw it. I chant I am wild, I am fierce over and over in my head while I shimmy out of my bra and underwear, adding them to my pile of discarded clothes. When I turn around to face the water, Ian is there staring up at me with lust in his eyes. I lower my hands that were covering my chest and let them hang at my sides.
Ian beckons me to come closer with a curl of his finger. When I reach the edge, I sit down and slide into the cool water. Ian grasps my waist to help me in then pulls me against him. I waste no time in claiming his mouth.
He kisses me back and soon I feel him harden. Pulling back, he keeps his face close to mine. “I have to stop now.” He closes his eyes and his breaths come out short and choppy. I stay silent, trying not to laugh. When he opens them, he smirks at me. “Good thing we’re in cold water.”
Bringing his hands under my arms, he lifts me and throws me back into the water. I wasn’t expecting it and come back up sputtering. He laughs so I splash water at him before turning and swimming away.
We spend a while longer just swimming around, having the time of our lives. I love how affectionate and fun Ian is, manly yet still sweet, confident but caring. I need to thank my lucky stars I found someone like him.
We head back inside, still nude. Ian says he’s going to take a shower and asks me if I want to join. As tempted as I am, I decline. I’m having a huge sugar craving and want to check out the kitchen. I guess Quinn and his dad keep the place stocked with food, which works out perfect for me. I know from working with Quinn that he has a huge sweet tooth and a hole in his stomach. I’ve seriously never seen anyone eat so much in one sitting and then two hours later, be ready to eat again.
After donning a shirt, I open the pantry, and I’m disappointed to find nothing that I feel like eating. I try my luck in the fridge, but the only thing in there that would be sweet is unbaked cinnamon rolls in the can.
They will have to do.
Preheating the oven, I find the pan and following the instructions, and then I place them in once the oven beeps. Since all I have to do is wait, I decide that I better go make sure Ian doesn’t need help, you know, washing his back or anything.
I’m saddened when I hear the water shut off, knowing I missed it. The moment I enter the bathroom, my blue mood is forgotten about. Ian has the shower curtain open, drying his hair with the towel over his head. I don’t even notice when he lowers the towel and catches me staring. When he strikes a pose by putting his foot on the edge of bathtub, my eyes shoot up to his. At his smirk, I grip the bottom of my shirt, peeling it off. I should be embarrassed, thinking my body is sexy with my growing belly, but Ian’s heated gaze makes me not think twice about it.
“Jesus, you’re so damn beautiful, Evie.”
“So are you.”
“I’m not beautiful,” he scoffs. “I’m manly. And tough.” His extra deep voice makes me snicker.
“Well your tough, manly self needs to move out of my way so I can take a shower. It’s too bad you’re already finished with yours.” I s
hake my hips as I walk by him then step into the tub, closing the curtain.
Ian stays in the bathroom the whole time I’m showering, just talking about how much fun he had today. “I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed my birthday so much.”
Shutting off the water, I step out, wrapping myself in the towel that was hanging on the wall. I smile at him. “Well I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Looking into the mirror, I groan at all my mascara that ran down my cheeks and try to wipe away as much I can.
Walking up behind me, Ian gently wraps my hair in a towel, starting to squeeze out the water. I close my eyes as his fingers massage my scalp in the process. Once I put on all my lotion, I dress in only a shirt and panties. Following Ian out to the living room, I sit on the couch as he puts in a movie for us to watch. I don’t ask what it is he’s playing, trusting him not to play anything scary.
He walks over to the couch, taking a seat beside me. Turning on his side, he pulls me down in front of him so we’re snuggled tight together. He cups my stomach and kisses my shoulder. Laying my head on his arm, I cuddle in closer. Just then I feel the baby kick harder than normal, right where his hand is resting. I jerk my head around and say, “Tell me you felt that.”
He smiles brightly, nodding his head. He opens his mouth to say something when he suddenly snaps it shut, sniffing loudly. Slowly sitting up, he brings me up with him. “I smell something burning.”
