Chapter 28

Adam

Istir from my slumber, my mind still tangled in the remnants of a vivid dream. Images of Evie dance through my subconscious, leaving an indelible mark that clings to my waking thoughts. I rub my eyes and the faint sound of splashing water jolts me from my sleepy haze.

Confused, I glance at my phone. 7:47 blinks back at me. Someone is in my pool.

Maybe it's the neighbor's dog again, that collie who always finds his way into my yard.

Careful not to wake Evie, I tread softly down the hallway, pausing outside the closed guestroom door. The urge to see her is overwhelming.

Since setting eyes on Evie at Yosemite Sam's, I can"t shake thoughts of her. She"s distinctly feminine, with a kind soul. Add to that, athletic, funny, and uniquely alluring—the kind of woman I"ve always envisioned being with.

Getting to know her over the last couple of days has been a delight, but I"m no fool. She has a life in New York, grown sons, and a career.

Silence from her room tells me she"s still fast asleep.

I step outside onto the patio and come to a full stop. Evie is floating blissfully in the swimming pool, her eyes closed. Illuminated by the soft morning light, she looks like an angel. In pink lacy underwear.

I"m momentarily speechless, unable to tear my gaze away from her. My heart quickens. I"ve been dreaming of her, and now, here she is, leaving me in awe of her carefree spirit.

Approaching the poolside, I take in her toned arms and long legs. I could walk away, and she"d never know I was here.

But where"s the fun in that?

"Good morning," I say softly, so as not to startle her.

Evie's eyes pop open, her cheeks flushed as she crosses her arms across her chest. In doing so, her legs descend, and she begins treading water.

"Sorry, I couldn"t resist," she says, quickly recovering, her voice carrying a hint of playful innocence and perhaps a dare.

Is she flirting with me?

I too can"t resist and in one swift motion, I strip off my t-shirt and dive into the pool, creating a splash that mingles with her surprised laughter.

I resurface, water cascading down my chest and close the distance between us.

Our eyes lock, the connection crackling in the air, sparking a fire deep in my gut. At this proximity, all I can focus on are her full, wet lips.

My self-control evaporates and I reach for her. Her eyes widen, her mouth forming a delightful, inviting smile.

And then something hits my forehead.

In an instant, large droplets pelt the water's surface, followed by a crack of thunder. Startled, Evie breaks away, swimming to the edge of the pool. The spell is shattered.

I follow her, shivering more from excitement than cold. The absurdity of the timing hits me, and I can't help but laugh. Together, we scramble back to the house, the two of us dripping wet, leaving puddles on the wood planks.

As Evie runs to the guestroom, her laughter trailing behind, it dawns on me that something powerful and exhilarating has shifted between us.

I have every intention of exploring it.