I walk around the edge of the pool and look for a spot to lay ou
t the blanket to sit on for our lunch. Hopefully, she won’t want to swim first. Maybe I can convince her to eat and then wait for twenty minutes because of the whole stomach cramp thing. I know it’s a myth, but perhaps I can stall for as long as possible.
Looking back, I see Sierra pulling off her top and dropping her shorts, revealing the same style of string bikini I saw on her that day we first met. Only, it’s a bright purple color, and she makes it look magnificent next to her hair and skin.
All the important bits are covered, but only just. The thin layer of purple could disappear with a single tug of that string.
And everything about Sierra conspires to tug away at the layers that have protected me from giving in to temptation.
I’m not a religious man, but I’m praying to the island gods for help now.
Even worse than silence, I picture their response to be nothing but knowing laughter.
Fuckers.
Chapter Eight
Sierra
“Come on in; the water’s fine.”
The whole place is so perfect I might never leave. The rock sediment gives the water a magical, bluish-white look—the walls of the cavern sparkle with it. I feel as if I’m in some secret hidden dragon’s lair.
Austin’s having trouble looking at me. “I didn’t bring my trunks. I’ve been down here so many times; I’m sort of over it.”
I splash him playfully from where I tread water. “Jaded much?”
“I’m probably not as charming as the kind of guys you’re used to. Sorry about that,” he says.
His eyes dart everywhere except to me, and I have to work hard not to grab him and pull him into the water.
“You could just skinny dip if you want. I won’t tell anyone.”
I could be mistaken, but I think I see his lip twitch, and a flush of pink crawl across his neck. I wish he would look at me with those clear blue eyes. I also kind of want to rub that short-short crop of hair on his head. He’s all lean muscle, and despite him mocking himself for his aging body, there’s not an ounce of fat on him or any sign that he’s less a man than he used to be. Not that I knew the man before. I wish I had. I like talking to him.
And I did promise Jax I would get good and reckless.
I smile up at Austin mischievously and I dive underwater, swimming across to the other side and back again.
“It’s okay if you don’t like my company. I don’t mind swimming alone,” I say. Okay, I admit; I’m laying it on pretty thick.
But it works.
Austin makes a strange noise from somewhere deep in his chest. “All right, turn around.”
I’m thrilled and surprised, so of course, I do as he says. I swivel and face the far wall and listen.
“No peeking,” he orders.
“I would never,” I say, chuckling. Though in my mind, I’ve got a complete picture of those shorts sliding down his legs, and I feel a twinge of need between mine.
I don’t turn to look until I hear the splash.
“Told you it was nice!”
If I thought he looked sexy and outdoorsy before, Austin soaking wet only enhances all of that by a thousand.
I watch as he glides through the water, cutting through it smoothly like a sea lion. “Are you part merman?” I laugh. “You look like freaking Aquaman in the water. I look like Ursula.”