Page 87 of Darlin'

"Really? If you want to see me wet and naked, Jesse," I say, a bubble of frustration in my chest, "we could justgo have a quickie in the shower and call it a day." I loop the goggles through my index finger and hold 'em up. "I don't see howthisis necessary to accomplish that goal."

Jesse rolls his eyes. "Go change, princess."

"I—"

He casts me a commanding look. "Today, please."

"Mew mew mew," I mock, listlessly sliding off the couch. I grin inwardly.

At least he said please.

"I look absolutely ridiculous!"I whine, standing at the edge of the pool, glaring down at Jesse through the foggy pink goggles as he wades back and forth, laughing his tight little ass off. "I think these floaties are cutting off my circulation. I could drop dead any second."

"Try and fall forward in that case." He grins, pushing through the water as he nears the edge. He lifts his head, holding out his hand. "Come here. Take my hand."

"How deep is this pool?" I ask, chewing on the inside of my cheek. "It looks real deep."

Jesse rolls his eyes. "Around six feet."

"So Icouldtheoretically drown," I state, shaking my head. "This could be the end for me."

"Oh my god." Jesse sighs, exasperated. "Just get in the fucking pool."

"Fine!" I huff, squatting down and sitting on the edge, my bikini riding up my butt crack as I shimmy forward. Jesse takes a step closer to me, and I place my hands onhis bare shoulders, my legs instinctively looping around his torso. "You better not let go of me."

"I won't." Jesse smiles, wrapping his arm around my waist and tugging me toward him. I whimper, closing my eyes and gripping his body for dear life as he walks back into the middle of the pool. He laughs. "Are you crying right now?!"

"No!" I tighten my grip around him, digging my nails into his skin. "I'm fine. Totally and utterly fine."

His chest vibrates against my breasts. "You've got some strong legs there, princess. Might want to loosen up a bit," he whispers teasingly in my ear. "If I die, you die."

My eyes spring up, and I snap my head up. "Don't you dare!"

"That's better," he says, slightly swaying back and forth as I remain attached to him like a baby koala bear. "Isn't this nice?"

"Yeah," I muse, relaxing into his gentle hold. "It's not that bad, I guess." I look around. "Backyard looks different from in here. Never noticed that rose bush before."

He snorts. "It's like a whole new world, huh?"

"Simmer down, Aladdin; we're in a pool, not in Morocco," I say, stifling a wide grin.

"I'm going to slowly let go of you, okay?" Jesse grabs my arms and attempts to pry me off him. I doubled down my grip. "Savannah..."

"Nope!" I wrap my legs tighter around his waist like a dang boa constrictor. "I think this is fine."

He blinks at me. "This isn't swimming, princess."

"Maybe I'm more of a floater than a swimmer," Isuggest lightly. "You know it's important to know one's limit, and this"—I flash him my pearly whites—“is mine."

"You're not even floating," Jesse notes, amused. "You're holding."

"Po-tay-toe, po-tah-toe," I chirp. "I don't see your point."

Jesse closes his eyes, sighing. "Why don't you try toactuallyfloat, huh? On your back, maybe?"

I blink rapidly at him. "I don't see why we need to change anything. I'm perfectly comfortable like this." I wiggle in his hold, grazing his crotch area.Hello there. I smirk at him. "You seem rather comfortable too."

Jesse clears his throat. "This isn't about me." He licks his lips, tilting his head. "I'll still hold you, okay? You just need to trust me."

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