Page 76 of Best Kept Secret

Since she seemed content to read, he decided to close his eyes and relax. The sun was making him sleepy, and since they hadn’t slept much last night, he thought he might catch a few winks.

The next thing he knew, he was awakened by a loud splash, and his skin was covered in water droplets. “What the—"

“Hey, sleepyhead,” she said, waving at him from the middle of the pool.

He glanced around and noticed they were alone. “How long was I sleeping?”

“Too long. Come on in!”

He took off his hat and sauntered over to the edge of the pool. He still felt groggy but staring down at his bathing beauty gave him a burst of energy. “Ready or not,” he said and then launched himself into the pool.

He came up beside her and shook his head, wetting her face in the process.

“Hey,” she said, feigning irritation.

“That’s what you get for waking me up.”

“You were so peaceful too, except for the snoring.”

His eyes went wide, and she tipped her head back and laughed. “Gotcha.”

“Wrong. I’ve got you!” He scooped her up and spun her around, and she laughed some more.

Then she wrapped her arms and legs around him and kissed his lips. She kept it brief, but it was enough to get him revved up, and he hugged her closer.

They gazed at each other, their eyes saying what their mouths hadn’t yet.

“This has been the best weekend ever,” she said.

“It’s not over yet.”

“I know.” She kissed him again, a little deeper this time.

He’d been hard since he’d first picked her up, but now, with his erection nestled right between her legs…

“Maybe we should go back inside,” he suggested.

She nodded. “But first let’s race.”

“Race?”

“Yes. Whoever gets across the pool first wins.”

“What’s the prize?”

“Winner’s choice.”

“Mmm. I like that idea.”

“Either way, we both win,” she said, wiggling her brows.

“Let’s do it.”

He gently set her down, and they waded to the shallow end of the pool. They stood a short distance apart, and his gaze roamed over her. She’d put her hair up in a messy bun, and her skin was damp and glowing. Her eyes sparkled, and her smile was bright. She looked so vibrant and happy, and he wondered, Is she in love with me too?

God, he hoped so, and he hoped it would be enough for them to weather the storm that was sure to come.

“Are you chickening out?” she teased.