That Day by Karen Deen (best novels to read in english txt) 📕

afloat, which I’m sure would be easier if he had the use of his arms as well.

“Don’t let me go,” I murmur as I release my tiger-like grip on him.

“Not a chance. And before you ask, I can see Coco, and she’s still lying where I told her to, just chilling out watching us.”

I feel like I’m third-wheeling in the dogmance between these two.

After Kurt maneuvers me so he’s lying on his back, and I’m on top of him, my back to his front, I move my arms above my head, so they are hooked around his neck to leave his hands free to keep us up. We just float in the swell for a few minutes.

No talking, just total silence except the sound of the water and the occasional bird.

It feels amazing.

To be at one with nature.

To be at one with Kurt.

This was about more than just teaching me to swim in the surf.

It’s about me letting down my guard and giving over my total and utter trust with my life to him.

And for Kurt, him knowing that when it’s needed, I will trust him to take care of me when I’m in a situation I can’t handle.

A simple swim in the ocean is so much more than simple.

“You were right.”

I feel his little chuckle in his chest underneath me. “I’m glad. Sometimes it’s just what I need. To be out here and forget the world.”

“I understand now.” And I truly do.

“Yet I had no idea how much better it would be with you here too. This is perfect.”

We float a bit longer and then spend time with Kurt swimming around while I ride his back like a turtle. Until it’s time to head back in.

“We need to head back to shore. The light is starting to dim, and it’s not good to be out in the water at dusk.”

“Do I want to know why?” I can hear the hitch in my own voice.

“Nope,” he says and starts pulling me towards the shore.

Slipping back onto his back, Kurt manages to get me to shore without being dumped by the waves. As we get close to the edge of the water, Coco jumps up and runs down to us. Barking and splashing around in the water at our feet. I’ve always been too scared to let her play in the water in case she ran in and I couldn’t save her.

Kurt reaches down and pats her on the head. “Did you see how clever your momma was? She was so brave today.” It’s like she understands and gives a bark back at him.

“I don’t know about brave, but that’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”

“Really, that beat the dancing at the bar the other night?” Kurt’s laughter is louder than the waves.

“That’s in a whole different category, smartass. This was clean fun, and that dancing was you being a whole lot of dirty fun with an innocent woman.” I run away from him before he has time to say anything, thinking I’m smart, but I forget that Kurt is so much taller than me, so covers the distance to me pretty quickly. Plus, he is a hell of a lot fitter than me so catches me in a few steps.

“Argghhh!” I squeal as he picks me up and throws me over his shoulder, swatting me on my ass as he continues to run up the beach to our towels.

“There is not one innocent bone in this body of yours,” he says, sliding me down his body. “You seduced me that night, and I was just happy to take over your game. Are you telling me you didn’t enjoy it?” Picking up my towel, he wraps it around me and then folds me in his arms again. “Because I don’t know about you, but that was pretty fucking hot.”

I can’t do anything except giggle a little, and I’m sure I’m blushing slightly. “All I know is that was the start of a hot sexy night that I’ll remember for a very long time,” I admit, burying my head against his chest to avoid the embarrassment I’m feeling. All my confidence seems to have escaped me right at this moment.

“Hmm, see? Not so innocent now, are we.” His voice vibrates through his chest and then he leans down and kisses the top of my head, with his hands rubbing up and down my back.

Standing there for a few minutes just enjoying the moment, I finally look up at him, realizing that he has been staring down at me the whole time.

“What?” I whisper.

“I’m so proud of you. I know how scared you were, I could see it in your eyes. Yet you pushed through it anyway. Amazing.” I can see by the way he is looking at me that there is more he wants to say.

“I’m not that amazing, I just knew you wanted me to do it so much, and I didn’t want to disappoint you.” Which is the absolute truth.

“Jesus, Asha. Nothing you do will ever disappoint me. Do you hear me? If you had just sat on the sand and watched me, I would be just as happy. Don’t do things for me; I want you to do it for you. Always for you first.”

I think for a moment on what he said. “Kurt?” With tears welling in my eyes, I look at him like he is the very thing that keeps me breathing.

“Yeah, babe.” The softness in his voice and the gentleness of his hand tucking a piece of my wet hair behind my ear encourages me to say what I’m thinking.

“I know there might come a time that we’re in danger and I’ll need you.” Taking a little breath, I continue. “But I want you to know that I trust you, no matter what, and I will push through any fear that you need me to for us to stay together. Because I already know… I can’t live without you.” My voice hitches. “I