AXEL

Rosette stared at the water, biting her bottom lip, and I wanted to make her stop with my mouth.

“You overthink,” I said as I took off my shoes and socks, almost falling into the water when the boat rocked.

Rosette rushed forward as if she was going to catch me if I fell. She paused when she saw I had straightened, breathing heavily.

“The water is cold, you fool!” she snapped, looking back at the water. “How can we go swimming?”

The pants came off next, and I was left in my fly. “It’s not as cold as you’re thinking. And I'm here to keep you warm.”

She...