Page 134 of The Maxwell Brothers
She shook her head. "Don't beat yourself up about it. It was a tough time, and you did your best."
We made a round of the whole store, and I noted the name and barcode of the tiles that were within my price range on my phone.
"I think I'm going to have to stick with basic ones," I said, pointing to boring white tiles. "But why not? I could make them seem interesting with all sorts of accessories."
"They remind me a bit of those public pools. And speaking of the pool, are you looking forward to seeing Tyler naked?" She wiggled her eyebrows.
I almost choked on my inhale.
"Hey, almost naked,” I replied when I’d recovered. “Almost being the operative and very, very important point."
"Right, okay, almost naked," Emma said with a grin. "Still looking forward to it?"
I sighed, shrugging. I couldn't lie to my sister. "Well, who wouldn't? I bet the man's a work of art."
"Yes, I bet that too.”
“But he's super good at flirting, so clearly he has lots of experience with women, and honestly, I don't want to get into all that."
Emma pointed at me. "But you said this thing he’s doing for the kids is swoonworthy, right? That's your kryptonite."
"Hey, can you not remind me of that, please?"
She smirked. "Why? Does it make you change your mind? Want to flirt back?"
"Oh, I already went there with my message."
"No, that was involuntary. I don't know if it counts.”
I rolled my eyes. “Trust me, in Tyler's book, it does count."
“Ha! Then your little pool trip will be even more awesome than I’m imagining it. I’m requesting a full report, obviously.”
I chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”
On Thursday, I arrived at the spa a bit later than everyone else. It was in the Gold Coast, the most upscale neighborhood in Chicago, in my opinion, and it was pretty intimidating. The walls in the reception area were draped with dark blue silkcurtains, creating the illusion of small recesses everywhere. The lighting fixtures were silver, casting a diffused light. The friendly receptionist gave me precise instructions to reach the pool, but I got lost twice in the narrow corridors lined by bamboo rods.
In the changing rooms, I only took off my shoes and put on flip-flops. They looked a bit ridiculous with my crisp white office dress, but it was forbidden to walk with street shoes in the pool area.
I was extra jumpy, and I knew it was because a certain hot hockey player was nearby. I couldn't believe he’d invited the kids here. Tyler Maxwell was in a league of his own when it came to generosity and just being an overall decent human being. I wished more people were like him.
Pulling my hair up in a tight bun because it would curl from the humidity in the pool room, I held my chin high as I walked out of the locker room.
The pool was great, and there were a gazillion slides around it. The kids were already having fun. There were no other guests here. I glanced around carefully, looking for Tyler. My body seemed to be aware before I finally spotted him and his lips curved into a smile.
This day was starting great. I was still embarrassed about my mishap with the message, but since there was no hiding, I had to own up to it. I smiled wildly as he swam to the edge of the pool closest to me.
"Kendra, I thought you might not make it."
"I have to be here, remember? Besides, I couldn't miss a chance to see Tim and his friends have fun."
"Damn, and I thought you couldn't miss a chance to see me."
I felt that molten gaze travel through my whole body.
“Did you now?” I teased.
He pushed himself out of the water, and I blinked rapidly, taking a step back.