“Oh shit!” I jump off the couch, running over to the oven. I open the door and smoke rolls out. Seconds later, the fire alarms go off. I stand there, not knowing what to do except to cover my ears. Thankfully, Ian comes to the rescue, grabbing an oven mitt. Taking the now very burnt cinnamon rolls out, he sets them down on the stovetop. Grabbing a dishtowel, he starts waving it back and forth under the alarm until it finally stops.
Snapping myself out of my stupor, I start opening up the windows to let the air flow. Feeling angry and embarrassed, I slowly turn around to look at Ian. He’s leaning back on the counter, looking like he’s trying with all his might not to laugh. My lip twitches and I can’t help but burst out laughing.
Pushing himself off the counter, he saunters my way, stopping when he’s standing in front of me. I drop my head on his chest. “Damn it. I can’t even cook premade cinnamon rolls.”
He hugs me, chuckling. “Oh you cooked them all right.”
I stand up, swatting him on the shoulder. “Very funny. I was craving something sweet and now I have nothing.”
“I think I might be able to save the day.” He opens the freezer door and pulls out a carton of ice cream. My first thought is You’re my hero, quickly followed by Why in the world didn’t I look in the freezer?
After eating a huge bowl of ice cream, I feel as if I’m now in a sugar coma. The baby starts kicking wildly so I grab Ian’s hand and put it on my belly. He grins wide. “That’s so amazing.” He leans down and starts talking in a low, sweet voice. “Hey little one. Did all that ice cream wake you up?” He starts rubbing wide circles, still yammering on and on about how he knows she’ll be just as beautiful as her mommy, how he can’t wait to meet her. I roll my eyes at him calling my baby a girl when he has no idea but inside, my heart melts.
My eyes fill with unshed tears and when he finally stops talking to look up, he smiles sweetly before kissing my belly. “Don’t cry, Evie.”
I bite my bottom lip, not wanting to let tears fall. “Sorry, these stupid hormones just take over and I have no control over them.” He scoots up so he’s level with my face. Rubbing my jawline, he leans in and peppers me with kisses. My hormones might be making me emotional, but I can’t help thinking I was meant to run into that gate and meet Ian. I was meant to keep this baby and move here to this wonderful little town with its amazing people.
Giving me one last kiss, Ian gets up so he can put in another movie. Climbing in behind me, he pulls me close against him. I don’t get past the opening credits before I’m fast asleep, warm and cozy in Ian’s arms.
I wake up feeling as if I’m covered up in one of those heating blankets. My body is a little stiff and then I remember that I fell asleep on the couch. Ian is wrapped around me so tight I feel myself starting to sweat. The sun is up, shining brightly, already making the house hot inside.
I untangle my legs from Ian’s and very slowly slide out of his arms. I take a minute to stretch out my kinked body then twist my head, peering down on a sleeping Ian. He’s always awake before I am so I never get a chance to see him this way. He shifts onto his back and puts his arm over his head like Kate Winslet in Titanic.
Too bad he’s not nude.
My ogling will have to wait because my bladder is about to explode. Shuffling to the bathroom, I do my business, brush my teeth, and then don a pair of Ian’s boxers. My hair is sticking up in every direction so I redo my messy bun before tiptoeing to the kitchen to make coffee—well, sort of; I only have to press the start button since Ian already had everything prepared.
Still counts in my book.
Swiveling around to the living room, I’m a little shocked to see Ian is still passed out. Slinking over to the couch, I lean my face close to his to make sure he’s still breathing.
I jump when I suddenly hear him say my name. “Evie.”
I straighten and put my hand over my heart. “Aahhh, I thought you were sleeping!”
He rubs his eyes, yawning. “I was, until someone’s hair tickled my face.” He raises his brows in question.
“Sorry. You never sleep longer than I do, so I was making sure you were still breathing,” I say as I shrug my shoulders.
