A Dip in the River

“We should really get back to the prison.”

Rick was eying the river with such interest that Michonne had a good idea what he had in mind.

“I know what you’re thinking,” she said.

“And what’s that?

“Going for a swim.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” he answered, and promptly began to unbutton his shirt.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going swimming.”

The twinkle in Rick’s eyes annoyed Michonne. He stood by the water and peeled off his shirt, then reached for his belt buckle. Michonne tried to rationalize her sudden thundering pulse and dry mouth to the heat of the June morning. A swim was a good idea. She just didn’t know why it made her so nervous to see so much of Rick Grimes’ skin.

“So? You gonna join me?”

Rick had kicked off his shoes and socks and was about to pull off his jeans. She missed the grin on his face when she looked away to give him privacy. A moment later she heard splashing as he waded into the water.

“Oh man, this is great. The water’s nice and cool.”

He dunked under and came up and that undid Michonne’s resolve.

“Fine,” she said. “I’ll come in. Just turn around.”

He said something that sounded suspiciously like shame and she felt her face warm. It had had been a long time since a good man had said anything remotely flirtatious to her. She quickly pulled off her clothes but stilled when she realized Rick had also shed his boxers. They were bunched up with his jeans.

She looked at the back of Rick’s head. Was he really trying to get her to get naked with him?

“I’m three seconds from peeping,” Rick warned.

“Hold your horses.”

She walked into the water and Rick turned around. He didn’t bother to hide his disappointment that she still had on her bra and panties.

“The water is good, isn’t it?”

She nodded. “Surprisingly cold.”

They crouched in the water, their toes digging into the mud and rocks beneath their feet.

“We should try to build a pool for the kids,” said Michonne, trying to fill the silence.

“You’re beautiful,” said Rick, making it obvious he had other things on his mind than the kids at the prison.

He was coming closer. Michonne stood up, water cascading down her body. Rick’s eyes widened at the sight of her. He could see right through her bra and panties to the dark patch between her legs. He also liked the gooseflesh the cold water had raised on her skin, and the way her nipples poked proudly against the thin cotton of her bra.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, sensing  her unease.

“What’s going on here?” she asked.

“I’m flirting. Badly, it looks like,” he said, smiling.

Michonne didn’t know what to say so she stood there and watched him gazing at her.

“I can back off,” he said. “I wanted us to have fun today. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

Michonne sank back into the water and moved a little deeper toward the center of the river. Rick followed but kept his distance, allowing her to work out her thoughts and feelings.

“I didn’t know you looked at me that way,” she finally said.

“I’ve never looked at you any other way,” he answered. “You ever think of me? Of us being more than friends?”

Michonne nodded. She couldn’t get a handle on her sudden inability to speak. She’d never been a shy woman. She’d never been afraid to speak her mind; until now, that was. Perhaps, she thought, because this time it really mattered to her that the man she was interested in truly felt the same for her. Rick wasn’t some hot guy she wanted to hook up with and then see where it went. He meant something to her. He meant more than she liked to admit.

He was coming toward her again. She forced herself to remain still, not ruin the moment with her fears, especially when his big, strong hands came to rest on her waist. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of Rick’s lips coming to rest against hers. He was warm, the whiskers of his beard lightly scratched her face, and his lips tasted of the honey and peaches they’d eaten for breakfast that morning.

Michonne tangled her hands into Rick’s wet hair and pulled him closer. She honestly hadn’t expected to feel this again. She’d given up on the idea that she would ever find herself in the arms of a truly good man, who would kiss her gently, knowing that he wanted her, loved her, even.

When the kiss was over Rick rested his forehead against hers.

“I want you. I don’t want to push too much, too soon, but I want whatever you’re ready to give.”

“I want you too. I just want to take this slow. I want us to enjoy getting to that point.”

He nodded and leaned back so he could look at her. “We should get back to the prison. We can talk to the others about building a pool for the kids.”

He pressed his lips to hers before standing up. When they were dressed and started for the truck, Rick entwined his fingers with hers. They walked hand in hand back to the vehicle and Michonne had a sense that the best romance of her life was about to start. She was glad, in that moment, that she’d agreed to go swimming.