The Feria by Julia Bade

and saw that Abuelita and Suki were now enjoying dangling their feet in the water. Nearby, young boys floated tiny boats.
    “Are you sure you want to get away?” He saw how her attention lingered on all the excitement behind them.
    “I’m very sure.”
    When they were clear out of everyone’s sight, he reached for her hand. Fingers intertwined, as always, he took her to a more secluded spot, where tall growing grass built a safe house around them. It was like a shield that made them invisible to all. They both waded into the water, until about chest high.
    It was only here, in this private encircling, that Soledad allowed herself to finally freely stare at and appreciate the breathtaking presence before her. Seeing Xavier without his shirt on, his swimming trunks tight against his body, sent shivers up Soledad’s arms and legs.
    Without another word, just like magnets and without hesitation, they entered each other’s arms and their two wet bodies clung together. Their kissing was so eager, so urgent, they both found themselves short of breath. Pressed closely together, Soledad could tell Xavier was aroused. It was as if away from the public eye, he felt she was all his.
    His hands started at her shoulders and slid down her arms, smoothly sliding the wetness from her skin until they rested on her waist. With a strong grip on her hips, his mouth never leaving hers, he locked her in place, pressed firmly against him.
    Heat swamped Soledad, starting at her forehead, and out of control rushed through her body. She felt restless. Xavier’s arousal pressed against her lower body, close to her most intense ache, as if it needed no direction. It knew exactly where it needed to be. She didn’t shy away from him.
    Although her eyes were closed, Soledad could feel Xavier’s hands, now under her shirt, making their way up her sides. The touch of his fingertips on her bare, wet skin played an overwhelming symphony of sensations. Even though she was wet all over, there was a warm damp throb that began in her private area she couldn’t ignore. Her body was reacting in all sorts of ways which were not at all familiar, and it startled her. Confused, she stopped kissing Xavier and placed her hands on his chest.
    When she pulled away and opened her eyes, she found him very still, his eyes still closed. They were both panting heavily, and she noticed Xavier was trembling slightly. Finally, after several minutes, Xavier opened his eyes. “I’m so sorry, my Cholita. I don’t know what came over me.” He led her out of the tall grass that had hidden them so well, and back to the bank, where they sat. After an uncomfortable silence, Xavier spoke. “Honestly, I can’t help what my body does when I’m with you.”
    “I’m sorry I stopped. You have been my first at all of this, and I’m trying to understand what I’m feeling. I’m eighteen, Xavier. You’re twenty-three. I’m sure you have a lot more experience than me.”
    “I understand, Cholita. While I do have some experience, you have to know that I desire you with everything in me. I can’t control how I feel.”
    Xavier’s impassioned plea sent a surge of warmth through Soledad, and that pesky throbbing between her legs started again.
    Somewhere in the background, children had begun to hit a piñata, and screams of delight interrupted the silence.
    Soledad leaned back on her elbows and flashed him a flirty smile. “I really like that you call me Cholita.”
    “It feels very natural.”
    “ I feel like I’m yours.”
    “Because you are.” His blue eyes darkened. “And I’m yours.”
    She inched toward him while he caressed her face, then brushed her hair back. He planted a soft, slow kiss on her wet shoulder. Heat once again flooded her body. Being here with Xavier felt so right.
    And those beautiful blue eyes. Those beautiful blue eyes!
    Those eyes were the last thing she saw in her mind when she closed her eyes that night.

Chapter 9
    Over the next two weeks,