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Too bad my mom never learned that lesson.
“All right. Let’s do this.”
After placing their flip-flops and sunglasses beneath the chaise, Zach followed her to the shallow end of the pool. Heavenly stepped in first, sighing as the cool water enveloped her feet and lapped at her ankles. She stepped down a few more times, until the water brushed her thighs. She turned to find Zach still standing at the edge and motioned him to join her.
Gripping the silver railing like a lifeline, he cautiously stepped into the water. As he descended the stairs, a childlike surprise crossed his face. Then he smiled.
When she stepped down to the shallow end, he followed, his arms flailing in the air while he took exaggerated steps. “I feel like I’m walking through mud, but it’s…thinner.”
“It’s called buoyancy. The water is trying to keep you afloat.”
“It feels strange.”
She let Zach get used to the sensation before teaching him how to float, then dog-paddle. His tank clung to every muscle and ripple of his body, especially his ridged abs, and even though the middle-aged woman on her chaise staring made him uncomfortable, he was doing well. He was even starting to get brave…until she tried to teach him how to hold his breath. After the fifth time he submerged himself, he jerked his head above the surface, choking and gasping and wearing an angry scowl.
“I’m done,” Zach growled. “If God had wanted me to swim, he would have made me a fish.”
“You did great for your first lesson,” she placated. “I promise, when you try again, it won’t be as difficult. And the good news is, you’ve learned enough to ensure that, if you ever fall into a lake, you won’t drown.”
“Try again?” He blanched.
“Not today. Not tomorrow, if you don’t want. When you’re ready,” she assured. “Do you want to get out and dry off?”
“Yes.”
They returned to the chaise, and she handed him a towel. Zach shook his head. “I have towels upstairs. Would you like to come with me and have something to drink while you wait for Seth?”
“No. I still have water in my bottle. Besides, he’ll be picking me up soon. I’ll hang out in the shade and read my book while I wait.”
“Are you sure? We can watch The Price Is Right. Have you ever seen that show?”
“I have.”
“Isn’t it interesting? They give away the most wonderful gadgets.” His face lit up with more childlike excitement.
“What kind?”
“Toaster ovens, motorized scooters, and golf carts. They even have a toothbrush that uses water instead of toothpaste. So many awesome things… In fact, I want to buy a golf cart one day.”
Heavenly wasn’t sure what he’d do with it, but… “Then do it.”
“I really can? No one will tell me no?”
A valid question, considering how much the elders had controlled his life. “As long as it’s not illegal and you can afford it, you can buy or do anything you want.”
As if she’d just given him permission to live, a brilliant smile stretched his lips.
“I understand why Beck chose you. You’re sweeter and kinder than most in this world.” Zach hugged her impulsively, then immediately released her and stepped back. “I’m sorry if that was untoward. Thank you for everything, especially not letting me drown.”
“You’re fine. And you’re welcome. Want to come for dinner next week?”
“I’d like that. Tell my brother and Seth that I said hello.”
“Will do.”
As Zach turned and headed back to Seth’s apartment, Heavenly spread both towels across her chaise, then positioned it under the nearby overhang, sat, and found her dog-eared paperback in the bottom of her bag.
She began reapplying sunscreen so she’d be covered once she was ready to cool off in the pool again. As she spread some lotion on her shoulders, she glanced up to find two tall guys about her age strolling under the arch and into the fenced area. Heavenly didn’t pay them any attention until they approached and stopped beside her, blocking her view of the pool with matching wide shoulders, piercing green eyes, and dark blond hair.
