Finding Eden (22 page)

There wasn’t really anything I could say to that. It was one of those things a person had to just leave alone and let the affected person figure out how to deal with it on their own time. “
I think this is enough excitement for the night. Let’s wash off. I’ll grab the soap.”

Elle beamed and we headed towards the waterfall. I wondered if we’d ever use the actual shower.

[ Elle
]

The spray from the waterfall reflected the moonlight sneaking in through the holes in the ceiling. It almost seemed to add a sort of shimmer to the atmosphere around us. It felt like a beautiful southern California summer and I had a feeling it would be like that always. Beams of moonlight hit the water at all angles, just barely piercing the surface. I stripped down to my bra
and panties, waded over to it, and watched the water droplets in the air, tiny enough to just float through the ray of light. Mist was all around me and it tickled as it landed on my bare skin.

I submerged myself, watching as my skin was cleansed of the crimson stains. I resurfaced, finding Gabriel leaning against the edge of the pool, his elbows resting on the soft moss. My hair trailed behind me, floating on the surface, resembling a veil.

“
Hey, Beautiful,” Gabriel murmured. I blushed. “Turn around.”

I obeyed. Gabriel slid my hair over my shoulder so it rested between my breasts. It was shallow enough that I could stand and not have to tread water. He rubbed the bar of soap between his hands until he got a good lather going before putting it down. He slid his hands over my back then down my shoulders and arms. He
kneaded my tense muscles. My breaths were deep and controlled. He reached around and soon his hands were gliding across my stomach. It felt more intimate than it probably was. I grew shy and my face heated all over again.

“
God, this is just what I needed.” I exhaled, letting the horror of the last few hours wash away with the soap.

I heard a click and the scent of strawberries filled the air. Gabriel’s hands massaged my scalp and combed through my hair. A quiet moan passed through my lips. I was so content at that moment.

I was soon being carried across the pool again. He was holding me like a princess again and I probably had the goofiest grin on my face. Gabriel leaned me back so that the falling water rinsed the shampoo from my hair.

“
Mmm…I don’t think I’ve been this clean since, well, you know.” I leaned my head against his chest and closed my eyes. I was so drowsy, feeling as if I could sleep for days.

“
Glad to be of service,” he chuckled.

“
Your turn,” I said and we made our way back to the opposite side. He sat me on the edge of the pool. I lathered my palms and slid them across the wide expanse of his back, admiring the sharp angles. I told him to turn around. My hands found his stomach, and I rubbed my palms against him, letting my fingers feather his abs, tracing the contours between each defined muscle.

My bottom lip was stuck indefinitely between my teeth. I could feel his heated gaze burning into the top of my head. I inhaled sharply, cupping water into my hands and allowing it
to fall down his torso. I was afraid to look at him; I knew what it would lead to. I had no reason to fear him or the possibilities though. So, I looked up and matched his gaze. My nerves blossomed in my lower belly and my breath hitched. Not taking my eyes from his, I leaned forward and pressed my lips above his belly button. His features grew more intense and I kissed him below his naval.

“
Oh, fuck this,” Gabriel said as he pushed me down flat. He pulled himself up onto the ground and he was above me, over me, all around me. He seemed everywhere, sucking in the surroundings until it was just him and me. He cradled the back of my head in his hands and brought my lips up to his. It was gentle.

“
I think we’ll be just fine here,” he said against my lips.

“
Absolutely. We have everything we need.” I ran my fingers down his cheek. “And…”

“
And?” He said, leaning into my touch.

“
I don’t have to be alone any longer.” I exhaled, finally believing my own words.

Gabriel snaked his arms around me and pulled me into his chest.

“
Never again, Elle.”

It was the first time since the end that I felt genuinely safe. The feeling was all-consuming.