Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
“Kiss me,” I whisper, the words barely audible, but they hang between us, heavy and loaded with the weight of everything unsaid.
Callum’s eyes darken, and for a split second, I see the battle raging in him. There’s this struggle to keep control, to hold back. But then, without another word, he closes the distance, his lips crashing down onto mine.
The kiss is everything I remember and more. It’s hot, fierce, and filled with a hunger that’s been building for far too long. His hand slides to the back of my neck, pulling me closer, as if he can’t get enough of me, and I’m right there with him, kissing him back with just as much intensity.
Every touch, every stroke of his lips against mine, sends sparks flying through my body. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, and I don’t want it to end. All the tension, the uncertainty, the push and pull between us—this kiss is the culmination of it all, and it’s utterly explosive.
I melt into him, my hands finding their way to his chest, feeling the hard planes of his muscles beneath my fingertips. His body is solid, strong, and I want to be closer, to feel more of him.
When he finally pulls back, we’re both breathless, our foreheads resting against each other’s, chests heaving as we try to catch our breath.
“I’ve wanted to do that since we climbed into the tent last night,” Callum murmurs, his voice rough and full of desire.
I nod, my heart still racing. “Me too.”
His thumb brushes across my bottom lip, swollen from the kiss, and I shiver at the sensation. There’s a look in his eyes now, softer but no less intense, and it makes my heart skip a beat.
“We should probably…” I trail off, glancing toward the waterfall, though I have no idea what I’m trying to say. All I can think about is how much I want him to kiss me again.
“Yeah,” he agrees, though he doesn’t move, his gaze still lingering on my lips.
But instead of pulling away, he leans in again, capturing my lips in another kiss. It’s slower this time, but just as powerful. It feels like we’ve crossed a line, one that neither of us wants to go back from.
And for the first time in a long while, I’m perfectly okay with that.
After what feels like a lifetime, a beautiful, soul-stirring lifetime, Callum finally pulls back, his breath mingling with mine. He searches my face like he’s trying to memorize every detail, his eyes filled with a tenderness I’m still not used to seeing from him. With a slow, almost shy grin, he tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“This is going to sound ridiculous,” he says softly, “but when we get home, would you like to go on a date?”
The sincerity in his eyes makes my heart thud harder in my chest, and for a split second, I’m stunned. He’s wrong though. It doesn’t sound ridiculous at all. In fact, it sounds perfect. Exciting. Like the beginning of something real between us.
“I’d love that,” I say, my voice soft as I smile up at him, the words coming out with a sense of certainty I didn’t know I had.
Our kiss, so intense and all-consuming, had kept me distracted from how freezing the water actually is. But now that we’re standing still, the cold seeps into my skin, causing me to shiver against him. Instantly, Callum’s hands rub gently up and down my arms, his brow furrowed with concern.
“Let’s get you out of this cold water,” he murmurs, his voice soft but commanding. “I don’t want you catching a cold.”
He steps out first and then helps me out of the lake, and I’m grateful for the strong, steady grip of his hands. Without missing a beat, Callum rushes over to his backpack, pulling out two towels. I hadn’t thought to pack one, but of course, Callum did. Practical and thoughtful.
He wraps the towel snugly around my shoulders, the fabric soft and warm, and rubs my arms again to help chase away the cold. The gesture is so tender, so caring, that my heart does a little flip. Unable to resist, I rise up on my toes and press a quick kiss to his cheek. Butterflies swarm in my stomach, and I know I’m enjoying this new connection between us more than I’d like to admit.
I think I’m starting to fall for my husband.
But that’s crazy, right?
As we dry off, we each step behind separate bushes to change into dry clothes. The process is quick, but the weight of what’s happening between us makes it feel like so much more. It’s not just our wet clothes we’re changing out of—it feels like something in our relationship is shifting, evolving, and I’m ready to see where it takes us.