Wish you were here to enjoy the peace and quiet on my deck.
I didn’t expect him to respond right away. I place my phone on the side table next to my chair and decide to take a walk around the yard to ground myself. The pool is crystal clear, and the grass is a brighter green than it was last year. Probably because of the rain followed by all the sun we’ve gotten lately, it feels plush on my feet. As I walk around, I see Joel’s team milling around the property. A sigh of relief escapes me.
It feels weird to have security. Of course, Dane’s face pops into my head, and I’m wishing he were here with me. Then I question whether it’s to distract me or to spend more time with him. When we are together, my entire body lights up, and I forget the world.
I shake my head; it doesn’t matter. He’s busy at work, and sitting with my feelings about what’s happened with Jake is probably a good thing. And if I’m being honest, I could use some alone time to sort through my feelings about Dane, too. Nothing like a bunch of feelings all at once. I laugh. This is my life.
As I walk through the grass, I scuff my feet and really feel the grass between my toes. Focusing on the now, the present. My body urges me to lie down. Lowering myself to the ground, I spread my legs, stretch my arms, and with eyes closed, I listen. The chatter in my head is overwhelming, so I place one hand on my heart and the other on my belly. Deep breaths in through my nose and out through my mouth, I settle my mind, my body, and connect to my breath and to nature. My body feels as though it has sunk further into the ground, as relaxation rolls through me.
I lay there for what felt like an hour. My skin is burning, my eyes are tired, and my body doesn’t want to move. Staying there a few extra minutes, I hear my phone’s text tone, but if it’simportant, they’ll call. When I start to sweat profusely, I slowly sit up and brush my hands through my hair. One last deep breath, and I stand up. Making my way to the deck to check my phone before taking a dip in the pool, I pick up my phone.
Dane:
Look at those toes…I want to be there with you.
Kendall:
Well, then why aren’t you here?
Teasing him a little, knowing he’s stuck in his office.
Dane:
This weekend.
My body slumps as disappointment rolls through me. I knew it was a long shot that he’d drop everything to come over, but I know he’s busy at work. I can’t wait for our date on Saturday. If it’s anything like the one we had last weekend, I'll be treated to top-notch food, laughs, eyes that will be glued to me, and searing heat coursing through my body. I love it all.
Plopping myself into my chair with a long sigh, I lightly toss my phone down on the table. I stare out at the pool and decide to take a dip anyway. I leap out of the chair and take off my clothes. I see someone out of the corner of my eye, and I whip my head around, heart pumping. Dane’s here. I turn on my heels, and he is up against my body so quickly that the wind is knocked out of my lungs.
“You’re here?!” I’m shocked, excited, and overwhelmed. Tears threaten my eyes, but I hold them back. “You said this weekend.”
I throw my arms around him and yank him into me. Not that we can get any closer than we already are. My heart is racing, and a huge smile is on my face. I rest my head on his chest as he moves his fingers down my spine. The prickling that spreads through my body makes my nipples tighten.
He dips his head down to take my chin with his fingers and guide my head up to gaze at me. “I didn’t want to give away the surprise. I’m here, sweetheart. How are you?”
“Better now that you are here.” My heart stumbles, and my body lights up.
I take a step back, lips curling into a smile. “Let’s hit the pool.”
In his boxer briefs, I can’t help but glimpse his bulge. I’ve seen it before, and still, I bite my lip, thinking about what’s under that thin fabric.
He takes my hand in his as we walk to the pool and wade in. I use it all the time, and now I get to share it with Dane, who holds me tight as we sink into the water.
“Let’s float and chill,” I say, hopping onto my swan float. I barely make it on without falling off. I laugh so hard. Dane is watching me with a smirk on his face, probably wondering if I need help. No, I don’t. The splashing and yelling has the security team’s attention.
I practically fall off the swan when the security guy yells, “Are you okay?”
I scream and grab onto the neck of the swan. I’m now laughing so hard I can’t even answer him. He’s standing there waiting for an answer. Finally, I stop laughing enough to say, “Yeah, sorry about that, just trying to mount this swan.” I can’t help but giggle.
The quick flash of an almost smile has me eyeing him. “Not allowed to laugh?”
“I try to keep things professional.”
Dane speaks up after observing the whole thing. “She’s good. I got her.” His stern and authoritative tone has me staring at him. Wondering why he’s going all Hulk on the guy.
“Well, I hope when you walk away you’ll tell all your friends about what just happened and you all have a really good laugh on my account,” I say to the security guy, trying to lighten the mood that Dane put a damper on.
“Have a nice afternoon, ma’am, sir.”
