Page 38 of The Billionaire's Runaway Bride

“Wait up,” he says as I jog toward the water. I don’t need to jump off the rock. I just need to cool down. I can’t avoid him in here, but I want to swim toward the deeper part so I have a buffer of water.

“What is up your ass?” he demands once he’s jumped in too.

The chilly water feels glorious on my heated skin, but when I meet his gaze and see the antagonism in his scowl, I’m hot all over again. I’ll never admit it, but arguing with this man is thrilling. It’s exciting.

“Nothing.”

“You’ve been pissy all day.”

I shrug and go under water to linger beneath the surface, threading my fingers through my hair as it floats and swirls. When I go back up, he’s closer, treading water only a few feet away.

“You’ve been avoiding me.”

I roll my eyes. “We worked together all day. I haven’t gotten a single minute away from you!”

“No.” He shakes his head and swims even closer, within reach. “You were there, but you put up a wall. You’ve been trying to ignore me all day.”

“You’re imagining things.”

“Is it because I kissed you?”

I look away, not answering as he eases through the water. He’s right there. Our legs and feet touch as we both tread water.

“Lauren?”

“What kiss?”

He chuckles darkly. “Nice try.”

I shrug.

“You’re acting like this because I kissed you.”

I turn to face him, glowering. “So what if I am?”

He smiles, and I want to hate him for it. “Because it means you can’t stop thinking about it.”

I make the mistake of glancing at his mouth. “No.”

“Liar.”

I shake my head. “Because you liked it.”

I swallow, feeling my pulse race faster as he comes closer. We tread water, staying afloat, but I swear I’m sinking under the heat of his gaze on me so close. His face is mere inches from mine. Chest to chest, we face each other off. Every time my breasts rub against his pecs, I want to lunge into his arms and really feel him.

“I’ll never do it again,” he vows, staring at my lips. “Not unless you want me to.”

I bite on my lip, needing a reminder to be quiet and not reply to that. All I can think about is him closing the distance. I need another kiss like I need air. He reaches up, freeing my lip from my teeth, and it takes all my willpower not to turn so his hand cups my face. To suck his thumb into my mouth.

“Do you want me to stay away from you?” he whispers. His mouth hovers over mine, and I can practically taste the lingering sweet hint of lemonade that Marian brought out earlier.

In his eyes, I see nothing but barely leashed desire.

Oh, please…I suck in a breath and will myself to stay strong. If I give in to him, if I give in to wanting him so bad like this, I’m not sure what will happen.

“Yes.”

He narrows his eyes.

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