Two days went by, and Saturday was ideal for a swim.

The park was bustling with chatter and laughter, joggers zigzagging around picnickers, and ducks gliding leisurely on the tranquil lake. The sun warmed the cobblestone paths and cast sparkling reflections over the Serpentine Lido's waters. The cool breeze touched your skin just right, offering a perfect day for relaxing or swimming.

Charlie shifted from one foot to the other at the lido's edge, her sneakers scraping the worn dock wood.

She gripped the straps of her backpack, containing a towel and a change of clothes. Her simple white shirt fluttered in the gentle wind, while her shorts felt a bit too short for the outing. She glanced over at John, whose rugged look was suited to the lake's scenery.

He wore a snug olive-green t-shirt that hinted at his fit physique and dark swim trunks ending just above his knees. His sneakers lay next to the duffle bag he'd brought. With arms crossed, he stood there, watching the water like it was his mission.

"We're really doing this?" Charlie said, her voice tinged with a nervous laugh. She tried to play it cool, but her stomach twisted into knots.

"You'll be okay," John said, focusing on her with a faint smirk. "You trust me, remember?"

"Yes," she answered without hesitation. The weight of his gaze made her pulse quicken. "It's just... I'm not exactly a natural in water."

"Good thing I've got patience for you, then," he teased, kneeling to unzip the duffle bag. He pulled out a folded towel and a plain black t-shirt, setting them aside before standing again.

"Right," she mumbled before looking around the surroundings. Then, she watched him peel his shirt off in one fluid motion until her breath caught.

He stood there, half-shadowed in the morning light, like the sun's warmth draped across his shoulders like it belonged to him. Broad and sculpted, his body carried the kind of strength that wasn't built in a gym but through years of physical endurance and combat.

His chest was covered of dark hair that trailed down his abdomen like an arrow she wasn't ready to follow, causing her cheeks to burn. 

She hadn't expected him to look like... that. 

The tattoos that adorned his skin, they moved with him. Each line and symbol catching the light like stories etched in stone. His abs, lean and ridged, tightened with grace that made it impossible for her to look away.

God, he looked like a soldier carved from heat and purpose.

She parted her lips, yet no words came out.

Oh... wow...

"You okay?" John asked, a knowing grin tugging at his lips as he caught her staring.

"Yes! Nothing at all," Charlie blurted, taking an unsteady step backward—only for her heel to slip on the edge of the dock. She flailed for balance, a panicked yelp escaping her lips.

Immediately, his arm shot out, catching her wrist before she could tumble into the water. He pulled her upright with ease, his grip firm but gentle.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice laced with humor.

"Yeah, um—totally fine," she stutter, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she avoided his gaze. Her face burned, and she could've sworn he held back a laugh.

"Careful, Charlotte. Don't want you falling in before we even start."

"Ha-ha," she muttered, folding her arms as he stepped closer to the water's edge.

John jumped into the lake first and appeared up ahead through the cool water. He was now wet, and his front hair was sticking against his forehead.

"Come on, it's not cold."

Charlie hesitated, toeing off her sneakers before stepping into the water. The sensation made her shiver, and she wrinkled her nose. "You're kidding. It's freezing."

"You'll get used to it," John said, waving her farther in. "Come on. You can't learn to swim from the dock."

Muttering under her breath, Charlie followed him in. The water reached her knees, then her thighs. She stopped abruptly, her arms wrapping around herself as if that would make the experience less intimidating.

"Okay," John said, moving towards her as the water reached his waist. "First things first—relax. You're not gonna sink. I've got you."

"I-I don't know if... I can do this," she said, almost trembling as her eyes darted to the deeper water beyond.

"You can," he said gently, stepping closer. His hands rested lightly on her arms, his touch steadying her. "Deep breath."

Charlie nodded, swallowing hard as she tried to match his calm demeanor. But when he moved behind her, his hands settling on her waist to guide her.

"Alright," he murmured near her ear. "We'll start easy. Just float. Lean back—let the water hold you."

"I'll sink like a rock," she protested, but his hands remained firm.

"You won't," John assured her. "Not with me here."

After moments of hesitance, Charlie did as he commanded, leaning back into the water. His hands supported her as she floated, and though her body was stiff with nerves, his voice helped her relax.

"There you go," he said softly. "See? You're doing good."

She let out a shaky laugh, her hands gripping his forearms for balance. "This is harder than it looks."

"You're making it harder by overthinking," he said pointedly. "Relax, Charlie. I've got you."

