“Swimming?”

And with that they were making their way down to Ashley’s pool, Spencer clad in one of Ashley’s bright red bikinis…Ashley in black.

“Ok, the pool guy came out yesterday. Everything should be good to go,” Ashley said, leaning in to inspect the pool more closely.

“Are you?” Spencer asked, ignoring the temptation to push the girl in.

“Am I what?” Ashley replied, walking towards Spencer.

 “I mean…I still don’t really understand how swimming in your pool is supposed to somehow make us less nervous about having sex.”

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right. I don’t even know how I came up with such a ridiculous idea. Let’s try out yours instead.”

“My what?” Spencer asked, confused.

“Your idea, silly!”

“Wh….what idea? I didn’t have an idea.”

“That’s what I thought. Get your ass in the pool,” Ashley said, kissing Spencer on the cheek and descending the pool steps.

“Ha. Nice,” Spencer responded with a grin, following Ashley’s lead into the pool.

“It feels good,” Ashley said, gliding through the water effortlessly.

“Good? Are you completely mad? It’s freezing!”

“Come here,” Ashley said, making her way through the water and over to Spencer, “Let’s get you warmed up.”

Spencer met Ashley halfway, their lips immediately meeting in a long kiss.

“You look really good in my bathing suit.”

“Yeah, even better than you do, I’m sure,” Spencer said, her lips forming into a wide smile.

“Your jokes are getting better, Spence,” Ashley replied, stopping Spencer’s expected return insult with another kiss. Not wanting to forget the original purpose, Ashley moved her fingers to the strings keeping Spencer’s top up.

“Let me know if you want me to stop, ok?” Ashley whispered into Spencer’s ear, almost positive that the girl was shivering more than she was a moment ago.

“Ok.”

Ashley untied the two strings in the back of Spencer’s bikini, loosening the fabric around Spencer’s body. When her hands moved to the last supporting strings around Spencer’s neck, Ashley felt her own nerves get the best of her.

“Are you sure this is ok?” she asked nervously.

“Yeah, it’s fine. Really.”

“Uh…ok. Great.”

“Wait, are you? Are you ok?”

Ashley stood silent, silenced by the insecurity she had in the moment. She was supposed to be the experienced one, the fearless one, the strong one. But all she felt as she stood in front of Spencer, witness to the girl’s new signs of strength, was inadequate and scared.