Page 42 of One Short Summer

He pauses for a moment, and I want to slap my hand over my mouth to refrain from saying another word. The last thing I want is for him to stop.

“Don’t look so smug, Monica. I’m just too lazy to go back to the house to get changed. It’s not like it’s really any different than wearing swim shorts anyway.”

Another smart-ass remark sits on my tongue, hopping up and down like the crazy thing it is, but I bite the inside of my cheek instead. I will, under no circumstances, stop this man from doing what he’s doing.

No freaking way.

His T-shirt goes first, leaving him in only his jeans. I’m not sure where to look first—the gorgeous chest and abs covered in a light dusting of hair, or the hands that have already started unbuckling his dark-brown leather belt before taking care of the button and zipper next. With the help of both of his thumbs, he shoves down his jeans and throws them on the patio chair, right next to his shirt.

I’m staring at his legs as he slowly walks over to me. The muscles move with every step, a mesmerizing sight to behold. There’s just something about strong, male legs. All too soon, he stands in front of me, and I look up his body, trying hard—and completely failing—not to stare at the bulge in his boxer briefs before finally averting my gaze back to his face.

“Move over, Monica, so I can come in.”

Pushing myself away from the steps, I sit down on the opposite side of the tub.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Gabe slides into the water and sits down on the built-in bench.

The confused look on his face makes me laugh. “It’s not like you to be this fun and spontaneous, that’s all. You surprised me, but not in a bad way. It’s actually quite thrilling.”

He narrows his eyes at me and shrugs. “You make it sound like I’m a total party pooper twenty-four seven.”

“Not all the time, but you’re not exactly known for letting go too often either. I like this side of you. It’s exciting...and rather sexy too.” I wiggle my eyebrows for emphasis.

He chuckles, and I’m pretty sure he secretly loves hearing it. I mean, what person wouldn’t? There’s nothing wrong with being confident, and in my opinion, neither is complimenting other people, as long as you aren’t overdoing it.

I’ve never understood why people can’t just say something nice about another person. Doesn’t cost you more than ten seconds of your time but can easily make a person’s day, or even week.

As easy as that.

“Is that so?” His voice has dropped at least an octave, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up at the low rumble.

I channel all the tension into my next response. “You can bet that sexy ass of yours on it.”

Well, maybe that wasn’t the best one after all.

He rolls his eyes in a playful way and leans forward in his seat, his elbows settling on his thighs in the water. “Are we all good?”

“We are. Promise.” Maybe I’ve been a little disappointed he hasn’t jumped my bones yet, but I understand he was preoccupied with his sister’s situation. I was too.

His eyes are on me, looking lighter today than I’ve ever seen them—the beautiful brown sprinkled with small flecks of gold.

I’m still lost in his gaze when, without a warning, warm water hits me square in the face. It’s not just a few drops either but more like a whole bucket full.

“Oh shit.” Gabe looks at me with wide eyes for a moment before he starts laughing.

Oh no, he didn’t.

“I swear I didn’t mean to splash you that hard.” He’s still laughing, almost doubled over now.

Wait. Is he crying?

“Uh-huh, I’m sure you didn’t.” I push the wet strands of hair out of my face, trying not to think about the fact that I probably look like a big mess right now.

I watch him for a moment, one hand across his abdomen and the other one near his face, maybe ready to slap over his mouth to hide his laugh. I’ve never seen him this relaxed before, and I’m trying hard not to laugh with him, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of that yet. But I certainly enjoy seeing him like this. Knowing the reason for this moment is related to me gives me a little extra thrill.

I wait until he’s calmed down enough to look at me. “Probably just as much as I really don’t mean to do this, not at all.”

“What ar—”

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