by Iris Abbott
“Thanks, Adam.” She nestled into his side. It felt right. “This is Mr. Tom Smith. He’s the owner of the stolen boat.”
Adam inclined his head to the man. “Thank you for coming by. As you can see, Amber is doing well. She does need her rest though, so if you’ll excuse us.”
He walked toward the door, urging Amber to move with him. “I want to get her home as soon as possible.” He didn’t wait for a reply. He guided Amber out of the hospital and to his car.
FIVE
“Here we are.” Adam parked his car in the garage. He rushed around to the passenger door and opened it for Amber. “I’ll grab your overnight bag and take it inside while you take care of Snowball.
“Thanks.” Amber slid out of the vehicle and opened the rear door. Snowball jumped out and danced around her, barking all the while. Amber glanced at Adam. “You’re probably having second thoughts about your invite about right now.”
Adam looked at her with a smoldering gaze hot enough to make her blood sizzle. “Not at all,” he promised. He winked and took off inside the house.
Amber fastened Snowball’s leash to the dog’s collar. She walked her pet to the backyard. Snowball was anxious to explore the new area and took off at a trot. Amber let out the leash as far as it would go so the dog could investigate. She waited patiently until every corner of the backyard was sniffed.
She felt a charge in the air. Amber turned to see Adam walking her way. “Hey,” she greeted.
“Right back at you,” Adam grinned. “Does the yard meet with Snowball’s approval?”
Amber smiled. “She hasn’t slowed down since we got here. There’s just too much for her to see. I had to really tug at her leash to keep her from jumping into the swimming pool.” Amber could not suppress a shudder at the thought of deep water. “I didn’t want her in the pool, because I wasn’t going in after her.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine what horrible thoughts are running through your head.” He walked to her. When they were standing toe to toe, he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. “It’s going to take time for your mind and body to process what happened. Until then a little fear is expected. I’ll do whatever I can to help you work through it.”
****
Adam held in a sigh. He took his boat out almost every day. He had a strong desire to connect with the ocean and its creatures as often as possible. Adam would curtail the need for Amber. That told him that he was in over his head and sinking fast. He was already attracted to Amber, and he liked her. It wouldn’t take much for him to fall in love.
“Let’s go inside. I put Snowball’s food and water in the kitchen. Her bed is in the living room near the fireplace. You might want to move it,” he shrugged. “If you do that’s okay. I want the two of you to feel at home while you’re here.”
****
Adam made dinner while Amber settled herself and Snowball. He called her when it was done, and they shared a meal and a glass of wine. Afterward, they talked until well after midnight. While they chatted, the sexual tension between them simmered. It was just waiting for that little bit of extra heat to send it over the boiling point.
They were sitting on the couch, and Amber scooted closer until they were touching. Halfway through their conversation, she laid her head on his shoulder. Adam put his arm around her and casually stroked her hair. Amber groaned and nestled closer.
“It’s getting late,” Adam warned. “The doctor said you should take it easy for a while.”
Amber reluctantly agreed to call it a night. “I’m comfortable enough to fall asleep right here.” She didn’t want the night to end. Adam was right about one thing. It made sense not to stress her body the first day out of the hospital. She lifted her head from his shoulder and slowly slid away. She released a breathy sigh as she went.
Adam groaned and quickly stood. “You’re not making this easy. I promised to be a gentleman tonight. Do you need anything before you go to bed?”
She needed him, but she wasn’t going to say it. “I’m fine, thanks. I need to take Snowball outside one more time though.”
“I’ll do it,” he volunteered. “She should get used to me being around. I plan to be a part of your life.” He gave her a wicked smile. “I think my irresistible charm has already won over your sister. I guess I better become friends with your dog too.”
Amber laughed. The jiggling motion in her chest and abdomen made her already sore muscles hurt. She groaned and wrapped her arms around her midsection. “Not gonna argue. Thank you for taking care of snowball, but don’t make me laugh.”
“Sorry.”
Adam helped her up and walked her to the door of the guest bedroom. He turned her toward him when they reached the door. “I’ve been waiting to taste you all night.” He tangled a hand in Amber’s silky hair and wrapped the other one around her waist. He gently pulled her to him until their bodies touched at every conceivable point.
Amber willingly relaxed into his embrace. She stood on tiptoe to touch her lips to his. A soft moan escaped her parted lips. Adam took advantage and deepened the kiss. His tongue darted into her mouth. Electricity zinged through Amber, and her knees nearly buckled. She tightened her arms around his neck, bringing them even closer together.
The door to her bedroom opened. Her heart fluttered, and her raspy breathing echoed in the hallway. Adam abruptly broke off the kiss and lightly pushed her inside.
“You’re supposed to take it easy, at least for the night,” he reminded her. He started to walk back the way they’d just come. When he got to the top of the stairs, he stopped long enough to look back at her. “Good night, Amber. Sweet dreams.”
He rapidly disappeared down the stairs.
Amber stood in the hallway for several seconds after he left. A soft ache started deep inside, ignited by his kiss. She wanted Adam, but she didn't dare call him back. She retreated to the seclusion of the guest room where she’d tossed and turned all night long. Exhaustion finally made her drop off to sleep sometime after five in the morning.