Charlie nodded and continued floating until her grip loosened from him.

"There you go," he said, his voice cutting through the quiet. "You're floating now. Let's move on."

Charlie tipped her head back, her eyes wide with uncertainty as she broke the floating position, her feet sinking back into the cool water. "Move on to what? Not diving, right?"

John chuckled, the sound low and warm, and she felt it ripple through the air between them.

"Not diving," he assured her. "We'll keep it simple. I'll teach you how to tread water and kick properly."

She groaned, running a hand over her damp ponytail. "Do I have to? I'm fine with just standing here."

He arched an eyebrow. "That's not swimming. That's surviving."

"Survival's underrated," she grumbled, but he only smirked.

"You're doing this," he said firmly, his hands brushing her arm as he adjusted her position. "Now, lift your legs and kick softly. I'll watch you."

Charlie paused, looking up at him with dread. But the confidence in his eyes softened her retreat. She lifted her feet, her hands grabbed onto his forearms as she tried to keep herself from thrashing. The first few kicks sent water splashing everywhere, and John had to step back to avoid getting hit in the face. "Easy, love. You're not trying to fight the water—work with it."

"Sorry," she said, her cheeks flushing as she slowed her movements.

"Better," he said, his tone approving. "Now, steady rhythm. Like this."

He moved to her side, demonstrating a smooth, controlled motion with his legs. Her eyes followed his movement, and she couldn't help but notice how the water highlighted the muscles in his hairy thighs.

She tried to mimic him. Her kicks became less frantic, though her movements were far from graceful.

"This is so awkward," she mumbled.

"You're getting there," he said, his lips curving into a smile. "Keep at it."

As she continued his guidance, it became more hands-on. His touch was always careful but firm, correcting the angle of her arms or how she moved her legs. Each time his fingers brushed against her skin, a spark of warmth bloomed in her chest, making it harder to concentrate.

"You're overthinking again," he said, his voice closer now.

She looked up to find him standing just a foot away, his gaze locked on hers.

"I can't help it," she said, her tone almost quieter. "This is all new for me."

"That's the point," he said, his tone softening. "You're not supposed to get it perfect on the first try. Right?"

Charlie nodded, swallowing hard as she let go of her doubts. She kicked again, and this time, her movements became fluid. She smiled big and turned to him.

"I'm doing it!" She beamed.

"There you go," John said in approval. "See? You're a quick learner."

She laughed, and the sound bubbled up like a release of all her earlier nerves.

When Charlie caught his eye, her laughter faded away. The way he looked at her, as if she were the center of his world, made her heart flutter. His playful smirk had disappeared, replaced by a genuine smile that made her pulse quicken. John made his way through the water towards her, and she remained motionless. She noticed his eyes linger on her lips before locking with hers.

"John?"

"Hmm?"

She wanted to say something—but the words wouldn't come.

Only then, he smirked when her cheeks flushed.

"Careful," he said, his tone low and rough. Almost as if he were speaking to himself instead of her. "You might trip again if you're not paying attention."

His words snapped her back to the present, and she blinked, realizing that she had unconsciously moved closer to him. Charlie redirected her attention to her actions, but her heart continued to beat rapidly. Feeling her cheeks becoming flush, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze. She lowered her eyes, focusing on the ripples her kicks made in the water.

"I think I've got the hang of it now," she said, trying to steer the conversation to safer territory. She wasn't sure what had just passed between them, but the charged energy in the air made her pulse quicken.

John cleared his throat, seeming to shake himself out of the moment.

"Good," he said approvingly. "Now let's try some arm strokes to get you moving forward."

He demonstrated a smooth freestyle stroke. Charlie copied him, concentrating on the mechanics of keeping her body straight and her strokes consistent.

As she swam back and forth in front of him, John critiqued her form.

"Keep your hips up...don't bend your knees...reach farther on each stroke." His gruff and raspy tone made her skin prickle each time he talks, command, and teach.

She may got the hang of it.

Charlie paused and tipped her head back to look at John. "How am I doing?"

"Really good," he said, giving her a rare, full smile that made his eyes crinkle at the corners. "Think you're ready to try swimming a full lap?" he asked.

Charlie bit her lip. The lake suddenly seemed very large and imposing. Sensing her hesitation, John waded closer.

"You can do this, little one," he said. "I'll be right here if you need me."

His stable tone in his eyes made her nod and she began swimming. Using each skill John had taught her.

Reach, pull, kick. Breathe. Reach, pull, kick.

