Page 69 of The Rookie

I should look away. I should shut this down.

But instead, I take in the man in front of me—Griffin, cocky and self-assured, water droplets sliding down his chest, his dark hair wet and messy, those damn bedroom eyes locked on mine like he knowsexactlywhat he’s doing to me.

He was right before. The only reason I haven’t jumped him yet isCassie.

Maybe it’s the booze. Maybe it’s the humid, spring break air thick with temptation.

But when I look up at him, I bite my lower lip and say, "Usually, I’m a red roses girl. But thosegreen leaveslook so pretty tonight."

The space between us vanishes.

Griffin’s hand slides up my back, under the water, fingers tracing the bare skin between my shoulder blades. He’s slow, deliberate, his touch just light enough to make me shiver.

“That so?” His voice drops an octave, his hand sliding lower, teasing the curve of my waist. "Good to know."

I suck in a breath, my entire body suddenly hyperaware of how close he is, how easy it would be to close the gap. His thumb strokes my skin, lazy and possessive, and I swear my brain short-circuits.

His smirk deepens, like he knows exactly how close I am to breaking.

A splash erupts behind us, and I jerk away, my head snapping toward Jake, who is now sputtering and laughing as Griffin grabs him, dunking him like they’re kids at summer camp.

I press a hand to my chest, trying to slow my racing pulse.

What the hell am I doing?

After splashing around for a while—with me doing my best to pretend my legs aren’t still trembling—we retreat to the hot tub nearby. Jake disappears and reappears with a four-pack of localbeer, passing them around while Kayla lounges in the bubbling water.

I take a sip, letting the heat from the water and the alcohol seep into me.

Griffin stretches an arm across the back of the hot tub, the tips of his fingers brushing against my bare shoulder.

I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. His expression is unreadable, but when our gazes meet, something dark and knowing flickers there.

“This is heaven,” Kayla sighs, sipping her drink. “You guys are lucky to have me. I bring all the fun.”

“You know, Kayla, you’re not wrong,” I say. “You’re a real blessing.”

“Speaking of fun…” Kayla’s tone shifts as she props herself up on her elbows, her eyes glinting mischievously. “Who’s ready for full freedom?”

Jake tilts his head. “What’s that mean?”

Kayla grins. “No swimsuits. All glory. Full freedom.”

I sit up straighter. “Kayla, no.”

“Yes!” she crows, already reaching behind her back to unhook her bra. “We’re in Mexico. We’re young. When are we ever going to do this again?”

“Literally never,” I say flatly, but Kayla’s not listening.

She shrugs out of her bra with zero shame, letting it sink beneath the water, followed quickly by her panties. “Free as a bird!”

Jake cheers, raising his beer. “Iconic.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. “This isn’t happening.”

“Oh, it’s happening,” Griffin says beside me, his voice low and teasing. “You heard her. Full freedom.”

I turn my head sharply, eyes narrowing. “Don’t even think about it.”

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