by Hayleigh Sol
Funny how much that sounded like “get me back on the pole”.
There were nervous butterflies in my stomach as we swam over, climbed out on the bank, and walked up the hill to join the end of the line. Luka, bless his supportive soul, did his best to distract me by chattering about anything and everything but the jump, the rope, or the belly flop I was certain was coming my way. I might feel better about this whole thing if I’d been able to swim over to the landing zone and assess the depth of the water—and potential for hitting bottom and breaking a leg or other vital part of my anatomy—for myself. Unfortunately, the second one jumper cleared the area, the next one swung out.
Arms wrapped around my own wet body as I stood behind Luka, shivering in the shade, I watched as two, three, four people made successful swings. The typical landing was a cannonball, which I thought I could handle.
No need to get fancy, Maya. Just survive to tell the tale another day.
I was very aware of how ridiculous it was to be getting this anxious about something I’d done hundreds of times as a child without incident. And that was when I’d actually attempted flips of varying acrobatic skill.
Third from the front of the line, Luka turned to face me, interrupting my inner pep–talk–slash–reprimand. “How about a kiss for luck?”
I’d been expecting him to reassure me or to remind me I didn’t have to take a turn if I didn’t want to. His question, and the accompanying leer, made me laugh and kiss his smiling lips.
“What’s the one thing that’s been missing from this vacation up to this point?”
I groaned. “Don’t say, ‘a rope swing’.”
His finger booped my nose and he looked over his shoulder to check his spot in line. Two more to go. “Let me rephrase: what have you wished for more than anything else on this vacation?” He stared into my eyes, mind–melding me to provide the correct answer.
“A bed. Hands down, a real bed.”
That beaming smile filled his face as the rope was brought back to the young boy in front of him. Only one more jump before Luka’s turn, two before my own moment of truth. The butterflies were now trying to beat their wings against my throat.
“Guess what I got us for the next two nights.”
“Hmm, what’s that?” I was completely fixated on the splash of the last kid, eyes following the fourteenish–year–old girl who’d gone before him and was now hauling the rope up the hill to hand to Luka.
“Maya.”
My attention darted between the rope and him. Rope. Twinkling teal eyes. Rope. Back to the eyes.
“I got us a cabin…with a real bed for the next two nights. So, see, babe? You gotta jump so we have something to really celebrate.”
With perfect timing, he kissed my surprise–parted lips, took the proffered rope, and sailed out over the water like he’d been born to it.
Hell’s bells. He made it look so easy, there was no way I wasn’t jumping now. I was brave, I was tough, I could do anything a boy could do. Besides, I had to do something to match his excellent bed surprise. A mattress. Sheets. Pillows.
I may have whimpered.
The rope was in my hands, I took a deep breath in and out, then another. My eyes sought out Luka, treading water with a smile on his face I could see from where I stood.
Another breath and I leapt.
Didn’t even scream like I thought I would. Actually, it was all rather anticlimactic. I remembered to release the rope instead of hanging on and swinging back toward the hill like a noob, tucked my legs up, and hit the water. Which, of course, shoved my bikini bottoms straight up my ass.
Eh, nobody said I was Olympics–bound.
We didn’t have candles, which Luka said he felt bad for not thinking of, but sharing a meal and champagne at the little table and chairs inside the cabin he’d rented for us was romance to me. Instead of eating at Ducey’s like our ill–fated first date, we’d put in an order and taken it to go. The coziness of eating in our own space, relaxed after a very frisky joint shower—in a real shower—while our feet intertwined under the table, was the ideal end to a remarkable day.
“I know it’s silly, but it felt so good to make that jump. I needed that, I think. It…reminded me of how I always used to be.” I looked up and saw Luka smiling softly at me. “Thank you.”
“No need to thank me, you’re the one who jumped. Like a graceful ballerina.” His smile expanded. “And without any hesitation whatsoever.”
“I did, didn’t I?” I couldn’t help my beaming grin. “But I don’t know that I would have done it without your nudge. Your belief in me.”
He shrugged his shoulders, a little embarrassed, but pleased all the same.
I tipped my mug of champagne to him. “Your celebration incentive helped, too. Made me feel like I had to earn this luxurious overnighter.”
My eyebrow waggle had him laughing. “So this was a good surprise? Even if it’s not buried treasure? Or a puppy?”
After assuring him this was far better than either—well, a puppy would’ve been pretty great—I asked what I could possibly do to return the favor.
“Oh, I don’t think you have to worry about that, not after what happened in there.” He nodded toward the en suite bathroom with a satisfied smile, obviously recalling our pre–dinner sexy times. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget that – best shower of my life.”
Yeah, I was pretty proud of my performance, if I did say so myself. I’d forgotten how daring and fun I could be when it came to sex.
God, had I even been insecure and timid in the bedroom?
It couldn't have been all me, though, right? Sex certainly had never been that mind–blowing with Brad. Or with anyone, really. Lukasz brought that out in me, just as he seemed to inspire my long–overdue boldness to come out and play in other ways.
“Glad to have set the bar high.”
