let it spill around my shoulders in a mass of curls and grab my sunglasses that had been previously on my head and put them back, pushing my mane back behind my ears. I grab the towel and sling it over my shoulder as I make my way down the stairs to hear him making something with a blender. I head into the kitchen which is the last stop before the deck and stare at him. “Whatcha making?”
“Daiquiris. Virgin of course.”
“Oh fun! Bring me one, pool boy!” I say with a snap of my fingers and skip out the door without another thought. I pull my chair underneath the umbrella so that I don’t completely roast on the first day. It’s only ten a.m. and the sun is already intense, which means by twelve, I’ll barely be able to stand it if I don’t pace myself. I slather my thirty SPF sunscreen on and put on my white floppy hat to deter the sun from beating down on my black hair. I dip my toe in the water and I’m pleased that it’s not freezing but feels like a perfect seventy degrees.
A cough behind me alerts me that Dominic is here and when I turn around, I note his gaze is about a foot lower than my eyes. For a moment, I feel like he’s ogling me, feasting his eyes on all my flesh on display. My eyes are hidden behind my sunglasses but his are very visible and I watch as he drinks me in for what feels like an eternity. Up my legs, my torso, over both breasts and finally he meets my eyes. “Your uh…daiquiri.”
I lick my lips and take a step forward to take it from his hand. “The water is perfect.”
“Good.” He shakes his head before taking a step back. “Don’t uh…wear that to the beach.”
“Seriously? But…it’s cute.”
“You’re barely covered up. It’s not appropriate.”
“I’m eighteen, Dominic. Relax.”
I see a flash of something in his eyes that I don’t really understand. It’s almost like he’s surprised or as if he’d forgotten my age. “Change if you go anywhere but this pool, I mean it, Stassia.” He’s moving up the stairs without another glance towards me before slamming the sliding glass door.
“Okay, grumpy, sheesh.” I set the drink down before taking a very healthy sip and moan as the strawberry flavors explode on my tongue. I swipe a finger through the whipped cream sitting on top and slide it between my lips before settling back in my chair. I take a peek behind me to make sure Dominic isn’t planning to come back because I know he’d act all weird and uncomfortable over what I’m about to do. I untie my top, not wanting the inevitable tan lines that would come with this suit before sliding my chair slightly out from underneath the umbrella. I lie on my stomach at first, just in case he comes back and open my kindle app to the latest book I’m reading.
I’m at the beginning of the book which is my favorite part. It’s when everything is heated looks and touches as the couple tries to hide the feelings bubbling below the surface. When the tension is so palpable you can almost feel the heat through the pages. The time just before the couple gives in to their desires with explosive, passionate lovemaking. A slow burn that is so delicious you can almost taste it. And my God, I can taste it.
* * *
About an hour later, I realize Dominic hasn’t come outside and I frown in confusion when he seemed all about getting some sun. I tie my top back together and grab my empty glass for a daiquiri refill before heading up the stairs. The kitchen is empty and I don’t hear any noise on this floor, making me wonder if maybe he’s decided to take a nap after the long drive and those Red Bulls finally wore off. I make my way through the quiet house and up the staircase and towards what used to be my mom and Dominic’s room.
“Dominic?” I knock quietly and I don’t hear anything. I knock again a little louder before pushing through the door. I let out a sigh of relief but also of concern when I don’t see him. I realize then that the water is running in his bathroom and he must be in the shower. I turn around to exit his room when a noise catches my attention. It’s