Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“He’s not my boyfriend. He’s just a guy I’ve gone out with a couple of times.”
“Alright. Then, tell me about this guy you’ve gone out with a couple of times.”
“There’s not much to tell.”
“Oh, come on. There’s gotta be something.”
He stood, and I couldn't tear my eyes away as he stepped over to the edge of the pool. He was just so damn good looking. His chest was defined, rippling with muscles, and his arms were equally strong and powerful. And then there were his tattoos. I wasn’t usually into that sort of thing, but on him, they were hot—smoking hot.
Weston caught me staring and chuckled softly.
Before I could think of something witty to say, he dove into the pool. Seconds later, he popped up and wiped the water from his eyes. “You keep looking at me like that, and I might think you’re more into me than your fella.”
“You’re delusional.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m not interested in you at all.”
“Hm-hmm. Keep telling yourself that.”
I felt my cheeks flush, but I couldn't bring myself to look away. “You’re such an asshole.”
“Just stating facts, babe.”
“Well, if you must know, the guy’s name is Johnny, and he’s one of the auditors at my office.”
“Ahh, a work romance.” A cocky smirk crossed his face. “Living on the edge.”
“At least I’m trying to put myself out there.”
“Do what you gotta do.” His eyes grew fierce. “But as I said earlier, I see no point in wasting my time going after something I don’t want.”
“And what is it that you want?”
“You know exactly what I want.” His eyes raked over me. “It’s why you chose that swimsuit instead of one of those tiny bikinis you have stowed away in that dresser of yours.”
“How do you know about my bikinis?”
“So, I was right. You did wear it for me.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Well, did you or didn’t you?”
“I wore it because of you. Not for you. I didn’t want you gawking at me.” I motioned my head towards the house. “Besides, there were guests to consider. I wore what I thought was more appropriate.”
“I see.” He ran his tongue across his bottom lip. “Well, just so you know, more appropriate or not—there ain’t a bikini out there that’s got anything on that getup you’re wearing.”
“Getup?” I hissed. “It’s a one piece. I’m completely covered.”
“Just saying.”
“I thought we weren’t going to do this.”
“What?” His smirk faded. “I’m just trying to ‘catch up’ and enjoy a little time in the pool.”
I wasn’t surprised by his coy response. I’d become accustomed to it over the past year. He was hot one minute and cold the next. I hated it. Not so much the hot, but the cold was rough. It hurt—really hurt. I wasn’t just attracted to Weston. I truly liked him, and the night we spent together in that hotel meant something to me. I thought it was the start of something big, and it was devasting to learn that he was about to become my new stepbrother.
I didn’t want to believe it. I even considered pretending that I didn’t care that our parents were getting married. I wanted to think that it didn’t matter, that we weren’t really doing anything wrong, but I knew, in the end, we would only be setting ourselves up for an even bigger fall.
Kay was a true southern belle and played the part to a fault. She would’ve lost her mind if she thought something was going on between us, and I didn’t want that for either of us. So, I kept my thoughts to myself, and like Weston, I pretended that I was unphased by our predicament.
I thought it was for the best, and until days like today, I thought he did, too. There was no point in responding to him, so I laid back in my chair and closed my eyes, pretending that I was soaking up the sun. After a few minutes, I heard a splash, and then a wave of warm water crashed over me. I jumped up like I’d been electrocuted and shouted, “What the hell?”
“You looked like you needed to cool off.”
I should’ve just dried off and let it go, but I couldn’t—not when he just stood there looking at me with that smug look on his face. I really thought I was doing something when I stepped over to the edge of the pool and used my toes to thrust water in his direction. Sadly, it barely sprinkled him, but it put me within his reach, enabling him to grab me and pull me in. I screeched, then landed flat on my back in the center of the pool.
The impact forced the air from my lungs, and even though I was a great swimmer, I immediately started to panic. I couldn’t get to the surface quick enough and started thrashing and gasping, trying my damnedest not to drown like an idiot. When I finally made it to the surface, Weston was there and scooped me into his arms.