My eyes fall upon the pond and notice there’s a beach-like landing. “What about fish? I’d really hate to get bitten by a fish.”
Tyler laughs as he steps away and starts unbuttoning his shirt. I’ve seen him almost naked, but standing here, watching, makes my heart beat a little faster. A gentle warmth spreads across my stomach, causing my cheeks to flush, and I bite down on my tongue and twist my hands together to keep from reaching out to touch him. He kicks off his boots and pulls his belt loose. I focus on his fingers as they undo each button on his jeans. He removes his shirt, letting it drop to the ground. I look around for any prying eyes or Jeremiah. I wouldn’t put it past him to follow us out here.
“No one here but us, sweetheart.”
“And Sundance,” I add for good measure.
“She’s not going anywhere.”
“Well, that’s good to know,” my voice cracks and even though I want to be here with him, I’m nervous.
Tyler pushes his pants down, letting them pool at his ankles. He hops on one foot while trying to remove each pant leg. I laugh and cover my mouth.
“Darlin’, I can assure you that looked a lot sexier in my head.”
“You’re sexy,” the words pour out of my mouth before I can stop them. His eyes widen and I know there’s no taking it back. I don’t want to. Tyler’s eyes gleam as he steps forward and I try to keep my eyes focused on his, but they trail down his chest and below his waist. His dark briefs are holding back his bulge. I take a deep breath at the realization that I make him that way. That knowledge alone is exhilarating. My body temperature rises. Even in this heat I can feel myself getting hotter, even though I get goosebumps when he brushes up against me.
“Savannah,” he whispers huskily as his hands trail up my arms and over my shoulders. My head turns slightly to watch him pull down the thin straps of my dress. They rest just above my elbow and I know he’s waiting for me to take the next step. I turn, pulling my hair to the side and wait.
Tyler’s lips dance along my skin while his fingers pull the zipper down. I don’t know how far we’re going tonight but everything feels right. Being out here, in the open with him… this is where I’m meant to be.
His hands gently push my straps down, allowing the dress to settle at my feet. “Can I see you, Savannah?” he asks, with his chest touching my back. I nod and step out of my dress to turn and face him. I’m bare-chested with nothing but panties and boots on and the man in front of me is mesmerized by me. My face flushes as he takes me in. I try to cover myself, feeling self-conscious, but he holds my hands in his.
“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you.” My response seems lacking, but he’ll never understand the magnitude of that compliment. After being called a slut and a whore by my friends, he’s working to reverse the damage that has been done and doesn’t even realize it.
“What do you say we go for a dip in the pond before we eat? It’s blazing out here and I think we could both cool off a bit. Besides, we’re both almost naked and it seems like the best thing to do,” he chuckles lightly.
I agree and slip off my boots before taking his hand. He leads us to the edge and kisses me lightly before pulling us into the water.
Tyler and I hold each other in the pond, basking in the mellowness of the water. We’re all lips and hands as we make-out in the water. I love being in his arms and know I want to take things further with him. I don’t want him to be hesitant or afraid I might rebuff him, I won’t. I’m just not sure how to tell him.
The pond is refreshing and a welcome relief from the heat. I thought when I arrived, I’d hate it here. Truth is I’d take Rivers Crossing over New York City any day. There’s so much freedom to be who you are without being someone fake. I’m not blind; I know people judge you no matter where you live but at least here, with Tyler, Jeremiah and my aunt and uncle, I’m not judged because of what I did.
When we get out, dripping wet and rejuvenated, Tyler pulls a blanket from the horse and lays it on the ground. I pick up his shirt and slip it on, leaving the top buttons undone. He sets out our food and while it all looks delicious, I want something else from him… but only after I tell him how I feel and what’s weighing on my mind.
Sitting cross-legged in front him, his eyes widen when he takes in my attire. He trails his index finger down the exposed valley of my breasts. Everything I experienced in New York has been nothing compared to the way Tyler is with me.
“I have something to tell you and I’m not sure how to say it. Actually, it’s a couple of things.”
“You can tell me anything,” he says as he moves closer to me. His fingers caress my skin and he laughs when it pebbles.
“Well…” I start, wringing my hands together. “I want to be with you.”
“I want to be with you too, Savannah, but we don’t have to rush anything. I like that we’re taking our time and getting to know each other. I love that I’m learning your body and figuring out what turns you on. You fascinate me in the best way.”
When he admits to romantic disclosures like that, it makes the next part so hard to say. “We don’t have time,” I spit out.
His hand stalls on my leg and his brow furrows. “What do you mean?”
“My mom… she called last night, I leave for Paris next week.”
Tyler sits up immediately and I feel the loss of his touch as if he’s stabbing me in the heart. He shakes his head. “Why?”
“I don’t know. The last time we talked she said I’d be lucky to survive the summer, but she called and told me that she made arrangements for me to go earlier. I told her I didn’t want to, but she’s not listening to me.” I crawl on my knees to Tyler and place my arms around him. “I don’t want to go, but I do. I’ve wanted to study in Paris for so long.”
He nods. “It’s a good thing for you, Savannah.” He turns and pulls me into his arms. “I’ll miss you though, something fie