He chuckles and stands up, stretching both arms above his head. His shirt rides up, taunting me with that exquisite V of his. “Man, my back is killing me.” He glances at the couch. “No more sleeping on the couch for us.”
“I’m going to have to agree with that one,” I say, rubbing my back. “Good news though: I made coffee.”
Ian smirks, pulling me into his chest. “Is that so?”
I smile into his shirt, knowing he basically made the coffee and I am taking the credit. “Yup, went out and picked the coffee beans all on my own too.” I feel him shake in a silent laugh, his hands traveling down my sides. I squeal when he starts tickling my sides, only stopping when his phone dings from the coffee table.
I go to pick it up to hand it to him when he reaches around, grabbing it quickly before I can get to it. I raise my eyebrows at him. He replies with a wink and kisses my head before going to the kitchen.
That was weird.
I shrug it off, trailing after him while he’s busy reading the text. He types out a quick response before glancing my way, asking if I want coffee. I nod my head, craving something a little stronger than tea this morning. He hands me mine and I close my eyes in bliss when I take a sip.
Mmm…perfect.
His phone dings again and he quickly reads the text before locking his phone, putting it in his back pocket. I want to ask him what is going on—who is he texting, and why is it so secretive?—but I refuse to be that type of whiny, insecure girlfriend. I trust him fully and know deep down that he would never do anything to hurt me.
We lock eyes, and the look of pure adoration in his eyes makes every worry vanish. I smile at him as I raise my coffee to my mouth. “So, what’s the plan for today?”
He leans back, resting on his elbows on the counter. “Well, if you’re up to it, I was gonna take you on a hike.”
I take another sip before answering him. “I’ll go get dressed.” Putting my mug down, I strut to the bedroom, putting a little extra sway in my hips. I don’t make it to the door before I hear him growl and swing me up into his arms.
He gently tosses me on the bed, hastily grabbing the end of the boxers I put on earlier. Taking a breath, as if silently telling himself to relax, he slows his movements, gradually sliding them down my legs. I lick my lips in anticipation of what I know is about to come.
Speaking of come…
My body quiver
s as his fingers graze up my inner thigh. I can’t help the moan that escapes me when I feel his hot breath reach my core, kissing me. Gripping my underwear, he pulls them off me, flinging them across the room. Not a second later, his mouth is back, making me arch to get away from the pleasure that is almost too strong. He seizes my legs and holds me there, pressing his tongue firmer against me.
I yell out his name over and over, melting into the bed. He lifts his head and starts trailing kisses over my hip and over my stomach. I squirm when he keeps going. I laugh out loud, taking a handful of his hair to make him stop.
He lightly rests his chin on my stomach, grinning at me. We just stare at one another while I catch my breath. I nudge him with my leg to get him to roll over. I turn over, straddling his waist, and smirk down at him.
“My turn.” I pull my hair out of my bun and shake my head because, well, it always seems like the girls in the movies do it. I just hope I look as temping as I imagine myself. When his eyes get that heated look to them, I guess it must have worked. I slowly slide down his body, bringing his pants down as I go.
I proceed to give as good as I got and soon we we’re both sated. We end up taking a shower together, which turns into us both doing more exploring, which has us having to take another shower—separately this time.
As I wait for Ian to finish with his shower, I turn my Pandora on while I get ready. I put my hair up and put on some mascara, foregoing my foundation. I used to always have a pimple or two that I needed to cover up. I was always jealous of my friends having perfect clear skin. Now that I’m pregnant, either the hormones are working to my benefit or my healthier eating has contributed to my pimple-free face. Either way, lately all I needed is mascara since my blonde eyelashes make it look like I have none.
The bathroom door opens to a half-naked Ian towel drying his hair. It’s almost ridiculous how my body responds to seeing his. You would think I haven’t seen him multiple times before. I reluctantly move my eyes from his glistening torso and focus on finding clothes that will be suitable for hiking. Unzipping one of my suitcases, I fling open the top to see all my shoes piled up.
