Clint slows the boat until its idling and turns to face us. “Okay, Moira. It’s your turn. Are you ready?”

Moira stands up from her seat and gives a gaming smile. “Sure. I told you I pretty much suck at water skiing, but I’ll give it a go.”

We’ve all had a turn so far. Cara and Clint are quite good, but I learned that they pretty much spend much of their summers on the water, drinking beers and wine coolers and soaking up the sun. Rough life, for sure.

I did amazingly well when it was my turn. It was exhilarating to get pulled behind the boat with the wind whipping at me and the spray of the water keeping me cool. According to Cara, who made a point to put her hand on my bicep after I got back in the boat, I’m good at skiing because my upper arms are so strong.

Moira rolled her eyes at that too and even snorted, which caused Cara to narrow her eyes and glare at her.

It’s hard to avert my gaze when Moira pulls her T-shirt over her head, revealing a much more modest bathing suit top in black, her br**sts—which are smaller than Cara’s—are adequately covered. I’m pleased by this because I haven’t failed to notice the way Clint watches Moira. She shimmies out of her shorts, revealing black bottoms that cover her ass nicely, with delicate straps that rest over her hipbones.

Fuck, did I pay a lot of attention to her hipbones last night between my tongue and my fingers digging in there. I’m surprised she’s not bruised.

Clint helps Moira into the life vest, and I want to growl in frustration as he fastens the straps across the front. But there’s nothing I can do because Moira doesn’t want anyone to know that we’re f**king each other. And by the way I want to pummel Clint into the boat deck because of the way he’s standing too close to her, it would be obvious that we’re f**king if I were to do that.

Cara stands up from her seat and says, “I’ll drive this time.”

While Cara gets behind the wheel, Clint helps Moira with her skis and getting into the water. I turn in my seat to watch her, noting the determination on her face as she takes hold of the rope, the tips of her skis bobbing out of the water in front of her.

Her eyes cut to mine, and I give her an encouraging smile. She rewards me with a quick grin that is so bright that it actually tightens my stomach in longing to see it again. Yes, that smile is definitely something that sets Moira apart.

Cara looks over her shoulder and calls out. “Is she ready?”

Moira nods and yells, “Giddy-up.”

The engine revs as Cara starts it forward with smooth speed, and I watch as Moira easily lifts up out of the water. She gets all the way up with no issues, her gaze focused on the boat.

Cara increases the speed a bit, and Clint yells out, “You’re doing great. Bend your knees a bit more.”

Moira does as directed, and she looks steady. A slow smile comes across her face and I just sit there, enjoying the beauty of my lover as she skims across the water.

I know Moira won’t have the upper arm strength to stay up long, and I’m actually itching for another chance to get back out there. This is one of the most fun things I’ve done since I’ve come to the States… exclusive of the time I’m sunk deep inside of Moira.

Suddenly, Cara cuts the wheel of the boat hard right, and Moira slings outward over a large wake that was churned up by the boat’s engine. As soon as the skis crest over the top of the wave, I watch as Moira’s legs shoot out from under her and she goes spilling toward the water, tumbling end over end.

“Cut the engine,” Clint yells at Cara. I watch as she throttles it back, turning her head over her shoulder to look behind her… a wicked smile on her face as she sees Moira bobbing in the water.

“Oops,” she says as her eyes cut to me innocently. “I thought I saw a log floating in the water and was trying to avoid it.”

“Geez, Cara,” Clint says with a good-natured laugh. “You’re a menace on the water. I’m driving from now on.”

Cara gently turns the boat and heads back toward Moira. She’s no worse for the fall, even giggling when we pull up to her. I lean over the boat and give her a hand, easily lifting her up and turning her so she can sit on the edge.

“Are you okay?” Cara asks solicitously.

“I’m fine,” Moira says with a grin. “Scared the crap out of me at first, but it didn’t even hurt. I want to try it again.”

I note that Cara grimaces, but I shoot a quick grin at Moira. While Cara and Clint change positions behind the wheel, I lean down and place my lips near Moira’s ear. “You’re such a little daredevil. I have something planned for you tonight. Hope you’re still feeling just as adventurous.”

Moira’s eyes flutter closed, and she groans lightly. I take that as her assent and pull away from her just as Cara walks back to where we are.

“Zach… I’m starting to burn a little,” Cara purrs at me as she hands me a bottle of some lotion that I had seen Moira slathering on her skin earlier. Fuck how I’d longed to be the one rubbing that oily concoction onto her. “Do you mind getting my back?”

I don’t even have to look at Moira to know she’s rolling her eyes again, and I laugh to myself. I revel in her jealousy, but I’ll make it up to her tonight.

“Sure,” I say as I take the bottle and unscrew the cap.

I’m sure I hear Moira mutter “Unbelievable,” before she scoots off the edge of the boat and splashes down into the water.