I try not to think about him.
With Dad at a business dinner and Mom playing Bunco with a group of neighborhood friends, I’m a lone, lonely, loner for the night. The house is quiet as a tomb. Sometimes it feels like it’s always been like this, but that’s not the case. Before Brianna died, light, happiness, and laughter had filled our home. No matter how much I want to change it, there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do. Mom and Dad drift through their lives on autopilot. Dad works at least eighty hours a week, and Mom fills her time with retail therapy.
I didn’t realize how lonely of an existence it had become until I went away to college and lived in the dorms. It took a while to get used to the constant commotion. Now, when I return home for breaks, I’m reminded of the loss all over again.
I shove those depressing thoughts from my head and grab a towel from the bathroom before heading next door. The moment I step outside, the hot air hits me like a wave. Even at nine o’clock at night, it feels like a sauna with the temperatures hovering in the upper eighties.
The water will feel so good! Unable to wait, I hasten my step. It’s not until I walk through the black iron gate that surrounds the Hollingsworth pool that my step falters and I realize the critical error that has been made.
Beck isn’t at school or on vacation with his parents.
He’s here.
Swimming.
Silently I watch as he pushes off the far end of the pool, arrowing gracefully through the water. My mouth dries as I track his movements. I hate the attraction that leaps to life inside me whenever I catch sight of him. It’s like a living, breathing entity. I’ve tried so hard to stomp it out, to deny its existence, but it refuses to be eradicated.
Luckily, Beck hasn’t caught sight of me. There’s still time to backtrack before he’s ever the wiser. Beck surfaces at the midway point of the pool before rising to his feet. As he straightens, he shakes the water from his dark hair. It scatters around him and the muscles in my belly contract as a burst of arousal explodes in my core.
Every time.
It’s like this every damn time I see him.
I hate it.
Even more, I hate that he’s the only one capable of making me feel this way.
His eyelids lift as his attention fastens on me. It’s like he knew I was watching him.
Which is impossible…
But that’s exactly how it feels.
A slow smirk curves his lips. It’s like a punch to my gut.
“I was wondering if I’d ever see you again.” There’s a pause. “Seems like you’ve been avoiding me.”
He doesn’t realize how right he is.
Or maybe he does.
The way his gaze rakes over my body is like a physical caress. One that leaves me restless and fidgeting beneath the heaviness of it. Even though I’m wearing a cover-up that reaches mid-thigh, Beck has the rare ability to make me feel like I’m standing before him naked. It’s disconcerting.
It serves as a reminder as to how dangerous this guy can be.
Toxic, really.
I won’t try to fool myself into believing that Beck isn’t my Kryptonite. I spent years trying to do that. There’s no point.
“You’re looking good, Mia.”
His deep tone sends a fresh wave of nerves cascading over my bare flesh.
When I fail to respond, he continues. “How’s your summer going?”
“It’s good.” My gaze stays locked on him. It’s like I can’t look away.
Why does he have to be so damn hot?
Twenty-one-year-old Beck blows eighteen-year-old Beck clear out of the water. It’s like they’re not even the same guy. Everything about him is bigger, broader, more finely sculpted. It’s doubtful I could wrap both hands around one bicep.
“Have you been playing a lot of tennis?”
I’m definitely starting to salivate.
Did he ask me a question?
It takes a moment for my mind to play mental catchup. I clear my throat as my eyes skitter away. “A bit.”
When he chuckles, my attention returns to him. The sound strums something inside me.
His teeth flash in the darkness. “Dad tells me you’ve been interning at the office.”
My head bobs in relief at the innocuous conversation. “Yup, I’ve been working full time.”
“I’m sure that’s been keeping you out of trouble.”
I snort as my muscles lose their rigidity. “I’ve never been known for my antics like some people.”
A slow-moving grin overtakes his face. An answering ribbon of attraction curls in the pit of my belly. Nope. Not even gonna go there. This seems like the perfect time to take off.
I point to the gate. “I’m going to—”
“Leave?” He pops a brow. “So soon? Didn’t you come here to swim?”
I shake my head, but he doesn’t seem to be buying it.
“Really? Aren’t you wearing a suit?” There’s a pause. “And isn’t that a towel in your hand?”