Head Above Water Read online

  “What changed?”

  “I don’t know.” She shrugs, her shoulders bumping my chin. “I had a talk with my mom yesterday. She finally cleaned out Heather’s room and she said a couple of things to me that made me think.” She pauses. “I guess I realized that it’s time for me to finally let go of Heather, live my own life and not be ruled by my fears anymore.”

  “Wow, you’ve had quite an epiphany.”

  She cranes her neck to look at me. “And it’s because of you.”

  “Me?”

  “Yeah. You make me feel different. More alive and free. I don’t know. I’ve never met anyone like you before.”

  I touch her face. “I know exactly what you mean.”

  15

  HARPER

  THE SUN IS starting to set, barely peeking out to shine on us. I shiver against the cool temperature, hugging myself. It’s not really cold exactly, but it’s not super warm either. However, I suspect my chills have more to do with the fact that I feel exposed wearing nothing but my bikini. Not only that, but I’m pretty nervous about getting in the water.

  “You sure you want to do this?” Tag circles his arms around my waist. “We can postpone if you’re not ready.”

  I love that he’s being so patient and understanding about this. It only makes me want to do it more. “No. I want to. I trust you.”

  He brushes a strand of hair from my face and grazes my cheeks with his knuckles. “I won’t let you fall, baby. I promise.”

  I’m temporarily stuck on the word “baby”. No one has ever called me that before, but I like it. “I know. That’s exactly what I’m counting on.” I rest my hand on his chest, fingering the hard muscles beneath it.

  Leaning forward, he gently presses his lips to mine. “We better get started though or I might be tempted to spend all day right here on the beach like this.”

  I smile, secretly wishing we could do that. Glancing down the beach, I see a couple jogging and a woman walking alone picking up sea shells. But other than that the beach is quiet. Taking a deep breath, I puff out my chest with more courage than I feel. “Okay, let’s do this.”

  “That’s my girl.” He kisses me swiftly on the cheek, making my heart swell. I love that I’m his girl. A part of me still feels afraid of where this is going; afraid of growing so close to him. But the other part of me loves every minute and only wants more. It’s like I’m constantly battling two sides of myself. Often I wonder which one will ultimately win.

  I allow Tag to guide me to the water, as a gentle breeze fans over us. He puts his arm around me, and strokes my arm with his hand to keep me warm. At his gentle touch my heart skips a beat. For such a strong, muscular guy, he has the softest touch, the most sensitive demeanor. Sometimes I wonder if he’s too good to be true.

  When the water skates over my foot, I leap back with a squeal. “Damn, that is cold.”

  Tag chuckles, reaching for me. “You’ll get used to it.”

  “I don’t know.” I allow him to draw me into his arms. Then I nestle into his bare chest, rubbing my cheek against his hard muscles. His fingers run through my hair, causing tingles to run down my spine. I sigh, running the pads of my fingers over his flesh.

  “Okay, you’re gonna have to stop doing that.” Tag releases me.

  “What?” I cock my eyebrow.

  “Touching me like that and breathing on my chest.” His gaze roves over my body. “Especially while wearing that sexy bathing suit. You’re driving me crazy.”

  “I am, huh?” I tease. “I didn’t know I had that effect on you.”

  “Oh, you do. Trust me. You do.” He motions me forward. “But I promised you I would teach you to swim, and that’s what I plan to do. I won’t let you distract me with your evil manipulations.”

  I giggle. “Is that what you think I was doing? Man, if only I were that conniving.”

  “No, don’t be conniving. Innocence is so much sexier.” He winks, and I melt once again. Everything about this guy wrecks me. “C’mon. It’ll be easier if you get in.” Tag holds out his hand.

  Steeling myself, I reach out and latch on to Tag’s hand. “Don’t let go,” I tell him as I step forward.

  “Never,” he speaks so firmly that I don’t doubt him at all.