He chuckled. “Oh, I think you shot the bar into the stratosphere.”
This was why I felt stronger and sexier and capable of anything when he was around. “You are so good for my ego. I wish I’d had you around these past few years.”
“I wish that, too.” His eyes reflected a touch of sadness, which was unbearably sweet. “But we’re here, together, now. And we actually live close enough to keep this going when we’re back home. If that’s still what you want.”
Was he nervous? Like I’d be going anywhere anytime soon.
“Definitely what I want. You?”
“Actually, that’s good to hear. I was hoping to tell the family about my new girlfriend…who’s also my old girlfriend.”
Joy zinged through me. “Girlfriend, huh?” I couldn’t make it too easy on him but I’m sure my enormous smile belied the truth. “That sounds…exclusive.”
“Well, yes, I would hope so,” he said on a laugh. “Any interest?”
With his cheeks adorably pinking up, I hopped out of my chair and moved to his side of the table. Plunking myself down on his lap, I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him until we were both breathless.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” That turned–on, husky voice was my undoing. Well, the voice and the sumptuous kisses that made everything inside me coil up, then unwind. I nodded and pulled him toward the bed he’d arranged as a treat for us and bold Maya took over again.
Chapter 24
Arms and legs reaching out in a decadent stretch, I yawned myself awake and smiled in pure bliss. My back felt fantastic. My lady bits were a little sore but so content they practically purred.
I glanced to my side and drank in the sight of Luka’s wide expanse of back and shoulders, the sheet dipping just low enough to tease the top of a biteable buttcheek. His face was turned toward me on his pillow, relaxed in sleep, and all I wanted to do was lick him. Instead, I buried my head in my own pillow and smiled until my cheeks hurt.
“Should I le
ave you two alone?” His sleepy morning voice halted my girly rapture–fest.
Rolling back to face him, I assumed my best nothing–to–see–here expression. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, yourself. Looks like you’re pretty happy with that pillow.” His eyes closed again, he wore a soft smile. “Should I be jealous you’re starting the day by making out with it instead of me?”
“I wasn’t making out with it, just…showing it the appreciation it deserves.”
His arms snaked out around me and tugged me toward him. “Come and show me some appreciation.” His grin was still a little sleepy but the cheekiness was there. Then he proceeded to kiss the everloving hell out of me.
Exactly like this was how every day should begin.
Things were heating up as we rolled all over the bed—no uneven air mattresses or inflatable sleeping pads only wide enough to accommodate one person, not this morning, not in this glorious cabin—when a burst of pounding on the wall behind our heads killed happy fun time.
“What the hell was that?” My breathlessness was equal parts turned–on and alarmed.
“Dunno, maybe some kids messing around. Want me to go check?” Luka looked as keen on the idea of leaving this warm bed as I was.
It was silent again, so I shook my head and returned to my previous attentions, quickly forgetting about the rude interruption.
Luka was easily persuaded back into the mood. “Mmhmm, good choice,” he mumbled as his hands roamed over my bare, suddenly tight and burning–hot skin. He had discovered where my favorite places to be touched were and he exploited that information every chance he got.
Reaching a hand between us, I wrapped my palm and fingers around him and started moving with the pressure and speed I’d learned he liked.
BAM–BAM–BAM–BAM!
We jerked apart, eyes wide. “Oh my God, is that…?” It couldn’t be.
“A woodpecker,” Luka offered.
I nodded my agreement. “Holy crap, I think it is.” The banging had sounded like it was in the room with us. “You don’t think it heard us or…?”
Luka grinned and dropped a kiss on my lips. “And what, it’s trying to tell us something? Filing a noise complaint?”
We both found that funny, our laughter turning into peals when the woodpecker started up again. Once we’d gotten ourselves under control—and Woody had been quiet for a few minutes—Luka tucked my head onto his chest and kissed my hair.
“Who would’ve imagined it’d be so difficult to get you alone in the woods? First the crowds at Angel Falls, then the party boat at Alex’s Beach, now a fucking woodpecker. Hell, the sheriff and rangers probably would’ve unzipped the tent and strolled inside if we’d been there yesterday morning.”
That set me off again.
Rather than the morning sex we’d been rushing toward, we snuggled up. Luka’s arms wrapped around me as I notched my backside into his front. “I can’t believe we only have two more days here.”
“I know, usually I’m ready to get home and back to the routine by the end of a vacation. Not this time, though.” He squeezed me tighter and kissed my shoulder.
I sighed, not wanting to think about going back to my own routine but unable to stop now that I’d started. “Let’s stay here forever so I don’t have to go back to employees who hate me, customers who pay their bills late, an ever–shrinking safety net in the bank…”
My eyes clenched shut like I could shut out the big bad world. If I can’t see you, you can’t see me.
But I couldn’t hide forever. “You know what? It’s okay. At least two of those issues should improve if Brad and I can come to terms on a loan.”
As for my staff hating me, I still hadn’t figured out what to do about that unexpected situation. But I’d jumped from the mother–effing rope swing, bitches; I could deal with being told people didn’t like me. There was a great guy behind me who did. Quite a lot, it seemed.