She repeated his instructions like a mantra in her head.

As she approached the halfway point, her strokes faltered. But then she heard his voice calling out encouragement, spurring her on. She finished the lap strongly, touching the ledge from where they jumped off from the start with a gasp.

"I did it!" she cried, wheeling around to face John.

"You did it," he said, looking pleased. "We'll do this again next time. Maybe a challenge."

Charlie treaded water, practically glowing from his praise.

"Oh, yeah? Let's hope I don't drown while we swim further and you would have to rescue me."

John shook his head and chuckled, swimming closer to her before helping her to the shore. He held onto her small hand with his strong grip as she stood before him, drenched in her wet clothes. Her ponytail remained slicked, sticking against her skin, but as they stood close to each other. Enough for John to reach out and lift her chin up, meeting her gaze.

The temptation of kissing her made his heart race, but he tampered his hidden urge.

Not yet.

Instead, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

Charlie shut her eyes and let out a gentle exhale through her nose. Her legs felt weak, so he held her tightly in his embrace. The sensation of his strong physique against her petite frame made it even harder for her (and him) to resist any longer.

"Oh... uhm..." She raised her face to meet his after her chin pressed against his wet and hair chest.

John tilted his head, the smirk still present in his teasing gaze as he asked, "Yeah?"

She looked away, and her cheeks became warmer.

"Never mind."

He chuckled heartily. "What is it?"

Charlie bit her lip before she answered. "It's just...I've never felt this way before. Being around you is exciting but also a little scary."

She slowly glanced at him. His expression was serious now, his piercing eyes searching her face.

"Believe me," he said after a moment. "I understand."

He reached out and tucked a strand of wet hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek. Charlie drew in a shaky breath at his touch. She closed her eyes as calloused finger traced along her cheek. His touch was sending shivers down her spine despite the warm sun. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as he gently tilted her chin upwards more.

Their eyes met, icy blue on brown.

An unspoken understanding seemed to pass between them.

Here, alone by the lake.

John slowly leaned in, giving her time to pull away if she wanted. But she didn't, and her lips parted.

When their lips finally met, it was tentative at first, both a little careful until Charlie wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as she deepened the kiss. John groaned softly against her lips, one hand tangling in her damp hair while the other pressed against the small of her back waist. Charlie melted against him, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the sunshine.

After a long, blissful kiss they broke apart.

Charlie kept her eyes closed. She couldn't believe it happened again.

When her gaze finally met his, his eyes were dark, but there was also a tenderness in them. John brushed his thumb over her cheekbone, as if he wanted to remember this moment forever.

"Charlie," he murmured, her name a tender caress on his lips.

She shivered at the sound, yearning to kiss him again.

"I would never do anything to compromise what we have growing between us," he assured her.

Charlie nodded, comforted by the sincerity in his gravelly voice.

"Okay," she whispered.

Then, he flashed his roguish grin and he scooped her up in his strong arms. She shrieked in surprise as he carried her toward the water.

"John, no! Put me down!" she protested, though she was laughing.

"As you wish," he said playfully, setting her down by the lake's edge.

Charlie pretended to glare at him but couldn't keep a straight face, and his grin widened.

"Alright, no more games. I'm starving," he said, slinging his towel over his shoulder and picking up his shirt and duffle bag. He offered her another towel.

She wrapped herself in the towel, shivering slightly as the breeze picked up. She couldn't stop replaying the kiss in her mind, the way his strong arms felt wrapped around her, his beard tickling her forehead. She glanced at him sideways as they walked back to the public restroom, taking in his rugged profile.

John caught her looking and raised an eyebrow. "See something you like?"

She blushed and looked away. "Maybe," she said coyly.

He chuckled back, a low rumble in his chest. "Well keep your eyes to yourself. I'm an old man, remember?"

"You don't seem that old to me," Charlie said, bumping her shoulder against his arm.

John slung an arm around her, pulling her against his side. "Careful, or you'll give me ideas that are too dangerous for a man my age."

She grinned up at him. "I'm not sure I'd mind that."

Her light answer made his expressions change quick from relaxed to serious. He shook his head. "This can't last forever, you know. My world is too chaotic."

Charlie nodded slowly before her grin faded. She knew he was right. Whatever was growing between them felt special, but she couldn't ignore the reality of his life. She smiled at him again and came close to him.

"Then we enjoy it while we can," she reminded him softly.

John stopped, and she followed suit. Turning his gaze down at her before he said, "While we can," he repeated with a sad smile.