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It didn’t matter how much I loved Lily, how much I enjoyed taking care of her, I still needed alone time.
Before I could change my mind, I stripped out of my clothes and changed into the bikini. I very purposefully didn’t look at the mirror in the corner of the room, but I felt good. My boobs weren’t totally spilling out of the top and the ties fit with plenty of rooms on my hips. Maybe I was delusional, maybe I was an optimist, but part of me thought maybe I looked even better in the bikini than I did before.
On bare feet, I silently made my way downstairs, through the living room, and out the back door. Instantly regretting not wearing shoes, I sprinted to the hot tub, climbed in, and turned on the jets with the touch of the button.
I sighed, so content I was mad at myself for not getting the idea to get in the hot tub sooner. With the snow all around me, I sunk into the hot water, closed my eyes, and let the jet at my back lull me into relaxation.
That was until I heard the sliding glass door open. I opened my eyes and sat up to see Kyle, wearing maroon swim tucks and clog slippers and carrying two towels because he was far smarter than I was.
“What’re you doing?” I asked.
“What does it look like I’m doing?”
“Getting in this hot tub with me.”
“Correction.” He smiled. “Getting inmyhot tub.”
“Yeah, but I’m already in here,” I argued.
“And it’s big enough for six people. I think we’ll survive,” he shot back.
With no response to that, Kyle climbed in and sat across from me. I was suddenly very aware how exposed I was. Looking at his perfectly toned and tanned chest, all my confidence flew out the window. Sinking deeper into the water, I tried to hide my body.
“Plus,” Kyle said as he stretched out, his legs brushing mine in the water. “I brought you out a towel. Do you have any idea how cold it feels when you get out? You’ll thank me later.”
He was far too cocky for my liking. Then, I was stuck with a thought. “If you knew I didn’t have a towel, you knew I was out here. Meaning, you only came out here because you wanted to get in the hot tub with me.”
I smiled. Kyle stared at me blankly.
“I was already on my way out here when I noticed you were out here. Then, I went back to grab another towel because I saw that you didn’t have one.”
I gave him a raised eyebrow. That was all far too coincidental. “I don’t believe you. I always could tell when you were lying.”
Kyle grinned and rubbed at his jaw. There was just a hint of stubble there. Fleetingly, I wondered what it would feel like against my cheek.
“Fine. I couldn’t sleep, you two are like goddamn grandmas, so when I heard the jest come on I thought coming out here was a good idea. And what I said before still stands. My house. My hot tub.”
I relaxed a little, sitting up and not worrying so much about hiding. Kyle wanting to come out and get in the hot tub was actually kind of nice. I liked that he wanted to spend time with me. I liked that he brought me a towel. I liked how he looked, shirtless and wet, the steam all around him.
I was right back in dangerous territory.
“Thanks. For the towel, I mean. And for buying such a kickass condo,” I added to ease the tension.
“How was your talk with Lily?” Kyle asked, ignoring the compliment.
I was surprised yet pleased Kyle mentioned her by name. “She’s only sixteen months, so she doesn’t know all that many words.” I laughed. “But it was good. It’s hard to be away from her.”
“I can’t imagine that,” he said, thoughtfully. But I wasn’t sure if he meant he couldn’t imagine having a kid of he couldn’t imagine missing a kid. We were quite for a minute. Then Kyle said, “It’s weird how you can be the same but different. I feel like I still know everything about you but that you’ve live a whole life without me at the same time.”
“Yeah.” I let out a nervous laugh. “I know exactly what you mean.”
“What are you up to these days, Emma?” Kyle asks. “Besides the being a mom thing and still letting Krista ruin your life.”
I laughed for real this time. “I’m looking for a better job at the moment. I’m working virtually but I want something a little more stable. I never thought I’d miss going to work every day so much.”
I let my hands glide over the water and I realized Kyle had moved closer. My breasts were floating on the water, making them look perky and it was clear Kyle was having a hard time keeping his eyes off of them. Feeling bold, I inched closer to him until our legs were tangled under the water, my skin smooth against his.
“After college, I had the hardest time finding a job, so I know exactly how you feel. That’s actually what led me to starting my own company. It’s tough out there.”
