Chapter 17

Chapter 17

I stared at Kin and released my hand at his neck. In my mind, I told myself I had to trust him. I was literally floating on the water's surface, but it was because Kin was holding my body up. He had to take my whole body weight in his arms, and that made me feel guilty as hell. So, I made up my mind to place all my confidence in him.

“Place your ears in the water, love. It may not feel comfortable at first but just tip back your head until your ears are completely submerged. If your ears are out of the water, it means that your neck will be straining, and your body will be able to float less easily,” Kin explained as he guided me through.

“Now, lift your chin. That’s it. Once your ears are submerged, lift your chin. You can lift it slightly, or much more if you like, so that it's pointing up towards the sky. This will help you tip back your head and will make your entire body more buoyant.” He held my chin and tilted it upwards while he used his other hand to hold me up.

“As you place your ears underwater and begin to lift your chin, make sure that the water line is at mid-cheek. It may be slightly lower if you raise your chin more. It’s to your comfort, Ami. Keep your head centred so you don't tilt to one side or the other. Keeping your head centred will keep the rest of your body centred.” He touched my face as he went through the instructions one by one.

“Now, position your arms correctly, baby. Move your arms straight out and keep them just a few inches away from your sides. Yeah, that’s right. Make sure your palms are always facing the sky,” Kin instructed me in his deep, calm voice.

“Arch your back slightly,” he said as he pushed my upper back a few inches upwards. “This will help you tilt your body upwards.”

“As you arch your back, lift your chest more, so it's out of the water,” he continued. “Are you comfortable, love?” I said yes without turning my head towards him.

Then everything went quiet. “Kin, are you still there?” I uttered softly.

“I’m still here, love,” he replied, his voice sounding hoarse.

“Is something wrong, Kin?” I asked.

“No, all good. Just give me a minute to catch my breath, all right,” he muttered.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see how agitated Kin was. Then I realised he was staring at my chest.

“Anakin! Will you stop staring at my chest? You’re supposed to guide me,” I chastised him.

“I can’t help it if you have such firm and perky breasts, honey,” he threw a lopsided grin at me.

“Kin, if you keep this up, I think we should stop,” I berated him.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I was distracted there for a minute,” he smiled and then he continued.

“Bend your knees to open up your legs a bit, Ami. If your legs are completely straight, you'll be more likely to sink. And after you bend your knees, let your legs dangle down on either side, with at least a few feet of space between them. Your legs won't naturally float to the top of the water.”

I did all the steps perfectly. “Good job. Breath in and out, love. The more air you take in, the more you’ll stay afloat. Are you completely relaxed now?” Kin asked.

“Why?” I quipped.

“Because I’m gonna let go of my hands slowly now,” Kin said calmly.

Oh no, I’m not ready for that. It’s too soon. “Amidala?” I heard Kin calling me.

“Yes?” I stammered.

“I promise you will float, baby, but if you’re about to sink, I will catch you,” Kin soothed me in his deep voice, reverberating through me.

Kin had gone all out to help and guide me. The least I could do was to be grateful for what he had done for me. I went ahead and took a deep breath, relaxing my limbs so that I could stay afloat. I gave Kin the thumbs-up sign, and slowly, he released his hands beneath me. I looked at the beautiful night sky calmly, and somehow, the tranquillity soothed all of me.

I was floating. Yes! I was floating all on my own, without Kin holding me. I was stupefied for the fact that I could do it without hyperventilating. Dad was never able to help me due to the severity of my phobia, but I was awed at how Kin was able to do it. I love that no matter what I do or have done, Kin never makes me feel bad about it. He puts me back in my place if I go too far out of it.

“Just tell me when you’re tired, all right, love,” Kin uttered softly.

I think I’m in love. No, scratch that. I know this is it. Right now, I feel so deeply for him; even from the start, that aura around him hits me to the core. He knows when to give me attention, when to provide me with space, when to be serious with me and when to make me laugh. I find those deliciously kissable lips sexy as hell, and I love his eyes, smile, touch; everything. He does not get on my nerves. It’s so rare for me to have a person in my life that I love being around non-stop and not get irritated or agitated. Could he ever be THE person in my life?

I didn’t realise how long I floated on the water. Then, I called out to him, “Anakin, I’m done.” Without hesitation, he stood between my legs, gripped my waist and pulled me up. My legs automatically went around his waist, and my arms over his shoulders for support.