Page 78 of It Started at the Lake

Why couldn’t we be alone? I really, really want to kiss Bennett right now. “You’re done.” And that pool better have cool water like Bennett said, because my body is burning.

“Should we jump in?” Bennett asks, sounding as affected as I am.

“Is it deep enough?”

“Yeah, it is.”

I hold my hand out, palm side up. “Together?”

“On three.”

We count at the same time. “One. Two. Three!” Running, we reach the edge of the pool and jump in. Our hands break apart when we crash into the water. The temperature is refreshingly cool, but not cold. Swimming to the top, I break the surface, looking around for Bennett.

He’s three feet away, smiling like a kid at his first baseball game. “I forgot how much fun this place is.”

“It’s the sunblock, isn’t it?”

“Eighty percent of the reason, yes.”

I chuckle, shaking my head at him, though my thoughts are the same. “Always be the one who helps keep me protected from the sun?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

We spend the next hour swimming around, going under and behind the waterfall, and lying in the sun drying off before heading to Scoops. Bennett gets his usual Death by Chocolate, and I try Beachy Keen. Three hours later, we’re back at the house, standing inside the entryway.

“I’m going to shower and then I’ll meet you in your room,” I say, turning toward the south wing of the house where my bedroom is.

“One hour?”

I shrug. “Depends. Do you care if my hair and makeup are done?”

“Mils, you make my heart race no matter what you look like or wear.”

He’s seriously the sweetest. “I’ll be over in thirty minutes then.”

“Can’t wait.”

I close my eyes, letting the feeling of being wanted, loved, and cared for wash over me. “Oh, one more thing,” I say. “By chance, do you own any tweed jackets with elbow patches?” None of my professors have made me fantasize about them outside of a classroom setting, but Bennett absolutely inspires some role-playing between us. Maybe when school starts up again in August?

“I do not.”

“Are you even a professor if you don’t own one?” Isn’t it a requirement when they hand you your PhD? Here’s your doctorate and a link to purchase a jacket.

A crease forms between his brows. “Is this a problem for you?”

“Most definitely. If I were you, I’d get one as soon as possible.”

“Why?”

I smile flirtatiously at him. “The moment you’re wearing it, you’ll know.”

Bennett runs up the left staircase.

“Where are you going?” I ask, laughing at his hasty retreat.

“To order a jacket online!”

Even better if the blazer arrives here. Bennett with his curly hair, glasses, and a jacket? Mmmm, I can’t wait.

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