Page 76 of Forced Proximity

I want to tell him why the need to stay focused is embedded into my soul. To get off my chest what happened with the CEO, my worst fear, how my marriage crumbled, and how I was so sure I’d never love again. I want to dive into how awful and devastating the situation was because I admired the CEO so fucking much. But I didn’t have feelings for the CEO. If I did something and Justin – someone I care about so deeply – got hurt, I’d never forgive myself.

So, I’ll do what I know is right.

Bury my feelings as much as possible.

Chapter 35

Lexi

After having the most amazing lunch with Mia and Justin and getting my nostalgia fix with the movie last night, I’m practically beaming as I pull up to the neighborhood gate.

Jack steps out into the driveway, his lips with the standard flat line. It’s a wonder that the guy even has a wrinkle.

Maybe he should go on a lunch date, too.

‘Found a dead rat on the patio this morning during my sweep.’

And good morning to you, too. ‘Gross,’ I say as I flip up my sunglasses. ‘With the dead bird, rabbit and now this, are we worried?’

‘Not yet. I checked the tapes, and it didn’t show anything. I’m not sure how it even got there.’

I twist my lips. I don’t normally spend a significant amount of time in homes out here, so maybe the dead wildlife is normal? I make a note to ask the neighborhood security team how often this happens to other homes. ‘Any deliveries?’

‘Only two.’ He raises his lip with a hint of a smirk. ‘I’ll give you exactly one dollar if you guess one of the packages.’

‘No … Really?’ I cock my head. ‘Jesus. How many shoes does one man need?’

Jack tosses up his hands. ‘Justin’s in the pool. See you at midnight.’

I make my way to the patio and slide open the doors. Water splashes above Justin’s broad strokes as he laps the pool. When I step onto the patio he stops and grins.

‘Morning, sunshine,’ he says.

I drag a chair to the pool’s edge. ‘It’s afternoon.’ I sit down and shield my eyes from the sun. ‘Jack said the schedule shifted.’

He swims toward me until the water is at his waist. I don’t see him swim much, thank God. His hair, wet skin, sculpted muscles taut from exercise … it’s too much. Total sexual overload. I tug on my sunglasses to help dull the senses.

‘You know what that means?’ he asks.

I cross my arms. ‘I’m scared to ask.’

‘That means you can come in the pool,’ he says, slicking his wet hair back. ‘We can set up the volleyball net. Unless you’re scared to lose, of course.’

‘You’re insane. I can’t come in the pool.’ But the idea of getting wet in a pool with Justin sounds heavenly.

‘Oh, come on,’ his voice carries a distinctive drawl. ‘Live a little.’

‘Nope. No chance.’ I shake my head. ‘I don’t even have a suit.’

The way his eyes trails my body before he clears his throat makes my body buzz in places that it shouldn’t. He needs to stop looking at me like that. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it takes a herculean amount of strength to ignore.

He flicks water at me. The sensation of cool water hitting my arm breaks me from my thoughts. ‘Did you just splash me?’

‘Yep.’ He smiles and does it again.

I hate that I’m close to giggling. When did I become the person that fucking giggles? ‘You’re seriously twelve years old, you know that?’

‘Sure do.’ He slowly wades away. ‘I’ll finish up in a bit and head to the showers. There’s leftover green juice from this morning in the fridge if you want some.’