She’s almost to the wall when the call stops and the screen fades to black.
Meadow wades up next to me and plants her palms on the tile, her chest rising and falling as water droplets race down her shoulders.
“Did I miss a call?” she mutters breathlessly.
I should mind my business.
If I were smart, I would mind my own fucking business.
Instead, I haul myself out of the water. My muscles flex with the movement, and I feel her gaze slide up my body as I climb tosit on the ledge. The night air blows against my wet skin, sending chill bumps from my chest to my abs.
Meadow’s phone buzzes again in my hand, the screen lighting up a second time with the same name.
Vance.
I ghost my thumb across the screen, a possessive urge crawling up my spine as I consider answering and telling him to fuck right off.
“Who’sVance?” I ask, his name rolling off my tongue with disgust.
Meadow’s eyes dart to my face, then to her phone in my hand, then back. She steps closer, agitation and panic lighting up her features.
“Owen,” she spits out. “Give me that.”
I raise my arm, holding the phone above my head just out of her reach.
“Is this a new guy?” I press, throwing on a cocky grin to hide the way my gut is twisting. “You cheating on your new husband, Mrs. Brooks?”
Fuck,I hate how good that sounds when I say it out loud. I hate it because I want it so badly to be real.
“Don’t get too comfortable with that title, Owen. It’s temporary,” she snaps with a hint of humor. She comes even closer, not stopping until I feel the warmth of her body a breath away from mine. “That ismyphone. Give it back.”
“Not until you tell me who Vance is.”
Her fingertips barely brush my wrist as she reaches up. The water hits just below her ribs, reflecting the pink bikini wrapped around her breasts.
“Seriously, Owen,” she warns, her voice low. “It’s not a big deal. Give me my phone.”
“A big deal?” I echo. “You’re the one making it a big deal. Just tell me who it is.”
Her lips part on an exasperated sound as she gives in and crosses her arms against her chest.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” she grits out. “He’s just someone I went on a date with last month. Now hand it over.”
Went on a date with?
This is the first time she’s opened up to me about seeing someone. Meadow keeps that part of her life private. She always has. I knew hearing something like this would bother me, but fuck, I just didn’t expect it to feel like a punch to the gut.
Jealousy roars through my veins. The thought of her on a date with another man makes my jaw flex hard enough to crack teeth.
“Hmm.” I pretend to consider it, tilting my head. “So if it’s not a big deal, you’re saying this guy doesn't stand a chance? Want me to answer and break the disappointing news?” I can’t help but smirk.
She narrows her eyes. “Stop being an asshole and give me my phone, Owen.”
Her slippery hands reach for me again, this time getting a decent grip on my forearm. Instead of moving away, I hold my ground as I sit on the ledge, forcing her to rise on her tiptoes until her body slides flush against mine.
Holy shit.
Chills take over my body for an entirely different reason than the night breeze.
