Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
“Holden!” I scream, scrambling away from the edge, but his hand grips my ankle, keeping me in place.
“Relax, it’s only water,” he says. One of my feet is planted on the deck of the pool, the other still in his hand. When he realizes that he’s still holding on to me, he drops my ankle and pushes his dark, wet hair back off his forehead. Holden is gorgeous. Anyone with eyes would agree. But I have to admit that right now, all wet and shirtless, he’s looking extra tempting. Or maybe that’s just the combination of alcohol and a bruised ego talking.
He clears his throat, and I avert my eyes, trying to look anywhere else. “See something you like?”
I roll my eyes, but before I can respond, my phone lights up and buzzes with another text. I see Holden’s eyes zero in on it, and at the same instant, he’s lunging forward. I lunge at the same time, but he’s quicker, his baseball mitt of a hand landing on my phone a nanosecond before mine.
“Give it back.”
He holds my phone out of reach, backing farther away.
“Come and get it,” he taunts.
I don’t move an inch. “I’m not playing your little games,” I say, aiming for nonchalant, as if my heart isn’t beating a thousand miles an hour at the thought of him seeing more of Liam’s texts.
As if on cue, another text comes through.
“Suit yourself,” Holden says, finally looking at the screen.
“Fine!” I shout, unable to hide the slight hint of panic in my tone as I push myself to my feet. Deciding to take charge of the situation, I pull the hem of my uniform top up and over my head, effectively distracting him from whatever vile words are sure to be on the phone’s screen.
I chance a quick glance at him to gauge his reaction, and the look in his eyes makes me hesitate. The mood shifts, his playful demeanor gone. His smile slips, his eyes filling with a mixture of surprise and something that looks a lot like desire. Before I can lose my nerve, I reach behind me to unzip my skirt, then shove it down my hips and let it fall to pool at my feet. Stepping out of the puddle of clothes, I nudge them to the side with my foot.
Of all the ways tonight could have ended, I’d have never guessed that I’d end up standing in front of Holden Ames’ pool, wearing nothing but a baby blue bra and matching underwear. I really need to reevaluate my life choices. Taking a deep breath, I lift my chin and make my way toward the stairs that lead into the pool. Holden’s eyes rake over my body appreciatively, but for once, he has nothing to say.
I’ll consider that a win.
“Last chance.” I try one more time, knowing it’s in vain, holding my hand out.
“Or what? You’re going to come in here and press those gorgeous tits against me?”
Spoke too soon.
“I was thinking more along the lines of putting my foot up your ass.”
“Kinky.” He wiggles his eyebrows, not missing a beat.
“You’re gross.”
“So you keep telling me.”
Approaching the entrance of the pool, I curl my fingers around the cool metal handrail before stepping inside. The water is warm, but it still sends goosebumps fluttering up my body. I fight the urge to cover my nipples that I’m sure are making their presence known right about now. But to Holden’s credit, he doesn’t even look. That much. Okay, he’s totally looking.
“Okay, I’m in. Happy?”
“Titillated.”
I force myself not to crack a smile at his pun and keep my annoyed expression in place. “My phone,” I remind him.
“I said come and get it. So come…and get it.”
Everything’s an innuendo with this guy. I roll my eyes, and he gives a satisfied grin, knowing he’s won.
As I wade toward him through the water, I know I’m going to regret this.
Holden
I immediately regret this decision. I thought I was winning this battle of wills by getting her in the pool, but it turns out, the sight of Valen gliding through the water, her tits jiggling with each step, only serves to torture me. Thankfully, I kept my boxers on for her sake because my dick has been hard since the second she took me by surprise and pulled her shirt off. I didn’t think she’d call my bluff, but fuck if I’m complaining. She’s not bashful, not about her body at least. She’s confident in that department. But there’s a hint of shyness in her eyes. Or maybe it’s hesitation that I’m sensing. But all that’s gone the instant she gets within arm’s reach.
Valen straightens her shoulders, pinning me with that take-no-bullshit gaze of hers, silently demanding I give the phone back. I almost do, but what fun would that be? When she realizes