Page 18 of Entwined with My Best Friend's Brother

This is precisely what I need. I stay in the water for ten more minutes before pulling myself up and sitting on the pool's edge.

Raising a hand to pull back my wet hair from my eyes, I notice I need a cut when I detect movement from the corner of my eyes.

Snapping my attention to the side, I don't know what to make of the situation – Jen lounges on one of the chairs, a laptop open on her lap, her clothes somewhat innocent and suggestive at the same time. I don't know what to make of her heated gaze on my body, but it excites me, "How long have you been there, Hart?"

Seeming as if snapping out of deep contemplation, her glassy-eyed gaze meets mine. Her flustered expression only makes me assume she has been thinking unholy thoughts.

I can't help grinning, and she finally stutters, "W-what are you grinning about? I wasn't staring at you."

Well, that answers many of the questions I need answers to. I feel my grin growing despite my conscious effort at trying to keep it under control.

Her eyes widen, seeming to realize she has said something completely unnecessary. She returns to work on her computer, "I need to get back to work if you excuse me now."

Standing up, I pick up my towel from the lounge chair, but instead of lying down there, I move to lie on the one nearest Jen. I can feel her shoulders tensing, her fingers pausing on the keyboard as her gaze only focuses on one screen point. I feel almost bad, but not completely.

After her thoughts have kept me up the whole night, I want some retribution. Realizing she is as affected by my proximity as I am by hers makes me feel a sense of accomplishment.

Rubbing my hair with the towel, "So, working near the pool instead of diving into one? Quite dedicated, aren't you?"

Her trembling fingers over the keyboard contrast how her irritated gaze snaps at me as she almost snarls, "What about you? Aren't you busy as the owner of the Hale security firm? What are you doing swimming like that in the morning?"

I turn to face her, suddenly interested, my arms behind my head, my body relaxed on the lounge chair, "Swimming like what?"

Her response comes with flushed cheeks, unfocused eyes, and a stutter, "Ca-can't you sit up straight?"

Charmed and excited, I want to tease her more, but she seems more aware of me since last night. So, I pity her and sit straight, deciding not to tease her anymore, "So when's the little guy going to wake up?"

Her demeanor is calmer than before, and her fingers no longer tremble as she types fast on her laptop, "Well, he will be up before noon. Probably around 10am. Why do you ask?"

Taking a magazine from the side table, I leisurely answer, "He seemed excited about swimming in the pool. So, I'm considering waiting for him and maybe having a little barbeque party."

She turns, her expression unusual, "You don't have to do that, you know?"

I stare back at her, confused, "Do what?"

She pointed out, "You know."

I shake my head, still confused, "I don't know."

She seems to have some difficulty getting her words out, making me more determined to have her talk to me, "Tell me."

She starts, "Well, you must have better things to do with your time. You don't have to spend time playing with a child you don't know."

Displeased yet again, she has set her opinions about me, "And when did I say I had better things to do with my time?"

Stumbling over her words, "You didn't, but sometimes people feel obligated to do something they don't have to."

I lean back, disgruntled, "So count me out of that number of people. I do what I want to. Not what other people want me to."

An awkward silence follows, and I am almost about to get up when her voice breaks the tranquil silence, "I'm sorry."

Her apology makes me silent as she continues, "It's just… That's how it's been, you know, since my husband died. Everyone felt obligated to spend time with Cale, but they got tired of it quickly. I mean, I am not blaming them. After all, children are tiring, but it always hurts him, you know? When they start distancing themselves from him."

Well, that puts things into perspective and makes me feel a little guilty about making things center around me, "I see. I'm sorry then."

She smiles back, "You don't have to be sorry. You haven't done anything."

Her smile seems to mask her grief. And I can't help but be curious, "Can I ask something?"

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