Page 87 of Doctor Hot Mess

"Call it female intuition. So, is that a yes?"

"No. It's a 'hell, yes.'"

"Great. Well, don't just stand there. Get ready. I'm going to throw on my suit. I'll meet you out there."

When I walk out, she’s standing at the end of the pool, dipping her toe in. Her dirty blonde hair is loose, tumbling over her shoulders in soft waves. She’s already changed into a sleek black swimsuit with a loose cover-up tied at her waist.

"I grabbed us a couple of cold beers," she says, offering a Blue Moon to me as I walk out.

“Look at you, solving all my problems. You're fast and on top of it,” I say, taking the bottle.

She grins, tilting her head. “I like being on top, but I prefer to take it slow,” she says with a wink. I love it when Flirty Nurse comes out.

"Mmm. Maybe we can work something out…"

"I'll hold you to that," she says as she drops her cover-up and steps into the pool. I don't like to keep a beautiful woman waiting, so I follow her in.

The water glows softly under the moonlight and blue lighting just below the surface. The steam rises from the surface like a surreal dream.

Harper puts her beer down on the edge and dives in first. Her movements are smooth and effortless as she glides to the far side. I follow suit. The hot water immediately soothes the tension in my shoulders.

“You were right,” I admit, leaning against the edge and taking a swig of my beer. “This is nice.”

“Of course I was,” she replies, smirking as she floats closer. “When am I ever wrong?”

“Want the honest answer or the charming one?”

She flicks a bit of water at me, her laughter light and easy. For a moment, the weight on my chest feels a little less crushing.

We settle into a quiet rhythm. We talk some, but neither of us goes into anything that would ruin the easy, light mood of the night.

Harper drifts closer and rests her arms on the edge beside me. She tilts her head, studying me in a way that makes it impossible to hide.

“You’ve been quiet tonight,” she says gently. “Just relaxing and recharging, or is it something more?”

I hesitate, glancing at her. “Just mellowing,” I admit. "You know how long days can be."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Jonah, I’ve seen you after many a long day. You’re usually sarcastic, charming, and borderline annoying. This isn’t that.”

I let out a soft chuckle despite myself. “Guess I’m off my game.”

Her expression softens, and she floats a little closer. “Come on, really? I'll leave you alone if you say so.”

I glance down at the water, the ripples blurring my reflection. For a moment, I debate deflecting again, but the sincerity in her voice and the warmth of her gaze break something loose in my chest.

“It just feels good to be here with you. I'm just leaning into the moment.”

"That makes sense. I'm glad to know that. You have the same effect on me, by the way."

“There is something else, though."

"Feel like talking about it? It's okay if not," she says as she runs her foot up my leg.

A chill runs up my body. Damn, her touch is like a truth serum.

"Lila got a call from the attorney today,” I say finally, my voice low. “The cops want to meet with her tomorrow.”

Her brow furrows in concern. “Did she say why?”

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