What the hell was that? Something slimy and gross touched my foot. Startled, I jumped and landed in the lake, sinking quickly in the dark, murky water having no idea what direction to swim. Since I didn't get to take a full breath, I'm quickly running out and start to panic. That's when I feel a strong hand wrap around my arm, pulling me to the surface.

"Nicole, are you okay? What the hell just happened? You were here one minute and gone the next."

William rushes his words, and I struggle to understand what he's saying.

His voice raises with worry. "Nicole?"

I suck in a much-needed breath. "I'm okay, William. I'm just having a hard time catching my breath."

He helps me onto the pier. I'm trying to slow down my breathing to keep myself from hyperventilating.

William looks at me with concern. "What happened?"

I start to chuckle at my stupidity. "I feel so ridiculous. Something disgusting touched my foot, and when I reacted, I fell into the water."

William's eyes are still wide in shock. "You scared the shit out of me."

"I scared the shit out of myself," I say with a shaky laugh.

William stands up and extends his hand to me, I take it, and he helps me up. "I have a blanket in my car. Can you make it there, or do you need more time to recover?"

I smile weakly, "I think I'm good."

We stroll up to the car; William's arm never leaves my waist.

When we get to the car, he wraps me up in the blanket he retrieved from the backseat and helps me settle into the passenger seat. Getting into the driver's side, William draws me into his arms. I start to warm up immediately; I'm not sure if it's the blanket or the warmth of his body as he holds me tightly.

After a few minutes, William starts his car and looks at the dashboard clock. It's 11:45. "I better get you home."

I nod in agreement. "I must look like a drowned rat! I'm so embarrassed! Sorry for ruining the end of our date."

He flashes me an adorable grin. "You look cute soaking wet. You didn't ruin anything. It was the best first date ever, and it'll go down as my most memorable one."

William has me home with five minutes to spare. The house is dark except for the porch light and the living room lamp my mom left on for me.

William gets out and opens my door. He pulls the blanket over my shoulders and escorts me to the door.

"Do you mind if I hold onto your blanket? I want to wash it before I return it to you."

He leans in and gives me another mind-blowing kiss. "I don't mind at all. Good night, Beautiful."

"Goodnight," I said, catching my breath.

I open the door and walk inside. I give William one last smile, close the door, and lean my back against it.

"Wow!" I say out loud.

Then I heard William on the other side of the door say, "Wow!"

I smile.

It's been a week since William's and my first date. We see each other every morning in the courtyard, and we text each other throughout the day when William's at work. This Friday is the season's first football game, and William got the time off to attend.

My phone buzzes; I glance down to see a text from William.

I can't wait to see you tonight in your cute cheerleading outfit.

I quickly type my reply.

I bet you do! What time do you get off?

I smile and see my mom winking at me.

I get off at 6:30, but I'm going to grab a bite at home before heading over. What time do you need to be at the field?

I had to think for a minute.

We must be fully dressed and ready to take the field by 7:00.

His reply is quick.

Want to hang out after the game? We can meet at the back gate.

I inadvertently nod my head yes.

My mom laughs, "You know he can't see you."

I roll my eyes and disregard her.

I would love to. What were you thinking?

I watch as the bubbles disappear with his response.

Can I trust you at the lake? Lol

I feel my face flush as I giggle. Mom raises her brow.

Haha! As long as we stay off of the pier!

The football game was amazing! We killed the other team 21-3; the crowd was electrifying. It was so fun cheering and being able to use my gymnastic skills. William was in the front row of the bleachers, hooting and hollering for every cheer we did. It was sweet. As promised, I met him at the back gate, still in my uniform.

William was smiling ear to ear when I walked up.

I gave him a small wave as I approached. "How about that game! Wasn't it amazing?"

"What game? All I saw tonight was a beautiful cheerleader." His brilliant smile was still on his face.

I give him a soft kiss on the cheek. "You're too funny! If you give me a minute, I can change before the lake."

"If you don't mind, I'd rather you not change." He winks.

I raise my brow. "Am I playing out a cheerleading fantasy tonight?"

"Yes, please."

I chuckle. " Okay, but don't let me get too close to the water. I don't want to ruin my uniform."

"Deal." He grabs my hand as we walk to his car.

We get to the lake and exit the car. William takes my hand, and we start walking. He brought his blanket with him. It was the same one William had wrapped me up in after my fall into the lake last week. I had washed it and returned it to him at school. When we arrive at the spot he had chosen, he lays down the blanket, sits on it, and pats the blanket beside him. I oblige and sit next to him.

I lean into him. "You love this lake, don't you?"

His arm goes around my waist. "I do. It's so peaceful and allows me to think. For some reason, I've liked it a lot more lately."

He smiles at me, and I feel my face heating up at his words.

"I bet you say that to all the girls you bring here!"

He shrugs. "I've never come here with anyone else except the gang. It's my go-to spot when I want to get away from school and work; I usually come alone."

I'm astonished at William's confession, and my heart melts.

I place my head on his shoulder. "So, what makes me so special?"

He kisses my head, "I don't know; I guess it's because I enjoy being around you. We haven't known each other long, but I've never felt more comfortable around anyone else. I feel like I can tell you anything without judgment, and I like you."

My face warms. "Awe, you're one of the sweetest guys I've ever met. I like you, too!"

William leans over, places his hands on my cheeks, and gently kisses me. Slowly and seductively, his tongue licks my lower lip, silently asking permission to enter. I open my mouth and wrap my tongue around his. I feel his lips curve up into a smile as he accepts my invitation. The intense rhythm of our tongues dancing takes my breath away.

He breaks our kiss for a moment, giving us each a breather. He lays us back onto the blanket, props himself up on one elbow, and places his other hand on my arm as he pulls me down next to him. I gasp as he takes possession of my lips; our tongues twist and explore. His hand slowly moves up my thigh, under my skirt, and to the edge of my panties.

I freeze and quickly sit up, abruptly breaking the kiss. I move William's hand away from my thigh.

William sits up beside me. He combs his hand through his hair and looks at me with concern in his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I got carried away. I've been trying so hard to control myself and move slowly."

I sigh, "I understand. It's hard, but I want to wait till I'm in love before going that far."

He turns towards me. "I get it and respect your decision. I want you to feel comfortable enough around me to tell me where your boundaries are and promise not to go further than what you're comfortable with."

I give his arm a reassuring squeeze. "Thank you, William. I appreciate that. It's not that I don't want to. Trust me; you make me feel things I've never felt before."

William's eyes look away from mine. "I hope I didn't mess up. You mean a lot to me."

I place my hands on his face and gently move it so that we're eye to eye. "You didn't mess up. You mean a lot to me, too. Okay?"

"Okay," he murmurs.

I brush my lips against his cheek. "It's getting close to my curfew, so we should probably head back."

William checks his watch. "Wow! I didn't realize how late it was getting."

William gets up and offers me his hand; I accept it. He pulls me into a firm hug, places his chin on my head, and takes a deep breath. We stay like that for a few moments, enjoying the closeness. He then takes my hand, we return to his car, and he takes me home.

That night in my bed, I dreamed that I hadn't stopped William's hand from exploring my body. It was the best damn dream ever.

A/N What's fact or fiction? Post your answers in the comment section, and I'll confirm or deny them.