Page 76 of Love so Hot

"Must be all that talk about saving the planet. Got your blood boiling, huh?" He's still smiling, but his voice has dropped an octave, and it sends shivers down my spine.

"Could be," I say, standing up abruptly. "How about we cool off with a swim?" I throw him a look over my shoulder, one that's more invitation than question.

"Sounds refreshing." He rises to his feet, the playful glint in his eyes now mixed with something else—anticipation, maybe, or excitement

"Last one in cooks breakfast tomorrow," I challenge, already heading toward the pool with a newfound spring in my step.

"Deal. But don't think I'll go easy on you, Wildflower," he calls after me, that nickname making my heart skip.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Willow

I strideup to the pool's edge, my heart pounding a mix of anticipation and jitters. The beat of Larry's steps keeps time with mine, blending with the sounds of Greenwood Hollow's night.

"Got a swimsuit?" he calls out, his voice smooth as ever, but I don't bother with an answer.

A smirk plays on my lips; then I’m turning away from him. In one fluid motion, clothes slip off my skin, piling softly on the stone tiles. Without hesitation, I leap, arms slicing into the cool embrace of the water below. It’s a shock of cold that steals my breath, thrilling and alive.

Bubbles trail up as I push to the surface, breaking through with a gasp. The night air is a blanket of cool against my wet skin. I shake my head, sending droplets flying, and catch Larry's wide-eyed stare.

I'm grinning wide as I tread water. The moonlight glimmers across the ripples I’ve made, casting dancing shadows on the surrounding oaks and maples. Silence stretches for a heartbeat—Larry just watching me—and I wonder if I've pushed the game too far this time.

"Come on in!" I call out, laughter bubbling from my lips. "The water's perfect."

With arms crossed, he stands there like a statue carved in business casual. "Actually, I didn't plan on swimming tonight," he says, but his tone wavers, amusement creeping in.

"Scared you'll mess up your hair?" I tease him more, splashing water gently in his direction.

He smirks, that charismatic mask slipping back into place. "You know, it takes time to look this good."

"Time wasted, if you ask me." I splash again, this time with more force.

"Hey!" He jumps back, dodging the water droplets. And then, because I can’t resist, "Don't worry about shrinkage, Larry. It's not like there's much to hide."

Larry throws his head back and laughs, the sound rich and surprisingly warm. It rings through the hollow, bouncing off the tree-lined edges of the pool.

I float on my back and stare up at the moon. "You've already lost the bet," I say to him. "What are you making for breakfast?"

"Bacon and eggs," he quips. "Non-vegan."

I make a face of disgust and he laughs. His chuckle fades into the rustling leaves around us, and for a moment, the world is just water and starlight and the echo of our laughter.

"Come on," I urge, floating and watching Larry as he finally peels off his shirt. With a resigned grin, he kicks off his shoes and steps out of his pants with an air of surrender that's utterly out of character for the man I've come to know.

He dives in, and the water erupts in a burst of moonlit droplets. When he resurfaces, his red hair is slicked back, and there's a glint of something playful in his hazel eyes that wasn't there before.

"Happy now?" he calls out, pushing the water away from his face.

"Ecstatic," I reply, splashing towards him with a laugh. We're circling each other like sharks, but the vibe is anything but predatory. It's been ages since I've goofed around like this—with anyone, let aloneLawrenceSinclair.

"Bet you can't catch me," I taunt, darting away with a swift kick of my legs.

"Is that a challenge?" he asks, accepting it without waiting for my response.

We chase and dodge, our laughter mingling with the sounds of the night. The water feels like silk against my skin, cool and liberating. "I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time," I admit between breaths, not sure why I'm confessing this to him.

"Me neither," Larry says, and there’s an honesty in his voice that catches me off guard.

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