And I shouldn’t be raining on our sexcation with my work woes.
When I shifted to face Luka, intent on returning his pre–Woody woody to its earlier state, there was a slight frown denting the space between his brows. Darn, it looked like I’d already put a damper on our morning.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.” His eyes searched mine. “What if the loan didn’t come from Brad?”
I opened my mouth to tell him that I hadn’t been able to secure funding with my previous attempts, not unless I wanted to get a short–term loan at something ridiculous like twenty–four percent interest, but his next words stunned me.
“What if I lend you the money? I mean, I guess I should ask how much you need first, but I’ve got a chunk I’ve been saving and investing since college. I’d like to help.”
My heart became a gooey marshmallow puddle in my chest.
“Lukasz, no. Thank you—so much—but I don’t want to start whatever this is between us like that. It’s not right.”
“But, if it meant running your business according to your vision, branching into consulting at the design and drafting stage like you’ve always wanted, I’m happy to help out.” The corner of his mouth tilted in a wry half–smile. “Especially if it means getting your ex—who doesn’t seem to value your intelligence and experience, in my opinion—out of the picture.”
I kissed his lopsided smile. “Thank you for saying that and for your very generous offer. What I need to do is get back, talk to Brad, assess how this two–week trial period of him managing everything really went, and then make some decisions. Heck, maybe he won’t even want to be involved anymore.” Or the partnership terms he wanted were unacceptable. I’d make sure to have my own attorney review them.
Ha, Brad had actually been the one to teach me that lesson.
“Okay, if you won’t accept a loan, there’s something else I hope you’ll consider. It would probably mean us spending more time together, which I’m totally fine with, but I want to make sure you are, too.”
Holy shit, he wasn’t talking about moving in together, was he? It was way too soon to be thinking about cohabitation.
“I think you should put together a presentation, maybe some informational materials, and talk to my team about working on some projects with us.”
Oh. Thank fuck. Minor heart attack averted.
“That’s…wow, you really think they’d be interested? They won’t have a problem with me being, you know, your girlfriend?” I was still a tad shy about owning my new title. And being his significant other was only one impediment to what he was suggesting. “Also, I don’t have any practical experience to show—I mean, I had classes in school on sustainable design and I took every elective on the subject that was offered…I’ve certainly done my research…if we can really prove ourselves with this hospital project—what?”
He pressed his lips to mine in a smacking kiss. “Yes, I think they’ll be interested and no, I don’t think our relationship will be a major deterrent. From conversations we’ve already had, I’m positive that your knowledge and talent will be as obvious to them as they are to me. Also, I’m crazy about you.”
Oh, my. Spoke too soon on that cardiac thing. I was definitely having palpitations.
“Lukasz.” One hand on either side of his face, I kissed him like it was the end of the world. “I’m crazy about you, too.”
We split the rest of that day and the next between our cozy temporary lodgings and cramming in final boat rides, hikes, and visits to our favorite spots around the lake. By the time our final full day arrived, the Fourth of July, it felt like the bittersweet end of summer, even though it wasn’t. I had to remind myself that this time was different. This time, the holiday didn’t signal the end for us.
Luka was crazy about me. And I was crazy about him. It wasn’t the Big L, but what we had going so fa
r warmed me from the inside out. I was practically shooting radiant light from my fingers and toes.
Packing up as much of our campsites as we could, we joked about sleeping on the ground again after being spoiled the past two nights. The cabins had been fully booked before and after Independence Day and Luka had only gotten lucky with a vacancy from an early departure. After much discussion, we decided to take down my behemoth tent and squeeze into his for our final night. Mine had more room, about five times as much, but it was trickier to dismantle and pack.
What really made the decision, though, was when he held my hand and gave me that look that made me feel like the only other person in the world. “It’ll be like that first time…you know..our first time.”
Yep, Lukasz always had the best words. All of ‘em.
There was a big barbeque across the lake with live music we decided to check out. We claimed a spot on the grass and Luka offered to refill our drinks while I protected our claim. When my eyes followed his athletic form, I saw him stop at the end of a long line. May as well spend some quality time with my phone now that it was fully charged. I’d be heading home tomorrow and back to work on Monday. I hoped.
Communication with my mother had been stilted since the search–and–rescue incident, cold on her end, self–protective on mine. My father, never one to embrace texting, had left a voicemail in the vein of what Luka had suggested, essentially that Mom had always been a worrier but it was only because she loved us so much. While I could understand and even accept that about her, I needed to see that she was capable of accepting and supporting my choices before I’d be ready for a warm reunion. Choices in men, my business, and in how I lived my life.
Basically, I needed to see that she accepted and supported me.
I sent her and Dad a text wishing them a Happy Fourth and telling them I’d let them know when I returned home tomorrow. Then I moved on to individual texts with my friends. Simone was at a fellow professor’s annual party, hobnobbing with colleagues in her quest for tenure. Emma’s parents, both doctors, were also hosting a Fourth of July party for their distinguished friends, which Emma was usually forced into attending when she’d rather be anywhere else. My texts to each of them were for fortitude and luck.
