Page 39 of Wild Love

"When I was a teenager, I counted down the days until I could leave Telluride for good. I always felt trapped here with the mountains surrounding the town."

"And now?" I asked as we walked through the open door. I nodded at the doorman for the evening, Charles.

"It feels nice."

Scarlett led the way to the elevator. Once we were inside, she asked, "Did you want to go for a swim? I'm not ready for the night to be over."

"I wouldn't mind." My mind was already conjuring visions of her in that thong.

When the doors opened, Scarlett placed her palm on my stomach. "This time, I'll bring a bathing suit."

I wondered if she could feel the vibration of my heart racing out of control. "That's too bad."

Scarlett just gave me a look. "I know you're not flirting with me. Chance would never allow it. So what's your game?"

"I'm not playing a game," I managed to say smoothly.

Scarlett spun on her heel and led the way down the hall. She paused at her doorway, and I kept going to mine.

"See you on the rooftop. I'll be the one in a red bikini."

I managed not to groan until my door was securely shut behind me. I ran a hand through my hair.

Scarlett St. Claire would be the death of me and the end of my friendship with Chance.

I quickly changed into trunks, forgoing a shirt. I grabbed a wine bottle and glasses in case she was in the mood for a drink, then took the steps two at a time until I was on the roof.

The twinkling lights were on, and in the middle of the pool a figure sliced gracefully through the water. I got a flash of red as I approached. Scarlett. Was that her signature color?

I sat in a chair by the pool and waited for her to notice me.

When she finally came up for air, she smiled. Her hair was slicked back, water beaded on her skin. "You came."

"I wouldn't miss this."

She swam over to the edge of the pool.

I leaned down, my elbows on my knees. "Were you hoping to see me?"

Scarlett grinned. "I was. You're a lot of fun, Elijah Wilde."

I loved when she said my full name. It made me feel special, even though my mom only said it when I was in trouble. From Scarlett, it was an endearment.

I stood and dove into the pool over her head. When I surfaced, she'd turned to face me. "You're a good swimmer."

"Having a rooftop pool will do that for you."

Scarlett swam over to meet me, treading water since we were in the deep end. I reached out an arm and snagged her around the waist, bringing her flush against me.

"Why did you do that?" Scarlett asked me, her voice breathless.

"So you don't have to tread water." It was a practical reason for a selfish need. I wanted to know how she'd feel against my body, and the answer was pure torture. Her breasts threatened to spill out of that tiny triangle top she was wearing, and her skin was smooth.

If she were mine, I'd curl a hand around the globe of her ass and squeeze.

But she wasn't, so I settled for an arm anchoring her to me.

She looped her arms around my neck and wrapped her legs around my waist, and all the air whooshed from my lungs. Her breasts were pressed against my chest. I swear I felt the hard nubs of her nipples.

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