the Fourth? Where would you be if you weren’t here?”
“Dani, Vi, and I have spent the Fourth of July together for the past few years. We usually go to the beach for the day and find some fireworks at night.”
“There’s no beach nearby, but you’ve got a pool.” I trail my hand through the water in front of me.
“Are you kidding? This is amazing. It’s so beautiful and peaceful. I haven’t felt this relaxed in ages.” Her eyes scan the property.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying being here. What makes you stressed out when you’re home?”
Her gaze loops back around the yard, locking with mine. “I don't know that I’m necessarily stressed. I’m kind of a type A personality, and I work long hours. Manfax is my company, so there’s no one else to put in the extra effort.”
“I understand how that feels. Fortunately, Rex and I have each other to rely on. We still end up working a hell of a lot of hours. Although, I have a feeling that might change once he and Dani get married.”
“What do you think about them being engaged?” she asks.
“I’m all for it. Dani makes Rex happier than I’ve ever seen him, and she’s amazing with his daughter, Ruby.”
“He does the same for her, and Dani has told me how much she loves Ruby.” She smiles.
Bending my knees, I lower to her level, slowly edging forward. “I guess that’s a good sign they’re meant to be together.”
“I think it is.” She stands, taking a hair tie from her wrist. Her hands move to the top of her head, gathering her long, wet strands together, she loops them into some sexy style, exposing her neck and shoulders for my viewing pleasure. My eyes skim over her delicate collarbones, flowing downward with the pool water to the tops of her tits. I ache from wanting to lick every bead of moisture from her skin.
When she lowers herself under the water again, I’m close enough that our knees bump. “What are you doing?” she asks.
“I’m enjoying the water and your company.”
“Well, can you enjoy yourself from over there?” She tips her chin toward the spot I was in before.
“Where’s the fun in that? I want to get to know you better.”
She laughs. “I bet you do.”
“I’m being serious. I’m sure you’re aware you’re a beautiful woman. But you’re also intelligent and funny. Why wouldn’t I be interested in learning more about you?”
She arches one eyebrow. “I think I’ve told you too much already.”
I shake my head. “That’s impossible. You’re fascinating.”
“You think my boobs are fascinating, not me,” she scoffs, gently splashing water at my face.
I wipe my eyes. “Hey, I’m not going to deny how fascinating your tits are, but I’m honestly interested in you as a whole.”
She frowns, her forehead creasing. “Why, though? I haven’t given you any encouragement. I’ve shut you down numerous times.”
“I’m a glutton for punishment, I guess.”
“You’re not my type.” This is the last reason I expected her to say.
“What do you mean? I’m like the universal donor, I’m everyone’s type.” I wink.
She snorts. “Do you make this stuff up yourself?”
“I do. I just came up with it off the cuff. I thought it was clever and original.”
“Original, maybe.” She grins.
“So, why am I not your type?” I ask.
“That really bothered you, huh?”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
“I date guys who only have good looks going for them.”
I scoot forward, our knees brushing again. “I’m good looking.”
“You are. But you're also funny and you’re kind of growing on me.”
“Isn’t that good?” This chick confuses me, but I know she’s worth the effort.
“For most women, yes, but not for me. Too many good qualities in a man makes it difficult to keep it about the sex and only about the sex.”
“You only want to have sex?”
“Yeah.”
“Then I’m your man. I’m an expert at only sex.”
“Believe me, I know,” she mutters, and I wonder how she does. But then I remember receiving a text with a tit pic, which Rocky witnessed. “If you and I had met in a bar or at a party, we probably would’ve hooked up.”
“We still can,” I explain.
“Not gonna happen, Adam.” Her reply is firm.
This woman is killing me. How was I to know spending time with her was going to fuck with my chances instead of helping them? It figures the first time in years that I put any serious effort into flirting with a woman, it backfires on me. But I’m not willing to give in so easily. I’m not