Read As the Dawn Breaks for Free Online

He tells me all girls like pink or purple, so I teasingly add male chauvinist to his list.
    Before I know it, he’s paid the bill, we’ve gathered snacks and beverages in the market area, and we’re back on the road, on our way to Oleta River State Park. The Mophonics are belting out Happiness is Calling on the radio, warm rays are shining down through the sunroof, my belly is full of good food, and I’ve got a sexy ass guy to spend the day with. I feel absolutely wonderful.
    The drive from Epicure to the park is less than two miles; however, in that short distance, it’s almost as if we’re leaving one world and entering a completely different one. Passing through the gates of Oleta River, a sense of serenity sweeps over me as the peaceful world of tangled, tropical vegetation fills the landscape. As we slowly travel deeper into the park, leaving behind the high-rise condos, S -class Mercedes’, and silicone-filled body parts, I roll down the windows and let the refreshing sea breeze tunnel through the car to caress my skin and blow through my hair.
    “This place is really tranquil,” Leo remarks, taking in the scenery as I park the car.
    “It’s one of my favorite places to escape to, but I haven’t been in a while.” I pause to climb out of the car and grab my beach bag from the backseat. “There are some amazing trails here for mountain biking and hiking, and they have a place where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats right over there,” I continue, nodding my head in the direction of the Blue Moon Outdoor Center. “I thought we could chill out on the beach for a little bit, and then see where the mood takes us. I’m afraid I won’t be doing any strenuous hiking or mountain biking today, though.”
    Nodding with an understanding smile, he takes the bag from my hands, as well as grabs the sacks of groceries from the trunk. “Whatever makes you happy; I’m just along for the ride and the company.”
    Ambling down one of dirt trails, we alternate pointing out different birds, butterflies, and flamboyantly bright-colored flowers. I feel bad he’s carrying everything, but he refuses to let me help. It doesn’t take us too long, even with my slight waddle, to make our way around the curving peninsula to the nearly isolated beach area. I stop to slide my flip-flops off just before I step onto the warm sand. The miniscule granules squish between my toes and I shut my eyes, allowing the reminiscences of childhood family vacations to flood my memory.
    “You’re glowing,” Leo whispers softly into my ear.
    My lids remain closed as I smile and inhale deeply, tasting the salty air laced with hints of citrus and sandalwood from his cologne. “Pregnant women do that, or so I hear,” I joke back as I open my eyes.
    “It’s not just that,” he replies. “This is your element; it’s where you belong.”
    “I hope so. It’s why I’m here.”
    Shuffling my feet through the fine powder, I lead him down close to the shoreline, where we spread out the oversized blanket and unpack the bags. Once everything is set up, we stand grinning at each other like two fools, each waiting for the other to make the next move.
    “If you feel more comfortable leaving your dress on, I’ll keep my shirt on too. I’m just warning you, though; I may get overheated and pass out.”
    The mischievous glimmer in his eyes speaks volumes, and I—never being one to back down from a challenge—immediately slide the straps of my dress off my shoulders, studying his face as the fabric falls to the ground. Unsure of what to expect with him, since pretty much everything he’s said and done thus far contradicts what I consider to be the norm for guys, I wait for him to say something. However, instead of using words, he speaks with actions. Quirking his brow up as to ask for permission, I nod in response, knowing exactly what he wants to do. He closes the gap between us and lifts his large hands up, splaying them across my belly.