Page 29 of Necessary Roughness

I nodded furiously, trying to be smooth. “Sure, that sounds hot to me.”

Claire shot me an inquisitive look. “Hot?”

“I mean… fit!” I explained.

Damnit.

“As in,good,” I attempted again. “That soundsgoodto me.”

The three of them stared at me in absolute silence. It was as if the birds and ocean had disappeared and the only thing that remained was the painfully obvious fact that I had been eyeballing Brett.

Imagining him in different scenarios.

I wanted to defend myself. I wanted to proclaim my innocence and tell them that it wasn’t my fault—I’d been single for years.

No dates. No men.

Nothing.

I couldn’t be blamed for looking at a gorgeous man in a hot tub.

An infuriatingly gorgeous man.

Leonard laughed and pointed at a towel rack next to me. “Luke, if you’re going to undress Brett with your eyes, you might as well offer him a towel.”

Leonard’s comment prompted Claire to explode into laughter like a volcano that had finally been given permission to erupt.

“I think Mr. Mercer is guilty of the same thing!” she exclaimed, winking at Brett. “That’syou, Brett. I’m talking about you.”

Brett rolled his eyes and flipped her off. “I regret bringing you.”

Wait. Has Brett been venting about me to his friend?

Immediately, I needed to know, so I made a mental note that I’d talk to her later—preferably after a few more drinks—to see what additional insights into the real Brett she might let slip.

For whatever reason, I was on a mission.

“Unlimited drinks inside,” Leonard offered, trying to slice through the awkwardness.

Although the man existed in a world of his own, he was evidently very intuitive.

Claire gestured off in the distance as she maneuvered her way delicately out of the slippery hot tub. “I’m a little concerned about those dark clouds over there.”

Leonard scoffed. “The forecast for the day was splendid. Don’t worry! Besides, I told you, the boat hasmagic.”

As I turned to look out over the water, my eyes focused on the menacing clouds as well.

Thirty minutes later,we were all inside.

Brett and Claire were sipping complicated cocktails they’d created from fancy liquors in Leonard’s bar.

I was drinking an aged scotch, as was Leonard.

I had spent the past twenty minutes trying not to think about Brett’s toned body, so instead I had kept my eyes on the incoming clouds as they approached.

“Those clouds don’t look good,” I cautioned, pointing Leonard’s attention toward them. “I think we should turn around and head back.”

“Nonsense!” Leonard said. “It’s a passing shower. We’ll go out on the deck and take in some sunshine just as soon as it passes.”

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