Page 8 of Body Shot

“I can’t decide if this is a challenge or a rescue mission,” I joke.

She laughs. “She’s a great girl. One of my favorite people in the universe. So please don’t play games with her. I know what goes on with you guys—pro athletes—and I’m not judging. I’m simply asking you not to play those kinds of games with Claudia. If you genuinely want to ask her out, that’s great. But if you’re just looking for a hook-up, not her. Please.” She’s being so sincere, I can’t help but take it to heart.

“Understood,” I say. “But am I allowed to talk to her enough to find out if I want to take her out?”

“Absolutely.” She smiles and then turns to corral a ball that’s gotten away from some of the kids.

I gaze back to the water’s edge, but Claudia’s gone.

As I scan the shore, she’s back in her chair, hat on, buried in her book.

Is this something I want to pursue?

I’m not used to shy, introverted women who show zero interest in me. My experiences have been the opposite. Women throwing themselves at me. Trying to latch on, dig in, trap me.

I mentally shake my head.

I’m not going there.

My past relationship trauma has nothing to do with the sweet lady I can’t seem to keep my eyes off of.

So I’m going to go over there and see if she feels even a tiny glimmer of the attraction I feel.

“Hey.” I sink down next to her, ignoring her sigh as she puts her book down. “Why didn’t you come in? I saw you on the shore and then you disappeared.”

“You and Hana looked cozy,” she says. “I didn’t want to intrude.”

Okay, it’s time to let her know that it’s not Hana I want to get cozy with.

“Hana and I are just friends,” I say. “She’s busy playing keep away with the kids. You’re the one I’ve been trying to talk to all day.”

Her eyes meet mine, and even though she has sunglasses on, I can see her confusion.

“I…what?”

I try not to laugh at her obvious confusion. “Is it so hard to believe I want to talk to you?”

She wrinkles her nose. “Yeah. Kinda.”

“Why?”

For some reason, my question stymies her.

“I…well, I mean, why would you want to talk to me instead of Hana?”

“Because you’re attractive, intelligent, interesting… why wouldn’t I?”

“How do you know I’m interesting? We’ve barely talked.”

Geez, it’s going to be tough to break through the walls she has up.

But I’m down for the challenge.

“Let’s just say I can tell.” I slowly get to my feet, holding out my hand to her. “I can also tell you’re sweltering out here and it’s time to go for a swim.”

She looks at my outstretched hand, and then gazes up at me for a moment.

I can practically see the wheels turning.

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