“As if you’ve forgotten.”
I rolled my eyes as I positioned myself at the head of the pool. “I’m going to swim some laps now.”
“Yeah…to cool off.”
My tapered gaze panned to his. “I’m swimming to relax.”
He crossed his arms, pronouncing his well-defined biceps. “I thought reading relaxed you.”
“Well, that would’ve been an option…had you not stolen my book.”
“Oh, yeah.” He threaded his fingers through his damp blond hair and grinned. “It was good, too.”
My jaw slackened. “You read it? All of it?In three days?”
“What can I say? It was…engaging.” His smile made my core twitch. “And fucking eye-opening.”
“I highly doubt anything shocked you.”
“Are you kidding?” He massaged his jawline. “In chapter ten, when he used his tongue to—”
“Stop!” I held up my hand, not to stop him from ruining the story, but to stop his words from becoming my next fantasy.
“Oh, my apologies. You haven’t finished it yet. I can tell you what happens, if you want.” He stepped closer until his breath grazed my shoulder. “Or I could show you.”
“Argh,” I grunted before moving to the next diving block.
“Maybe I’ll underline my favorite passages.”
I blew out all the air from my lungs as I stepped onto the elevated platform. “You’re driving me crazy, Adam Harlow.”
He chuckled softly as I moved into position. “Likewise,Tiger.”
As the familiar pet name struck home, I dove into the water with a loud, embarrassing belly whack, never wanting to resurface.
After I had dinner with Finn through a video-call, Max knocked on my door to collect the dishes.
“Thank you, Max. That was delicious.”
“It’s a family favorite. Liam requests it every time the family visits.”
“I can see why.” I peeked into the hall. “Are they still downstairs?”
“I just took Liam back to his room, but the others are in the drawing room.”
“How is he feeling?”
“Extremely fatigued. Nora may need to speak to the doctor about increasing his pain medication again.”
I grimaced. “He’s not going to like that.” Liam wanted to stay coherent for as long as possible, so upping his meds was the last resort. “Perhaps I could do more Reiki. Liam always sleeps well after our sessions.”
Max peered up, hopeful. “If that’s possible…we’ve really exhausted every other avenue.”
“Of course. I can see him now if that helps.”
"Oh, Cassidy, would you? I know Liam gave you the evening off, but he’s very uncomfortable…even if he doesn’t say so.”
“Say no more. I’m here to help in any way I can.”