  A memory of my dad teaching me to ride a bike fills my mind. He would hold onto my seat as I would ride down the sidewalk. I made him promise not to let go because I felt so safe knowing his hand held me steady. But at one point, I glanced over my shoulder and he was gone. I panicked and lost control of my bike. That day I ended up scraping my elbow and knees pretty bad when I fell. I remember being so angry with my dad for lying to me. He swore he was trying to teach me, and I was riding all by myself until I noticed he was gone, so I guess he accomplished his goal.

  But as I step into the icy cold water, with Tag’s hand gripping mine, I know I can trust that he will keep his promise. I know he won’t let go of me. This time when the water hits my foot I don’t leap out. It is still shockingly frigid, though, and my body shivers. Tag slips both arms around me, his warm skin rubbing against mine.

  “That better?” He murmurs into my ear.

  “Much.” He guides me further into the water. It slides over my thighs, then up to my waist. I bite my lip to keep from crying out. The scent of salt water and fish bring back unwanted memories, and I close my eyes to ward them off. Panic starts to grip me and my breath comes out in shallow gasps.

  “Harper?” Tag’s voice brings me back. “You okay?”

  Opening my eyes, I nod. The mere act of looking at his face gives me strength. I draw from it, allowing my nerves to calm.

  “If at any point you want out, say the word,” he says.

  “Thanks.” I stare into his blue eyes, feeling a surge of courage. I can do this. Tag believes in me.

  My body is going numb from the waist down, but I welcome it. Despite my best efforts I shiver a little more. True to his word, Tag keeps me close.

  “This is as far as we’re going today,” he says when the water rises to my chest.

  I heave a sigh of relief as my toes brush the sand on the bottom.

  “I’m not even going to make you swim. We’re only going to stand here until you feel comfortable.” His nose slides over my cheek, his breath warm on my skin. Our chests are pressed together and I can feel his heart beating beneath mine. The water rushes around our bodies, and I feel the pull of the current. Reaching up, I circle my arms around Tag’s neck and hold on. His grip tightens on my waist, and we stay steady even as the water churns. It’s like we’re rooted in this exact spot. The sun is set completely, its powerful rays streaming down on us.

  Tag drops a kiss on my forehead, and I rest my head against him. I can feel his fingers around my middle, and I’m acutely aware of the fact that my thin bikini is the only barrier between our bare bodies. My heart picks up speed at the thought. A few more people show up at the beach and start setting up their towels and chairs. I’m sure Tag and I look so odd standing in the water, hugging as if our lives depended on it. But I don’t care. I feel more safe and secure in this moment than I ever thought possible at the beach.

  “You doing alright?” Tag whispers in my ear.

  I nod.

  “You sure? Is there anything you need me to do?” He asks like a child who’s eager to please.

  It’s so endearing. My gaze lands on his lips and I lick mine. “Yeah. There is one thing that will make this a whole lot easier on me.”

  “Name it. Anything. It’s yours, baby.”

  I lean in close, a seductive look in my eyes. “Kiss me.”

  A smile leaps on his face. “I think I can handle that.”

  “Do you now?” I throw him a wink.

  He lowers his face, nipping my bottom lip with his teeth and letting out a little growl. I giggle at his antics, and it only makes him more playful. He sucks my bottom lip into his mouth gently. Then he swipes his lips over mine so softly I can barely feel it. I close my eyes, desperat
e for more. Once again he carefully lowers his mouth and slides it over mine. This time I cry out and grab onto his face to pull him forward.

  He draws back and smiles. “Someone’s impatient.”

  “Tease.” I narrow my eyes at him.

  “Oh, I’m not a tease. I fully intend to give you what you want.”

  “How long are you going to make me wait?”

  Bending down, his lips trail up my neck and rest at my ear. “Until you’re weak in the knees and you can’t stand it any longer.”

  His words cause a chill to quiver down my spine. His mouth is hot on my ear. He peppers tiny, barely-there kisses down my neck and across my cheek. When his mouth is directly in front of mine he breathes out, and heat meets my lips. I close my eyes once again and purse my lips, ready. But nothing happens. I peek out of one eye and see that his mouth is almost on mine, but not quite.

  “What are you waiting for?” I ask, exasperated.

  “Can you stand it?” As he speaks, his lips rub over mine.

