As we reach the edge of the pool, gasping for breath and grinning from ear to ear, Leo's gaze meets mine once again. He leans against the pool's edge, his chest rising and falling with each labored breath. The water droplets that cling to his body catch the soft glow of the moonlight, making him appear ethereal, like a mythical creature emerging from the depths.
I can't help but admire the way his hair is tousled and his eyes sparkle with a playful glimmer. There's something about his raw masculinity that sends shivers down my spine. The competition between us has become intoxicating, fueled by an undeniable chemistry that crackles in the air.
"Looks like you're giving me a run for my money," Leo remarks, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
I smirk. "If there was money involved, I'd run you dry, Mr. Thompson."
Leo chuckles, a deep rumble that makes my insides quiver. "Careful what you wish for." He lifts his brow. "Call me Leo."
The smile drops, and so do my eyes. "I don't think that's a good idea, Mr. Thompson."
"Why not?" he asks. "I call you Charlie."
I open my mouth, ready to list the countless reasons why it would be a terrible idea, he holds his hand up.
"I tell you what... let's race for it." he insists with a cocky smirk.
The challenge hangs in the air, daring me to accept. My heart pounds in my chest, torn between caution and the thrilling possibility that lies before me. The intensity between us is palpable, crackling like electricity as we stand at the edge of the pool, locked in a silent battle of wills.
A smile dances on Leo's lips, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "If you win," he says, his voice velvety smooth, "you can call me Nr. Thompson all day long. But if I win..." He pauses for effect, his gaze burning into mine. "You'll have to call me by my first name every time we meet."
A flutter of anticipation runs through me as I consider his proposition. The stakes are high, but I can't resist the tempting challenge he presents. It's a daring game of seduction, a dance upon the edge of desire.
With a surge of determination, I nod and whisper, "Deal."
Without wasting a moment, Leo pushes himself away from me and propels forward. Cheater!
My heart races as Leo's form fades into the distance, his sleek figure cutting through the water like a torpedo. But I refuse to let his head start discourage me. Adrenaline courses through my veins, fueling my competitive spirit.
With a powerful kick, I launch myself forward, my body slicing through the water with grace and precision. Each stroke propels me closer to Leo, and the gap between us gradually narrows. The water glides effortlessly around me, caressing my skin in cool tendrils of liquid silk.
And when I touch down, I'm a few beautiful seconds in front of him. He doesn't even look disappointed.
"Better hide my wallet, I guess," he shakes his head with a smirk. "Charlie, call me Leo."
I catch my breath, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins as I grin triumphantly at Leo. The moonlight casts a silvery glow on both of us, highlighting the beads of water that cling to our bodies like liquid diamonds. Leo's eyes lock onto mine, a mixture of admiration and desire swirling within their depths.
"Leo," I breathe his name, savoring the way it rolls off my tongue. The sound feels intimate, a secret shared between us in this moment of victory. The air crackles with an electricity that is undeniable, drawing us closer, like magnets pulled together by an invisible force.
Leo steps towards me, his movements slow and deliberate. I can't tear my gaze away from him, captivated by the raw magnetism he exudes. His voice is low and husky when he speaks, sending shivers down my spine. "Was that so hard?"
18
CHARLIE
"Was that so hard?"
God, even his voice is attractive.
A realization washes over me, like a splash of cold water awakening my senses. This is not what I signed up for. I remind myself of the professionalism and boundaries that I swore to Debbie are in place between myself and my three wards. Giving in to the temptation would only complicate matters and jeopardize my job.
I shake my head, trying to clear my mind from the intoxicating allure of the moment. "Mr. Thompson, I..."
A flicker of regret passes through Leo's eyes as he registers my withdrawal. His smirk fades, replaced by a touch of disappointment.
"I should get ready for work." Turning around without another word, I lift myself out of the pool and grab a towel before hurrying away from him.
Unfortunately, I can't stop myself from looking back as the door closes. The deflated expression on his face tugs at my stomach, twisting it uncomfortably. This is exactly why those situations need to be avoided at all costs. Why am I being so reckless?