The Protection

Twenty-One

The game was intense with much back and forth, diving into the hot white sand while trying desperately to avoid the rather substantial drunken crowd that had gathered along the edges of the court. Sand coated the backs of my legs and after a particularly dirty point, I playfully raked my fingers across Ben's strong damp chest to dust some of the sand off. Kyler shifted a little on his lawn chair as Ben returned the favor, running his strong hands over the backs of my thighs. I turned to hide my amusement at his jealousy, engaged or not I found myself desperate to make Kyler want me even a shred of the way I still wanted him. Especially the half naked version of him perched on the lawn chair.

I turned my attention back to the game and on the final point, I crushed the ball and watched as Scott fell to his knees in defeat. Ben picked me up, spinning me around with my legs around his waist, his free hand pumping in victory into the air. Before I knew it, he was pushing through the crowd of people and sprinting with me still wrapped around him towards the pool as I screamed in protest. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kyler stand up from his chair, prepared to save me if I were in danger, but he relaxed when I shrieked with laughter as Ben threw me into the cold water. The multiple beers and Everclear mixture warmed me and loosened my inhibitions. I swam easily, but Ben wasn't far behind, grabbing onto my ankle and pulling me to him in the middle of the pool. He pulled my chest flush against his. Even in the cold water, I could feel the heat radiating off his body. I could feel how much he, and every square inch of his body, wanted me.

"I've missed this. Us. I made a huge mistake letting you go last summer Perry," he admitted, and I smiled a small, sad smile. I had wanted to hear these words for so long, but now they felt hollow. The words didn't light the fire inside of me like I had expected they would. His hand tangled into my hair holding my head in place, and before I knew it, his lips pressed against mine. I closed my eyes, feeling the sensation of being with Ben again, kissing him deeply. I wanted this kiss to feel like it had before everything happened this year. Before him.

I lost myself for a moment before the noise of the pool came roaring back into focus. Beth cheered from atop her lawn chair as Scott swam around us, pumping a victorious fist in the air. I cackled and leaned back, smoothing the wet hair from my face. I glanced over to Kyler's chair as Ben held me tight in his arms. The chair was empty and all traces of Kyler were gone...