Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
“I could use one of those.” He smirked, and I shook my head, not disagreeing.
Once we looked at the bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms, where he of course had to test out one of the large, jetted tubs, we went downstairs to the high-tech kitchen.
“Look at that view,” he said, staring out at the lake. He wore a wistful, faraway expression, and it made me want to know what he dreamed about.
“Told you.” I nudged his shoulder. “Let’s go.”
After making sure the house was locked up tight, we walked along a path on the side of the property and down some steps to the waterfront. There was a grassy expanse, and then closer to the water, the beach looked more rocks than sand. So Portland.
“This is amazing,” Sky remarked as we strolled along the waterfront.
“I thought you might like it.” I was rewarded with a dazzling smile.
We walked along the rocks, then headed back toward the grassy area, and Skylar toed off his sneakers. I did the same, which didn’t make a lot of sense because I’d never do something like that on my own, but his enthusiasm was always contagious, even twelve years later. The grass felt lush between my toes, and I supposed that was the point. Taking time to smell the roses and all that.
Skylar threw me a wink over his shoulder, then started running across the lawn before ending in a perfect handspring.
I laughed as he lifted his arms in triumph, and I marveled that he’d pulled that stunt in tight jeans. Not that I’d really noticed how cute his buns were in them.
“I dare you,” he said, raising a challenging eyebrow.
“To do what?”
“Anything from our good old gymnastic days.”
“What do I get if I do it?” I asked, and my stomach felt all strange, either from the idea of performing a stunt I hadn’t tried in years, or because my voice sounded flirty even to my ears.
He motioned with his hand. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
I waffled, staring at the grass and considering how much room I had. God, why the hell was I acting like this was so hard? I searched my brain for stuff we used to do in class, and landed on something pretty basic. I lifted my arms and then just went for it.
Christ, I hadn’t done a stupid cartwheel in so long that as soon as I planted my feet on the grass, they slid out from under me and I crumpled to the ground. But somehow, I wasn’t even embarrassed. Okay, maybe a little. “Holy shit, I think I killed myself,” I wheezed.
But I was laughing and so was Sky as he appeared above me, then dropped to his knees, pretending to give me CPR with his hands on my chest. “I think you’ll live.”
I pointed an accusing finger. “If I threw my back out, it’s all your fault.”
“What are you, ninety?” He grinned. “If you take that Zumba class, how can you be so out of shape?”
I sat up and dusted the grass blades off my knees. “Are you making fun of me?”
“No way.” He sank down on his butt. “Your cartwheel was actually pretty good form.”
“Well, maybe with more practice,” I mused as we stared out at the water together. “By the way, where did you get those dance moves? I knew you were talented, but last night was something else.”
“Yeah?” He pressed his shoulder against mine, a goofy smile on his face. “I bet you’re a good dancer too, Mr. Zumba. You just won’t admit it.”
“I wouldn’t bet on it.” I stood and extended my hand to him. “C’mon, let’s take the scenic route home.”
15
Skylar
“We should grab an early dinner before going home,” I told Clark as he started driving. “Well, to your place.”
Clark frowned. “It’s your place too.”
“Well, whatever. You know what I mean. Also, I should fill my belly sooner rather than later. I need time between dinner and getting to work, otherwise people will see my food baby.”
A laugh jumped out of his mouth. “Your food baby? You’re ridiculous. I can’t imagine you ever looking like you have any kind of belly except a flat, muscular one.”
Don’t flirt with him, don’t flirt with him, don’t flirt with him.
So not going to happen.
“Mmm. How much time do you spend imagining what I look like naked? Though you got quite an eyeful last night.”
He sputtered, starting to speak several times before settling on, “Who said anything about naked?”
“Me, I guess. I like naked. Naked is fun.” I waggled my eyebrows playfully. His face was basically a tomato, which made me chuckle. “I’m kidding. Well, kinda kidding. I do like naked, but I don’t think you imagine me that way.”
“You just like to make me blush, don’t you?”
“I plead the fifth, on account that my reply will make me look like an asshole.”