Page 9 of V-Day Daddy Stalker

I shake my head, water rippling around my waist. “I try…” I trail off, letting the implication hang in the warm air between us.

She nods slowly, pushing off the wall so she drifts nearer. “You’ve definitely got the muscles to showcase all of your hard work.” She blushes, and I swim closer.

My pulse slams in my ears. I’m hyperaware of everything—her breathing, the sheen of water on her shoulders, the slight flush coloring her cheeks. The tension crackles, and for a moment, I consider backing away, giving us both space. But I can’t bring myself to move.

“How’s school?” I ask, my voice coming out more husky than intended. I lean my arms on the edge of the pool to steady myself. “Classes going well?”

She shrugs, swimming a small circle around me, the gentle waves lapping at my chest. “Yeah, they’re fine. Tough, but manageable. I like it more than I expected. It’s different being on my own, but I’m figuring it out.”

I nod. “I’m glad to hear that.” I shift my stance, torn between wanting to put some distance between us and wanting to be closer. “Any, uh… new experiences you’re enjoying there?” My words come out awkward, but I’m trying to keep the conversation safe.

Sienna arches an eyebrow, pausing in front of me. “Plenty. You know, the usual college stuff—late-night studying, cheap pizza, crazy dorm neighbors.” A wry smile tugs at her lips. “Nothing too wild, though. I told you, I’m a bit of a nerd.”

“I don’t buy that,” I say softly, and her cheeks darken. “You’re too… vibrant to be just a nerd.”

Her laughter rings out, sending a pleasant thrill through me. “Vibrant, huh? That’s one I haven’t heard before.”

I risk a small smile. “Call it an observation.” My gaze flicks to the house, the windows like watchful eyes. But the only presence here is ours—and the tension. “What about your social life? Any new friends?”

She cocks her head. “Like I told you before, no.” She smiles. “However, you must date a lot.”

I straighten, inhaling. The pool water laps against my torso, but my entire body feels heated from within. “Not for a while,” I confess, deciding honesty is better than any half-truth. “I’ve been… busy. And, frankly, no one’s really caught my interest.”

“Really?” She swims a little closer, to where I can see individual droplets on her lashes. “I mean, you’re a good-looking guy. Successful. I bet women throw themselves at you.”

A wry smile twists my lips. “Maybe. But it doesn’t mean I want them. I haven’t found someone who… grabs me.” The words hang in the air, thick with subtext. I clear my throat, wanting to backtrack. “Anyway, it’s not exactly top priority. Work keeps me occupied.”

Sienna drifts nearer until she’s close enough that I catch a faint hint of her shampoo, something fresh and sweet. My heart pounds so loud I’m certain she can hear it. We’re treading a razor-thin line here, but I can’t pull away.

“I guess we both have that in common,” she says softly, trailing one hand through the water. Her eyes flick to mine. “I’m so wrapped up in school, and you’re so wrapped up in business… we’re just two busy people. Right?”

“Right,” I echo, my voice husky. For a moment, neither of us speaks. The backyard seems more still than ever, as if time is pausing just for us.

She turns slightly, resting one elbow on the pool ledge and looking up at me through dark lashes. “So, you’re in boxers.”

I let out a short laugh, nerves rattling inside me. “Indeed, I am. I didn’t exactly bring a swimsuit.” I glance down at the black cotton clinging to my thighs. It’s not exactly the most modest, but I suppose we’re past that.

Her gaze sweeps over me, lingering on my chest, then darting away. My entire body tingles under her scrutiny, a mix of thrill and caution. “Well,” she says, voice light, “they’re definitely not waterproof.”

I can’t help a low chuckle. “They’ll do in a pinch.”

She dips under the water for a second, and when she surfaces, her hair is slicked back, droplets clinging to her neck. I watch, transfixed, as she wipes water from her eyes. This is crazy. I know it. But I can’t tear myself away. Every inch of me wants to move closer, to see how she’d react if I brushed my hand against hers under the water.

“So,” she says, swallowing audibly, “did you really come here just to drop off paperwork?”

Her question hangs like a challenge. The honest answer is far more complicated than I can admit. I rake a hand through my wet hair, searching for composure. “I thought I would, yes. But then I realized your dad was gone, and… well, I saw you out here by yourself. I wanted to say hello.”

The water gently ripples between us, and I see the slightest smile tug at her lips. “Hi,” she says, her tone soft and teasing all at once.

“Hi,” I whisper back.

A rush of awareness floods me. We’re standing far too close; if anyone saw us like this, questions would be asked. But right now, I can’t think about anything except the softness in her gaze, the curve of her mouth, the way her body moves in the water.

I close the distance, pulling her to me, feeling the warm press of her skin. My chest tightens, torn between the urge and the knowledge that it crosses every possible line. I no longer care. I kiss her. I fucking kiss her like I’ve never kissed anyone before in my life.

My tongue pushes at her lips, and she moans as she opens her mouth for me. I swallow it down, my hands resting on her thin hips.She’s fucking incredible.

My cock hardens, pressing against her stomach as I explore her mouth with my tongue. My hands move over her body, caressing through her wet hair. “You’re stunning,” I tell her between kisses.

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