  I grip him tighter around the neck. Again, his lips gently brush over mine. Then his tongue darts out and licks them, trailing over every inch of my lips. I arch my back, open my mouth. His hands slide up my back and rest at my neck. With firmness he draws my head forward. He kisses around my mouth, every inch of the skin that isn’t my lips. My knees soften and I moan.

  “And I think we’re there,” he whispers. Then his mouth crashes into mine with such force it steals my breath. His tongue thrusts into my mouth and swirls around. I slide my tongue over his, stroking the hair at the nape of his neck with my fingers. I forget where I am. All I can think about is the way Tag is kissing me right now. By the time he breaks away, I feel dizzy, and I grip his neck tightly.

  Tag runs a hand over his head while keeping the other arm securely locked around my waist. “Well, I think this was a very successful day of lessons. What do you think?”

  My surroundings come into focus and I remember where I am. “How long have I been out here in the ocean?”

  “I think we’ve been out here for at least twenty minutes, maybe longer.”

  “Really?” I smile. “I lasted that long.”

  “You certainly did.” He touches the tip of my nose, a smug look on his face. “And I bet you didn’t even think about it.”

  “That was your plan all along, huh? That’s why you dragged out the kiss. To keep my mind on something else.”

  “Did it work?” There is a gleam in his eye.

  “Maybe.” I narrow my eyes. Then I smile. “Okay, yes.”

  “Good. I’m really proud of you,” Tag says, stepping back. He grabs my hand. “Now, let’s get back to land and dry off.”

  As we walk hand in hand out of the water, I turn to him. “Have you ever taught anyone else to swim?”

  “A few people over the years.”

  “Is that your usual method?” We reach the sand, and goosebumps rise on my flesh.

  “No. That was especially reserved for you. But I have to be honest. It was the best lesson I’ve ever had.” When we reach our towels, Tag snatches mine up. “Here. Let me.” He stretches it out. When I step into it, he wraps it around my body.

  “Are you for real?”

  He takes my hand in his, pressing it to his chest. “You tell me.”

  His heart thumps under my palm. Yep. Definitely real. “Sometimes you seem too good to be true.”

  “Sometimes you do too,” He admits. “Sometimes this whole thing between us seems like a dream, but if it is I never want to wake up from it.”

  “Me either.”

  16

  TAG

  I CAN’T WIPE the silly grin from my face all day. In the past I started my day with a cup of coffee and some breakfast. But teaching Harper to swim is the way I want to start every day from now on. I’m actually thinking of dragging this out a bit. Maybe I’ll never actually teach her to swim. I chuckle at the thought and then realize I’m being an ass. Of course I need to teach her to swim. But this morning with her was seriously hot. Best morning ever. I’m already looking forward to the next lesson.

  My shift is over and I’m getting ready to go home. After opening my locker, I pull my cell and keys out. As I walk outside, I shoot off a text to Harper. She’s probably still at work, but I’m hoping she’s got her phone nearby. I need to hear from her.

  Me: So when do you want to have your next lesson?

  Harper: U just want to see me in my bathing suit again.

  Me: Guilty

  Harper: Maybe I’ll buy a wetsuit

  Me: U better not!

  Harper: lol. What about this weekend?

  Man, that’s several days away.

  Me: Sounds good. We can do it at night. Hardly anyone is out late.

  Harper: That sounds scary

  Me: No. I’ll protect u

  Harper: I know

  My heart skips a beat. I love how much she trusts me.

  Me: But we can go in the morning if u want

  Harper: Ok

  “What are you smiling about?” A girl’s voice startles me. I stop walking and glance up. Sarah sidles up next to me, her arm touching mine.

  I lower my cell phone so she doesn’t see the exchange. What Harper and I talk about is private. I don’t want to share her with anyone. “I was actually texting my girlfriend.”

  Her expression sours. “Tag Williams has a girlfriend. Never thought I’d see the day.”

  My insides twist at her words. “Guess I hadn’t met the right girl before.”

  “Ouch.” Her gaze casts downward.

