Page 29 of Bitter Rival

It takes me a few seconds to realize that his hands are wrapped around my upper arms. Big, warm hands that could be used as lethal weapons or to soothe and comfort.

His grip is firm but not too tight with just the right amount of pressure to steady me and calm my frayed nerves.

“Why are you creeping up on me like that?”

He looks down at his hands as if just realizing they’re still wrapped around my biceps and releases me, then takes a step back, putting some distance between us. “I was in the hot tub when I heard a noise.”

“I’m on my way to the hot tub too.” His gaze dips and I’m suddenly conscious of how little I’m wearing.

My nipples have hardened into peaks, and even in the moonlight there’s no way he won’t notice.

“That’s what you’re wearing in the hot tub?”

I shrug. “I could go naked if you prefer.” But rather than continuing this debate, I dart past him and make a beeline for the hot tub illuminated by LED lights. “I thought you could use some company.”

“You thought wrong.”

Surprise, surprise, the Dark Lord of the Manor doesn’t sound so happy about sharing.

But we’re two grown adults so there’s no reason to turn tail and run.

“You won’t even know I’m here,” I assure him.

“That’s unlikely.” He climbs into the hot tub and stretches his arms across the back, basically manspreading and taking up all the available space. “I was hoping for some peace and quiet.”

“You can’t always get what you want,” I reply cheerfully.

He’s going to have to make room for me because there’s no way I’m not getting into that water after dreaming about it all day.

When I circle the hot tub and stop on the opposite side facing him, he gives me a look that says, Don’t even think about it.

No one glowers quite as impressively as he does, but I ignore it. “Hey, big boy.” I jut out my hip and plant my hand on it. “You look like you could use some company.” I punctuate my words with an exaggerated wink.

“You have the wrong address. Go knock on some other sucker’s door. I’m not buying whatever you’re selling. Now turn around and go back where you came from.” He does a little twirly motion with his hand. “This hot tub has been reserved for the evening.”

“You should really learn how to share. Your friend Grayson said I could use it whenever I want. Unlike you, he’s charming and friendly.”

“My friend Grayson gave it as a gift. Therefore, this isn’t his hot tub,” he says. “Go home, Daisy.”

“What’s wrong, Beck? Scared of sharing a hot tub with a girl?”

I lean over the edge, giving him a better view as I trail my hand through the water, checking the temperature.

His gaze dips to my chest and he takes in my whole body as I straighten up.

Something flashes across his face that doesn’t look like revulsion, but the look is fleeting, and he shuts it down quickly, donning his usual mask of indifference.

“If you were worried I’d steal your lingerie, you shouldn’t have been.”

“You probably date girls who wear matching sets from La Perla,” I say as I climb into the hot tub without waiting for an invitation. “How predictable. I like to mix things up.”

“I can see that.”

I sink lower into the water and settle back with a happy sigh, letting the jets massage my sore muscles.

It feels like heaven, and not even the grump across from me can spoil my happiness.

But I love messing with him so I can’t resist the urge to toy with him.

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