by Jacob Chance
He rises, turning to face me, and edges closer. My knees lock, my legs stiffening until they feel useless. In fact, they are useless; I can’t move. My eyes are open comically wide, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to relax my expression.
He stops in front of me, leaving my gaze staring at his chest. His fingers nudge my chin, raising my face until I’m looking up into his eyes. He leans forward.
Holy shit. He’s going to kiss me.
My eyelids shutter without conscious volition. Lips parting on a breathy sigh, I wait for his kiss that never comes. My eyes snap open just as his lips softly land on my forehead.
He straightens to his full height, his lips hinting at a smile. My cheeks fill with heat, embarrassment rushing through me.
Fuck me.
He has to know I was waiting for his kiss.
And worse, he has to know I wanted his kiss.
“Sweet dreams, Rocky.”
“Goodnight.”
Once I’m inside the bedroom I’m staying in, I close the door and spin around, leaning back against the wooden surface. My breathing is labored from racing up the stairs as if the big bad wolf was after me.
And maybe he was.
I never turned around to see if Adam was following behind when I walked away from him. As soon as I was out of his line of vision, I hurried along.
I wasn’t about to tempt fate and spend another second with him. If he had kissed me, this night wouldn’t be ending with me alone in my bed.
When he moved in close and raised my face, my good intentions—and good sense—fled. I was ready to give in to the devil’s temptation and take a bite of the forbidden apple or whatever else he wanted me to.
After I’ve washed up and brushed my teeth, I slip between the sheets, wearing my favorite t-shirt and sleep shorts.
Reaching for my cell phone, I text Lisa.
Me: How’s everything?
Lisa: By everything, I’m assuming you mean work?
Crap. I feel guilty that I didn’t ask how she’s doing first. I have a tendency of prioritizing my company over everyone else, myself most of all.
Me: Tell me how you are.
Lisa: Everything’s great, including me. How’s your weekend going?
Me: I’m having a great time.
Lisa: I figured, since you haven’t called me at least five times by now. What have you been doing?
Me: The house is huge and the view is incredible. Been spending a lot of time outside. I’m stocking up on plenty of fresh air.
Lisa: Yeah, we both know you’ll barely be outside your office once you’re back.
Me: Don’t remind me. I’m heading back to the city the day after tomorrow.
Lisa: Wow. You sound as though you’re really enjoying yourself.
Pausing with my thumbs poised above the keypad, I let my mind scroll through the highlights of the long weekend, and I smile. I haven’t felt this relaxed in years. Maybe the mountain air is good for me.
Or maybe it has more to do with Adam being so attentive to me.
My smile fades, and I turn my head from side to side on the pillow. No. It has nothing to do with Adam. Being in a new environment has been invigorating. City living is wonderful, but sometimes the hustling and bustling from one place to another wears on me. Add in the constant noise and aromas from the plethora of restaurants and it can seem like a brutal assault on my senses.
Whereas here it’s eerily quiet. There are no houses or businesses in sight. We’re surrounded by woods—I’ve never seen so much green in my entire life. It’s beautiful and serene. I’m going to be sorry to leave on Monday.
I type out a final message for Lisa.
Me: I’m going to sleep. Happy 4th of July. Be safe. xo.
Lisa: You too. No more thinking about work. Night.
Turning to my side, I place my phone on the nightstand. Snuggling under the soft sheets, I close my eyes, ready for sleep to take me under. The last thing I remember before I drift off, is Adam pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“I’m not sure where everything is. Feel free to rifle through cabinets and the fridge for anything you need,” Dani tells us.
My two best friends and I are cooking breakfast for the two remaining Winters brothers. It’s the least we can do to thank them for having us here this weekend.
“How did things go with you and Adam?” Dani asks.
“What do you mean?”
“Last night? You were going to sit outside around the fire pit with him.”
“Yeah, I did. But nothing happened. It’s not like that.”
“Pfft. I’m not blind,” she says.
Vi elbows my arm. “I’m not either. There are sparks pinging around whenever the two of you are within six feet of each other.”
“You two are delusional.” It’s not that I don’t believe them, but I won’t allow myself to waste time thinking about something that’ll never amount to anything.
“Who’s the delusional one?” Dani scoffs.
“You guys know why I would never go there.”
“Because of the Manfax reports?” Vi questions.
“Yes, and you guys can never speak about that with anyone else.”
“We won’t. Don’t stress about it. You didn’t tell us any details.” Vi dismisses my concern with a flamboyant wave of her hand.
“I know, but I shouldn’t have mentioned it at all.”
“Please, we’re your best friends. Besides, you reacted so strangely when the two of you met, we knew something was up,” Dani adds.
“Good morning.” Adam’s greeting enters the kitchen before he does, startling us. We all spin around at the same time. “What are you ladies discussing so seriously this early in the morning?”
I turn back to face the counter and resume sprinkling powdered sugar on the platter of French toast.
“A little of this and that,” Dani replies vaguely.
“I’ll let you keep your secrets if you let me dig in. Everything smells amazing, and I’m starving,” Adam replies.