  It makes me feel like shit. “Sarah, I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “Oh, I think you did.” Her laugh is humorless.

  “No,” I scramble to come up with some way to fix this. “I liked you. We had fun together.”

  “I just wasn’t the right one,” she supplies.

  I offer a subtle nod, unsure of what else to say.

  “And you’re sure she’s the right one? This girlfriend of yours?” Sarah smiles deviously like a cat chasing a mouse.

  It turns my stomach. “Yeah, I am.”

  “I heard a little rumor that your new girlfriend can’t swim, but I know that can’t be right. I mean, what adult can’t swim?” Sarah chuckles lightly, tossing a strand of hair over her shoulder.

  I clench and unclench my fists at my sides. “It’s really not any of your business.”

  “You’re right. Sorry.” She shakes her head. “Besides, it makes sense with your whole hero complex.”

  I know I should ignore her, but I want to know why she said that. A couple of other lifeguards walk past, glancing over at us curiously. Great. Now the rumors are going to start. “What are you talking about?”

  “Oh, come on. You don’t have to pretend with me. I know your secret, remember?” She touches my arm, and I yank it back. I know what she’s referring to, and I regret ever sharing anything personal with her. “But when you get bored with your damsel in distress and you’re in need of a real woman, you know where to find me.”

  I frown, seriously regretting my previous interest in her. She seemed so sweet before, but clearly she’s manipulative. A lot of the other guys out here think that’s hot. I find it to be a total turn off. “Thanks, but I don’t think I’ll ever get bored with Harper.”

  Her eyes darken, and she steps away from me. “Have a good night, Tag.”

  “You too,” I mumble, grateful that she’s leaving. While she saunters off, I hold my phone up. One more text from Harper.

  Harper: Ok. After work I’ll go shopping to buy a wetsuit

  Me: U better not!

  Harper: Who’s going to stop me?

  Me: I will

  Harper: What r u planning?

  Me: What time will u b home?

  Harper: 5:30

  Me: Ok. C U then

  Harper: Can’t wait

  I hurry to my car so I can go home to change and get to Harper’s house in time. Even though I saw her t
his morning, I already miss her. What is this chick doing to me?

  “Tag?” Mom pokes her head in my room. I’ve changed into a pair of board shorts and a t-shirt. My hair is still damp from the shower and smells like minty shampoo.

  “Yeah?” I sit on the edge of my bed, reaching for my shoes.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Out with Harper.”

  “Oh.” Mom looks dejected, and it concerns me. She’s been in good spirits lately and I’d been hopeful that she was turning a corner.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah.” She waves away my words with a flick of her wrist, but her eyes tell a different story. “Fine.”

  “Mom.” After slipping into my shoes, I stand. “If something’s wrong, tell me.”

  “No. You go have fun with Harper.” She says Harper’s name in a negative way, stopping me cold.

  “Do you have a problem with Harper?”

  “No.” Mom fidgets with the bottom of her frayed t-shirt. “You’ve been spending all your time with her lately.”

  “I really like her. I thought you did too.”

  “I do. She’s a nice girl.”

  I study her face. She’s looking more pale, her face more drawn with each passing day. It tears my heart out to see how much she’s aged since dad died. It’s like his death is slowly killing her too.

  “Mom, you’ve never told me the story of how you and dad fell in love.”

  Her head jerks up, her eyes wide, and I worry that maybe I’ve said the wrong thing. Perhaps I shouldn’t have brought Dad up at all. Mom loved Dad so much, and I’m curious if their story is anything like Harper and mine. Ever since I met Harper I’ve started to care about things I never did before.

  A soft smile lingers on Mom’s lips and her eyes get this glazed, faraway look. She leans against my doorframe. “Geez, it was such a long time ago. I was still in high school. Senior year. Your dad graduated the year before. I knew who he was though. Every girl in school did. He was so handsome.”

  I watch Mom in awe. She’s completely lost in the memory. It makes me feel bad that I haven’t asked her anything about Dad before. Maybe it’s good for her to talk about him.

  “My girlfriends and I went to the beach one afternoon and your dad and his friends were there.”