Fear of Falling

ugly . I mean, it’s beautifully written, but some shit is just not pretty.”
    “Like life,” I murmured, not even realizing I was saying the words aloud.
    Kami nodded appreciatively. “Yeah. Like life.”
    Handing her back the eReader, I let my fingers linger against her hand, brushing tiny circles against her knuckles. “Life may not be pretty, but it’s always beautiful. We may only see the ugliness on the surface. The shit that only the world chooses to notice. But, if we dig deep, if we get to the heart of life, where there’s no pain or fear, where we can just be who we are and love freely without judgment, it’s really beautiful.”
    She cocked her head to one side and narrowed those dazzling green eyes. “There you go with the words, Blaine Jacobs. Always tempting me to break my own rules.”
    “What’s the fun in following the rules?” I shrugged. “Breaking them has always been much more appealing, if you ask me.”
    “That’s the problem; you may end up breaking me instead.” The slight smile on her lips didn’t match the intensity of her gaze. She was serious. She actually thought I had it in me to hurt her when all I wanted was to protect her.
    “I could never break you, Kami. Not unless you wanted me to.”
    Heat surged between us, elevating the already scorching temperature and causing our conjoined hands to become damp with sweat. Before any more words were exchanged, CJ came bounding up, smacking me on the back. “Come on, B! Get your ass out there!” Then he and Mindy/Misty raced into the water.
    “Go ahead, Blaine,” Kami waved towards the lake. “Go swim. I have a book I really want to finish.”
    “You sure?” I asked, already standing. It was hot as hell and I was sweating bullets.
    “Yes, I’m sure. Go. I’ll be right here waiting when you get back. I need to work on my tan.” Then she eased her dress down past her hips and thighs, kicking it off when it reached her ankles.
    I knew Kami’s body was amazing, but… damn .
    “Well, how do you expect me to leave you now ?” I needed to though. If I stood there any longer, I was liable to poke her eye out.
    Her gaze blatantly roamed my torso and arms, as she slowly licked those plump lips. “Well, I was hoping to get a glimpse of you dripping wet…” she cooed with a devilish grin.
    “Yes, ma’am,” I nodded, turning just in time to conceal the sight of my swell that was aching to be released. Maybe I should’ve let her get an eyeful. It was, in fact, her fault.
    Moments later, I was cooling off in the refreshing lake water, letting the chillier temperature alleviate my stiff predicament. The majority of the female employees and A.D. were scantily clad in teeny tiny bikinis, splashing and flirting with the guys. CJ had Mindy/Misty wrapped around his waist while she kissed his neck. Even Dom and Angel were chatting up with some cute chicks. I was happy for all of them, but I couldn’t help but feel a bit lonely. Yeah, Kami sat only yards away, but I wanted her wrapped around my waist. I wanted to hear her squeal when I splashed water at her. I wanted to flirt and kiss her while my hands roamed the exposed skin that her itty-bitty yellow bikini couldn’t cover. Shit, maybe even dip inside that bikini under the water.
    “Hey, B, watch this,” CJ murmured suddenly beside me, sans date. He trudged out of the water, casually making his way over to the beer cooler. But instead of grabbing a brew, he changed course and crept up behind Kami who was still engrossed in her eBook. Aw, hell. I knew what he was up to and that Kami would be pissed. I should have warned him, but I secretly wanted to see her reaction. If she hauled off and punched CJ in the face, it would serve him right.
    Before she even knew what was happening, he snatched the Kindle out of her hand and flung it on a towel. In the next instant, her slight body was slung over his shoulder, and he was running towards the water, laughing like a madman.
    “No, CJ! No, please!” she shouted. But the roar of his laughter obscured the seriousness in her voice. Even I was chuckling at the sight of Kami’s tight little ass in the air.
    Instead of letting her down next to me, CJ tossed her into the chest-high water a few yards away, sending her crashing in with a splash.
    “No!” came Angel’s shrill scream the next moment. She and Dominic were frantically wading towards the scene, both donning furious expressions.
    I looked to Kami. She still hadn’t