I set the French toast, maple syrup, and butter in the middle of the kitchen table. “Help yourself, Adam.” I realize this is the first time I’ve called him by his name, which is odd considering I’ve been here for three days now. Have I purposely avoided saying it or has the opportunity not presented itself? If I’m honest with myself, I’ll admit it was deliberate. But I’m not willing to muse over why.
Moving back to the counter, I grab a stack of napkins and the pitcher of water from the fridge. Retracing my steps to the table, I set everything down in the middle.
Adam touches my arm and I freeze in place. “I liked hearing you say my name for the first time.” His fingers close around my forearm.
He noticed?
What the fuck?
Not sure how to reply, I nod and try to pull my arm free, but his gentle grip turns firm.
“What’s the rush, Rocky? Don’t you want me to ask why you’ve avoided calling me by my name for so long?”
No. I don’t want you to ask.
“Adam, don’t make this awkward. I’m sure I’ve said your name before.” I make sure to use it again.
“Not to my face.”
I shake my head. “Whatever.” I try to dismiss the conversation. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”
Drop it, please.
“I’ll let you go, for now.” He smirks, releasing my arm from his grip.
“Oh, thanks. Glad you’ll let me go,” I retort, using sarcasm as a shield. I walk back toward my friends and catch sight of their mouths hanging open. Guess I’m not the only one Adam surprised.
“What was that?” Dani whispers.
“No idea.” I look around. “What else can I do to help?”
“Good morning, everyone.” Rex enters the kitchen. He kisses Dani before taking a seat at the table. He and Adam fall into easy conversation, and I take the opportunity to escape, sneaking back to my room. I want to spend as little time in Adam’s com
pany as possible. Tomorrow morning Violet and I will go home and life will return to normal.
12
Adam
Roxanne made it obvious she was trying to ignore our connection at breakfast this morning. When she denied realizing she’d never said my name and I called her on it, I really wanted to shout bullshit. I knew that wouldn’t be doing myself any favors, so I let it go. That doesn’t mean I won’t be discussing it with her some other time.
Since she snuck out of the kitchen while I was eating breakfast, I decided to work on a punch list of small repairs I’ve been putting off for too long. She’s looking for space, and I’ll give it to her, for now.
But tonight, all bets are off. She goes home tomorrow, and I’m running out of time.
Over the course of the morning, I hang three rows of deep shelves along the back wall in the pool house that will hold towels and other supplies.
Once I’m done, I wipe the shelves down, removing any debris before adding stacked, neatly folded towels. On the higher shelves, I place small plastic bins filled with bottles of sunscreen and bug spray. I also organized all the pool toys into one giant circular bin and fastened hooks on the side wall to hang used towels on.
After I finish inside the pool house, I move outside to the patio to tighten the hinges on the cabinets under the massive granite island. Since I do most of the grilling, I’m the one who noticed they were loose.
Heading back inside the house, I grab a bottle of water from the fridge. No one’s around, this place is silent, and I don’t know where everyone’s gone.
Changing into my bathing suit, I return to the patio area and kick back on one of the cushioned lounge chairs beside the pool. Sliding my Ray Bans on, I close my eyes.
One of my favorite things about this place is the peace and quiet. It’s almost impossible for me not to feel relaxed here. There are none of the day-to-day distractions I face back at home. That is, as long as I silence my cell phone. With it being a holiday and being out of town, I’m not taking work calls anyway. And the only other people I want to talk to are here with me.
Sunlight beats down, the hot rays loosen every tight muscle in my body. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this relaxed before.
My eyelids struggle to open, and it takes me a handful of seconds to realize where I am. I didn’t intend to fall asleep. Feeling sluggish and still tired, I lie still. Recognizing the sound of someone swimming in the pool, I force my eyes to open. I’m instantly awake when I see Roxanne leisurely paddling through the water.
At first, I remain still. My eyes shielded by my dark shades are the only part of my body moving. Watching her frolicking in the pool, it’s all I can do not to launch myself straight from this lounger to the water. I haven’t had many unrestricted opportunities to observe her, so I’m making damn sure I take advantage of this one.
Roxanne maintains an even pace, repeatedly swimming back and forth the length of the pool. Her wide smile tells me she’s more interested in enjoying the water than getting exercise.
Every few minutes, her head turns my way to make sure I’m still sleeping. I wonder what will happen when I get up eventually. Will she scurry off and hide away, like she did this morning?
I’m not sure if it’s Roxanne’s bikini-clad body or the sizzling temperature of the sun that has me overheating, but I’ve reached a point where I need to dunk under the water and cool off.
Sitting up, I remove my sunglasses, dropping them on the lounger. Standing, the pavers are burning hot on the soles of my feet as I proceed to the pool’s edge. Roxanne’s head swings my way, her mouth reflexively forming a perfect circle. She quickly presses her lips together, even though she knows I saw her reaction.
“Hi, Roxanne.” I smile.
“Hey.” She dips down until her torso is submerged and her chin’s barely hovering above the water. Pushing off the balls of my feet, I dive into the pool, swimming a lap underneath the surface. I pop up and take a breath, stopping a few feet from Roxanne.
Shaking the water from my face, I thrust my fingers through my hair, raking the thickness back from my eyes. “Where’s everybody else?”
