One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,35

she said.

He turned. “Wow, it’s incredible.”

“Yes,” she said softly, so as not to break the hush. It was then that a reckless thought tumbled through her brain. She scooted back her chair and stood. “I have an idea.” She reached for his hand. “You game?”

A lopsided grin pushed up a corner of his lips. “Always.” He rose to his feet. “What’ve you got in mind?”

She pulled him toward the pool. “Let’s go swimming.”

His eyes rounded. “Right now?”

“Why not?” A sense of adventure streaked through her. “Don’t you wanna make some new memories?”

“Sure.” His arm encircled her waist as he pulled her close, his eyes deepening to indigo as they moved over her. “Are we stripping down to our underwear this time?”

Heat simmered in her stomach. Hudson was so breathtakingly handsome with his rugged features and chiseled jaw. He was the kind of man that Luna could have only dreamt of meeting before coming here and switching places with Ava. “Not on your life,” she laughed as she wiggled out of his grasp and slipped off her wedge sandals. She went to the deep end of the pool, her toes perched over the edge. Her heart was thrumming out a fast beat of anticipation.

Hudson laughed as he threw her a look of challenge. “Are you really going to jump in?”

“Nope,” she chimed. “Not jump.” If she was going to do this, she was going all in. With a nimble hop, she dove in. The water was colder than she expected, stealing her breath. Still, it felt exhilarating. Her head crested the surface. She pushed the hair out of her face as she looked up at Hudson. She treaded water, as she pushed her dress down, trying to keep it from billowing up like a giant balloon.

“You are something,” he said as he hastily began removing his shoes and socks. A second later, he peeled off his shirt.

Luna’s breath caught in her throat. Sheesh. That was some six-pack. He was truly a magnificent looking man. Her heart nearly stopped when he loosened his belt and took off his khaki pants. She laughed in surprise when she saw his blue and white striped boxer shorts. She giggled, thinking of what Rosalyn would say if she came out right now. “So, are you gonna dive?” she taunted.

He flashed a cheeky grin as he sauntered over to the spot where she’d gone in. “Better clear me a path,” he boasted.

“Yes, sir,” she quipped as she swam backwards. She thought he might follow her lead and dive in. Instead, he took several steps back. Then, with a burst of energy, he let out a whoop as he ran full force and did a cannonball, which sent a huge splash into the air.

Hearing the noise, Rosalyn came running out at the same time Hudson swam over to Luna with long, fluid strides as his arms cut expertly through the water.

“What happened?” Rosalyn asked, her dark eyes filling with concern.

Hudson grabbed Luna around the waist. She yelped as a fit of giggling overtook her. His head rose out of the water. “Gotcha,” he said, then realized that Luna was looking at something behind him. He turned, a sheepish grin stealing over his lips. “Hey, Rosie.”

Rosalyn perched a hand on her hip. “Que paso?” she demanded, leveling a glare.

“Well, as it turns out, Hudson no longer likes chicken parmesan,” Luna answered.

Rosalyn’s face fell. “What?”

“Sorry,” Hudson offered. “It used to be my favorite, until I got food poisoning from eating it at a restaurant.” He positioned himself behind Luna, placing his arms around her waist, as they floated. Luna rested her back against his chest, appreciating his warmth and how strong his arms felt around her.

“So,” Luna continued, “we went swimming instead.”

Rosalyn’s lips pulled together as she shook her head. She made a point of looking at Hudson’s clothes, which were piled in a heap on the concrete. “At least one of you had the good sense to keep your clothes on,” she blustered.

“Now, Rosie,” Hudson countered in a cavalier tone. “I’m wearing boxer shorts.”

Rosalyn blushed as she made a pssh sound and waved a hand. “I’ll make you tacos.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Hudson said, but she just shook her head and hurried away.

Hudson pulled them to the side of the pool. In an adroit movement, he turned and positioned Luna with her back pressed against the side with him facing her. He placed his palms on the concrete, pinning her in. “So,” he began, “what now?” He