Page 64 of Bargain with the Bachelor
It was worse than I’d expected. I looked basically naked from behind.
I can’t do it. I can’t go out there in this.
But then I thought about it. These were not “just friends” swimsuits. Hunter had picked this out for me. Hewantedto see me in something sexy.
Buoyed by the thought and gathering every shred of courage I possessed, I took a deep breath and threw open the curtain.
Hunter was already in the pool, submerged to his upper abdomen. He must have dipped the rest under before I came out because his chest, shoulders and upper arms glistened in the moonlight and the subtle glow of the underwater lights.
Steam rose around him, making him look like some sort of underworld god rising from the depths to capture innocent maidens and pull them under.
There may have never been a more willing victim.
I walked toward him on shaking legs, trying my best to focus on him and not on holding in my stomach.
He watched me approach with a look on his face I could only describe ashungry.His gaze roamed over me, lingering on the parts he seemed to find most interesting before it met mine.
“That looks great on you.” His voice was raspy. “It fits... perfectly.”
“Thanks. How’s the water?”
“Lonely.”
Holding the handrail, I stepped down into the hot, bubbling pool. “I think you need some company.”
“I think you’re right.”
Hunter stretched out his arm. When I placed my hand in his, he pulled me close with one strong tug. I ended up seated sideways on his lap with my chest pressed against his.
The feel of his bare skin next to mine coupled with the hot, frothy water tickling my legs and feet was incredibly erotic.
Apparently it was having a similar effect on Hunter. In our current positions it was impossible to mistake his arousal. A thick erection pressed against my hip.
“Hi,” I said, suddenly breathless.
“Hi.” He stared at my face, a look of wonder in his eyes. “You are beautiful,” he whispered.
I smiled. “You too.”
The rearing pressure beneath me grew even more conspicuous. Raising my brows, I cast a pointed glance downward, and my smile widened.
Hunter huffed a laugh, licking his lips and looking away in apparent embarrassment. “Ignore it. It’s been happening around you my entire life. At this point my dick is accustomed to having high hopes that go nowhere.”
I leaned in and kissed him then pulled back enough to murmur against his mouth. “There’s a lot to be said for high hopes. I’ve always had a thing for optimists.”
There was a pronounced movement against my hip as his body reacted to my flirtatious tone and words, and a ripple of excitement went through me.
“Andyouapparently have a thing for tiny swimsuits,” I added.
He laughed. “Only when it comes to you. I knew there was no chance of getting you naked tonight, so I was going for the next best thing. Wish I could say I was sorry...” He glanced down at my cleavage. “...but I’m not.”
“No chance?” I lifted one brow and ran my fingers down his chest to the fascinating terrain of his firm, segmented abdomen. “What happened to the optimism?”
Both his eyebrows went up, and he tipped his head to one side. “Last night you said you never have sex on a first date.”
“I’ve never had a first date withyoubefore,” I clarified. Then I let my hand continue on its downward path.
The skin of his stomach was taut and silky smooth, except for a dusting of hair forming an intriguing path from his navel to the top of his trunks.
