Page 70 of Playing My Rivals

“Don’t say another word. I don’t need an apology. I’m a big boy and could have said no.”

I shrug and turn back toward the river. “Why do you always take it easy on me?”

I glide to the side of the pool and rest my arms along the edge. He’s moving behind me, so I glance over my shoulder when he doesn’t answer right away.

He’s placing his drink back down on the side of the pool. His body sinks lower into the water before he turns to face me.

His bright blue eyes glow through the steam and laser my way. “I never want to see you having a difficult time. You’ve had it rough all your life. What good am I doing by making it harder for you?”

I snort out a laugh. “So I can make it tough for you and get a free pass. It sounds like you’re getting the short end of the stick.”

“Seeing you happy isn’t the short end of the stick. Not by a long shot.” His right hand moves across his chest and rubs his heart.

He always puts my feelings over his in these types of situations. Hot embers light throughout me and this pool is suddenly 120 degrees.

I turn my back to the wall and hoist myself out of the water. Steam comes off my skin as I escape the heat. My legs hang over the edge so my feet stay soaking in the tub.

“I’m burning up in there.” I adjust my bikini top, bringing my breasts closer together.

“Jesus, Dori.”

“What?”

“Everything you do is so…” His face contorts like he’s struggling to find the words. He shakes his head and looks away.

With my foot, I kick water in his direction to get his attention. “So what?”

He faces me as he rubs his hand over his stubbly beard. His eyes wander over my body.

“Sexy.” It comes out as quiet as a gentle breeze. His Adam's apple rolls when he swallows.

Oh.

My eyes widen, and my heart skips a beat—maybe two. He has never called me sexy before. I take a sip of my drink to give myself some time to simmer down.

My gaze moves to the river. I need a moment to take in his compliment and figure out how I want to respond.

The cool rain bounces off my pebbled skin. It’s the exact thing I need to encourage me to jump back into the tub. I slide down and submerge myself in the water.

He licks his lips as I do. That one small thing makes my nipples tighten and steeple. Our eyes lock into a steamy stare. And man, oh man, do I want more.

He’s sitting on a bench with his body completely submerged in the pool.

I step close to him. “Truthfully. Did the necklace have more meaning behind it than what you told me it did?”

His shoulders stiffen, making the water ripple away from his body. “What are you trying to get at?”

“The truth about the locket.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “If there was more to it, I want to know. I guess I’m asking how you feel about me.”

He covers his heart with his arm as he tilts his head. “You always ask me how I feel about you, but you never say how you feel about me. If I’m being honest, it puts me in a vulnerable position and I’m left feeling exposed.”

“Jami, you have to know how I feel. I’ve told you many times.”

“Can you give me an example of when you have?”

“That night at your apartment.”

“You didn’t say anything about your feelings toward me that night. You told me that Hunter wanted you back because he loved you.

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