Everlasting Kiss by Amanda Ashley Read Free Book Online

answer to her question. Right or wrong, for better or worse, for reasons she didn’t pretend to understand, she knew her fate was somehow tied to his.
    Daisy took off her sandals; Erik removed his boots and socks, and they walked hand in hand along the shore, the damp sand squishing between their toes.
    It was a beautiful night. Millions of stars twinkled brightly overhead, reflecting their light on the gently rolling waves that kissed the shore. A bright yellow moon smiled down on them.
    “So, how about that swim?” Erik asked.
    “I don’t think so. I’m not into skinny-dipping on public beaches.”
    “No? Then how about a quick dip in your underwear? It probably covers as much as today’s swimwear.”
    Daisy weighed the pros and cons for a moment, but in the end, it was the cool water lapping at her ankles that made the decision. At least that’s what she told herself. And it was partly true. But mainly, it was her desire to see Erik in the buff that made her agree.
    She turned her back to him while she undressed. This was so stupid. If a shark ate her, she would have no one to blame but herself.
    “Ready?”
    She turned at the sound of his voice. Clothed, he was gorgeous. Clad in nothing but a pair of black briefs, he was a Greek god come to life. His body was muscular without being bulky. His legs were long and firm, his shoulders broad. His abs looked rock hard; his biceps tempted her touch.
    He grinned under her blatant regard. “Like what you see?”
    She nodded. What was there not to like?
    “Good. I like what I see, too.” He took a step toward her. “You’re beautiful, Daisy.” His fingertips glided down her cheek, along her neck, across her collarbone to settle in the hollow of her throat. “Truly beautiful.”
    A blush warmed her cheeks, more from the admiration in his eyes than his words. “Thank you.”
    “Come on,” he said, and taking her hand in his, he turned and ran toward the water.
    Daisy shrieked as she followed Erik into the waves. The water had felt cool on her bare feet; it felt downright cold when it reached her knees, and higher.
    She was thinking of turning around and swimming back to shore as fast as she could when Erik grabbed her hand. Floating on his back, he lifted her onto his chest so that her body covered his.
    “What are you doing?” she exclaimed, certain they would both go under, amazed when they didn’t. It was like surfing on a human surfboard.
    “You okay?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
    “Yes, but…”
    “Relax, I won’t let you drown.”
    He floated out past the waves to where the water was as smooth as black glass.
    “Still okay?” he asked.
    She glanced to the right and to the left. No fins that she could see. “I guess so.”
    “Are you afraid of the ocean?”
    “Ever since I saw Jaws. ”
    Erik grinned at her. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” Animals avoided him, especially those that hunted for their food. Something about one predator recognizing another, he supposed.
    Nothing to be afraid of, Daisy thought, except drowning or being stung by a jellyfish, or attacked by a shark.
    It was oddly exhilarating, and a little frightening, floating there, just the two of them, alone in the vast ocean at night. Gradually, Daisy relaxed enough to rest her cheek on Erik’s chest. Lying there, she noticed the reflection of the moon on the water, the way the moonlight glistened on the waves.
    For all that it was exciting to drift on the sea with Erik, she was relieved when, at last, he made for the shore.
    It was good to feel solid ground beneath her feet, Daisy thought when they reached the edge of the water. Dropping down on the sand, she gazed up at Erik. He was truly a remarkable human being, she mused, and certainly stronger than any man she had ever known. She would have bet her house and everything in it that Erik couldn’t float and carry her at the same time.
    He sat down beside her, his thigh brushing intimately against