After my swim, I lie down on my towel by the side of the pool, and as I’m dozing off, I sense a presence. Startled, I open my eyes and see a shadow over me. I’m about to scream when I recognize Kyle’s face.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to frighten you,” he says and squats. He kisses me on my wet lips.
“It’s fine, as long as it’s you,” I tell him, inhaling the scent of him. “I expected you a little later.”
“We finished earlier than expected,” Kyle says. “It was an emotional meeting, and afterward, I just wanted to come home.”
I peer into his face. He does look exhausted. “Join me?”
He glances at the pool and then back at me, his gaze rippling down my bikini-clad body. “That’s the most tempting offer I’ve had all day.”
“I hope it’s the only offer of that nature that you’ve had,” I tease him.
“If there was I’d not have noticed. The moment I left this morning, all I could think about was coming back to you,” Kyle says.
My breath hitches. The things he says. They make me want to give all of myself to him, but the part of me that’s been careful all my life reminds me of the danger of loving him.
He kisses me again and heads to the changing room. Happiness buzzes through me. For once in my life, I feel as if all the parts are coming together. My career is beginning, something I didn’t expect to happen for the next five years. My love life is the most exciting it’s ever been, and I feel as if I’m finally confronting my past and coming to terms with it.
Heat sizzles over me as Kyle returns wearing a pair of black swimming trunks that outline his cock as he walks. He arranges his towel next to mine, but instead of joining me, he goes to the edge of the deep end and dives neatly into the pool. I sit up to watch him as he does several laps.
His stroke is strong and sure, and it’s a treat to watch him move effortlessly through the water. Ten minutes later, he swims to the edge and lifts himself out of the pool.
Kyle collapses beside me, drapes an arm on my waist, and pulls me close.
“You’re cold,” I shriek and try to pull away.
Kyle is too strong for me, and despite my wriggling, I’m soon squashed up against his hard body.
“And you’re hot,” he murmurs before bringing his lips to mine.
I forget how cold he is as his tongue coaxes my mouth open, tangling with mine, and shocks of pleasure go all the way to my toes. Arousal floods me, but I keep my hands on his shoulders, aware that we are not enclosed by four walls.
Kyle pulls his lips away and stares into my eyes. “I’m so glad you’re in my life, Grace.”
“I’m glad you’re in my life too.”
He plants a noisy kiss on my nose, and his ticklish mustache makes me giggle.
“Tell me how the meeting went,” I asked him.
“It was … sad. Damon King still carries this aura of sadness,” Kyle says, a thoughtful look on his face.
“I bet the whole town does. Maybe this movie will help them bury the ghosts of the past.”
He tells me about the conversation he and Damon King had and the impact meeting him would have on his portrayal of the firefighter. It’s intriguing to listen to the process that culminates in his spellbinding performances on screen.
“Which reminds me, there is an awards ceremony coming up in a few days,” Kyle says. “I’d love it if you were my date.”
I go still and stare at him questioningly. Has he forgotten what he said about keeping our relationship under the media’s radar?
He reaches out to caress my cheek. “I want to share that moment with you.”
Everything in me rebels against the idea. I don’t want to be at an awards ceremony with Kyle. That feels like playing with fire, and I want the anonymity we’re enjoying to continue as long as possible.
“Can I give you an answer in a few days?” I ask him, buying time.
A look of disappointment flashes in his eyes, but he nods. “Fair enough.”
I remember the link my mother sent me containing Kyle’s alleged affair with twins. I tell him that story hoping to make him laugh at the ridiculousness of it.
“It’s crazy,” he says. “They write it and pass it off as facts. I have lawyers on monthly retainers to take care of all the false stories that appear in the media about me. Some can be pretty harmful.”
“How do you rise above it?” I look at him in admiration.
“I focus on things I can control, like my performance. Anything else, like negative comments and the hatred, I toss out the window. It’s noise.”