Page 7 of OneTime Lovers
Scott offers, “You can lean on me if that helps.” Grrrr, I try to ignore him.
Why does he have to stand there watching me? I’m sure it’s making it harder for me to get the stupid thing on. A couple more hops and finally I do it.
I look up with a satisfiedI told you sosmile, and frustratingly his shoulders are shaking as he unsuccessfully attempts to hide his mirth.
Damn, I should have just sat on the beach to put the fins on, like a normal person would, instead of hopping about like a fool. The next fin in my hand poses another challenge as I contemplate how I’m going to get it on with a little more dignity.
Scott quirks his brow at me. “You sure you don’t want to lean on me to put that one on?” He nods in the direction of my hand.
“Fine,” I reply, and he closes the gap between us, offering his tanned muscled arm for me to lean on. I rest my hand lightly on his sun-warmed skin, ignoring the temptation to wrap my fingers around his flesh. As quickly as possible I pull on the second fin and pull my hand away from him.
Scott manages to put his own fins on like he’s attempting to break a world record, then looks up at me, saying, “Good, we’re all set. Now with the snorkel just breathe normally through …”
I interrupt him, “Yes … I have done this before.” My snappy tone is back. There is something about this man that unsettles me and makes my normal calm attitude to life desert me.
He smiles, looking away quickly. “Good, then let’s catch up with the others.” I look out across the water to see our friends have already swum out a distance from shore.
I pull my mask down and wrap my lips around the mouthpiece then dive into the cool water. I need cooling down after my vigorous attempts to get the fins on … and to ease my frazzled nerves.
Time stands still as we float in peace, occasionally diving below to the colder depths, shafts of sunlight filtering through the blue, to highlight one vibrant fish after another. Scott swims nearby, never too far away.
Salty water fills my mask, and treading water I stop to clear it. Before I can pull it back down over my eyes, Scott pops up beside me. “Everything okay?”
It’s impossible for me to speak without first gritting my teeth. “Actually, I’ve had enough for one day, I’m heading back to shore.” Of course, what I want to say is I’ve had enough of one bossy man.
Surprisingly, he leaves me alone to swim back to the beach as he turns in the opposite direction to swim toward where the others are.
I stomp up the beach no longer caring about the spiky bits of shell digging into my feet. At least till they start to really hurt, and I then walk more cautiously over to the steps.
Good, Lily is still by the pool so I can vent my frustrations to my friend. She looks up from the pages of her latest bestseller as I approach. “Hey, how was your swim?”
“The water and fish are lovely.” My voice trails off.
“But … what happened? You’re usually the last one out of the water when we go to the beach.”
I lay my towel onto an empty lounger but remain standing with one hand on my hip. "I know … but Scott is driving me crazy. Who says he knows everything about snorkeling in the Bahamas? From the moment I walked down on the beach he has taken over, loosening the strap on my mask, explaining how to breathe through a snorkel. Does he think he is the only person who has ever snorkeled before? I’m not useless.” I stop, choosing to block out the memory of me hopping about trying to put a fin on my stupid, damn foot.
Lily smiles as I finish my rant. “Wow, how outrageous. A man being polite, kind, and helpful … not to mention ridiculously sexy.”
I tilt my head to the side as I look down at her. “Ridiculous is definitely a word for him.”
Lily giggles and I can’t help joining in. “Okay, maybe I’m overreacting, but you know how I hate men fussing around me, treating me like I’m a helpless little girl.” Lily nods in agreement as I drop down onto the lounger.
Why is this guy pushing my buttons?
I’m about to say the same to Lily when I notice a waiter coming our way, probably to take our drinks order. I need to let it go and one of those tasty cocktails on the menu might just do the trick.
Chapter 5
Scott
Cocktails,sunset,andbeautifulwomen, all that’s missing tonight is good food.
Blake throws another couple of steaks on the grill. The guys and I like hanging out together grilling, drinking beer, and having a laugh, which is why we offered to do the steaks tonight.
Though we’re happy to leave the rest of the feast to Antonio, the celebrity chef, who flew in this afternoon from New York City along with a few of his staff.
Luke flips a couple of other steaks which are already perfectly browned. “Nice work, mate.” The smell of the marinated juicy meat is making my mouth water. “But, fun as it is hanging out with you guys, I think I’ll join the ladies.”
