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“Let’s do it again,” I tell him, already stepping back into the deep, wanting to perfect it.

“Let’s go.” Grinning, he follows me back to the deep, and I try again. This time, I’m not as successful, so we try a third, then a fourth time, each time with different levels of success.

“Let’s take a break. You’re getting tired,” he says, before grabbing my hand and pulling me to him. “Wrap your legs around me.” He walks out deeper, still able to touch the bottom, but I have no chance. So I do as he said and wrap my legs around him, his hands immediately cupping my ass and pulling me against him tight.

“It’s really nice down here,” I say, feeling relaxed in his hold, enjoying the serenity.

“It is.” His eyes meet mine, and he smiles, then his gaze drops to my neck. “Tell me about this necklace. I see that you wear it every day.”

I immediately look down and grab the small daisy chain that lies around my neck.

“It was my mother’s. She made it when she was younger and passed it on to me when I turned twenty-one. I never take it off.” Twisting the daisy between my fingers, I smile, thinking of my mom.

“Like a family heirloom of sorts?”

“Of sorts. How often do you come swimming here?” I ask him, changing the subject back to our location, the peacefulness of the springs now something I fully take in. I’m not sure where the local kids are. Maybe it’s still too early for them.

“Hardly ever. I’m usually too busy. I can’t remember the last time I was down here for a swim,” he says, and I frown.

“So, what, you don’t usually dance and you don’t usually swim? Why the change of heart?” I ask curiously.

“It’s all you. You make me do things I haven't done in forever, reminding me how good they are, and how much better they are with someone you enjoy spending time with.” As he looks at me intently, I can hardly breathe.

“Oh…” is all I can get out, not expecting his honesty.

“You’re making me do all kinds of things that I wouldn’t ordinarily do, Daise. I’m starting to think maybe you’ve been drugging me with your tea?” he says, grinning, and I bark out a laugh.

“No, not yet,” I tease, making him chuckle. I lean into him and take a deep breath as I look around.

“What are you thinking about, baby girl? Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours,” he asks as we bob around in the peace and quiet, my legs wrapped around him, his hand running up and down my back.

“I’m thinking of my mom’s dahl. Tomorrow is Sunday. I usually visit them every Sunday and she makes me dahl,” I say on a sigh.

“You miss your family?” he asks, frowning like it never occurred to him.

“Yeah. I know it sounds silly. I mean, it’s only been a few weeks, but we’re close, and I haven’t really been away from them for a long time before.”

“Well, do you want to go? We could fly out this afternoon. I need to go to New York for a few things this week anyway, and I’m sure whatever you need to do with the spa can be done remotely for a few days,” he says, like it’s a trip into town to do some groceries, not hopping on a private jet at a moment's notice and spending time in the city together.

I pause, thinking about it. Mentally going through my project plan, trying to remember what I have on this week.

“I could probably make it work for a few days. I just want to be back midweek so I can do the next training with the new staff,” I tell him, not quite believing what we’re talking about, but excitement bubbles in my tummy. I really want to check on my parents, and I want to talk to Mom about a few new tea recipes that I’m putting together for the spa menu with the chef from the distillery.

“Great, we can leave later this afternoon. Stay at my penthouse on Madison Avenue.”

“Penthouse?” I question, eyes wide, and a smirk quirks his lips.

“Well, I can’t make you scream every night when you have a roommate down the hall, but if you prefer to have me at your place, then I will do my best to swallow your moans, baby girl.”

I feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience.

Is this happening? Is one of the wealthiest bachelors in the country flying me home to see my parents and wanting me to spend time with him in the city?

“What do you say?” he asks, always wanting my approval before he moves forward with anything. It means a lot to me every time.

“I think that sounds like a great idea,” I tell him, grinning, still not believing any of this is real, but going with it. I want to spend more time with him, even though I only have a few more weeks left here in Whispers. Here’s to hoping I can keep my heart from getting too carried away…

“Good.” Leaning forward, he seals the trip with a kiss.