All You'll Ever Need by Sharon C. Cooper Page A

let’s get you out of this wat—”
    “Aarrggghh!” Jada screamed when she lost her footing. Again, her arms flailed, her legs kicked, unable to get her balance despite Zack’s efforts to get a grip on her jacket.
    “Jada stop … oh sh…!” Zack’s feet slipped from beneath him, when she grabbed hold of the tail of his flannel shirt on her way down. She ducked, hoping he wouldn’t fall on her, but he landed on the side of her with a huge splash and curse words flying out of his mouth.
    “Ohmigod! Are you okay?” Jada splashed around and frantically brushed her hair out of her face to glance over her shoulder at him. Their eyes met …seconds passed … and they burst out laughing.
    “Are you okay?” she asked between giggles that turned into a full-blown laugh, unable to help herself. She could only imagine what they must look like flopping around like ducks in ankle deep water. Still laughing she said, “I … am … so sorry.”
    “Un…freakin…believable,” Zack said shaking his head, a smile plastered on his face. “First you almost give me a heart attack, twice , and then you try to kill me.” He slicked his wet hair back away from his forehead. “What am I going to do with you?”
    Jada glanced down, finding it hard to believe she was sitting in water fully clothed. “Well, for starters you can help me up.”
    “Alright, but this time I’m carrying you. Clearly you can’t walk on rocks.” He stood slowly, getting his footing and then bent down and lifted her out of the water.
    Jada wrapped her arms around his neck tightly. “Please don’t drop me.”
    “Sweetheart, you’re a lightweight. I’m not going to drop you, but can you loosen your grip? I can’t breathe.”
    “Oh.” Jada grinned and relaxed her arms. “Sor … ry.” A chill roared through her body, and her teeth clattered. Shivering, she nestled against Zack, getting colder by the minute.
    “I should have some extra clothes in the truck for us to change into.” Zack set her on her feet once they were back on solid ground. Jada rubbed her hands up and down her arms, bouncing from one foot to the other until Zack snatched off the blanket attached to his backpack. “Here, this might help a little.” He wrapped the fleece material around her shoulders and pulled her close.
    Still shivering, she closed her eyes, loving the feel of his arms around her, trying to warm her up despite the fact they both were soaking wet. He leaned down and his mouth covered hers in a sweet tender kiss, and heat spread through her body. Not enough warmth to make her forget she was standing in wet clothes and boots, but enough to make her sex clench with need. Zack took his time, licking, teasing, making love to her mouth, and leaving her wanting so much more.
    “We better get going.” He gave her one last peck on her lips before picking up the backpack and slipping his arms through the straps. “Instead of the scenic route, we’ll take the shortest trail.”
    Bouncing around, Jada nodded. “Good idea.” Glancing back at the water, she shook her head. She prided herself on being sophisticated. The type of woman a man would love to have on his arm. But on each date with him, she came out looking like a total goof.
    “Zack, I’m sorry,” Jada said as they moved toward the walking trail.
    He slowed and looked down at her, a frown marring his handsome face. “Sorry for what?”
    “For this.” She glanced down at their clothes. “All of this. You planned such a nice picnic date, and I ruined it. I am so sorry.”
    “Sweetheart, you have no reason to be sorry. I’m the one who should be apologizing. I should have made sure I stayed close to you, especially knowing how slippery those rocks can get.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m just glad you’re not hurt.”
    “Yeah, me too. But I have a feeling I’m going to remember this moment every time I try sit down, at least for the next few days.”
    He released her hand and gently palmed her