I smile. "It suits you." I'd still prefer it on the floor.
"It was a gift from Tom. He has the same one. But in navy."
"Of course he does."
Ethan nods. He takes my clothes and places them in the shopping bag. Then his hands are my hips.
My skin burns from the touch.
He stares into my eyes, but he doesn't kiss me.
Ethan nods to the water. "Shall we?"
/> "You first."
"I have a strict policy." His voice drops to something low and seductive. "Ladies first."
My body screams yes.
My head is still hesitant.
I dip a toe into the water. It's heated but it's still cool. Okay, I can do this, and I can go first.
I press my hands together. "On three."
"Three, two-"
"You have to count up to three!"
He laughs. "Almost forgot who I was talking to. Okay. One, two, three."
No thinking here. I take a deep breath and I jump into the water.
The pool is deep enough for me to sink towards the bottom. It feels amazing being submerged, like the water is enveloping me in a hug.
Damn, I almost forgot how much I love swimming.
I do a few somersaults and spins then I surface. "Your turn."
"Fair is fair." He rubs his hands together, getting ready, then he does a cannonball. He laughs when he surfaces.
I grab my now soaking wet t-shirt and toss it onto the concrete.
"You're still part mermaid, huh?" he asks.
I nod.
He raises a brow. "Cali girl."
"Cali girls are blond and tan. I'm a pale-as-the-moon ginger."
"You're a gorgeous strawberry blond with a complexion to kill for." His breath gets heavy. He shakes it off. "You know how to surf and you used to work at a Jamba Juice. Cali girl."
"Agree to disagree."
He smiles as he shakes his head. "You owned Hollister jeans."
"That's a secret! You can't tell anyone. You'll ruin my reputation."