Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

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I watch as she stands and shucks her jean shorts leaving her in a two-piece bathing suit that isn't very revealing but is sexy as hell. The suit itself isn't overtly sexy, but having Wisteria in it is dick-hardening. I watch as she slips into the water and starts slowly swimming before following her in.

She swims over to Rachel and the two girls start goofing around. I jump in and make my way over to where Wisteria is. It might be telling that I am stuck to her like glue, but I don't really care. I would rather be obvious and stake my claim than have the other two be confused about Wisteria being available.

Aaron finally comes over to the two girls with Cord following right behind him. I come so close to Winnie we bump up against each other. "Sorry."

She gives me the apology and I brush it off. I'm not sorry at all. The slide of her skin against mine is something I am never going to be sorry about. "No need."

"Doesn't the water feel magnificent?" Rachel leans back and floats on her back. "I would love to come down at night and skinny dip. Wouldn't that be magical, Wisteria?"

"I…don't think skinny dipping is…"

Rachel interrupts her before she can finish her thought, "The water on your bare skin, slipping and sliding over every erogenous zone. I think it would be the most sensual thing ever, don't you?"

"I think if it's dark and I can't see a lot then all I would be able to think about is some of those horror movies where something is under the water."

Everyone turns to look at Wisteria before Cord starts laughing and Aaron turns silent and starts looking down like he might be able to peer under the water to make sure nothing is down there. Shock is written on Rachel's face as she turns wide eyes to Wisteria before her face breaks into a slow grin.

"You know what? I think I'll just wait until I find a pool to skinny dip in. Thanks, Wisteria." She chuckles and swims around the group of us.

I finally speak up, "Sarah did say something about there being two hot tubs here."

"Oh, my goodness, Banner Arden, are you suggesting we all have a naked hot tub night?"

Wisteria tenses beside me as I give everyone a shrug. "At least you wouldn't have to worry about what was under the water with you."

I wouldn't say no to having Wisteria in a hot tub naked for me, but I also wouldn't want to share that sight with anyone here.

"Hell yeah, Banner! Nothing like nudity to bring people together. You all want to do it tonight?"

Aaron is the one who asks everyone.

"I don't think… that's a first-night thing. At least not for me anyway." Wisteria floats further away from everyone like she is trying to put space between herself and the suggestion by putting space between her and the others.

"We should take a motorcycle ride in the evening. That would be really nice." I make the suggestion to take everyone away from the idea of being naked and trying to put Winnie at ease again.

"I'm excited about movie night. I wonder what they have planned for us to watch?" Aaron takes the bait and starts talking about fully clothed options to participate in.

For the next ten minutes or so, we all talk about what we want to do or what we think would be cool to try. I can noticeably see Winnie start to relax again. By the time Cord suggests we race to the floating dock out in the water away from the anchored one, I can tell she is comfortable again. I beat everyone to the dock but instead of pulling myself up on the deck, I swim around the side of the big floating wooden square.

Wisteria is the second person to the dock, and I time my move perfectly so as soon as her hand touches the wood, I swing myself behind her and trap her between me and the wooden planks.

"Oh! Hi." She turns in the small space I give her between my arms.

"Hi. I think since I won you should give me a prize."

"Prize?" Her brows furrow together as she tries to figure out what I am talking about.

"Yeah, I think since I won I should get a prize and since you are the second person here, it should be you who gives it to me."

"Yeah, Wisteria. Give him a prize." I look over to find Rachel being pulled from the water by Aaron. The two of them made it to the dock at the same time, although I can't help but wonder if Aaron did that on purpose. You would have to be fucking blind to not realize how he feels about Rachel.

Cord gets on board, "Yeah, the first person here should be given something."

"Well, um… what do you want?"

"Nothing big. Just a kiss."

She slides her eyes over to where the others wait and watch. "Why do I have to give it to you?"

"Because as much as I like Cord, I don't want a kiss from him."

The others laugh and turn back to Wisteria.

"Okay. I guess it's alright. I mean it's just a kiss. Right?"

"Uh huh, just one little kiss."

She licks her lips and I feel my groan tighten in anticipation of having her sweet mouth under mine again. She leans forward but has to eventually use her hands to help her keep herself up out of the water and still come close enough to me. She lays her palms on my shoulders and pulls herself out of the water using me to steady herself.

When she comes close enough, pressing her lips to mine, my arm comes up around her and I turn us in one swift move. I cup the back of her head in the palm of my hand so I can turn her head and take control. She gasps just enough to give me an in. I push my tongue against her slightly opened mouth and see her eyes pop open wide in surprise. I keep us afloat at the same time I sink deeper into her honeyed cavern.

She tastes like peaches and cream with a tinge of something much, much sweeter. I flick my tongue over hers before I pull back just slightly. "Open that sweet mouth for me, Winnie, and give me my prize."

I let my fingers sink into her wet braid and use the hold I have on her to tilt her head back. This time when I come back to her mouth and slide my tongue over hers, she shyly comes up to touch mine. It's hesitant at first, but I wait patiently for her to pick up the rhythm I am showing her.

And find out that Winnie is a fast learner.