Page 45 of Reckless Hearts

My eyes adjust to the dim lighting, and I can make out her features, the contours of her face and neck above the water.

For one wild second, it’s like we’re fourteen again, climbing the fence rails with her chasing after us, shrieking about muddy boots and broken promises.

God, she used to love us so much it hurt.

My throat’s thick. I grunt, but it doesn’t clear my voice, rough like gravel as I say, “Couldn’t sleep. What’s your excuse?”

“Hmm. Same. If I’m honest, I don’t get much sleep.”

I don’t like the sound of that. I want to dig into her every thought until I know what’s bothering her.

We’d known each other better than anyone else once, but time’s built walls between us. Blank spaces I can’t fill.

Clearing my throat, I approach, heart racing with every step. Equal parts driven to get in and knowing it’s such a fucking bad idea.

Simping doesn’t begin to describe what I’ve been doing since she showed up.

Lusting. Gawking. Fantasizing.

I’m not sure how long I stare at her, but it’s long enough for her to laugh, amusement bubbling up.

“You coming in, or are you just going to keep staring?”

Thank God she can’t see my blush. She’d never let me live it down.

I grunt again, not trusting my voice, and close the distance.

All the things I absolutely should not be doing and getting in this tub with her is at the top of that list.

The air’s heavy with bad decisions and the lack of inhibitions.

So of course, I get in.

Hot water envelops me as I dunk myself, popping up and taking a spot across from her, as far away as possible.

The position also gives me the perfect view.

Her stretched-out arms support her on either side of the rim, head tilted back, neck exposed, vulnerable.

“Fuck me. Get your shit together before you creep her out,” I mutter under my breath.

“Did you say something?”

I could kiss the jets, loud enough to cover for me.

“Ah… just…” Shit. “Just bitching about my ride tonight.” Good save.

“I still can’t hear you.”

I go to repeat it louder but choke when she moves, sliding along the curved side until she’s right beside me.

“What was that?”

Her copper hair’s pulled up in a messy bun, strands escaping at her temples, curling with the humidity, perfectly framing her heart-shaped face.

She smiles brighter, lighting up the night, and soft giggles escape her plush lips, drawing my full attention.

“Are you laughing at me?” I ask, still unable to look away.

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