Page 115 of Lucas

Michelle grins at him, and they head to the pool steps together, already deep in conversation.

Lucas grasps my arm, stopping me. “Maybe you should stay here?”

“Why?”

“Give them some privacy. Looks like she’s into him.” He jerks his chin toward where Michelle and Noah are standing thigh-deep in the water, laughing at something.

Michelle is standing on the steps, getting used to the water while Noah splashes her. He’s definitely into her, and it seems mutual. But the pool is big enough that I won’t be in their way.Lucas is making excuses, so I won’t be near his friend.

I like that he’s jealous, it makes me feel like he cares.

I study his blue eyes, trying to find a hint of his thoughts. “Where did you go this morning?”

“For a ride. Remember, I told you I ride every weekend. I left earlier than usual because I wanted to talk to my dad too before Noah and Kaleb got here.”

“And did you?”

“No, he wasn’t home. I’ll have to find another chance.”

“Something important?”

“Nothing you need to worry about.”

There he goes again, shutting me out. “What’s wrong?”

“Why do you think something’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because you’ve been acting weird lately?” Did he get more threats? Is he in danger? Fear floods me, cold and clammy.

“I’m not.”

I purse my lips. “I’m going for a swim.”

“I’m coming with you.” He strips off his shirt.

I shrug and head to the pool, Lucas trailing behind me.

I enter the cool water, gasping as the chill hits me, my nipples pebbling against the thin fabric of my top.

Lucas looks almost angry as he watches me wade in, and then he dives into the pool, swimming underwater to the opposite side.

I follow the shadow of his form. He emerges in one smooth motion and runs a hand through his hair, slicking it back. The muscles of his arm look almost delicious, glistening with water droplets.

Damn, my stomach clenches in response. I had no problem going a year without sex, and now barely a week since that morning on the car, and I’m horny and can’t control myself? What is it about this man that drives me out of my mind?

I look away, propping my arms on the edge of the pool. My shoulders sting a little. I guess falling asleep in the sun wasn’t the best idea.

Michelle swims over to me. “I need you to play along with me here, okay?”

I turn my head, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“I want to go out with Noah.”

“So, ask him out.” I kick my feet, floating on my stomach.

“I don’t want to seem desperate.”

“What do you want from me?”