Page 49 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

“Can we just…go out like this? Just…hold me? Please?”

Oh God.

“Anything you want,” I tell him. “But we don’t have to go out at all. We can stay right here in the shallow end if you’d prefer.”

He shakes his head. “No, I want to. I need to get it over with. Just…face my fear head-on, you know? And I’m safe with you. I know that. You’ll keep me safe, Joey.”

I’ve always considered myself a fairly level-headed person. I don’t act on instinct, instead considering my options and carefully choosing the best course. The most rational one.

But there’s nothing whatsoever rational about allowing myself to fall for a straight man. And yet I’m not even trying to stop it. I only tighten my arms around Brad and promise what I know to be true.

Will I keep him safe?

“Always.”

Chapter 13

Brad

Joey starts moving backwards once I stop strangling him with my limbs. His eyes stay on my face, making sure I’m okay.

I give him a clipped nod.

As soon as his feet leave the pool floor and we start to float, my legs tighten around him on instinct.

“It’s okay,” he says soothingly, using his arms to keep us at the top of the water. “Relax your legs, bub. I’ve got you, okay? Just…relax for me.”

I do. It takes concerted effort, but I finally relax my death grip on Joey’s waist.

“Good,” he says, voice low. “Can you let go? Just for now. Float with me?”

He chuckles when I shoot him a glare.

“Christ,” he whispers. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you make that face.”

“It’s myyou’re being an idiotface. Usually, you’re not an idiot.”

He gives my leg a tiny pinch, and I squawk.

“You don’t have to let go of my shoulders,” he says. “Just unwrap your legs and float with me. It’ll be easier, I promise.”

I don’t like the sound of it, but considering I also don’t want to drown Joey—and myself by proxy—I unwind my legs. One at a time. Slowly.

“There you go,” he says, giving me a big smile that makes me feel better. Until he adds, “What a good boy.”

“Don’t mock me,” I grumble.

“I’m not,” he says with a soft chuckle. “You’re doing good. I’m going to swim backwards now, okay? Just let yourself be tugged along.”

I can do that. Easy peasy.Go with the flow.

Joey starts to move, and I inhale sharply, clinging to him harder.

“Watch the neck,” he rasps.

“Fudge,” I mutter, loosening my arms. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” he says. “Look, you’re doing it.”

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