Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
“What are you waiting on?” Corbin calls out.
“Fucking Corbin,” I grumble, resting my forehead against hers. “Jump with me?” I ask again, trying to gain my composure.
“Okay.”
Bending, I place my hands on her waist. “On the count of three,” I say as I count off. When I get to three, I lift as she jumps and wraps her legs around my waist. My cock is hard and throbbing as she settles against me.
“Rip,” she moans my name, and I debate stalking off into the field and having my way with her. If it weren’t for the fact that I refuse for our first time to be in a damn wheat field, I would do just that.
I crave her.
Instead of ravishing her like I want, I ignore the fact that my cock is resting just between her thighs. I ignore the fact that there are two very thin pieces of clothing separating me from the promised land. “You ready?” I croak.
She nods.
“Hold onto me. Whatever you do, don’t let go.”
“Are you sure this thing will hold both of us?” she asks, staring up at the rope.
“You’ve seen couples do this countless times.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“I replaced the rope a few weeks ago. It’s strong and secure. I promise.” I press my nose against hers. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Okay. Let’s do it.” Her voice is full of conviction. I want to beat on my chest that she’s put her absolute trust in me.
“Getting old over here, Callahan!” Russ calls out.
Standing to my full height, I place my hands on the small of her back and pull her closer. “Lock your legs tight,” I say as I grab the rope. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
Tightening my grip, I rush toward the ledge, and we’re flying over the lake. I release the rope and immediately wrap my arms around her. The water hits my back, and it feels like a knife, but the shrill sound of her laughter and the way she clings to me even after we hit the water is more than worth it. We surface, and I tread water to keep us afloat.
“Well?” I ask her.
“You kept me safe.”
“Always, Kenna.” I press my lips to her forehead just in time for her to release herself from my hold and swim toward the bank. I follow after her, only at a much slower pace, giving my cock time to settle. When I reach the bank, she’s standing there with a towel over her shoulders, handing one out for me.
“Rip!” I turn over my shoulder to see Corbin, Colby, Josh, and Russ up on the hill by the swing. “Get your ass back up here.”
I wave, then turn back to McKenna. “You good?”
“Yeah. I’m going to soak up some sunshine.”
“Hold on a sec.” I run over to the lawn chair, where I dropped the quilt, and grab it, bringing it back to where she’s standing. Spreading the blanket out on the grass, I retrieve her bag, our clothes, and a bottle of water from the cooler. “Here.” I hand her the water before placing our things on the blanket.
Her eyes flash to our clothes and back to me.
“You need help with your sunscreen?” I ask her.
“No. I think I’m good. You going to show them how it’s done?” She nods toward the rope swing.
“Depends? You want me to sit with you?”
Her smile is bright and beautiful. “Go have fun. Just be safe?”
“Always.” I want to lean in and kiss her. I almost do, but I think better of it. I know that my sister and Stephanie are close by. I settle for touching the tip of her nose with my index finger before turning and heading back up the hill.
That’s how the rest of the afternoon goes.
The girls take a few turns on the rope to get cooled off, but they spend the majority of their time soaking up the sun, and I’m sure talking about my sister's engagement. As far as the guys and me, we do what we do best—goof off on a warm, sunny afternoon. My eyes wander to McKenna often. It’s damn good to have her home. I can feel the change in me with her here, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Chapter 8
McKenna
I’ve spent the last three days with my nose buried in a book. I’m so close to my dream of becoming a lawyer, I can taste it.
Me.
I’m going to be a lawyer.
I’ve dreamed of being just like Gramps since I came to live with them. His knowledge of the legal system kept me with them. He saved me from my drug-addict mother. I would say parents, but dear old dad eventually bailed. Apparently, I ruined his life. Gram and Gramps have paid for countless therapy sessions for the messed-up insecurities and feelings I have toward my biological parents. My grandparents are my parents; they raised me and showed me love. I shudder every time I think about how my life would have turned out had my grandparents not fought for me.