Page 11 of Like First Love, Again

“Mia, I can’t just get in the pool in the middle of the day,” Tori said, with something of a flustered laugh. “Idohave other work to do.”

“Did you just categorize me as work?” Mia rested her hands on her hips where the water lapped against her skin, electrified when Tori’s attention followed.

Tori’s gaze snapped back to her face. “You asked me to help you sell this place. That’s what I came over to do.”

Tori was trying to use some professional version of her voice, but it didn’t work on Mia. Beneath the nice clothes and polished exterior, Mia still sawherTori. Still saw the girl who would have totally jumped in the pool by now.

“How about this… Get in the pool. Just for a little bit. Then we can do whatever is in your little folder,” Mia offered reasonably.

Tori’s laugh returned with exhilarating gusto. “Are you kidding? How are you trying to make this sound like you’re doing me a favor while getting what you want?”

Mia grinned. “It’s a skill.”

“What am I getting in this exchange?” Tori crossed her arms over her chest.

“A break? A nice moment of relaxation?” Mia suggested with her best sales pitch.

“I’m not getting in,” Tori finally said, but Mia was sure she’d already caved.

Challenge accepted, Mia waded toward the steps. “I think you’ve forgotten how far I’m willing to go when I commit.”

Tori walked backwards, away from her like she was a knife-wielding slasher. “You’re not going to throw me in.”

“Telling me what to do now?” Mia was careful to stay far enough from Tori’s shoes not to drip water on them. “Looks like you’ve got two choices. The easy way or the hard way.”

Tori’s eyes were so bright they were blinding. “Threats, Mia? Seriously?” She laughed before putting a chaise lounge between them. “Why the hell are you obsessed with me getting into the damn pool?”

Mia’s favorite moments were spent in and around the pool with Tori. The desire to go back for just a few minutes was overwhelming. But how could she possibly put that into words without sounding desperately pathetic?

“Why are you so against it?” Mia returned the question before stepping around the lounger.

“You can’t just pose the same question back to me,” Tori nearly shrieked before leaping over the lounger and seeking refuge near the French door. Hands out in front of her instead of reaching for the handle, Tori’s tanned cheeks were so bright when she laughed.

It was childish, Mia knew, to literally chase a grown woman around her backyard. But she couldn’t remember the last time she felt so happy. So light. So connected to her own body. A body she didn’t hate just then. And Tori was playing along. She could’ve just gone inside. Could’ve put an end to the ridiculous game. But she stayed and indulged her instead.

“Are you getting in, or am I going to have to throw you over my shoulder like a caveman?” Mia crossed her arms.

“You’re really not going to drop this?” Tori was already stepping out of her shoes.

“I’m relentless,” Mia admitted, grinning with the joy of victory.

“I’ll put my feet in, but I’m not wetting my hair,” Tori said, like Mia wouldn’t happily lap up whatever she offered.

Mia beamed and took a step back. “Deal.”

“Now you think you’re going to sell me on this being a win-win situation?” Tori’s grin made her dimples cut so deep into her cheeks that Mia couldn’t force herself to look away.

“Isn’t it though?” Mia’s voice was too low. Too soft.

Pulse slamming against her throat like it was trying to storm a medieval castle, Mia had to take a few deep breaths to gather herself. It was from running around like a toddler, she told herself. Why else would she be on the verge of panting?

Mia was back in the pool with the water up to her chest when Tori returned barefoot with her pants rolled up to her muscular calves. Suddenly very aware that she hadn’t been to the gym ina decade, Mia resisted the urge to change into shapeless joggers and a hoodie.

“You’re a brat, you know that?” Tori sat, feet dangling in the pool.

Tori’s eyes were fractured honey in the direct sunlight. Shards of deep brown and slivers of burnt umber. She kept them fixed on her until Mia stopped inches away.

“You’re already so close.” Mia held out her hand. “Why not go all the way?”

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