Page 31 of The Princess and the Pizza Man

She perked right up, inching closer to him so they could have more privacy. But everyone was pretty occupied. Bells was still talking to Garreth over on the chaise lounges, and Michael had joined them. Alexis was busy at the bar, scribbling away in her notebook and chatting with the two people getting hammered. Ms. Vancouver was asleep on her own chaise lounge, sunglasses over her eyes even though they were inside. And everyone else was either splashing around or flirting in the pool or hot tub.

“We could have our own private dinner.” There was the tiniest bit of hesitance in her voice, so unlike her usual confidence. “Opportunity for some good conversation.”

“Yeah, that sounds good,” he said with a nod. He was up for a night away from that big table in the dining hall with assigned seating. He’d actually be able to have a conversation with Winter during a meal. Not that it was his priority.

She bit away a smile and looked down at the water again. “Um… and could you show up a little earlier? I want to show you something.”

“What?”

“I can’t tell you,” she said, knocking into his shoulder. “It’ll ruin the surprise.”

“What if I don’t like surprises?” he teased.

“Too bad. I’m surprising you anyway.” She stuck out her tongue, and the innocence of the action had Will’s heart pumping double time. He pressed a hand on her upper back, watching her eyes widen with shock, and he pushed her into the pool. A belly laugh rocked his core, and he tossed his head back. Winter came out of the water and grabbed his leg, giving him his just desserts. And for a good hour, Will’d forgotten all about wanting to get back to Alabama.

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