I laugh softly.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. What are you thinking?”
“You’re just doing that kettle thing again. Karen isn’t the only one in Piper’s life setting a bad example.”
His mouth drops open, but nothing comes out. Then, finally, he mutters, “Well, shit.” Then he shoots me a half grin. “That’s really your fault. If you’d just date me—”
“Uh-uh. So not working. I’ll talk to Piper. See if I can reach her.”
His smirk turns into a smile, and damn, the man has a killer smile. “Can’t ask for more than that.” He sighs and gets to his feet. “Except a break from this heat.”
He reaches back, fists his T-shirt, and drags it over his head.
The move surprises me, and the body he uncovers is completely distracting. “What are you doing?”
“Cooling off.”
I’m preoccupied by the sight of his wide shoulders and sleek abs when he starts working on the button and zipper of his pants.
“Wilde, don’t you dare get naked on my boat.”
“Don’t worry, I only get naked by invitation.”
But he’s still undressing, dropping his pants and stepping out of them. Now, in nothing but boxer briefs, the moonlight drifts over his skin, creating stunning hills and valleys of muscle. And, as always when I get this rare opportunity, my gaze follows his happy trail to the deep vee of his pelvis, all directing my eyes to a very appealing package.
Before I can tell him to put his clothes back on, he jumps off the deck and
pulls his knees to his chest just before he hits the water, dousing me with a cannonball splash. The cold water shocks me, and I gasp, then laugh.
When Xavier surfaces, he’s grinning like the devil, his smile gleaming in the dark, his hair slicked back. “Come in with me.”
I’m caught between annoyance and humor. When he comes closer to the dock, I roll to my knees, plant my hand on his head, and push him under. But before I can get away, Xavier grabs my wrist.
He comes up for air, laughing. “Girl, you ought to know better.”
And he pulls me in.
I tumble headfirst into the cold water with a shriek that’s cut off the second I submerge, and I’m laughing even before I break the surface and swim out of his reach.
He’s right. I really should have known better.
He’s grinning at me, and, God, he looks so happy. His boyish humor rolls back the years and I feel like a teenager with a crush.
I splash him. “You little shit.”
“You gotta admit, it feels nice.”
“I don’t gotta admit anything.” But it does feel like heaven. Except for the wet clothes weighing me down.
I kick to the platform and plant my hands on the deck. Before I can push up, Xavier tugs on the back of my sports bra.
“Leaving so soon?” he asks with mischief in his tone. He floats in behind me and wraps his arms around my body. Ecstasy shocks me, and I suck in a breath. He’s all long limbs and tight torso, and with my hands on the deck—the only thing keeping us afloat—I’m at a disadvantage. “Stay awhile.”
His chest presses against my back, and our legs tangle. The intimacy of the situation makes tension coil inside me. I need to create some distance, even if it’s only emotional distance.