The sun blazed down on the community pool like it had a personal vendetta against anyone daring to step outside. The air was thick with the scent of chlorine and sunscreen, and the cacophony of screaming kids and gossiping moms was enough to make anyone crave a stiff drink. But I, Lila, wasn’t here for peace and quiet. At twenty-two, I knew exactly how to stir up a storm, and today, I was dressed for chaos in a barely-there red bikini that hugged every curve like a second skin. Heads turned as I strutted through the gate, my flip-flops slapping against the concrete, my hips swaying with the kind of confidence that could stop traffic. Let them stare. I was on a mission.
My eyes scanned the crowded pool deck, past the sunburned dads and the shrieking preteens, until they landed on my target. Marcus. Late forties, rugged as hell, with salt-and-pepper hair and a jawline that could cut glass if he ever bothered to shave. He was lounging by the pool’s edge in a pair of faded swim trunks, a beer in hand, pretending to be engrossed in the chaos around him. But I knew better. His eyes flicked up for half a second, catching mine before darting away. Oh, he’d noticed me. Game on.
I sauntered over, my stride deliberate, and plopped down on the chair right next to his with all the grace of a panther. As I “accidentally” kicked up a spray of water from the puddle nearby, a few cold droplets landed on his tanned arm. He flinched, his brow furrowing as he shot me a sidelong glance.
“Really?” he grumbled, wiping his arm with the back of his hand. “You trying to drown me before I even get in the water?”
I smirked, leaning back in the chair, my legs stretched out in front of me like I owned the damn place. “Oh, come on, grumpy old bear. You look like you need to cool off. That beer’s not doing the trick.”
Marcus snorted, taking a slow sip from his can, his eyes narrowing at me over the rim. “Old bear, huh? Watch it, kid. I’ve got claws.”
“Claws?” I laughed, sharp and teasing, as I stood up and stretched, arching my back just enough to make sure he noticed the way the sun glinted off my skin. “Sweetheart, you’re more like a teddy bear. All fluff, no fight.”
His gaze lingered a little too long on the curve of my hips, and I caught the faintest flush creeping up his neck. Gotcha. He cleared his throat, looking away as if the screaming kids in the shallow end were suddenly the most fascinating thing in the world.
“You’re trouble, aren’t you?” he muttered, almost to himself.
I flashed him a wicked grin, leaning down to pick up my towel, making sure he got a front-row view of my cleavage. “Oh, honey, you have no idea. Bet you’re too old to handle a real swim, though. Probably sink like a rock.”
His jaw tightened, and I could see the challenge spark in his dark eyes. “Is that so? Careful, little girl. I might just have to teach you a lesson.”
I laughed, tossing my hair over my shoulder as I stepped toward the pool’s edge. “Promises, promises. Come on, grandpa. Let’s see if you can keep up.” I batted my lashes mockingly, then dove into the water with a splash that sent waves rippling across the surface.
Marcus hesitated for half a second before setting his beer down with a grunt and following me in. The water was cool against my skin, a sharp contrast to the heat simmering in my veins as I watched him wade in, his broad shoulders cutting through the surface. I swam closer, “accidentally” brushing against him as I surfaced, my body pressing just close enough to feel the heat radiating off him.
“Oops,” I purred, my lips curling into a smirk as I floated in front of him. “Didn’t see you there. Guess you’re not as invisible as I thought, old man.”
He sputtered, wiping water from his face, his voice gruff. “You’re a damn menace. Anyone ever tell you that?”
“All the time,” I shot back, laughing as I splashed him again. “But you’re all bark and no bite, Marcus. Prove me wrong.”
His eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought I’d pushed too far. But then he smirked, a slow, dangerous curve of his lips that sent a thrill down my spine. “Fine. Let’s race to the deep end. Unless you’re scared of losing to this old bear.”
I threw my head back and laughed, the sound echoing across the pool. “Scared? Please. I’ll even give you a head start, grandpa. Don’t want you keeling over from the effort.”
We lined up, and at my signal, we took off. I could’ve smoked him—hell, I’m half his age and swim like a damn mermaid—but I slowed down just enough to let him pull ahead at the last second. When he touched the wall first, I surfaced with a dramatic gasp, splashing him square in the face.
“Wow,” I cackled, shaking water from my hair. “Didn’t think grandpas could swim that fast! I’m almost impressed.”
He growled, wiping his face again, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. “You let me win, didn’t you?”
I swam closer, my voice dropping to a sultry whisper as my hand grazed his arm under the water, my touch light but deliberate. “Maybe I did. Bet you can’t keep up with me out of the water either, though.”
His breath hitched, and I saw the way his jaw clenched, the way his eyes flicked down to my lips before snapping back up. Oh, he was hooked. I smirked, pulling myself out of the pool with a slow, deliberate motion, letting the water cascade down my body as I stood on the edge. I knew he was watching—hell, half the pool was probably watching—and I didn’t care. Let them gossip.
Grabbing my towel, I slung it over my shoulder and glanced back at Marcus, who was still treading water, his face flushed from more than just the swim. I crooked a finger at him, my tone commanding. “Don’t just stand there gawking, old man. Move it. I’m heading to the snack bar, and you’re buying.”
He muttered something under his breath—probably an excuse—but I cut him off with a sharp glare. “What, scared of a little fun? Come on, teddy bear. Don’t make me drag you.”
Reluctantly, he hauled himself out of the pool, water dripping from his frame as he grabbed his own towel and trailed after me like a puppy who’d just been scolded. I led the way to a quieter corner near the snack bar, the noise of the pool fading into the background as I leaned against the wall, biting my lip as I locked eyes with him. My mind was already racing with how far I could push him, right here in front of all these nosy pool-goers. Marcus didn’t stand a chance, and we both knew it.
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