Page 19 of Her Billionaire Bossholes

"So, which one is your favorite?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

Charlie taps her index finger against her lips, contemplating her answer. "Hmm, it's hard to pick just one. But if I had to choose... I'd say it's a tie between Machu Picchu and the Northern Lights."

I nod in understanding, my mind already wandering to those incredible sights.Damn, she's cute. "Anyway... why are you up this early?"

Charlie takes a slow sip from her mug, the steam rising in thin tendrils around her face. Her lips curl into a playful smile as she continues to leaf through her magazine. "Well," she begins, her voice slightly husky with a hint of mischief, "I was actually planning to go for a quick swim before the day starts."

My heart skips a beat at the image that forms in my mind. Charlie, wet and glistening in the morning sun, her bronzed skin glowing with droplets of water. The vivid image sends a surge of desire coursing through my veins, and I struggle to maintain composure.

"That sounds like a great idea," I respond, my voice betraying a hint of excitement. "Mind if I join you?"

Charlie looks up from her magazine, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly as she sizes me up. She takes another leisurely sip of her coffee, seemingly contemplating my request.

Finally, she shrugs nonchalantly. "Sure. If you think you can keep up."

I laugh, taking her words as a challenge. "Oh, you have no idea what I'm capable of," I reply confidently, mustering up my best poker face.

She tilts her head, apparently sizing me up with a more serious tone. "We'll see about that."

17

CHARLIE

Ipush the door open to the indoor pool and ask myself, "What the hell are you doing, Charlie?"

Debbie's words have gotten to me. She planted the seed, the impossible seed that any one of these men could possess one shred of attraction for me. I'm supposed to stop flirting, not up the ante. As I lower myself into the pool, submerging my body in the gentle embrace of the water, I allow its soothing properties to calm my racing thoughts.

But, hell, wouldn't it be nice?

A surge of longing courses through me, tempting me to throw caution to the wind. What if I give in? What if I felt the touch of a man... a real man, powerful and capable... My pulse quickens as I contemplate the risks, the potential chaos that may ensue.

If any one of them could handle a woman like me. I'm no walk in the park.

"I'm being ridiculous," I decide with a scoff, sinking below the

surface.

But he looked delicious when he walked in, sweaty and flushed. Must've just gotten back from a run.

A man who exercises in the morning? If I wasn't already soaking wet...

I resurface, my chest heaving as I catch my breath, and there he is, standing at the edge of the pool. Leo. The sight of him shirtless sends a jolt of electricity coursing through me, igniting a fire deep within my core. Drops of water cling to his chiseled chest, glistening in the soft glow of the pool's lights. His muscles ripple beneath his tanned skin, hinting at the strength that lies beneath.

My heart races as our eyes meet, and for a moment, time stands still. His gaze is intense, piercing through me with a mix of curiosity and desire. As if he can see into the depths of my soul and unravel all my hidden desires. I feel exposed, vulnerable under his scrutiny.

"How's the water?" he hums questioningly.

"Nice and cool," I reply. "Sure you can keep up?"

Leo chuckles, his laughter echoing off the walls of the pool. The sound is infectious, reaching deep into my chest and stirring a warmth within me. It's a laugh that says he's up for the challenge, that he's ready to push himself to the limit. And damn, it's sexy as hell.

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Leo steps forward and dives into the pool with practiced grace. The water parts around him, creating a small explosion of droplets that shimmer like diamonds in the air. He resurfaces a few feet away from me, his wet hair slicked back, emphasizing his sharp features.

I feel the corners of my lips curl into a smirk of my own. Challenge accepted.

With a burst of energy, I launch myself forward, propelling through the water with powerful strokes. The water parts effortlessly around me as I glide through its depths, feeling weightless and free. I can hear Leo's laughter echoing behind me as he chases after me, his strokes swift and strong.

We race from one end of the pool to the other, our bodies moving in perfect synchrony. The water envelops us like a second skin, amplifying every sensation. The splashes and ripples we create add to the symphony of our joyous laughter.

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