Launching from that boat was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever experienced. With each second the boat picked up speed, lifting us higher and higher into the sky. The farther we got, the quieter the sounds of the boat below us became. Before long, it felt as if we were truly flying. The wind on my face and the slight taste of salt on my tongue is magical.
"Having fun?" He asked, taking in the look of pure wonder on my face. I nod, unable to speak at the moment. It was terrifying, exciting, and empowering all at the same time.
The descent back to the boat felt like floating, and Johnny flashed us both a thumbs up when we'd safely landed back on board. Once I was fully detached from the harness I threw my arms around Beau's neck.
"That was incredible, thank you."
He nuzzled into my neck and placed a kiss there, sending me swooning all over again.
The ride back to the pier was spent entangled in each other's arms, and for the first time in a while my mind wasn't fixated on what will happen when Summer ends.
"So what's next?" I asked, excitedly. I couldn't really remember everything on my list, so there was no telling what he planned to do next.
He smirks, "Remember, you have to say yes."
Unease fills me. "Beau, what exactly am I saying yes to?"
He grabs my hand and pulls me down the pier, towards a row of tourist trap shops. He stops in front of one of them, crosses his arms, and doesn't even try to hide his amusement.
I look up at the sign. Sail Away Tattoo.
"You have lost your mind." I say flatly.
He pulls out the paper from his pocket and dangles it in front of my face. "Oh, no you don't. You're the one who put it on your bucket list. Plus, you have to say yes. That's the rule."
The image of my mother going postal over her perfect daughter coming home from a summer away with fresh ink flashes through my mind. "My mom would kill me." I say, shaking my head.
"It says you have to get either a tattoo or a piercing. My vote is obviously for a tattoo, but whatever you are more comfortable with." Beau retorts, still sporting a massive grin.
We walk into the tattoo shop and a gorgeous woman covered in ink greets us. "Hey, what can I do for you?"
"My girl is here to check an item off her bucket list. Aren't you, Kat?"
Remembering the rules, I grit my teeth. "Yes."
The girl laughs, "Alright. What do you want done?"
I think for a few moments. I've pretty much ruled out a tattoo by this point. Not only would my parent's totally lose their shit, but I also wouldn't be able to get in the water. Having to avoid the ocean my last two weeks in Florida for the summer seemed like a waste.
"Uh, a piercing I think. Maybe my cartilage?" It's the safest choice I can come up with, and Beau nods in approval.
He browses through the books of artwork lining the table as she preps my ear for the piercing. I lose myself for a few moments, watching him analyze each drawing. In fact, I don't even hear her count down. Suddenly, a searing pain rips through me.
"Ow!" I cry out.
She laughs again, "All done. It's better when you don't know it's coming."
Easy for you to say, lady.
When we're back on the pier I lace my fingers through his, "I think that's enough excitement for one date. Don't you think?"
Beau shakes his head, "I have a few more tricks up my sleeve."
I let out a groan, but a part of me is excited at the thought of experiencing more firsts with him. We make it back to the car, and he surprises me yet again by opening the door for me.
"Such a gentlemen." I tease.
***
Back at home, Beau leads me to the beach in front of our condos. The sun is setting now, and a cool breeze blows against my face. He lays out a few towels, flips open the top to the cooler, and plops a can of beer into my lap.
I immediately know which item is next. Shotgun a beer.
"I have no clue how to do this." I admit.
He grabs the can and pulls out his car keys from his pocket. "I figured, it's easy."
He walks me through the process three times before I finally feel like I can manage all the steps on my own. I press the key into the can, and when I feel the pressure release I press the can to my lips. I fumble with the tab, but eventually get it open. I last a few seconds before spewing the beer all over the place.
Beau bursts into a fit of laughter, and I can feel my cheeks reddening with embarrassment.
"Okay, why is that so much harder than it looks?" I ask, tossing the can to the side.
He pulls me into him, "I don't know, but that was entertaining as hell. There are just two more things we're crossing off your list tonight."
I look up at him, "Oh yeah?"
He stands, and begins to slowly walk backwards towards the ocean. His eyes are fixed on mine, and with each step another article of clothing is stripped away.
"What the hell are you doing?" I exclaim, quickly checking from every direction to make sure no one can see him.
He doesn't answer, instead just flashes me the sexiest smile. When he's down to only his boxers, he turns and slides them down his thighs. His bare ass is on display for anyone who happens to stumble upon us.
"Beau Dalton what the hell are you doing?" I repeat my question. "Someone is going to see you!"
He shrugs, "What are you waiting for? Come on."
I shake my head furiously. "Absolutely not. No. It's not even dark yet! You're crazy."
"Get in the damn water." He says in a calm voice that makes me still.
"No." I am not doing this. I keep glancing around, just waiting on one of our family members to crash the party.
"Katherine Ivy Wilder, take your fucking clothes off and get in here with me."
I cross my arms and shake my head again. "Not happening."
"Don't make me get out of this water to come get you." He teases.
I picture him exiting the water that is currently hiding the fact that he's completely naked and chills erupt across my body.
"Baby..." He pleads, and I can feel my resolve weakening.
Before I can come to my senses, I rise to my feet and begin to take off my clothes. It feels strange, awkward even. I've never been so completely bare with another person before.
I leave on my bra and panties, and wade into the water to meet him.
"Hi." I say, blushing.
"Hi." He responds, wrapping me in his arms. My legs wrap around his waist, and his hands slide to the clasp of my bra. "Can I?"
I nod, even though my inner voice is screaming at me to stop being an idiot. The sun slips under the horizon, and I let my insecurities fall away one by one.
"You're beautiful." He whispers into my neck, his hands trailing over my skin.
When our lips meet it begins slowly, but it doesn't take long for passion to take control. It seems that no matter how hard we try, those primal urges always win out. After tasting him once I know I'll never be able to get enough. He kisses me harder, deeper. This is the kind of kiss that breaks open the sky. The kind of kiss that tells you that any other kiss with any other man would be wrong.
My fingers grip his hair, pulling him closer to me until we dissolve into one another. My veins pulse and my heart feels like it's seconds from exploding. The waves crash into us, and he hoists me up to keep them from swallowing me.
With my legs still wrapped around his waist he carries me from the water and lays me down onto the towel. The weight of his body pushing into me, his need for me pressing against my thighs- it's intoxicating. I inhale the scent of Beau Dalton. Everything about him is pure bliss. His hands are everywhere, tracing every inch of my wet body.
I don't care that his lips are already on mine, I want more. I need more. I need him to be closer, I need all of him.