"On three." He springs off the bed. "One—"
"Wait, I need to—"
"Two—"
"Julian!"
"Three!"
He bolts for his dresser, yanking drawers open. I scramble off the bed, stumbling over Amadeus, who barks and wags his tail like this is the best game ever.
"Sorry, baby… “you’re going down!” I dart to my side of the closet, rummaging through swimsuits. Where the hell is my red bikini? The cute one with the ties?
Found it.
I yank off my underwear, hopping on one foot as I try to step into the bikini bottoms. Julian's already ready, black swim trunks on, pulling a towel from the linen closet.
"Cheater!" I call out.
"All's fair in love and war!”
The bikini top tangles in my hair. I curse, fingers fumbling with the strings behind my neck. One tie slips through, and I have to start over.
"Need help?" Julian appears in the doorway, smirking, towel slung over his shoulder.
"Don't you dare."
He laughs and disappears down the hall.
I finally get the damn thing tied, grab a towel, and sprint after him, but he's already out the back door, heading to the outside fire escape stairs, Amadeus eagerly following.
I follow, but can’t quite catch up.
He's lifting the cover when I finally get to the rooftop terrace.
"No fair!" I protest, breathless.
He slides into the water, sighing dramatically. "Ah, victory tastes sweet."
I drop my towel and climb in beside him, the heat wrapping me instantly. Bubbles swirl around us, steam rising into the cool night air.
"You cheated."
"I won."
"My bikini was tangled."
"Excuses." He pulls me onto his lap, arms circling my waist. "Face it, you lost."
I look down at the ring on my finger, sparkling even in the dim light.
"Guess I can live with it."
He kisses me, slow and deep, and I sink into him, into this moment, into everything we are.
The hot tub bubbles around us, steam rising into the cool evening air. Julian's arm rests across my shoulders, and I lean into him.
I study my hand and the beautiful ring on my finger. I can't stop looking at it, and I can't stop smiling.