The next morning, she wandered down to the kitchen and found a note from Adam. He was out running errands. He put Snowball in the backyard along with the dog’s food and water. That explained why her pet hadn’t bothered her. Usually, Snowball was at her bedside bright and early, begging to go for a walk.
In the note, Adam suggested she invite her family over for a swim and barbeque for later in the day. Amber was glad he made the suggestion. She needed to be surrounded by family. It would help take her mind off of the attempted murder. It might also ease some of the tension between her and Adam. Amber’s body tingled at the thought of last night’s kiss. She had it bad for her former professor!
She knew it made sense for them not to jump into bed with each other their first night together. After all, they’d only become reacquainted again. Reasoning, though, didn’t ease the ache or lessen the heat inside her body. Yes, a distraction from Adam and the crazy attraction that sizzled between them would be good. She picked up the phone and called her sister.
****
The late afternoon sun sparkled in a bright blue sky. The water in the pool sparkled like a thousand diamonds thanks to the sun’s rays. Amber was not impressed. She sat in a lounge chair as far from the pool as she could get. Hannah sat on a chair next to her. Her sister did most of the talking, and that was fine with Amber. The warm sun and the even tone of Hannah’s voice slowly lulled her to sleep. She just closed her eyes when she heard her name.
Amber’s nephew Jacob splashed around in Adam’s pool. “Come in, Aunt Amber,” he pleaded. “This is so much fun! Come play!”
Amber shuddered at the thought of the deep end of that pool. “Maybe later,” she called back to Jacob. She didn’t want to fib to her nephew, but she didn’t think there was any way she was getting in the pool. At least not anytime soon.
Hannah sighed, but she didn’t say anything.
A shadow fell over Amber’s body. She looked up into Adam’s beautiful
ocean blue eyes. “The longer you wait to get back in the water, the harder it’s gonna be,” Adam warned.
Amber wrapped her arms around her bare midriff and tried not to embarrass herself by losing it in front of Adam and her family. “I don’t think I can do it. What if the feeling of being surrounded by water makes me panic? I could hurt myself or worse I could hurt Jacob.” She shook her head. “It’s not worth the risk.”
Adam sat down on the edge of the lounger. “Hannah mentioned earlier that you’ve always loved the water. I don’t want the people that tried to kill you to take that away from you.” His eyes darkened to the color of a stormy ocean. “Don’t let them win, Amber. Steve is manning the grill. I’d love to get in the pool with you.”
Amber looked at Jacob happily playing in the water. It was true. Any other time before she was thrown off the boat, she’d be in that pool with Jacob. She would have loved every second of it too. “I want to,” she said. “I just don’t know if I can.”
Adam stood and held out one of his strong and capable hands. “I’m an excellent swimmer. I’ve been trained in water survival and water rescue. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
She believed him. Amber placed her hand in Adam’s and allowed him to gently help her to her feet. The pool loomed large in front of her. It didn’t seem so daunting though, not with Adam’s comforting yet sturdy grip lending her support.
Adam gifted her with a huge smile that caused her belly to flutter. “This is an important step for you. I’m humbled by the trust you’re placing in me.” He squeezed her hand, and she returned the gesture.
They ambled over to the edge of the pool. The nearer they got, the slower Amber’s steps became. Her forward progress halted altogether by the time they reached the shallow end. Her heart pounded in her chest. Breathing was difficult, and she gulped in fast and shallow breaths.
“I d-don’t know, maybe I should wait after all.”
Adam stood behind Amber and wrapped his arms around her waist. He held her tight enough that his body heat seeped into her. “If that’s what you really want we’ll do this another time. I’m not going to throw you in the water and leave you to sink or swim. We can work through your fear or at least try.” He kissed the top of her head.
He sounded strong and patient. If only his confidence soaked into her as quickly as his warmth. She tried to match her breathing to the feel of Adam’s chest as it rose and fell against her back. After a few minutes, she regained control.
“I want to try. I don’t want to be afraid every time I see the ocean or a swimming pool. I can’t live like that.” Her voice became a little louder and firmer with every word.
Adam briefly tightened his embrace. She happily took the offered support. “We can stop any time if you need to. Let me know if you feel another panic attack coming on. I promise to take this slow and easy.”
Amber’s muscles clenched at the thought of slow and easy with Adam. She took a quick step forward leaving behind the comfort and safety of Adam’s arms. She closed her eyes and breathed in deep. It helped steady her and bring her mind back to the task at hand.
Adam briskly walked around her and grasped the swimming pool ladder. He descended the ladder and waited for Amber to follow him. “You got this,” he assured her.
A slight splash sounded from nearby. Amber opened her eyes. Adam stood in the shallow end of the pool, waiting for her. The water was only about five-feet deep. She noted that Adam who was a little over six-feet had no problem standing on the bottom.
He flashed her a grin that beckoned and calmed all at once. She smiled back. It was time. She firmly grasped the ladder with both hands and took the first big step. The cooling water lapped around her feet and ankles in a welcoming caress. She paused to enjoy the sensation.
