Sinth Salvation - Pearl Tate Page 0,27
opening it and pulling out two long paddles before removing a bag she slings over her shoulder. “Let me carry that,” I demand, phasing completely into Earth’s dimension and reaching for the strap she’s about to lift over her head.
Shrugging, she slams the trunk down with both hands and brushes her palms together before heading up to the dock. Stefan is already waiting for us as we climb on. “Cutting it close,” He mutters as he releases the ropes that tie the boat to the dock.
“Not really,” Lilibeth argues. “I have ten minutes. I’ll get this inflated.”
Leading me to a control area, she motions for me to pass her the bag, and our hands brush, sending another zing of awareness between us. All I could think about last night was Lilibeth, imagining what she might look like naked and laid out on my bed. I can’t help it!
I don’t think it’s my imagination that the pull between us is stronger today. I don’t know much about mating, but I do know eventually it’ll become almost unbearable to be apart—especially if we haven’t completed the mating. Will she make me wait until that point? Is she even considering it right now?
Watching as she efficiently sets up and begins inflating the bright yellow boat for us to use, I can’t help thinking about how she turned me down yesterday evening. Despite the undeniable sexual tension, she was determined not to spend any more time than necessary with me. Could it be because we’re not the same species?
I know there are many who believe that if you’re not of the same species, you’re somehow inferior. I’ll admit to thinking those same thoughts to a certain extent when Payak began acting interested in a Human woman at the military base we were originally stationed together as a squad. Once I met Lilibeth though, all I could see were the advantages.
Lilibeth lacks nothing. Strong, determined … even her annoying tendency to be too serious about everything is good from another perspective. She doesn’t jump to conclusions or freak out. When she saw the Wen-transitioned yesterday at Brad Nixon’s, she immediately jumped in and began trying to help. Ineffectively … but still—
“Another five minutes!” Stefan’s voice rings out across the deck, and my eyes scan the shore. We’re still quite far out. “Almost ready?”
“Here.” Lilibeth picks up the paddles and holds one out in each hand. “Can you put these in one hand?”
I easily wrap my fingers around both narrow tubes, and she nods, ignoring the zap when our hands touch. “Grab that side.” The raft is bigger than I expected considering the small bag. Lifting the craft by a cord that runs around the perimeter and the top, we walk it over to where Stefan stands.
The fishing boat has slowed substantially since he called out to us. “I don’t want to get too close.”
Lilibeth nods, but I’m not impressed with the distance we need to go to get to shore. The water is not calm out here on the ocean, and this boat rocks more as we slow. It’s been a long time since I swam in a large body of water like this. Most planets’ water you wouldn’t want to ever set foot in …
Shaking myself out of my reverie, I realize contemplating the bad is not the way to go. Lilibeth’s already trying to lift the raft, so I grab the other side, letting her lead as she lowers it over the rear of the fishing craft where we have the least distance to climb down into it. A rope ladder follows, and Lilibeth doesn’t hesitate, even when Stefan calls out, “Are you sure you don’t want me to come back for you?”
“No.” She’s already climbing down the ladder, so he looks at me instead. I shrug. “We’re fine,” Lilibeth calls from the tiny, yellow boat she’s now sitting in. She waves up to the deck. “We’ll hitch a ride once we get to the road.”
Looking at the flimsy ladder, I wish again that this strange fisherman would go back to … doing whatever it is he does. I could be in that boat instantly, but not with him watching so intently. Lowering down the paddles to Lilibeth, I swing over the rail and begin the descent. The ladder sways despite Lilibeth’s grip on the bottom, but I’m down quickly. I want to pull her into my arms and assure her I’ll take care of her, but she doesn’t seem worried at all.
Lilibeth