Daring Her Love by Melissa Foster

want to, but he realized that this playful banter was a great distraction. He took a step into deeper water, submerging their bodies up to their necks. She dug her nails into his skin.
    “Wait.” She drew in a deep breath.
    He stopped walking and reassured her. “I’ve got you. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise. Talk to me, Kat. What scares you most about the water?”
    “Drowning,” she snapped.
    “Look at me.” When he had her full attention, he asked, “Were you ever taught to swim?”
    She nodded. “I know how. My father made me learn that summer when I almost drowned, but even though I knew how, it never helped waylay my fears.”
    “Okay, then staying afloat is completely within your control.”
    Her legs tightened around his waist, pressing against his erection.
    “Keep doing that and I won’t be responsible for what happens.” He smiled to let her know he was kidding. “I’ve got you. We’re just going to stay right here for a few minutes, neck-deep. When you’re comfortable, just loosen your grip a little. Trust yourself. Trust your ability to save yourself.”
    “That might take a while.”
    “I’ve got all night,” he assured her.
    “I’m talking months.” She looked from side to side, and her gaze softened. “The river’s really pretty, actually. It looks like the moonlight is dancing off the ripples.”
    “Yes, it’s almost as pretty as you.” He ran a hand down her back and patted her butt.
    “Flirt.”
    “Truth teller.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I can’t believe I’m going to ask you this, because there is no better position than this one right here—unless of course you’d agree to sink down about eight inches.”
    Her eyes widened. “ Tsk! I’d smack you if I weren’t afraid of falling under.”
    “Damn. Thought I could trick you into loosening your grip. Focus on me, and I want you to untangle your legs from around me and let them hang in the water. I’ll hold you. I promise.”
    “No.” She clenched her jaw.
    “Fierce belligerence. That’s a total turn-on.” He pressed his hips forward, and she gasped.
    “Hey!” Her eyes filled with mischief. “You’re supposed to be helping me overcome my fear of deep water.”
    “It’s not my fault you’re sexy as hell and even hotter when you’re mad. Now, drop your legs and trust me to keep you safe, or I’ll carry you out of this water and you’ll definitely have an active snake on your hands.”
    She laughed, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
    “I have faith in you, Kat. You can do this.”
    She rolled her eyes and slowly unwound her legs. “Don’t let go.”
    “I would never.” He held her around her waist. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, and their mouths were at the perfect height for him to seal his lips over hers. He kissed her sensuously, relishing the slick feel of her body against his, the easing of her hold around his neck, and the melting of the tension from her body.
    “You’re doing so well,” he said against her lips. “Keep kissing me, and you’ll be able to tread water in no time.”
    She giggled as he took her in another kiss, this one turning up the heat by about a zillion degrees. His hand slid to the bottom of her spine, pressing her body to his as he took a step into deeper water.
    She drew back quickly, and he leaned forward, capturing her mouth in another kiss.
    “You’re tricking me,” she snapped.
    “No, Kat. I’m opening the door so you can see that you’re really in control of everything. You’re holding yourself up.” He ran his hands lightly over her ribs. “When you’re ready, let go, and I’ll hold you until you feel comfortable.”
    “Let go?” Her eyes skidded to the water.
    “Kick your feet and move your arms, and I’ll hold you right here.” He gripped her ribs. “You won’t go under. I promise.”
    She nodded, and he could see her readying herself for her moment of truth, swallowing hard, gritting her teeth, then licking