“You’re doing great, Amber.” Adam sent her words of encouragement. She held her breath and didn’t release it until she took another tentative step down the ladder.
There was no turning back now. She already had her feet wet as the old saying goes. Amber made sure her grip on the ladder was tight before she walked down the remaining couple of steps. Her feet touched the bottom, and she let out a sigh of relief. As long as she could feel something solid under her feet, she’d be okay.
She heard and felt a minor disturbance in the water behind her. Her hands clutched the ladder tighter. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her breathing speed up. She thought about scrambling back up the ladder. Adam’s warm breath teased the nape of her neck, calming her.
“You’ve got this,” Adam praised her right before he wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m right here if you need me.” He leaned in close enough to kiss the side of her neck.
Amber’s breathing speed up another notch. She was surrounded by cold water, but Adam’s prevailing warmth pressed into her from behind. The fear she harbored slowly faded as white-hot desire shot through her body. She didn’t realize how tightly she was holding her muscles until she relaxed against Adam.
Slowly she turned until she was facing him. She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You make me forget about everything but you.”
“That’s the idea!”
She buried his face into the side of his neck. The scent of sunscreen teased her nostrils. He placed a lingering kiss above the sensitive pulse point on her neck. Her pulse skyrocketed. Everyone and everything disappeared except the two of them.
That was until her nephew broke the sensual spell that weaved itself around them. “Look at me, Aunt Amber!” Jacob yelled the request across the pool.
Amber couldn’t believe how quickly she forgot about her family. Being close to Adam addled her brain. She took a step back but was careful to remain within the safety of his embrace. “Great job, Jacob! When did you become such a great swimmer?”
The young child beamed at her. “Dad’s been teaching me. He takes me to the pool at his club a couple of times a week so mom can have a break.”
“He must be a great teacher. That’s the best swimming I’ve seen in a long time. You don’t even have to wear your water wings anymore!”
Jacob frowned at Amber before puffing out his chest. “I’m not a baby anymore,” he was quick to remind his aunt. He began a slow but steady stroke their way.
Adam threw back his head and laughed. “I spend so much time with college-aged people I forgot how entertaining and delightful young children are.”
“Most of the time,” Amber agreed. “I wasn’t laughing that time he disappeared from my apartment at the start of a snowstorm.”
Jacob finally reached them. He pushed his way between Amber and Adam so he could hug his aunt.
Adam was forced to take a couple of steps back to make room for the little boy.
“I’m glad you’re okay.” He poked out his bottom lip in a slight pout. “I wanted to visit you in the hospital, but mom wouldn’t let me.” His pout turned into a bright smile that showed all his teeth. “This place is way better than the hospital, though. I’m glad you’re staying here.”
“Me too,” she responded to Jacob’s statement, but her gaze was on Adam. She wanted him to know how happy she was to have him back in her life.
Hannah arrived at the side of the pool. “Jacob, go ahead and climb up the ladder. Your dad says dinner’s almost ready.”
“Okay! I’m starving.” He let go of Amber and quickly climbed out of the pool. He ran off toward the house to change into a dry set of clothes.
“You’ve been in the water for several minutes. How’re you feeling?” her sister asked.
“No panic attack yet.” She took a deep breath and savored the small victory. “I’m still standing on solid ground though. I can’t promise I’ll be this calm when I no longer feel the bottom.”
“You’re doing great! I’ll leave the two of you in peace. I need to make sure Jacob changes into his dry clothes. Love you, sis.” She waved and hurried into the house.
“I love the ocean, Amber. I feel as if it’s a part of me. It’s
important to me that you get beyond your fear. Try floating,” he suggested.
“I think I can do that,” she agreed. Amber closed her eyes and relaxed until she was resting on the water’s surface. She felt Adam’s arms beneath her. It was a great comfort to know he was there if she needed him. Slowly she opened her eyes.
The sky was a beautiful, calming blue. Fluffy white clouds swirled above her. The curly vapors slowly moved across the heavens while the pool’s water gently lapped at her body. She raised her head and realized that Adam was no longer standing next to her. He was treading water about two feet away.
“I’m still here,” he reassured her. “Close your eyes and concentrate on the feel of the water. It’s cool, soft, and offers a silky caress.”
Amber listened to the words and tried to concentrate on the feel of the water. It wasn’t working. His words softly seduced her. All she could think about was the feel of his hands on her body. A soft moan escaped from between her lips. She abruptly sat up and stretched her toes to reach the bottom of the pool.
She glanced at Adam who stood with his arms crossed over his naked chest. His lips twitched as he tried to hide a smile. “We should get out and change for dinner. First, I want you to completely submerge yourself if you think you can.”
Amber didn’t know if she wanted too, but she felt as if she could do anything with Adam by her side. She took a deep breath and gave Adam a halfhearted smile. “I want to try, but can we do it together?”
Adam smiled. “I think that’s a great idea. On the count of three, we’ll both go under. One… two… three!” Adam bent his knees and slowly sank below the surface of the water.
Amber watched Adam slowly sink to the bottom. She took in a couple of gulps of air and willed herself to do the same. He lingered below the surface, patiently waiting for her. She took in more oxygen.
