Page 36 of The Dixon Rule

“Holy shit, we didn’t even get to talk about that!” Her gray eyes become animated. “Did you see that Leni and Donovan date? I’ve never heard so much bullshit escape a man’s mouth.”

I nod my agreement. “Donovan is as shady as they come. He’s not there for the right reasons. He’s only pretending to like Leni, and I feel so bad for her because she’s so sweet and she genuinely likes him.”

“That relationship is a dumpster fire waiting to happen,” Gigi sighs.

Speaking of dumpster fires, Shane’s about to invite the wrath of the Meadow Hill HOA, judging by the amount of noise I hear coming from the pool when I get home. Granted, it’s only nine o’clock. Technically Niall can’t start complaining until midnight.

On the other hand, I assume after the pool lights automatically turn off, Shane will move the party to Red Birch, which will give Niall a nervous breakdown.

I let myself into my apartment, kick off my sneakers, and go to feed Skip. As I sprinkle fish food into his tank, he stares up at me with those lifeless eyes and I stare back until he feels self-conscious and swims away. That’s right, Skip. You’re not the boss.

Even with the balcony door shut, noise drifts in from the pool area. Muffled laughter, music, and the drone of voices. Curious to see who Shane paid to attend his party (because nobody would willingly be his friend), I slide the glass door open and step up to the white railing.

It’s a decent-sized gathering. Maybe two dozen people, half of them in the pool, the others draped over lounge chairs or sitting around the white tables on the deck. An outdoor speaker plays a chill pop song on low volume, which tells me Shane is trying to be mindful of our neighbors so they don’t hate him. Joke’s on him. All the neighbors already hate him.

I’m trying to back away when Shane spots me, his dark head swinging toward my balcony. He’s standing in the middle of the pool in waist-level water, wearing red swim trunks and holding a beer. The sun has already set, but the moon is nearly full and sits high in the sky, illuminating every chiseled feature of Shane’s face.

When our gazes lock, he raises the beer bottle. “Dixon,” he calls. “Come join.”

“Sorry, can’t hear you over the music.” I point to my ears, feigning cluelessness.

Effortlessly, he hoists himself out of the pool. Water drips from his hair and runs down his body in twisting lines. His ab muscles glisten as the moonlight shines off the droplets. I try to peel my eyes away, but I can’t even blink as I watch him move toward me.

Then I realize what’s happening and almost gag in revulsion.

Oh my God. I was admiring Shane Lindley’s body.

I need an intervention.

“I said come join us,” he repeats, walking barefoot across the grass. He stops about ten yards from the balcony. “It’s a good time.”

“No, thank you.”

“Why not?”

“Because that would be breaking a Dixon rule. You and I don’t fraternize.”

“What about us? Do we fraternize?” Beckett Dunne sidles up to Shane, also barefoot and shirtless. His blond hair is wet and nearly reaches his shoulders.

Lord, he’s an Australian god, so delicious I can’t help but ogle him. At least him I’m allowed to ogle.

“I’m lonely, Juliet,” Beckett drawls up to the balcony. “Come keep me company.”

I flash him a sweet smile. “Hard pass, Romeo.”

“C’mon, one drink.”

“Di!” someone shouts.

I peer past the guys’ broad shoulders and spot Fatima from cheer camp. She’s wearing a sleek black one-piece and waving at me from one of the lounge chairs. Damn it, they lured her into this? And is that Lily and Gia in the pool? Lily is another counselor, while Gia is on the Briar squad with me. The two bikini-clad young women are in the shallow end, laughing with Will Larsen and a couple guys I don’t recognize.

Why are all my friends here?

My gaze flicks back to Shane’s and Beckett’s muscular bare chests.

I mean. That’s why.

“Fine,” I relent, although I make a point to grimace at Shane. “I’ll be right down.”

---