Page 17 of About That One Night
As I ease myself into the water, the coolness envelops me, sending a pleasant shiver up my spine. The water feels like silk against my skin, soothing and invigorating all at once. I swim a few strokes, enjoying the freedom and weightlessness, before turning to look at Zoe.
Her presence adds an electrifying tension to thenight. Even in the playful banter, there’s an underlying current of something deeper, something that makes my pulse quicken and my senses heighten. Zoe’s eyes sparkle with mischief, her laughter blending with the gentle ripples of the water.
“Come on over here,” I call to her.
“Nope, you stay there and I’ll be here,” she teases, eyes twinkling. “Or maybe I’ll make you chase me. I was a great swimmer back in high school, you know.”
“Sweetheart, I’m a former Navy SEAL. I know swimming,” I say in a warning tone, knowing she’s trying to push a challenge she’ll lose.
She has a competitive streak, and though I like it a lot, I think it’s best if she leaves that part of her personality to rest tonight.
Zoe snickers. “You’re no fun.”
“Oh, I can be so much fun,” I reply, letting a flirtatious smile play on my lips as I slowly make my way toward her at the other end of the pool.
I glide through the water with ease, each stroke bringing me closer to her. Zoe watches me, her expression a mix of amusement and anticipation. As I approach, I can see the playful challenge in her eyes, and it only fuels my determination.
When I’m just a few feet away, I pause, letting the moment stretch out. “You sure you don’t want to come to me?” I tease, my voice low and inviting.
Zoe shakes her head, her grin widening. “I like making you work for it.”
I chuckle, the sound blending with the gentle splashes of the water. “Alright then, you asked for it.”
With a sudden burst of speed, I close the gapbetween us, my arms reaching out to capture her. Zoe squeals and tries to dart away, but I’m too fast. I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her close.
“Gotcha,” I whisper, our faces inches apart.
Her breath hitches, and for a moment, the playful banter is replaced by a charged silence. The night air feels thick with anticipation, and I can see the conflict of excitement and challenge in her eyes.
“Maybe you are fun after all,” she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Just wait and see,” I reply, leaning in to capture her lips in a kiss that’s both tender and intense.
The moment our lips meet, it’s like an electric current runs through me. Her lips are soft and warm, moving against mine with a perfect blend of urgency and sweetness. I deepen the kiss, my hand sliding up to cradle the back of her head, my fingers tangling in her wet hair. Every touch, every movement feels heightened, more intense. Her body pressed against mine, fitting perfectly, as if she was made to be here in my arms.
Which is insane when I’m not supposed to care about anyone on that level. Not when I plan to stay single forever. Then again, Zoe Harper has been changing my essence since the first day we met. I’m second-guessing some things and beginning to want others that I never imagined I would.
I can feel the rapid beat of her heart matching mine, the heat between us undeniable. The water around us seems to disappear, leaving only the sensation of her lips, the taste of her, and the intoxicating scent of her skin mingling with the night air. The kissconsumes me, making me dizzy with want and need. I pull her even closer, needing to feel every inch of her against me.
Zoe’s hands grip my shoulders, her nails lightly grazing my skin, sending shivers down my spine. The world fades away, leaving just the two of us, lost in this moment of pure, unadulterated passion. When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathless, our foreheads resting against each other.
“See?” I murmur, my voice rough with emotion. “I told you, it’s a win-win.”
She looks up at me, her eyes glazed with desire and something deeper. “You’re right,” she whispers, her lips brushing mine with every word. “This is definitely a win.”
Chapter Nine
Maximillian
I look into her eyes,and I can see the same desire and longing that I feel reflected back at me. We don’t need to speak; our mouths have already said everything that needs to be said.
Zoe traces her fingers down my chest, and I shiver at her touch. Her gaze is intense, filled with a silent question. I nod, and she rewards me with a small, knowing smile.
I can feel her heart racing as I slipthe straps of her bra off her shoulders, revealing more and more of her skin. The pool water laps gently at our waists, creating a soothing rhythm that only adds to the intensity of the moment. My fingers tremble with anticipation as I undo the clasp, letting the top float away on the surface of the water.
She’s beautiful, more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. The moonlight casts a soft glow over her, highlighting every curve, every freckle, every inch of her that leaves me breathless. My hands move gently, reverently, as if she might disappear if I’m not careful.
Zoe’s eyes are locked onto mine, filled with a mix of desire and vulnerability. She looks breathtaking, like a goddess emerging from the water. Her chest rises and falls with each shallow breath, drawing my attention to the soft curves of her body. I can’t help but feel a surge of protectiveness and longing for her.