“They were going grocery shopping and to take Violet to buy some souvenirs.” She continues to stay below the water level.
“What time are you guys leaving tomorrow?” I question. There’s a countdown on making a move on Rocky, and I need to know when my time is up.
“Probably in the morning sometime. I guess it’ll depend on how much I drink tonight.” She shrugs, her lips forming a slight smile. “It’s one of my favorite holidays, so anything’s possible.”
“What do you usually do on the Fourth? Where would you be if you weren’t here?”
“Dani, Vi, and I have spent the Fourth of July together for the past few years. We usually go to the beach for the day and find some fireworks at night.”
“There’s no beach nearby, but you’ve got a pool.” I trail my hand through the water in front of me.
“Are you kidding? This is amazing. It’s so beautiful and peaceful. I haven’t felt this relaxed in ages.” Her eyes scan the property.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying being here. What makes you stressed out when you’re home?”
Her gaze loops back around the yard, locking with mine. “I don't know that I’m necessarily stressed. I’m kind of a type A personality, and I work long hours. Manfax is my company, so there’s no one else to put in the extra effort.”
“I understand how that feels. Fortunately, Rex and I have each other to rely on. We still end up working a hell of a lot of hours. Although, I have a feeling that might change once he and Dani get married.”
“What do you think about them being engaged?” she asks.
“I’m all for it. Dani makes Rex happier than I’ve ever seen him, and she’s amazing with his daughter, Ruby.”
“He does the same for her, and Dani has told me how much she loves Ruby.” She smiles.
Bending my knees, I lower to her level, slowly edging forward. “I guess that’s a good sign they’re meant to be together.”
“I think it is.” She stands, taking a hair tie from her wrist. Her hands move to the top of her head, gathering her long, wet strands together, she loops them into some sexy style, exposing her neck and shoulders for my viewing pleasure. My eyes skim over her delicate collarbones, flowing downward with the pool water to the tops of her tits. I ache from wanting to lick every bead of moisture from her skin.
When she lowers herself under the water again, I’m close enough that our knees bump. “What are you doing?” she asks.
“I’m enjoying the water and your company.”
“Well, can you enjoy yourself from over there?” She tips her chin toward the spot I was in before.
“Where’s the fun in that? I want to get to know you better.”
She laughs. “I bet you do.”
“I’m being serious. I’m sure you’re aware you’re a beautiful woman. But you’re also intelligent and funny. Why wouldn’t I be interested in learning more about you?”
She arches one eyebrow. “I think I’ve told you too much already.”
I shake my head. “That’s impossible. You’re fascinating.”
“You think my boobs are fascinating, not me,” she scoffs, gently splashing water at my face.
I wipe my eyes. “Hey, I’m not going to deny how fascinating your tits are, but I’m honestly interested in you as a whole.”
She frowns, her forehead creasing. “Why, though? I haven’t given you any encouragement. I’ve shut you down numerous times.”
“I’m a glutton for punishment, I guess.”
“You’re not my type.” This is the last reason I expected her to say.
“What do you mean? I’m like the universal donor, I’m everyone’s type.” I wink.
She snorts. “Do you make this stuff up yourself?”
“I do. I just came up with it off the cuff. I thought it was clever and original.”
“Original, maybe.” She grins.
“So, why am I not your type?” I ask.
“That really bothered you, huh?”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
“I date guys who only have good looks going for them.”
I scoot forward, our knees brushing again. “I’m good looking.”
“You are. But you're also funny and you’re kind of growing on me.”
“Isn’t that good?” This chick confuses me, but I know she’s worth the effort.
“For most women, yes, but not for me. Too many good qualities in a man makes it difficult to keep it about the sex and only about the sex.”
“You only want to have sex?”
“Yeah.”
“Then I’m your man. I’m an expert at only sex.”
“Believe me, I know,” she mutters, and I wonder how she does. But then I remember receiving a text with a tit pic, which Rocky witnessed. “If you and I had met in a bar or at a party, we probably would’ve hooked up.”
“We still can,” I explain.
“Not gonna happen, Adam.” Her reply is firm.
This woman is killing me. How was I to know spending time with her was going to fuck with my chances instead of helping them? It figures the first time in years that I put any serious effort into flirting with a woman, it backfires on me. But I’m not willing to give in so easily. I’m not a quitter.
“When can I take you out?” I persist.
“Adam, you need to listen to me. There’s nothing you can say to make me change my mind.”
Nothing I can say…
Gripping her upper arms, I tug her forward, pressing our lips together. The moment we connect, blood rushes through my veins, like a freight train, roaring in my ears and flowing to my burgeoning cock. My chest fills with a feeling I can’t explain or name.
Lips tracing over hers, I learn the fullness of their shape and coax their pillowy softness open. My tongue dips inside her warm mouth, eagerly seeking an introduction to hers.
But Roxanne holds back—not exactly retreating from my kiss but not reciprocating it either. Just when I’ve resigned myself to the fact that she’s not into me, she leaps. Wrapping her arms around my neck and legs around my hips, she hangs on to me like we’re on a wild amusement park ride. My hands cup her ass, holding a cheek in each hand.
